Lost & Found
⚡️ ACZC Happenings, 5/11 - 5/17 ⚡️
“The brain that doesn't need to reconcile what’s right to you and what’s right to someone else - when you don't have to tolerate, don't have to justify, don't have to forgive, you just know it doesn't have to add up; thats where harmony comes from.”
- Dave Cuomo
Hello Sangha!
Would you like to hear a joke?
What did the Zen monk say to the hotdog vendor?
Make me one with everything.
Don’t tell Dave we did that. It’s been a long week! But one thing that is truly wonderful about practicing with ACZC (if we do say so ourselves), is that we’re always making each other laugh. So hopefully that gave you a little giggle. And if you like giggles and you’re not already following us on Instagram, do that, too! We’ve taken to posting mildly unhinged Zen memes while Dave’s in Japan. Shhh, don’t tell him.
And speaking of that peripatetic priest, this week on the podcast we’re pleased to present Lost & Found (Meaning & Purpose) w/ Dave Cuomo. Dave tries to figure out his purpose and articulate what meaning in Zen is while trying to give a talk in a park with threatening geese and impending rain on a retreat not going entirely to plan. What are the stages of meaning making and how do we rate them? Is Dave’s level as off the charts as he claims? And what are the secret criteria for trustworthy lay leaders and Zen teachers?? Find out here!
Up now at http://aczc.org/aczcpodcast or on all your favorite podcast platforms.
OK, so the joke wasn’t that good. How about a koan for the week instead? From Kodo Sawaki:
A horse and a cat once discussed the question, “What is happiness?” They couldn’t reach any agreement.
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 - 5/11, 10am - 12:30pm
Sit & Discussion w/Sara Campbell - Our biggest day of the week! Two half hour rounds of zazen, one walking meditation in the middle, and then Sara’s back to lead us in a discussion of what it means to be generous according to some Zen masters we all know and love. We think you’ll want to give us your presence for this one. Do join!
Monday - 5/6, 7:30pm - 9pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Heather Ross - We’ll sit zazen for 30 minutes and then Heather returns to the hotseat with a delightful dose of the wondrous dharma for us to discuss. Come on out!
Wednesday - 5/8, 7:30pm - 9pm (Zoom Only)
Sit & Koan Discussion w/ Leon Sandler - Leon’s back in the house! Well, figuratively, as he’ll join by Zoom. But it’ll be great! He’ll lead us in a discussion of Chapter 9 of The Zen Teaching of Homeless Kodo. See you there.
Friday - 5/10 at 8am
Morning Chanting Service - This week we’re chanting Sengcan’s epic Trust the Mind Inscription and reciting the names of the female ancestors in our lineage. Come chant with us, it’s an underrated way to start a Friday!
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