Apr
27
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Apr
29
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
May
2
10:00 AM10:00
May
3
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk:
Speaker: TBD
May
4
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
May
6
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
May
7
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Meditation Workshop
Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points:
1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)
2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
Suggested donation $20.00 per session
May
9
9:00 AM09:00
Just Sit Saturday@ASZC
Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year.
We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking
Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.
May
10
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - ZenVIP Interview
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each second Sunday we conduct a live interview with one of the long-time members of our community, and occasionally a relative newcomer, to share their wayfinding path, personal and professional background, and what makes them continue to practice Zen. VIP means "Very Interesting Person," but they are also very important to us.
May
11
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
May
13
to May 17
STO May Precepts Session
“Waking Up to Our True Nature”
May 13 – 17, 2026
At Mission Mountain Zen Center Dayton, Montana & via Zoom
Click here to register
Click here for the schedule
Please join STO and Mission Mountain Zen for a 5-day Spring Precepts Zen meditation retreat which is being offered both in-person and via Zoom. A Sesshin (literally, gathering/clarifying heart & mind), offers us time to intensify and mature our meditation practice. It affords a unique opportunity to clarify your life. The Sesshin will be led by Zen Priest Zenku Jerry Smyers. Zenku will be joined by guest speakers. We will study the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts and their implications for deepening our Zen Practice during the daily retreat Dharma Talks. While we hope you can join for the entire Sesshin, the schedule is designed to permit you to partake in as much of the retreat as you can.
See the following retreat schedule, all times are Mountain Time.
Everyone is welcome. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to cultivate our Zen practice together. Please contact Zenku at this email for further information and if you would like to attend in-person – Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.
Registration Information:
Click here to register
Once you have registered, a few days before the sesshin you will receive a Welcome in Information email packet with further details and a Zoom link.
We are looking forward to practicing and studying the Bodhisattva Precepts together.
May
13
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
May
17
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Shinjin-sensei Talk
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.
May
18
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
May
20
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
May
21
7:00 PM19:00
Music@ASZC - Zen Jam
Zen Jam Night
Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM
Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center
Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.
What to Expect:
All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments
No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.
Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.
Evening Flow
Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes
Open Jam: 45–60 minutes
Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.
May
23
9:00 AM09:00
Roshi Seminar 2026
ROSHI SEMINAR 2026
Sharpening the Razorblade of Zen
Fourth Saturdays 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon
Read "The Razorblade of Zen" as background reference, following this reading schedule.. We will expand upon its content, and entertain any comments or questions you may have in the during the Q&A dialog.
Monthly interactive dialog will further expand upon the main thesis of the book, that Zen offers a third, middle way between the extremes of rationalism/science/secular reductionism on one end of the spectrum and theism/religion/fundamentalism on the other.
We will leverage the table below as a framework for comparative analysis in terms of eight dimensions of activities and attitudes across the three fields of endeavor, structuring the book.
QR code for purchase links
Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
May
24
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Hojo-roshi Talk
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.
May
27
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
May
30
9:00 AM09:00
Samu Saturday@ASZC
Samu (Facility workday) Saturday will occur on the 5th Saturday of each month. Your dedication to the ASZC Facility has kept the Zendo in great shape for many years. our continued dedication will help keep the Zendo available to those in the future. Each 5th Saturday of this year, join the sangha for a dedicated samu session. For more details, or to register, click on the button to send an email to the organizer.
May
31
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Koan Dialogue
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each fifth Sunday Elliston-roshi and/or Shinjin-sensei leads a lively exchange based on the ancient tradition of dharma combat (hossen), wherein individuals in the session are invited to step forward with challenging questions or comments about Zen, to which the leaders respond. This is known as a "crossing of swords" (mondo) and is the source of most of the koans recorded in history - anecdotal dialogs between students and teachers from the countries of origin.
Jun
4
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Meditation Workshop
Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points:
1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)
2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
Suggested donation $20.00 per session
Jun
6
10:00 AM10:00
Jul
2
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Meditation Workshop
Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points:
1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)
2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
Suggested donation $20.00 per session
Jul
4
10:00 AM10:00
Aug
6
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Meditation Workshop
Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points:
1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)
2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
Suggested donation $20.00 per session
Apr
26
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Hojo-roshi Talk
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.
Apr
25
9:00 AM09:00
Apr
22
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Apr
20
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Apr
19
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Shinjin-sensei Talk
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.
Apr
16
7:00 PM19:00
Music@ASZC - Zen Jam
Zen Jam Night
Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM
Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center
Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.
What to Expect:
All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments
No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.
Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.
Evening Flow
Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes
Open Jam: 45–60 minutes
Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.
Apr
15
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Apr
15
to Apr 19
Roshi Retreat @ Watershed
"THE NATURE OF WRITING"
A Writing Retreat in Nature
Please join us for our multi-day meditation retreat in the western North Carolina mountains. Watershed Retreat Center is located on 100 or so acres in a pastoral setting highly conducive to finding — or returning to — our true nature, all the while resting in the embrace of Mother Nature.
At Watershed, we leave the familiar terrain of the city and our daily routine, embarking on a journey into Nature, in the relative wilderness of the mountains and valleys of North Carolina. Which, of course, does not really exist, except as lines drawn upon a map. Which, of course, is not the territory. Bringing the familiarity of Zen's meditation to the strangeness of the piney woods, we realize the sameness within the difference. Once the "retreat" - which is actually a Zen "attack" (we don't retreat from anything) is over, we return to the fray refreshed.
Bring your favorite writing tools, along with a camera if you would like to engage in nature photography. While writing is not required, we will alternate sitting meditation periods with writing, creative language exercises and sharing sessions.
Meet your hosts
Taiun-roshi will share poetry from the written record of Zen, introduce verbal design exercises, and offer opportunities for personal interviews (dokusan).
Shomōn Alan Rossi, a novelist, award-winning short story writer, and teacher of creative writing. He sees writing as another way to reflect on the dharma; contemplating Zen, and a way to study Buddhism as well as ourselves. During the retreat he plans to offer sessions to include the following:
· The Micro-Memoir: A small-scale writing project in which one “studies the self.” He will share techniques to help participants turn oneself into a character so you can help identify the self, and the actions they undertake from the perspective of others.
· Poetry Through Prose: During this session the participants will be invited to read something from the Zen cannon, and “reply” via poetry after a period of reflection. This is a way to put into words the Call-and-Response that happens internally during Zazen. It may also help participants see how they express the teachings of Zen in their daily life.
Keisei Andrew Dietz, is a writer, consultant, and author based in Atlanta. His work often explores creativity, attention, identity, and the rewards of following what is true but not always obvious. At the retreat, he will lead sessions on the relationship between zazen and writing, with a focus on how silence and stillness can help open a more honest path to the page.
He believes that a key idea in the day is the search for the first honest sentence — the sentence that arrives before performance, polish, or overthinking take over; the one that comes from genuine attention rather than from trying to sound a certain way.
Across meditation, dialog, and writing periods, he will invite participants to notice what arises from stillness and to write from that quieter, more honest place. The emphasis will be less on technique or performance and more on attention, listening, and allowing language to emerge from what is genuinely present — whether in fresh writing or in work already underway.
Registration limited to 7 to preserve intimacy and interactivity of the intensive.
Where: Watershed Retreat Center – 361 Albone Branch Road, Hayesville, NC 28904
Fees: Suggested Donation $240 (or pay what you can).
Questions Prior to Retreat Contact:
Apr
13
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Apr
12
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - ZenVIP Interview
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each second Sunday we conduct a live interview with one of the long-time members of our community, and occasionally a relative newcomer, to share their wayfinding path, personal and professional background, and what makes them continue to practice Zen. VIP means "Very Interesting Person," but they are also very important to us.
Apr
11
9:00 AM09:00
Just Sit Saturday@ASZC
Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year.
We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking
Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.
Apr
8
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Apr
8
to Apr 12
SILENT RETREAT @ WATERSHED
WATERSHED SILENT RETREAT
Overview:
Please join us for a multi-day Zen meditation retreat (Sesshin) in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Watershed Retreat Center is located on 94 forested acres at the foot of the Appalachian mountains.
Watershed Retreat Center is essentially Bryan Price and Kylie Brown’s home. There is a main house for meals, sleeping and showering, and a smaller cabin a short walk away, which is used as the meditation hall. Meals are informal and vegetarian (with optional dairy and eggs). Meditation is broken into 25 minutes of sitting meditation and 5 minutes of walking meditation over several blocks throughout the day, lasting from 2-3 hours. Additionally, Samu (simple working meditation tasks), will be assigned to all retreat participants to help the retreat run smoothly for all. Everyone is encouraged to attend all meditation sessions, but not required to attend all sessions. The retreat is silent from 8pm on Wednesday evening until mid-morning on Sunday.
Registration limited to 7 to preserve intimacy and interactivity of the intensive.
Where: Watershed Retreat Center – 361 Albone Branch Road, Hayesville, NC 28904
Fees: Suggested Donation $240 (or pay what you can).
Questions Prior to Retreat Contact:
CLICK HERE to download the schedule.
Apr
5
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk:
Speaker: TBD
Apr
4
10:00 AM10:00
Apr
2
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Meditation Workshop
Each 1st Thursday of the month the workshop will feature exercises in creative combinations of 5 focal points:
1 - Natural Posture: Finding Your Center (zazen)
2 - Natural Breath: Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3 - Mindful Attention: Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4 - Walking & Chanting: Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5 - Healing & Sleeping: Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
No donation required; no donation refused
Apr
1
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Mar
30
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Mar
29
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Koan Dialogue
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each fifth Sunday Elliston-roshi and/or Shinjin-sensei leads a lively exchange based on the ancient tradition of dharma combat (hossen), wherein individuals in the session are invited to step forward with challenging questions or comments about Zen, to which the leaders respond. This is known as a "crossing of swords" (mondo) and is the source of most of the koans recorded in history - anecdotal dialogs between students and teachers from the countries of origin.
Mar
28
9:00 AM09:00
Roshi Seminar 2026
ROSHI SEMINAR 2026
Sharpening the Razorblade of Zen
Fourth Saturdays 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon
Read "The Razorblade of Zen" as background reference, following this reading schedule.. We will expand upon its content, and entertain any comments or questions you may have in the during the Q&A dialog.
Monthly interactive dialog will further expand upon the main thesis of the book, that Zen offers a third, middle way between the extremes of rationalism/science/secular reductionism on one end of the spectrum and theism/religion/fundamentalism on the other.
We will leverage the table below as a framework for comparative analysis in terms of eight dimensions of activities and attitudes across the three fields of endeavor, structuring the book.
QR code for purchase links
Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Mar
25
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Mar
23
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Mar
22
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Hojo-roshi Talk
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each fourth Sunday Roshi Taiun Elliston delivers a contemporary approach to approaching Zen from a design-thinking, problem-definition and -solving perspective, derived from his training in the Bauhaus method or graphic, industrial and communications design and based on his background in research for new product and program development and years in applied design for a variety of industries, as well as his teaching at university level. This is in keeping with the tradition of householder Zen adapting to the various countries and cultures over time, and continuing Matsuoka-roishi's mission in bringing Soto Zen to America in the 1940s.
Mar
19
7:00 PM19:00
Music@ASZC - Zen Jam
Zen Jam Night
Monthly · 7:00–8:30 PM
Suggested $10 dāna donation to the center
Join us for a relaxed evening of music, presence, and community. No experience is required—professionals, hobbyists, total beginners, and first-timers are all welcome.
What to Expect:
All instruments welcome. We’ll also provide simple percussion for anyone without instruments
No set repertoire. Just show up and make sound—songs are welcome, but not required.
Beginner’s-mind approach. We’ll open with a short reflection and offer simple musical prompts to help everyone drop expectations and play freely.
Evening Flow
Opening House Band Set: 15–30 minutes
Open Jam: 45–60 minutes
Audience is welcome, but participation is encouraged.
Mar
18
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Mar
16
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Mar
15
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service - Shinjin-sensei Talk
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Each third Sunday Shinji Mike Goldman-sansei, Vice-Abbot of ASZC, leads the dialog and discussion. His extensive background and historical research in Zen, combined with his polymath engagement in a wide range of professional and teaching activities as martial arts (black belt judo), hazard management, music performance (bsss, guitar and mandolin for starters). EMT training, venomous snake handling and rescue, scuba diving, schooling in entomology and nature photography, along with his style of presenting the material and connecting it to daily life make for interesting and challenging discussion.
Mar
14
9:00 AM09:00
Just Sit Saturday@ASZC
Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year.
We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking
Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.
Mar
11
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Mar
9
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.