Upaya Zen Center — Attraction in Santa Fe

I've had the privilege to live and volunteer at meditation centers and monasteries for much of the last decade, including a couple years training with Theravada Buddhist monks in a secluded, forest setting. I feel a lot of gratitude for these spaces and the teachers and meditators who have sustained them for future generations.

In my perception, Upaya Zen Center exhibits a uniquely warm, welcoming and compassionate feeling that reflects the character of its female abbot. Roshi Joan Halifax is not just a brilliant author, anthropologist and Dharma teacher, she exhibits a generosity and care that permeates the culture and environment of this remarkable refuge on the outskirts of beautiful Santa Fe. You can feel it in the craft and solidity of the structures and the humility and openness of the teachers. Roshi Joan not only gave birth to Upaya and its noble intentions, she has been a steadfast steward of this sacred space for over 30 years.

The Dharma is still very much in its infancy in the West. As it takes root, pioneering teachers and practitioners have the opportunity to confront the misogynistic and patriarchal characteristics of the cultures of Asia and the Americas that threaten to deny both men and women their innate, feminine qualities: compassion, deep listening, deep feeling.

Roshi Joan's courageous leadership in this confrontation is second-to-none. Her compassionate commitment has allowed a safe, inclusive Dharma environment to blossom that invites the human heart to open. Her practice of ordaining women priests, her dedication to the female Bodhisattvas, and the liturgical acknowledgement of "all women Honored Ones whose names have been forgotten and left unsaid," are important efforts to right this imbalance.

Additionally, the teachers she invites to speak at Upaya, both men and women, exhibit a style of instruction that invites students into feeling, presence and expansion rather than emphasizing intellectual and theoretical considerations.

My love and gratitude to Roshi Joan and the teachers and residents of Upaya for their care-taking of the Dharma and this sacred space of peace...

I came here years ago when I was 17. I had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting into, the person who paid for me to be able to attend did not prepare me at all. Everyone there was very understanding, caring, and helpful. I didn’t even know how to sit correctly to meditate and I moved a lot due to being uncomfortable but I’m sure others could hear my movement. They offered me advice instead of making me feel unwelcome. I would recommend this place to anyone interested 🙂

Always do your research first though! It will be better for you and those...

Never had been to a Buddhist meditation gathering before. My first time at this place was a midnight meditation to welcome in the new year with a fire ceremony to release the past one. It was a blowing howling blizzard outside. Absolutely magical!! They invited everyone to the kitchen for warm food and drink afterwards. Delicious snowy night I’ll...