The best way to open a relationship with Windhorse is to plan to attend a Sunday program. Contact the Center in advance (contact info below) to arrange for an orientation that will precede the zazen (sitting meditation) portion of the program.

The Windhorse Roshis, Sunya and Lawson, were both trained, ordained and sanctioned to teach at the Rochester Zen Center under the guidance of Roshi Philip Kapleau. Roshi Kapleau was, in turn, a dharma heir of Japanese Zen Roshis Yasutani and Harada. Find out more here.

Our current programming schedules zazen with chanting and dokusan on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 pm. Our Sunday program opens with zazen, followed by teisho and a vegetarian potluck lunch; it all begins at 9:30 am. See details here.

Windhorse is located about 20 minutes north west of Asheville NC at 580 Panther Branch Rd. There is a sign at the entrance (built by sangha member, Mark Noble). If you use GPS to find your way, beware that you may be directed to Sunberry Drive - one driveway down the hill from the entrance to Windhorse. If you are in need of directions, feel free to call at the number at the bottom of this page.

Park anywhere on the grass along the right side of the driveway as you enter. If you need to unload, you may drive up closer to the main house before returning your car to the grass.

When joining us for the first time, it is helpful to let us know you’re coming. Please email windhorse@windhorsezen.org to schedule an orientation.

Yes. People may arrange to spend a night or two before, or after, retreats or other programming. Somewhat longer visits (up to a month) may also be arranged. No matter the duration of their stay, such short-term residents are expected to participate in the daily schedules of the Center with regard to mediation, work, shared meals etc. etc. Learn more and apply for Short-term residency here.

Longer term residency is an option for those seeking more in-depth training. A more comprehensive application process is involved. Use the contact information below to initiate this conversation.

Registration for retreats opens a few months in advance. Find out more here.

Windhorse strives to ensure that participation in the various programs is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial resources. If you are experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from covering published costs or suggested donations, send an email to the Board of Trustees (care of Lawson Roshi lawson@windhorsezen.org) that briefly outlines your situation and suggests an amount that is affordable. Work-trade arrangements are also sometimes possible.

Windhorse Zen Community is legally and financially structured as a not-for-profit charitable organization. Nearly all expenses from electricity, to building maintenance, to grocery shopping, to groundskeeping etc. are covered by recurring donations from sangha members. Fees (and one-time donations) are also collected from retreat participants. Neither the Roshis nor the staff receive any remuneration directly from Windhorse.

As a not-for-profit organization, the legal and financial affairs of Windhorse are administered by a Board of Trustees. A Sangha Advisory Council provides project management infrastructure to enable ideas arising from the sangha. Ethical concerns are addressed by the Harmony and Reconciliation Committee. Specific individuals may hold “offices” such as “Head of Housekeeping” from time to time. Issues related to dharma teaching/training are the purview of the Roshis.

You can learn more about our community structure under the “community” tab.