Special Events
A Light In The Mind In her new book, Carolyn looks directly at the startling and inspiring practice of living our lives just as they are. Developing an ongoing willingness to embrace self-acceptance allows us to discover a place of peace—a light in the mind.
Quiet Mind Open Heart. Carolyn's first book, Quiet Mind Open Heart - A Practice Period in Meditation, is available at the zendo, through local bookstores, and at Amazon.com. Based on lectures and meditation coaching sessions, Carolyn gives a series of steps toward letting go, calming the mind, and opening the heart.
Regular Programs
We face such a big task, so naturally we sit down for awhile.
--Kobun Chino Otogawa Roshi
Weekly Sitting Meditations. The core of our practice is our weekly (starting August 2010) Sunday morning sitting meditation. Sitting meditation begins at 10:00 AM and lasts for 40 minutes. Carolyn Atkinson, our Head Teacher, gives a Dharma Talk on the first Sunday of each month. These talks usually last about half an hour. This is followed by a discussion of the dharma talk.
On the second Sunday of the month, sitting meditation is followed by a program organized by our Practice Committee. Programs may include discussions of special topics, Way Seeking Mind talks, or other presentations. After the meditation on the fourth Sunday of the month, there is a (closed) meeting of the Dedicated Practitioners. (Please note that this monthly schedule may vary; for specific dates, please consult the calendar.)
We chant the Bodhisattva Vows to end the Sunday meetings, then bow out and gather outside for tea and conversation.
Weekly meetings provide people with the opportunity to have a regular meditation practice, along with a talk that encourages them to learn more about Buddhist meditation, philosophy and practice. The talks focus on applying Buddhist principles to everyday life.
Please arrive at least five minutes prior to all sitting meditation sessions to allow seating.
Daily sitting meditation. The zendo is open for meditation seven days a week at twelve noon. Sitting meditation is 40 minutes long, with opening and closing bells. No Dharma Talk is given.
Daily meditation opportunities extend the everyday intent of our meditation practice. The meditations are led by volunteers (called doans) within the sangha, who are all experienced meditators and who have received training designed specifically for this task. Doans open the zendo, light the candles and incense, ring the bells and close up afterwards.
Introduction to meditation. Basic instruction is offered on the first Sunday of the month at 9:15 AM. Experienced practitioners explain forms, suggest some comfortable ways to sit, and describe basic meditation methods.
Metta - the practice of lovingkindness. We offer a guided meditation on the third Saturday each month starting at 12:00 noon for 40 minutes.
Even as a mother protects with her life
Her child, her only child,
So with a boundless heart
Should one cherish all living beings.
--the Buddha’s words on Lovingkindness (the Metta Sutra)
