UUC’s Zen group invites all who are interested to join us on July 6 and August 3 for a summer Saturday morning of Zen practice with the Empty Moon Zen Sanghas. On the first Saturdays in July and August, we will offer in-person sitting at UUC for Zazenkai (an extended period of Zen meditation) from 6:30 a.m. to noon, as well as a Zoom attendance option.

We’ll engage Zazen (silent sitting meditation) for 25-minute periods throughout the day, alternating with shorter periods of Kinhin (5-10 minutes of walking meditation). There will be a break from 7:30-9:00 for breakfast, clean-up, and outdoor walking or sitting until we resume practice in the room and on Zoom at 9 a.m.
 
A simple breakfast of hot apple oats, coffee and tea will be provided. Participants are invited to bring baked goods, juice or snacks to share for breakfast and the rest of the morning. (You may plan breakfast on your own if you prefer.) Gifts of cut flowers for UUC Sunday welcoming are also invited as an offering in appreciation for the church’s support of our practice. Some vases are available, or bring your own.

We’ll resume sitting with Empty Moon Zen Sanghas at 9:00, at UUC and on Zoom. One of the Empty Moon Zen teachers will offer a dharma talk during the 10-10:30 practice period. Opportunity for one-on-one meetings with a Zen teacher (Dokusan) will be offered during Zazen later in the morning, to ask questions about your meditation practice, Zen Buddhism in general, or how to work with a life challenge through Zen practice. Beginners and long-time practitioners are equally welcome to participate in Dokusan.

This is a drop-in event. Participants are encouraged to stay for the full time, though part-time attendance on your own schedule is also welcome. If you are participating online, we recommend that you view or download the liturgy book for chants that will be used during this morning of practice. Chant books are provided for in-person participants.

Our day of practice with the Sangha ends at noon, followed by clean up before we depart UUC.

To improve your meditation experience when practicing online, arrange your space as best you can to allow you to sit quietly without interruption. Please keep your microphone muted throughout, except while participating in a dharma discussion or dokusan, and when we speak names during the dedication for those who need support or remembrance. We encourage cameras-on whenever possible to offer a more connective experience with other practitioners.

Whether attending in person or on-line, wear comfortable, loose clothing. Subdued styles and dark colors are preferred to reduce visual distraction. Please don’t let this be a barrier to your participation, though—you are welcome as you are. We do ask that those on-site avoid strong fragrances, as some participants are scent-sensitive.

Zoom Links for UUC Gatherings are password protected for security, and are not posted in public locations. Go to this post in UUC Connect or contact the church office for assistance in accessing Zoom meetings at UUC.

For more information about this event, contact Janine Larsen, UUC Director of Ministries.