Hara is a Japanese word that refers to the lower abdomen, but has no English equivalent. Hara is best understood in terms of breathing. But, it is also the unification of one’s physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. Hara development is fundamental to Chosei Zen training — enabling deep samadhi (relaxed concentration of no-self) and generation of ki (vital energy). Join the Hara New Year practice period and charge into 2026 hara-first!

What’s involved?

• Daily Hara Development supported by an online course

• Daily Zazen (30 min), preferably in the Virtual Dojo (US and Europe)

• Weekly Check-ins in real-time or video-recorded

When is it?  January 5 - 25, 2026

• Optional: Jan 4 Intro to zazen class (special time: 9am CT / 4pm CET, 90 min)

• Start: Jan 5 at 7:30 CT / 2:30pm CET (30 min)

• Check-in: Jan 12 & 18 at 7:30am CT / 2:30pm CET (30 min)

• Close: Jan 25 at 7:30am CT / 1230pm CET (1 hour)