Zen practice in the Connecticut River Valley
[Online registration is now closed and the button has been removed from this post.]
If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for the Oct 26 Zazenkai with Ryotan Sensei, you can do so now at the “SIGN UP!” button below. You will be connected to an online form at signupgenius.com where you can indicate what food you plan to bring, and which service positions–if any–you’re interested in taking on (in the comment section).
Mark your calendars! We are excited that Ryotan Sensei will be available for our Fall Zazenkai on Saturday October 26 2019. It will be a full day of practice, including Zazen, chanting service, shared oryoki meals, and an opportunity for private interview with a teacher.
As we are looking toward October, who is planning on participating in the October Zazenkai on Saturday Oct 26 2019? Contact us soon via email if you’re interested in participating.
If there is a particular service position you would like to practice at the Zazenkai, please indicate your wish. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with me at oxbowzensangha@gmail.com
Looking forward to practicing with you,
Kenko.
Starting in September, we resume our shared study of Janet Jiryu Abels’ book “Making Zen Your Own.” We will meet at Magna House on the third Sunday of the month after the morning sit, around 9:45 AM. Our guiding question for the shared study and discussion is this: “Having read the section, how do I see it come up in my life?”
Sunny days Cool nights Hint of fall
Hello everybody:
We had a wonderful deep and quiet morning sit with six people today. And then an intimate study circle, checking in; exploring Shitou’s life and our own.
Next Sunday, Sept 29, you are warmly invited to share your voice in our fall Sangha Gathering. We meet right after the morning sit, starting around 9:45 / 10 AM, usually around 11:30 AM or noon. Snacks are welcome!
It’s a time when we connect with our voices and hearts to explore how we’d like to shape our Zen practice together throughout the next season or two. If you’d like to join remotely via video let me know.
Some opportunities for discussion might include: weekday sits, Zazenkai (day-long sits), private interviews, monthly study, shared road trips to the Village Zendo or retreats, Dharma hikes, locations for sits, connections to other groups, etc.
Please bring your ideas and suggestions!
Jo-Ei and I have returned from the West Coast. Starting in July, the Sunday sits are resuming somewhat intermittently for the summer, because people are away on retreat etc. Check the Calendar Page for up-to-date information, or send email to double-check.
Looking forward to practicing with you!!
Earlier today, we had a warm online video meeting to connect and check in with each other, and to explore together our reflections on the “Bodhidharma” chapter from our study text.
The next chapter we’ll read focuses on “Huineng.” By March 3 please add your reflections to our shared document, so we all have a week to read them and comment. We will connect again via Google Hangout video link on Sunday March 17, 4 PM (EST).
Details, video links, etc. will be shared through the email list, as usual. If you have questions about the technical aspects for this study group, please contact us at oxbowzensangha@gmail.com .
The community study group has started. For February, we’re reading the chapter on Bodhidharma.
Spring 2019: Reading, Writing, and Study: You are warmly invited to a book study series in the spring. Check out details on our “Study Group” page.
Weekday evening sits resume on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 PM. At Magna House, as usual … please bring cushions and arrive a few minutes early to set up your seat. Chairs are available. Looking forward to practicing with you!
In spring 2019 we plan to have a monthly reading/writing/study group — online or in person. That way we can stay connected and practice together in the spring while Jo-Ei and Kenko are on the West Coast. Initial ideas might be similar to a monthly book study:
“Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” was mentioned as one possible reading. Open to additional ideas. Let’s let this ferment a little while longer and come together to settle on a plan later this year. If you’re interested, let’s make sure we keep you in the loop, whether you’re in town or at a distance.