Resting Bodhi Face
⚡️ ACZC Happenings, 8/31 - 9/6 ⚡️
“We're not here to be martyrs, we’re not here to take care of others at our own expense. The more I respect myself, the more I can support and give to others.” - Sara Campbell
Hello Sangha!
And yes, as expertly elucidated by Sara last week, resting bodhi face is exactly the face you’re already wearing, all the time, whatever that may be. It’s guaranteed. Thanks for brightening up our atmosphere just by being there is what we’re trying to say. As those great Bodhisattvas of Sound, Aerosmith, once said (if my 30 year old memories serve me correct), you never know, the enlightened (seeming) person intimidating everyone with their poise and grace (or stupefied shyness? (they do tend to look the same…)), might just be you.
And if you are looking for places to show off how wise you sound when you have nothing to say, we would be delighted for you to join us Friday 11/8 - Monday 11/11 for our Fall Mt Baldy Retreat - three full days of community, quiet, space, and time to meander your way toward a little calm and introspection through community reflection. Aka, we’re going full Zen! And we would love your help in creating that time and space for everyone. Registration and more info is posted here and feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all.
But speaking of finding contentment through self contained conflict, this week on the podcast we are very excited to bring you Resting Bodhi Face (No Pressure) w/ Sara Campbell. Sara tries to find out what it takes to find contentment in any weather. Do we owe it to the world to be pleasant people, and if not can our bs be at least entertaining? Are we obligated to not inflict our negativity on others? Which coast has the better weather for aimless wandering? At long last, is it the heat or is it the humidity?? 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:
Guishan asked Daowu, “Where’ve you been?”
Daowu said, "Taking care of the sick.”
Guishan said, "How many were there?”
Daowu said, "Some were sick, some were healthy“
Guishan said, “Weren’t you the healthy one?”
Daowu said, “My health is irrelevant to them. What do you have to say about that?”
Guishan said, “Whatever I might say would be irrelevant.”
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 - 8/31, 10am - 12:30pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Henry Zander - Our biggest day of the week! Two half hour rounds of zazen, and then our dear friend Henry joins us for some poetic deep dives into the as yet untamed (likely untamable?) creative side of practice. Join us!
Monday - 9/2, 7:30pm - 9pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Jitsujo Gauthier - One half hour of zazen and then our great sangha friend Jitsujo, chair of the University of the West Buddhist Divinity program and ZCLA resident priest, generously joins us in the hot seat with some fresh hot takes on some very old ideas. Come on out and let’s give her a warm ACZC hello!
Wednesday - 9/4, 7:30pm - 9pm (Zoom Only)
Sit & Koan Discussion w/ Dave Cuomo- Daowu’s out caring for those in need, while his teacher Guishan can’t seem to just let a little compassion be. In a world where every bug that goes around, comes around, who’s going to care for the caretakers?? Let’s discuss.
Friday - 9/6, 8am
Morning Chanting Service - This week we chant the Heart Sutra in English followed by some wet, wide, and wily guidance for our morning sit, the Zazenshin (Guidance for Zazen). 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