Embodied Economics
⚡️ACZC Happenings, 12/7 - 12/13⚡️
“We’re not trying to be precious about things. It just is precious” - Dave Cuomo
Hello Sangha!
HoHoHo merry zazen enthusiasts! This message comes to you from Samm(-ta Claus) here at ACZC’s workshop where the accoutrements of this year’s FUNdraiser are strewn about in happy anticipation of their new homes.
But first, we’ve got some exciting talks and sits and a holiday schedule to let you in on:
I hear Dave is making muffins and eggs for lunch after his talk at the Half-Day Sit tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 7th - 10am)
And if anyone (who you know personally) is sick or otherwise in need of good health well wishes, you can add their names to the form you see here (bottom of the page) and we’ll be happy to include them in this month’s Well Being Dedication.Next weekend we are looking for a few good volunteers to help with packing, shipping, and post card writing after the sit on Saturday (12/14, 12:30pm) and/or Sunday (12:15, 3pm). If this sounds like you, please let us know!
Also! ACZC will be closed for Winter Break - December 23-30th
But you can unbox the gift of zazen with us at our annual Christmas Morning Sit - 7am, Wed. Dec. 25th.
And once again, join us when we reopen for our NYE sit Tuesday 12/31 8pm - Midnight accompanied by the traditional ringing of 108 bells. And if you're looking for a midnight smooch, Hotei told me you can kiss his belly at midnight for the price of one copper penny at his feet.
But speaking of indulgences, while you’re sitting pretty reading this email, bells from Toshoji are tolling in Echo Park AND can ring in the New Year from your own nightstand soon through the magic of joining our fundraiser! As you listen, imagine wearing a screen-printed ACZC Ox Herding t-shirt while gazing at moody celestial beings and bodhisattva icons, and/or our full color 2025 calendar. Your tax-deductible donations give our nonprofit the steam it needs to facilitate its creative and eclectic programs which are different from any other zen center on earth. And we don’t take your generosity lightly; it means the world to us, and we need your support if you are able. There is so much in store for 2025… it warms the cockles of my heart, it really does.
And thank you to everyone who has joined in so far! We’re off to a banging start I hear but still have a ways to go. Fundraiser ends on Dec. 20th, just two weeks from today. Any orders sent in by Dec. 15th will be mailed out on the 16th in plenty of time for you to get your rewards by the holidays.
But speaking of magnanimous math, this week on the podcast we are very pleased to bring you Embodied Economics w/ Dave Cuomo. Dave tries to find a harmony between practiced embodiment and practical economics while sinking into the ocean of sound, being, and time. Is there an honest living waiting for us on the other side of our pretensions? Can we be sincere while still being savvy? Was monastery life awesome actually despite everything we may have said previously?? 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:
Xinghua became the teacher of Emperor Zhuangzong. One day the Emperor said to him, “When I reconquered the Empire, I won a bright and priceless pearl that no one had been able to afford.”
Xinghua said, “Your majesty, may I see the pearl?”
The Emperor calmly removed the cloth from his head and began unwrapping it.
Xinghua said, “Your majesty, who would even dare make an offer?”
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 - 12/7, 10am - 2:00pm
Half Day Sit w/ Dave Cuomo - Our biggest day of the month! Two half hour rounds of zazen, a short and sweet Well Being chanting service, and a talk with Dave. And then! We take a quick break for some delicious and healthy homemade Muffin Madness(™) and soft boiled eggs, before returning for two more rounds of sweet sweet zazen. See y’all there!
Monday - 12/9, 7:30pm - 9pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Jordan Mylet - One half hour of zazen followed by a talk from dharma talk veteran, Jordan. See you there :)
Wednesday - 12/11, 7:30pm - 9pm (Zoom Only)
Sit & Koan Discussion w/ Dave - It’s one thing to win the prize, it’s another thing entirely to afford the price… Can Xinghua help the Emperor balance his karmic books? If we dig deep enough in our couch cushions will we find the change we want to be? Let’s discuss!
Friday - 12/13, 8am
Morning Chanting Service - This week! We chant the Heart Sutra and Dongshan’s optimistic ode to treasures chest you can always expect see first thing in the morning when brushing your teeth - 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