“The dissidents, the ones who disagree, the most eccentric figures; in the world where Soto Zen teaching is alive, these figures become the leadership.” - Gyokei Yokoyama
Hello Sangha!
And hey, do we have an action packed week for you here at ACZC to fully re-engage in the schedule this week, with extra bonuses like a Book Club with Sara Campbell this Sunday at 3pm, and a Full Moon Sit & Ceremony this Sunday night (7pm). If you haven’t gotten to check out the book club, it’s an absolute delight with short bite sized bits of deceptively humble little dharma bites from Shundo Aoyama’s Zen Seeds, expertly facilitated by our favorite president of the board, Sara. And if you’ve been jonesing for a little vocally melodious group meditation (aka chanting), the Full Moon Ceremony is probably the sweetest opportunity we have to do so. It seems we all usually leave a little moved, a little settled, and a little confused about how that just happened. Which might just be my favorite mood we get to share here.
Also as announced last week our Fall Mt Baldy Retreat is booked for Friday 11/8 - Monday 11/11. We will have registration up by Monday or so (we swear), but save the date, check back here or on the website soon, and we’ll look very forward to seeing you up on the slopes.
But speaking of stealing away in silence, this week on the podcast we are very excited to bring you Reverently Rogue w/ Gyokei Yokoyama. Gyokei has an unfortunate incident at his temple and takes the opportunity to contemplate his life choices, question entanglements, question the tradition, and give us a deep little dive into everyone’s favorite poet monk, Ryokan, the patron saint of going reverently rogue. Are all rogues and rebels doomed to being respected? Do our teachers need to find their own teachers? Is it possible to leave behind the worlds that let us down?? 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:
When Xuansha went to the Putian district, they greeted him with huge celebrations.
The next day, he asked Elder Xiaotang, “Where did all the hubbub go?”
Xiaotang held up the corner of his robe.
Xuansha said, "That is so overhwelmingly 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 - 8/17, 10am - 12:30pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Dave Cuomo - Two half hour rounds of zazen, and then Dave is back in the hot seat to delve into resistance, doubt, and burn out and how they might just be the secret sauce keeping a healthy practice together for the long haul. Join us!
Sunday - 8/18, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Book Club w/ Sara Campbell (Zoom Only) - Join us for the latest installment of Sara’s leisurely literary monthly-ish Book Club, an informal gathering where we’ll be digging into Shundo Aoyama’s Zen Seeds: 60 Essential Buddhist Teachings on Effort, Gratitude, and Happiness. No advance reading required! They’re short and sweet and ready made to do on the fly. See y’all there
Sunday - 8/18, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Full Moon Ceremony - One half hour of zazen followed by the oldest, and some say most beautiful, ceremony in Buddhism - the Ryaku Fusatsu, where we melodiously chant the vows and remember why they were such good advice in the first place. All are welcome (no prior precept commitment required)!
Monday - 8/19, 7:30pm - 9pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Dave Cuomo - One half hour of zazen and then Dave is back again to follow up on Mota’s recent fantastic discussion on conflict, with the foolproof way to always win the only battle that matters (hint: it might be on the cushion…). Let’s discuss!
Wednesday - 8/21, 7:30pm - 9pm (Zoom Only)
Sit & Koan Discussion w/ Dave - Xuansha wants to know where the party is and Xiaotang wants to know if his ‘fit is up to it. Can these old masters still get up as well as they get down? Can we bring the ancient party back around?? Let’s find out.
Friday - 8/23, 8am
Morning Chanting Service - This week we chant the Heart Sutra in English followed by Shitou’s classic ode to getting along even when that means not getting along, the Harmony of Difference and Equality. 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