Settling into the new space at the Friends Meeting House. Transforming a classroom into a Zendo and a library into an interview room. Welcoming sitters new and old! Entering the stillness together..
Settling at the Friends Meeting House
New Home: Friends Meeting House
Starting on November 17 2019, the Oxbow Zen Sangha will be meeting at the Northampton Friends Meeting House on Center Street (directions). We are excited to find this new home with a spiritual community that also values deep silence and social action.
Three bows! October Zazenkai
Many thanks to all the many hands that made this past Saturday’s Zazenkai with Ryotan Sensei such a deep shared experience! It was a brilliant, sunny, and colorful fall day! Delicious food! Deep practice!
Special thanks to Ryotan Sensei: for making the trip once again; for an inspiring Dharma talk; and for his teachings in private interview and in just being Ryo. And for reminding us that, with Soshin Hoshi, we now have a teacher right here!
And heartfelt gratitude to Shokai and Mark for transforming their beautiful home into a Zen temple!
Three bows to all!
Kenko.
Zazenkai Registration
[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: Zazenkai on October 26
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.
Study Resumes (in person)
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?”
- Sept 22: Chapter 4: Shitou
- Oct 20: Chapter 5: Guishan
- Nov 17: Linji
- Dec 15: Zhaozhou
- Jan 19: Dongshan
- Feb 16: Deshan
- Mar 15: Xuefeng
- Apr 19: Yunmen
- May 17: Fayan (last chapter)
You are invited! Sangha Gathering (Sept 29)
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!
Soshin empowered as Dharma Holder
Roshi Enkyo writes:
On Thursday, August 1st, Soshin was given the role of Dharma Holder (Hōshi). A Dharma Holder is an Assistant Teacher, empowered to give informal interview. Soshin will now be available to help in the teaching here and with her sangha in the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts.
Hōshi translates as “teacher of dharma.” In our line, Maezumi Roshi began to use this term for a person who had completed koan study. Here at the Village Zendo, the title is given to one who is well-versed in the teachings, embodies them, and can share them. Hoshis continue their training while also offering interview to others.
Soshin began her studies at the Village Zendo in the early 2000s; she took Jukai in 2005 with the Dharma name 瑞Zuisho (Auspicious Happiness). In 2009 she ordained and received the Dharma name 窓真 SOSHIN (window of truth)
Soshin has studied with Roshi and the Village Zendo teachers, with Anraku Sensei in Northampton, and most recently with Ryotan Sensei both online and on his visits to the Pioneer Valley sangha. Thus, Ryotan joined Roshi in the empowerment.
Congratulations to Soshin Hoshi!
圓教 / Enkyo
Summer! Sits resume (intermittently)
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!!
Study: Huineng (Chapter 2)
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 .