Summer Practice

As the summer and travel season gets under way, we expect that our regular sits will generally continue. It’s possible that there may be a few cancellations here or there; please keep an eye on the email list and the News page on our web site.  For the organizers, to see who’s away or opening, take a peek at this shared document.

Enjoy the practice of summer!

Study May 21

Study (Sunday):  We continue our once-a-month study of chapters in The Zen Teachings of Homeless Kodo, by Kosho Uchiyama & Shohaku Okumura.  This will take place after the regular Sunday sits, in place of the usual check-in.

Next Study:  Sunday May 21.  Chapter 72: “Sawaki Roshi’s Last Words.” Kenko will be facilitating.  (We’ve looked at Chapters 49, 9, 66, 50, 44, (67?), 43, 36, …)

After this study, we will taking a break for the summer and may resume in the fall with a different study text.  Suggestions welcome!

May 2023 Update: Mask Policy

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that transmission rates for COVID-19 in our local counties are low.

As a result, we determined that effective immediately the use of masks will be optional for in-person practice at the Zendo.

We will no longer require proof of vaccination to enter the Zendo.

You are still very welcome to wear a mask when you attend Village Zendo events.  Please take care of your own needs if you want to be especially cautions, e.g. ahead of international travel.

If you have a condition that impairs your immune system, or if you are over the age of 75,  we recommend that you wear a mask.

If you have fever, chills, cough, sneezing, runny nose or a new rash please take appropriate care of yourself and do not come to the Zendo until you have recovered.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 recently, please attend only after five days since exposure and a negative test.

Any member may still choose to wear masks or N95s. Please respect their decision.

Please be aware that if community transmission of COVID-19 or Flu return to CDC high or substantial levels, we may be required to return to mandatory masking. Staying up-to-date with vaccines remains the most important way to prevent the serious complications from COVID-19.

Study Apr 30

Study (Sunday):  We continue our once-a-month study of chapters in The Zen Teachings of Homeless Kodo, by Kosho Uchiyama & Shohaku Okumura.  This will take place after the regular Sunday sits, in place of the usual check-in.

Next Study:  Sunday April 30.  Chapter 36 – “Loss”.  Meikame will be facilitating.  (We’ve looked at Chapters 49, 9, 66, 50, 44, (67?), 43, …)

Zazenkai Saturday, April 15

On Saturday, April 15, you are warmly invited to a day-long Zazenkai from 8 AM – 3:30 PM, in person only.  If you plan on being there in person (esp. if you plan to be there for lunch), let us know by Tuesday April 11 (e.g. via email to this email address: oxbowzensangha@gmail.com.

We’ll start with training at 8 AM, so please arrive by 7:50 AM to set up your seat and help us arrange the space.  If you can’t make the whole day but can participate for part of it, that’s totally fine.

Lunch:  will be rice, stew/soup; bring a mug for yourself; if you have Oryoki bowls, please bring them — or else bring a plate, fork/knife; let us know about any food allergies.

If snacks are helpful for you, please bring them 😉  There are two longer Kinhin periods that people can use as a snack break.  We’ll have a coffee and tea station.

There will be no sit on Sunday morning on April 16.

Anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out!  Looking forward to practicing with you!

Study Mar 26

Study (Sunday):  We’re back with our once-a-month study of chapters in The Zen Teachings of Homeless Kodo, by Kosho Uchiyama & Shohaku Okumura.  This will take place after the regular Sunday sits, in place of the usual check-in.

Next Study:  Sunday March 26.  Chapter 43.  Cecily will facilitate.  (As of Feb 26 2023, we’ve looked at Chapters 49, 9, 66, 50, 44, (67?), …)