The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

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)

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. Your 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.

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: Dharma Dialog with Rick McDaniel on his night book

Speaker: Rick McDaniel

Rick McDaniel was raised in Indiana and moved to Canada in 1967, where he earned an MA and Ph. D. in the Literature of the Developing World. He taught at the University of New Brunswick and Saint Thomas University for twelve years before beginning a 27 year career in International Development and Fair Trade with the YMCA. He worked with projects in the Dominican Republic, Belize, Cuba, Mexico, and Honduras.

He is the creator of the YMCA Peace Medallion and founded Cultures Boutique, the first fair trade store in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Rick is the author and narrator of several video series examining the relationship between developed and developing nations, including the five part 80/20 – A Developing World – distributed by the Canadian Learning Company. He is also the co-author, along with Jim Petrie, of A Two Way Approach to Understanding: Issues in Global Education – published by the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association.

Rick became interested in Zen practice in 1971 and eventually studied with Albert Low of the Montreal Zen Center. He is the author of many books on the subject. His most recent, an oral history of the Zen pioneers in America tentatively entitled "Original Face" - will be released this spring/summer by Monkfish.

He and his wife, Joan, live in Island View, New Brunswick. They have three children, nine grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. At the request of Albert Low, Rick started the Fredericton Zen Sitting Group which meets weekly in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.

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)

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

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.

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)

Herman Mack is the musical project of guitarist and producer Josh Worden, who has been part of the Atlanta Soto Zen Center sangha for over 12 years. Joined by Billy Thornton on bass and Erik Aylesworth on drums, the trio plays melodic, understated, contemplative music rooted in simple melodies and open space. There's room for improvisation, risk, and the kind of quiet co-creation that happens when everyone is paying attention.

No fees required, no donation refused

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

A Precious Opportunity to Create Qualified Buddhist Statues & Holy Objects

Event Overview

Join us for a special hands-on workshop where you will learn to craft Buddha and Bodhisattva statues—symbols of enlightenment, wisdom, and compassion. These beautiful creations serve as tangible reminders and aids for meditation, helping to cultivate inner peace, harmony, and good fortune. In many traditions, making these objects generates positive karma and merits, offering a meaningful way to connect with spiritual ideals and inspire your journey toward inner awakening.

Who Should Attend?

• Anyone interested in learning statue-making skills, regardless of artistic background.

• Individuals seeking personal spiritual growth and a deeper knowledge of Buddhist iconography and history.

• Those inspired to contribute to the global effort of praying for World Peace.

No prior experience is necessary—just bring a sincere wish to create beautiful and meaningful statues!

No required fee. Donations appreciated.

Workshop Highlights

• Learn both the craft techniques and the rich lore of Buddhist statue making.

• Create your own palm-sized Buddha, Bodhisattva, meditating monk, or other holy figure statue to take home.

• Experience the meditative and transformative process of sculpting, connecting with your inner wisdom, loving-kindness, and beauty.

• Enjoy a peaceful, inspiring environment and a supportive community.

Reserve your spot and begin your journey to inner awakening through the art of Buddhist statue making. Email: pham.pearl2012@gmail.com to register or for more info. Space is limited. We only accept the first 10 registrants.

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)

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.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

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

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)

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

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.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

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.   

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)

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

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

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)

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

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.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

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.

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)

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

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)

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

Hybrid Format Onsite/Online Participation

Individual Class (Per session):     $40

Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions

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.

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)

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.

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.