Weltschmerz, Alcohol, & Sarcasm
ACZC happenings, 4/15 - 4/21
“A Zen teacher once told me, ‘I’ve been watching you and you're a good sitter.’ And I think that's what they tell the people that are kind of stupid and really don't get it.“ - Helena Harvilicz
Hello Sangha!
Dave has been gone a week and sits and talks are happening, alter offerings are being made and sutras chanted, and we have yet to burn down the zendo! We’re feeling quite proud over here. Thanks to everyone for showing up to keep this thing going! We miss Dave, of course, but we’re doing just great.
Speaking of communities coming together to do awesome things, this Sunday (4/16) at 5:30pm(ish) ACZC will again be hosting the Gather Potluck Dinner! This is a sweet, low key way to hang out and eat some delicious food with friendly people — everyone is welcome! Bring your favorite (or easiest) dish, just make sure it’s veg (and/or vegan) friendly. And please give us an email heads up if you’re coming and let us know what you plan to bring.
This week on the podcast we are pleased to present Weltschmerz, Alcohol, & Sarcasm (What Am I Doing Here??) w/ Helena Harvilicz.
Long time friend of the sangha Helena Harvilicz gives us a raw, funny, and heartening story of sarcasm and weltschmerz and wanting to make the world a better place with no idea how. Why do moms make such bad nihilists? Is it ok to laugh in the zendo when the voices in our heads are being particularly hilarious? What’s the difference between depression and deciding the world really might be a little disappointing? And can figuring that out help make us a better part of it?? Find out here!
Up now at http://aczc.org/aczcpodcast or on all your favorite podcast platforms!
A koan for the week!
Case in point:
When Fengxue was staying at the governor’s residence in Ying he said during a talk, “A teacher’s stamp of approval is like the workings of an iron god.
If removed, the mark stays, if the stamp stays put, the mark is covered up.
But if we don’t want to remove it or leave it there, should we still give out a stamp of approval at all?”
A well respected monk, Elder Lupo, stepped forward and said, “I have the workings of an iron god, please do not stamp me with approval.”
Fengxue said, “I’m used to fishing for whales in the clear bright sea, and now I’m here stuck in the mud with this frog."
Lupo stood there for awhile thinking.
Fengxue gave a shout and said, “Anything else you want to add?”
Lupo thought about what to say.
Fengxue hit him once, and said, “Do you even remember what we were talking about? Tell me.”
Lupo started to open his mouth and Fengxue hit him again.
The Governor said, “Turns out the Dharma law is the same as the king’s law.”
Fengxue said, “What did you see?”
The Governor said, “Indecision is an invitation to chaos.”
Fengxue got down from his seat.
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 - 4/15 at 10am
Sit & Talk w/ Erik Andersen - Two half hour rounds of zazen, one walking meditation in the middle, and then Erik returns to the hotseat with his trademark blend of sharing what he’s learned from practicing both Zen and psychiatry. Join us!
Sunday, 4/16 at 5:30 pm (In person only)
Gather Vegetarian Potluck - Cook up (or round up) your favorite dish and join us for a little low key community dinner right here in the Zendo. All are welcome! Email us here to let us know you’re coming and what you might be bringing.
Monday - 4/17 at 7:30pm
Sit & Talk w/ Sara Campbell - We’ll sit one half hour of zazen and then ACZC resident Sara Campbell will regale us with a talk about what’s been happening in her practice lately, aided by some words from our good friend Dogen.
Wednesday - 4/19 at 7:30pm (Zoom Only)
Sit & Koan Discussion w/ Emily Eslami - Fengxue goes hard at the Elder monk Lupo with a big question: can we act in accordance with the teachings without bearing their seal? Let’s find out.
Thursday - 4/20 at 7pm (Zoom Only)
Yoga & Zazen w/ Nina Snow - One hour of slow flow yoga + one half hour of that sweet sweet zazen + the guidance of the lovely and talented Nina Snow = a perfect Thursday night. Join us!
Friday - 4/21 at 8am
Heart Sutra Chanting Service - This week! We chant the Heart Sutra in English followed by Sengcan’s Trusting the Mind inscription. Poetry for the ages! Come on out and chant with us, it’s a lovely way to wind down the week.
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