We’re putting together a Poetry Workshop, likely in mid March, as a way of outreach and inviting new people into the space and the practice. Join the work group in planning the event and organizing marketing options. All are welcome!
Nov 16 2025 – Study: The Six Perfections
We’re studying “The Six Perfections: Buddhism and the Cultivation of Character” by Dale Wright. Study will continue on the third Sunday of each month. Note that each chapter, at about 40 pages, is a more substantial amount of reading than prior study texts.
Schedule: Nov 16: Chapter 3: The Perfection of Tolerance (Kshanti paramita).
Dec 26 – Jan 1 2026: Winter Sesshin – Investigating Birth & Death
“The Village Zendo’s year-end retreat is a chance to step out of ordinary life and enjoy deep silence and contemplation at the turning of the year. Our schedule is serious (with plenty of zazen meditation) but also spacious, with time to enjoy the beautiful grounds and nearby trails. Dharma talks are given daily, and there is opportunity to meet individually with teachers. Delicious vegetarian meals are offered buffet-style. If you have put off doing a residential retreat, or felt intimidated to try one, this is a wonderful retreat to attend. Come and join the Village Zendo sangha as we greet the new year with clear minds and open hearts.”
Futher details and registration: https://villagezendo.org/events/winter-sesshin-2025/
Nov 9 – Fusatsu Ceremony
We’re excited to be offering Fusatsu as part of Soshin Sensei’s in-person visit that day.
Fusatsu is an ancient Buddhist chanting and bowing ceremony of atonement and purification that provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge our deep karmic entanglements. There will be a short talk on one of the Bodhisattva precepts.
We’ll sit for one 30 minute round before going into Fusatsu, which takes about an hour, give or take.
Followed by community brunch, likely at Mosaic.
Nov 2 – Work group for Poetry Workshop
We’re planning on putting together a Poetry Workshop, as a way of outreach and inviting new people into the space and the practice. A work group will meet for planning the event and organizing marketing options. All are welcome!
Oct 19 Zazenkai – Thanks!!!
We had a wonderfil day with large group at the Zazenkai, including two dear friends who traveled down from Vermont and New Hampshire. Here are a few impressions.
Oct 26 2025 – Study: The Perfection of Morality (Sila)
We’re studying “The Six Perfections: Buddhism and the Cultivation of Character” by Dale Wright. Study will continue on the third Sunday of each month. Note that each chapter, at about 40 pages, is a more substantial amount of reading than prior study texts.
Schedule: Oct 26: Chapter 2: The Perfection of Morality (Sila paramita).
Oct 19 2025 – Fall Zazenkai
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Fall Zazenkai on Sunday Oct 19 2025, as usual from about 8 AM until about 4 PM. Bring your own mug.
It will include oryoki lunch, so if you have bowls, please bring them.
Zazenkai is an opportunity for an extended period of time for meditation. The program will include periods of meditation, interviews with Soshin Sensei, service, and vegetarian lunch (Oryoki). You are welcome to join for part or all of the day. There is no fee for participating. and. any donation to the Dana bowl at Zazenkai is gratefully accepted.
Registration details were shared on the email list.
Also, we would love to sit with our friends and sangha-mates from all around the area. We have comfortable guest rooms available for you to ease travel and spend the night. Please reach out!
Sept 28: Sangha Meeting & Discussion of draft Ethics Statement
Looking ahead, we’ll have a Sangha Meeting on Sept 28, after the Sunday morning sit.
Based on the feedback from the Sangha, Soshin Sensei has revised the VZ Ethics Statement to address the suggestions made at the July meeting. The draft of an Oxbow Zen Ethics Statement has been shared. We plan to discuss it on September 28, as part of the Sangha Meeting.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more.
Sept 21 2025 – Study: Six Perfections
Starting on September 21 2025, we’ll be studying “The Six Perfections: Buddhism and the Cultivation of Character” by Dale Wright. Study will continue on the third Sunday of each month. Note that each chapter, at about 40 pages, is a more substantial amount of reading than prior study texts.
Schedule: Sept 21: Ch 1, Dana Paramita.