A Magnanimous Mess
⚡️ ACZC Happenings, 8/24 - 8/30 ⚡️
“This stuff is not designed to make you feel good. It's designed to get you to be honest with yourself so you can then go make the changes you really need to.” - Dave Cuomo
Hello Sangha!
It was a cool and cloudy morning here in sunny LA, which somehow is always a pleasant reminder, even over here on the East(ish) side, that this city really is a pleasant little beach town when it wants to be (I’m told that might be underselling it, but I mean it in all its grandiosity). And also that, like all things, the blistering heat of summer really is impermanent and maybe Fall is starting to meander its way towards us. Which is all to say that the big news this week is that (as promised) registration for our Fall Mt Baldy Retreat is now up! And you are cordially and enthusiasticallyy invited to join us Friday 11/8 - Monday 11/11 for three full days of quiet communal Zen. Because I don’t know about for you, but it’s been a doozy of a year (do we say that every year? Maybe that’s why we hold these things so often…), and these retreats are a great way to gather together and let it all go and do a little remembering and forgetting of what we’re doing this all for (fill in whatever “this” fits your situation). Like all things here, the community that takes part is what creates the whole experience, so we would love to see you up there and get to share a little time and space with you. It goes everywhere, or so we’re told. Registration and more info is posted here and feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all.
Also Sara Campbell is speaking tomorrow morning (Saturday, 8/23 - 10am) and we’re thrilled to have her back. And if you’re not signed up for her newsletter, Tiny Revolutions yet, we’re not sure you were ever serious about being demure and mindful with your internet.
But speaking of tiny sparks of great consequence, this week on the podcast we are very excited to bring you A Magnanimous Mess (Conflict & Zen) w/ Dave Cuomo. After a messy month, Dave gives us a Zen (and personal) look at conflict in practice, how it happens, whether it’s a problem, and how to work with it in meditation and maybe even with other people. Can we meditate arguments away? Is there a healthy way to incorporate difficult relationships into our lives? For the sake of cleaning up all of our messes effortlessly, should ACZC invest in one of those fancy Japanese toilets?? Find out here!
Up now at http://aczc.org/aczcpodcast or on all your favorite podcast platforms.
And hey, here’s a koan for the week:
Case in Point:
Yunmen said to the assembly, “Hear a sound, wake up to the truth. See a shape, enlighten your heart. The Bodhisattva of Compassion went to buy some flatbread, but when she opened her hand she was holding a jelly doughnut.”
This Week in Zen! All times posted in Pacific time zone, all sessions hosted in person and on Zoom unless otherwise marked (email us for quick and easy Zoom access info):
Saturday - 8/24, 10am - 12:30pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Sara Campbell - Our biggest day of the week! Two half hour rounds of zazen, and then we’re delighted to return our favorite resident emeritus at large to the hot seat to give us the hot dharma report from the sunny South. See y’all there.
Monday - 8/26, 7:30pm - 9pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Dave Cuomo - Be a monk unto yourself! One half hour of zazen and then Dave is back to introduce us to the guru living rent free in your pocket with some early Buddhist Suttas mixed up with some modern classic Zen about how to find all the wisdom of renunciation for yourself without having to give anything up (well, not too much (for too long)). Join us!
Wednesday - 8/28, 7:30pm - 9pm (Zoom Only)
Sit & Koan Discussion w/ Dave - Let us eat cake! Our old ornery friend Yunmen is apparently having a good day, and wants to share that with us. Is everyday really a good day? Are we advanced (or beginner) enough to glean his pastry based alchemy?? Let’s find out.
Friday - 8/30, 8am
Morning Chanting Service - This week we chant the Heart Sutra in English followed by that shiny singing jewel staring at you when you’re just trying to brush your teeth (it’s you. It’s always you.), the Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi. Poetry for the ages! Come on out and lend us your voice.
Tuesday - Friday, 7am - 8am
Morning Sit - One simple hour of what we do best - just sitting. Optional five minute stretch break offered in the middle.
See y’all soon!
Love,
ACZC