Zen practice in the Connecticut River Valley
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 February 26. Chapter 44: “Being overly self-conscious .” Ann L. will be facilitating. As of Feb 26 2023, we’ve looked at Chapters 49, 9, 66, 50, 44, (67?), …
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.
For January 29 2023, we will be looking at Chapter 50, page 188, “Changeable Mind.” Kai/Daishi will facilitate.
Next Study: Sunday February 29. Ann L. will be facilitating.
Starting on December 1, we will be adding a regular, weekly Thursday evening sit from 5:30-7:00 PM, with two rounds of sitting. This sit will take place in-person only, at the Oxbow Zendo at First Churches.
A few visual impressions of the Oxbow Zendo at First Churches. Many thanks to the all the hands and hearts who make it a warm and beautiful space to sit and settle.
As of Sunday February 27, given the improving covid situation in our area, Oxbow Zen Sangha will resume sitting in person for people who are vaccinated, boosted, and masked. We will continue to also provide accessibility to the sit via Zoom at the usual link. Any questions? Get in touch via email.
Given the uncertainty around “omicron” the Sunday morning sit will move to Zoom, for the time being (to quote Dogen). As usual, the Zoom link will be shared via the email list on Saturday. (If you’re not yet signed up for the email list, just send your request to oxbowzensangha@gmail.com .)
For service, we’ll be chanting the “Heart Sutra,” as before.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones for health and well-being!
Update 12/30: The plan to sit together in person has been canceled, due to concern about rising case numbers. Please join everybody at the Village Zendo sit online.
On Friday, Dec 31, we plan to sit and practice together in our space for the two morning blocks of the Village Zendo Year-End retreat: Zazen/Kinhin from 7:30-9:10 AM, then individual breakfast and work practice, continuing with Zazen/Kinhin from 10:30-12:00.
Update 12/19: If you have robes, you’re invited to wear them.
Detailed schedule: https://villagezendo.org/events/song-of-enlightenment-winter-sesshin/
We enjoyed studying the Householder Koans. Starting on Sunday December 12 2021, we’ll be starting a new monthly study, centering on the “Song of Enlightenment” (Shodoka) (click to view), which is also the study text for the upcoming Village Zendo Winter Ango period (Dec 26 2021 – March 2022).
https://villagezendo.org/events/song-of-enlightenment-winter-sesshin/
The Dharma of thusness
Is intimately conveyed by Buddhas and Ancestors
Now you have it
Keep it well
Starting in December, we plan chant the “Song of the Jewel Mirror Awareness” (PDF) along with the Women Ancestors as our service so it can settle more fully into our bodies, minds, and bones. Hope you’ll be able to participate.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, November 6, 2021: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Oxbow Zen Zazenkai with special guest teacher, Ryotan Roshi. Reach out via email for details.
Note: No Sunday morning sit on November 7 2021.