May 2008 Weekend Zazenkai

"Joshu's Mu and Hyakujo's Fox"
Friday May 2 - Sunday May 4
with Shiho Gareth Young

We invite you to join for all or part of the weekend zazenkai (retreat) at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center. This retreat 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. Note that we are now starting on Friday night - you are welcome to attend any or all of the zazenkai.

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: "Joshu's Mu and Hyakujo's Fox"

During this zazenkai we will be studying the first two cases of "Mumonkan", or "Gateless Gate". This collection of koans and commentary was published in 1229 by Mumon Eaki. It is typically the first studied in zen, and as such contains important messages from the zen ancestors.

Zen koans are one of the most misunderstood aspects of zen by the general public. While koans seem to be simple illogical riddles, each koan has a message. This message is not expressed by way of explanation or metaphor, but in a recorded case of an exchange between a zen student and teacher in which the student gained understanding through direct experience.

Koans are most frequently associated with the Rinzai school of zen, in which they are used as the focus of meditation practice. In the Soto school of zen, we study koans as ancestor teachings.

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 Friday 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). This zazenkai follows the "dharma" schedule format with emphasis on teaching. Click here for schedule details on the web site.

Samu

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

Cost

The suggested donation of $75 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.

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.

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

Questions?

Send email to info@aszc.org.