October 2006 Weekend Sesshin

"Opening the Lotus"
Friday October 6 - Sunday October 8
with Guest Teacher Rev. Ryuei Michael McCormick

We invite you to join for all or part of the weekend sesshin 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: Opening the Lotus; a brief introduction to The Lotus Sutra

Our guest speaker will be the Rev. Ryuei  Michael McCormick. Rev. Ryuei is the assistant Minister at the San Jose Nichiren Buddhist Temple.  Ryuei was ordained in 2001 after completing his 30 day training at Kounji Temple in Japan. Ryuei Sensei is an ordained priest in the Nichiren Shu tradition. The Nichiren Shu (one of the largest traditional  Buddhist schools in Japan) posits the Lotus Sutra as the most significant teaching of the Buddha.  Rev. Ryuei will present an overview of the Sutra with emphasis on Chapters two (Expedients) and sixteen (The Eternal Life of the Buddha).  Rev. Ryuei is currently practicing Zen under the guidance of Taigen Dan Leighton.

Chanting Service

In addition to our traditional chanting of the Heart Sutra in Japanese and English, we will be chanting portions of the Lotus Sutra in English.

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 6:00 pm Friday and ends Sunday after lunch. For convenience of the greater sangha, the retreat schedule conforms to our regular schedule during overlapping times (such as Sunday morning). Click here for schedule details on the web site.

Nichiren Shu Service

A Nichiren Shu service will be held at a separate location on Sunday afternoon or evening.  Please contact atlantasangha@aol.com for more information.

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.

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)