August 2008 5-Day Sesshin

"Chao-chou's Dog - Shuso Koan"
Tuesday July 29 - Sunday August 3
with Taiun Michael Elliston, Abbot and Suirin Ray Witham, Shuso

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: "Chao-chou's Dog"

A monk asked Chao-chou, "Has the dog Buddha nature or not?"
Chao-chou said, "Mu."

During the sesshin we will be studying the koan 'Chao-chou's Dog', which is Case 1 of The Gateless Barrier, as translated by Robert Aitken. This is the koan which will be used during the shuso's final test of the Ango (practice period), called "Hossen-shikki", where all in attendance will test his understanding based on questions about this koan.

Click here for the full translation of the koan. The commentary can be found at amazon.com via their on-line reader (here) and will be available at the center during the retreat.

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.

Dog, buddha nature--
the full presentation of the whole;
with a a bit of "has" or "has not"
body is lost, life is lost.

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 August sesshin will use the "Dharma" schedule format, providing an opportunity for formal study 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)