April 2008 5-Day Sesshin

"Hanamatsuri: Festival of Flowers"
Tuesday April 1 - Sunday April 6
with Taiun Michael Elliston, Abbot

We invite you to join for all or part of this 5-day sesshin (zazen retreat) at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center. This sesshin is appropriate for all levels of practitioners and everyone is encouraged to experience the deepening of your practice that is only possible with this kind of intense practice period.

Sesshin literally means "to unify the mind", and is highly recommended to anyone sincerely interested in experiencing the true heart of Zen practice. You will find that this is a wonderful opportunity to draw from the tremendous strength of the sangha practicing together to deepen your Zen practice in ways that are only possible through this kind of intensive practice session.

Dharma Teachings: "Hanamatsuri: Festival of Flowers"

Each year in May, Buddhists celebrate the birthday of the historical Buddha 2,500 years ago in a special service called "Festival of the Flowers" (Hanamatsuri). On this day, along with practicing Zen Meditation (Zazen), we each offer a delicate flower to the memory of the infant Buddha by placing it at the feet of a miniature statue on the altar (Butsudan), then scoop a ladle of sweet green tea over the image of the baby Buddha.

A beautiful Buddhist legend relates that when the Buddha was born it rained sweet tea, and everywhere the moisture touched the earth, there arose a fragrant flower.  This day is a very special one in the lives of Buddhists everywhere, as it symbolizes our appreciation of the Enlightenment of Shakyamuni, and on this day with gratitude in our hearts we offer sweet tea and flowers to the Baby Buddha. 

The tea represents nourishment to the Baby Buddha, the renewing and refreshing of faith.  The flower symbolizes the First Transmission, through Buddha's skillful means of turning a flower, and Mahakasyapa's smile.

Consider the flowers: they blossom for a brief time, then wither and fall, all uncomplaining.  Each year the blooms reappear, seemingly the same, but ever-different.  They nourish life through their pollen and nectar, conspiring with the insect world.  Totally integrated with the life around them, the sun, water, the earth, they are oblivious to their own beauty, which we alone appreciate — they are blind to self.  They represent natural being, but also the irresistible fecundity, the transcendent strength  and drive of life.

Observing Silence

Talking is not prohibited, but we strive to maintain silence following the evening closing of the zendo until after breakfast.During the day, idle chitchat is discouraged, while dharma discussion of lecture content is encouraged. Any necessary talking is permitted, but please speak softly.

Schedule

The retreat begins at 7:00 pm Tuesday and ends Sunday after lunch. For convenience of the greater sangha, the zazenkai schedule conforms to our regular schedule during overlapping times (such as Sunday morning). The May sesshin will use the "Sangha" schedule format, providing an opportunity for you to experience longer periods of  chanting, protocol training, and work practice in the context of intensive zazen.  Click here for schedule details on the web site.

Samu

There will be samu periods, when work assignments will be given.

Meals Included

Overnight Accommodations

Overnight accommodations are available on a first-come first-served basis at $15/night, and require pre-payment at least one week in advance to guarantee space (others may be accepted if space is available). For information about accommodations, please email innkeeper@aszc.org.

Cost

The suggested donation of $200 for the full 5-day sesshin or $50/day for partial attendance (plus $15/night for overnight) goes to support the overhead of the Zen Center and to fund necessary investments in future program and infrastructure. Dana goes to the support of teachers and staff. There are limited discount and sponsorship opportunities available for staff, full time students or those in need of financial assistance. Please inquire at time of registration.

Because donations are collected on the honor system, we urge you to drop your donation in the box upon arrival.

Registration

Send email to register@aszc.org or simply sign up at the center.
Advance registration is required for overnight accommodations and meals.

Location

Atlanta Soto Zen Center
1167-C/D Zonolite Place
Atlanta GA 30306
(directions)

Questions?

Send email to info@aszc.org.

Japanese Terms

Dokusan (interview with teacher)

Hannya Shingyo (Heart Sutra in Japanese)

Kinhin (walking meditation)

Oryoki (3-bowl formal meal)

Teisho (pointed comment)

Samu (work practice)

Zazen (sitting meditation)

Zendo (sitting hall)