Mountains Walk, Rivers Talk
Mountains Walk, Rivers Talk
ACZC happenings, 6/24 - 6/30
“I came to this because I'm a disillusioned person, and they said that's okay. That's the point. But now they’re saying that there is something that doesn’t die, something that stays. And they’re teaching it through their own skepticism and doubt. And that is something I trust.” - Dave Cuomo
Hello Sangha!
In case you missed it last week, we have an opening here at ACZC for a new resident! That’s right, this peaceful blue house is looking for its newest occupant. We’re quite biased indeed, but current and former residents alike can attest that this is a wonderful opportunity for a curious Zennie to deepen their practice by living in community with other practitioners. If you’re curious, please read our residency overview for more information. You can fill out the application or email if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week on the podcast we’re pleased to present Mountains Walk, Rivers Talk (Return to the Mountains & Rivers Sutra) w/ Dave Cuomo.
Dave dives back in to Dogen’s enigmatic Mountains and Rivers Sutra while looking at what America might be looking for in a rational religion, and whether or not Zen could fit the bill. What is the half of the dharma that stays even when everything ends? Is it possible to appreciate what actually makes us awesome? Is it rational to think that the world is ultimately rational?? Find out here!
Up now at http://aczc.org/aczcpodcast or on all your favorite podcast platforms!
Your koan for the week!
A monk asked Zhaozhou, “What is Buddha?”
Zhaozhou said, “It’s what’s inside the Buddha Hall.”
The monk said, “But isn’t the one in the Buddha Hall just a clay statue?”
Zhaozhou said, “Yes.”
The monk said, “So, what is Buddha?”
Zhaozhou said, “It’s what’s inside the Buddha Hall.”
The monk said, “I’m confused, can you please give me some instruction?”
Zhaozhou said, “Have you finished your breakfast?”
The monk said, “I have.”
Zaozhou said, “Go wash your bowl.”
The monk came to a sudden realization.
This Week in Zen! All times are in Pacific time zone and all sessions are hosted in person and on Zoom unless otherwise marked (email us for quick and easy Zoom access info):
Saturday - 6/24 at 10am
Sit & Talk w/ Emily Eslami - Two half hour rounds of zazen, one walking meditation in the middle, and then Emily returns to lead us through her revisiting of Shunryu Suzuki’s classic, “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.” This week she takes on the “Right Effort” chapter. Join us!
Monday - 6/26 at 7:30pm
Sit & Talk w/ Gyokei Yokoyama - One half hour of zazen and then our wonderful supporting teacher returns to the hotseat to share his latest spin on the dharma. Join us!
Wednesday - 6/28 at 7:30pm (Zoom Only)
Sit & Koan Discussion w/ Emily Eslami - What exactly is a Buddha and can one be found outside of the Buddha Hall?? Let’s find out.
Thursday - 6/29 at 7pm (Zoom Only)
Yoga & Zazen w/ Nina Snow - Nina guides us through a restful, restorative hour of her trademark Slow Flow Yoga, followed by one half hour of zazen. See y’all there!
Friday - 6/30 at 8am
Heart Sutra Chanting Service - This week! We chant the Heart Sutra in English followed by Zazenshin. Come chant with us, it does a body good.
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