Below you will find information about our longer-range schedule and upcoming events, and information concerning Sandy's attendance. Please check back from time to time to get the latest updates. You will also find useful information in the most recent Kaihan.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 7:00 PM
CONTINUING THE FIRST WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH
~ We will meet at the North Carolina Zen Center, Pittsboro ~
Open to anyone regardless of experience with either meditation or writing
Free, no commitment necessary, drop in any time
"Try it, you'll like it!"
For more information please call Ken, 919-265-9886
Rohatsu One-Day Zazen-kai, Saturday, December 10, 2011
Bodhi Day, or 'Rohatsu' as it is known is Japanese Zen, is celebrated throughout Asia as commemorating the day of Buddha's awakening. In honor of Rohatsu the Center is hosting a one-day Zazen-kai. Please come and experience a day of peaceful practice.
Just as the Buddha himself came to awakening in the instant of seeing the morning star, every moment of our lives is equally an opportunity to experience awakening.
8 — 11 AM, Chanting, Zazen, Kinkin
11 — Noon, Work Period
Noon — 1, Informal lunch (bring your own)
1 — 4 PM, Chanting, Zazen, Kinkin, Interviews, Dharma Talk
The Center is asking for a fee of $20 to help support the Center.
NC Zen Center Holiday Schedule
There will be no formal sitting periods between Saturday, December 24, and Friday, December 30. The Center will re-open on December 31, New Year's Eve.
New Year's Eve at Sosen-ji
The Center will host a pot-luck supper on New Year's Eve, beginning at 7 PM. Please bring your favorite dish! Dinner will be followed by informal sitting in the zendo through the evening. At midnight we will chant the Heart Sutra and dedicate it to world peace, and we will ring the big bell 108 times. Please come and enjoy an evening of quiet fellowship.
The Center will return to its normal schedule beginning on Sunday morning, January 1, with the regular service at 10 AM.
Winter Zazenkai - Thursday, January 12 — Sunday, January 15
The Center will host its annual Winter Zazenkai beginning with informal dinner on Friday, October 21, and ending with lunch on Sunday, October 28. The cost is $45 per night.
"Zazenkai" means Zen gathering, and that is what we will be doing, getting together to intensively practice Zen, together. This retreat will be conducted in a manner similar to formal retreats and sesshins at other Zen centers and monasteries, including periods of sitting meditation, walking meditation, chanting, work practice, formal meals, interviews with Sandy, and Dharma talks by Sandy.
The retreat is open to persons with all levels of experience including beginners, as well as to part-time participants. Lodging preference given to full-timers. You can visit the “Retreats” page of the Center’s web site for much more helpful information concerning Zen retreats at Sosen-ji. Please send a 50% deposit by Friday, October 7, to reserve a seat and help with planning meals. Financial help and scholarships are available. Please contact the Center directly for more information.
As with several past January retreats, this one will be attended by a number of students from Elon University, who participate in a course co-taught by Sandy. This will limit the number of spots available for other attendees. Please contact the Center for more information on space availability.
There is no construction ongoing at the Center currently, but there are still many large and small tasks that need attending to, including general tidying up and grounds care and maintenance, as well as many other opportunites to contribute time, skills and tools.
If you wish to contribute in any way, your help would be most welcome. Please call or email us for specific needs or other information.
