Steven Harper: Tassajara Zen Mountain Center Photo Tour on Flickr Commons.
The han outside the student dormitory. A wooden gong; a sounding board to announce various activities in the monastery.
BIRTH AND DEATH: RESOLVING THE GREAT MATTER
Practice Period
led by the MBZC Teaching Council: Robert Reese & Shogen Danielson,
with special activities led by Sara Hunsaker and Patricia Wolff.
Continues through Saturday, April 9
One of the foundational teachings of the Buddha is that renewing our focus and intensifying our commitment for a short interval of time enlivens our practice and clarifies our intention. Ango, or Practice Period, means “Peaceful Abiding,” and is a time when we are encouraged to take advantage of the singular opportunity to work with our life in this way supported by the community and practice leaders. And, while there are several events offered during this time, the Ango occurs within each one of us -- exactly where we are.
With this understanding, the Practice Period is created to sustain our efforts in the circumstances of our everyday life and work. To support this endeavor, we have created a series of options from which you can form an ongoing practice that cultivates and encourages you to go deeper into your own life. You will also have the opportunity to meet with each of the teachers during the Practice Period.
To take part, simply begin to make conscious your commitments to the Practice Period and step into the Way.
This next link will take you to the Teaching Council’s webpage and contact information:
Overview of Practice Period offerings (as of 15 March). Activities are also open individually to interested participants. Check back here for more details or return anytime to the schedule and calendar to see activity details as they become available.
April 5: Zazen Dharma Talk by Shogen, 6:30 pm
April 5: Buddha’s Birthday (traditional: April 8)
End of (online) Practice Period (activity TBA)
April 9: Tentative Buddha Birthday Celebration
Practice Period Closing in-person TBA
Additional activities from the regular schedule that may be incorporated into individuals’ Practice Period commitment:
Tuesday Night Zazen as usually scheduled. (Hybrid)
Monday and Thursday Morning sittings as usually scheduled (Hybrid)
Every Monday Awakening in the Body w/Patricia 10:30-11:30 am (Online)
Every Friday Brown Bag Zen 12:15-1:15 pm (Hybrid)
Every Saturday Ordinary Recovery 9-10 am (Hybrid)
Suggested donations vary for remaining individual activities and range from $10/$20. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.