The Abstract Folder
⚡️ACZC Happenings, 8/30 - 9/5⚡️
“I don't want to forget the self so much as hold it loosely, hold it creatively, taking advantage of its flux. Everything is always changing. So why not embrace my own changing? Why not be a participant in that process?” - Matthew Sherling
Hello Sangha!
Last week we told you that while we’ve been laying low here at ACZC during these dog days of summer, we’ve been cooking up some special events this fall, and we’re finally ready to invite you to them! So on this holiday weekend while we rest from our labors (hopefully!), here’s a smattering of things to look forward to in the months ahead.
🙏 Mark Your Calendars (Part 1): Beginners Night!!! 🙏
One thing we try to be clear about here at ACZC is that all our programming is for “beginners only,” but as it turns out, many beginners find that confusing! So, by popular request (and in the interest of welcoming new and old friends from any walk or stage of life into the practice), we are going to be offering periodical Beginners Nights on Thursdays! Our first one will be Thursday, October 2 at 7:30 pm. The intent is to focus on Zen fundamentals: how to do zazen, how to create a practice and what we mean by that, things that are helpful for folks who are new to Zen to know, and of course, an open forum for Q&A and discussion. So invite your Zen-curious friends, of course, but come on out yourself and let’s share what it’s like to be part of this ancient tradition that has so much relevance in our modern lives. We can’t wait!
🧘🏽 Mark Your Calendars (Part 2): ACZC Fall Retreat!!! 🧘🏽
Many of you have been asking about dates for our fall retreat! We typically do these in early November, but this year we’ve decided to try something new: gathering for Rohatsu, the date we commemorate the Buddha’s enlightenment under the bodhi tree. So on the first weekend in December (Sat, 12/6 and Sun, 12/7), we’ll be hosting our fall retreat at Sozenji in nearby Montebello (aka Gyokei’s temple). This will be a commuter retreat similar to the one we did last fall, but we will be able to host folks overnight here at ACZC for anyone interested. More details and registration coming soon, but, as always, feel free to email us with any questions in the meantime at info@aczc.org.
🎭 🎤 Mark Your Calendars (Part 3): September Same Difference Event!!! 🎤🎭
Same Difference, ACZC’s bi-monthly variety show/rent party/stealthy little fundraiser, is back in two weeks time! Join us on Saturday, Sept 13th at 7pm for a night of song and storytelling curated by our very own Poet-in-Residence, Matthew Sherling. As usual, there will be a raffle of strange and wondrous prizes, fun things to drink and eat, and much merriment! Open to everyone, not just Zennies. Details below. See you there!
And speaking of things that are always in flux but happening just the same, this week on the podcast we are very pleased to present 🎙️ “The Abstract Folder (Agency and Acceptance) w/ Matthew Sherling 🎙️
Matthew takes us on a spiritual journey through his curious resistance to Zen’s boundless acceptance. Is acceptance a hindrance to growth and change? Do we ultimately fear the contentment we seek? Does our Zen have room for both aimlessness and agency?? Find out here!
Up now at http://aczc.org/aczcpodcast or on all your favorite podcast platforms.
📖 This Week in ZenLit(™): 📖
If you want to get this kind of thing,
you have to be this kind of person.
But you already are this kind of person,
so why worry about this kind of thing?
⚡️This Week in Zen! ⚡️
All times Pacific. All sessions are in-person + on Zoom unless otherwise noted (email us for Zoom info).
Saturday - 8/30, 10am - 12:15pm
Sit & Talk w/ Samm Becker - Our biggest day of the week! We’ll do two half-hour rounds of zazen, then Samm returns to the hot seat for a talk about leaving the safety of fantasy, destroying what you love in order to understand it, finding a real cowboy, and…rice cakes! It’s sure to be an adventure in dharma, among other things. Join us!
Monday - 9/1, 7:30pm - 9pm
Sit & Discussion w/ Dave Cuomo - One half hour of zazen and then our favorite pizza-chef-turned-Zen-monk Dave is back with a talk about his new translation of The Golden Mirror Meditation Verse (the poem formerly known as the Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi) and what he learned from going back to this transmission document that’s been passed down the centuries since Song Dynasty China. When we talk about transmitting the flame down through the ages, what exactly are we talking about? Maybe we’ll find out! See you there!
Wednesday - 9/3, 7:30pm - 9pm
Sit & ZenLit Night - This week! We begin our exploration of Dogen’s classic “inmo”, aka the big “It”, the big “WTF?”; some say it’s as close as Buddhism gets to describing god or the universe, some say it’s everything, some say it’s nothing at all. This week, apparently it’s us…. Let’s discuss!
Friday - 9/5, 8am
Morning Chanting Service - This week! We chant the Heart Sutra ❤️ in English along with great ancestor Shitou’s Straw Hut Song, a chant that encourages us to wave a hand and wander on innocently, even in this dad-blamed heat! 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