Fall 2017 Zazenkai

Zen Columbus Sangha will hold its next Zazenkai, all-day sit, on Sunday October 29 at Selby Park in Worthington. The shelterhouse facility is located at 358 S. Selby Blvd, three blocks east of High St.

Zazenkai will be from 8:15 AM to 4 PM. All are welcome to come for all or any part of the day. We will each bring a vegetarian dish to share for lunch. Coffee and tea will be provided. Dana of $20 is requested for the entire day to cover the shelterhouse rental fee. Please donate what you can if you are attending for part of the day.

The multiple lengthened sitting and walking periods of zazenkai provide a special opportunity to retreat from everyday concerns. Mindful eating and work practice (set-up, serving food and clean-up) are additional ways to remind ourselves to extend our practice into our daily lives. Silence is maintained throughout the day. Additional details follow the schedule.

Zazenkai Schedule October 29, 2017

8:15 - 8:45 Arrive and set up

8:45 Take seats and begin silence

9:00 - 9:35 Sitting meditation

9:35 - 9::45 Walking meditation (Kinhin)

9:45 - 10:20 Sitting meditation

10:20 - 10:30 Kinhin

10:30 - 11:05 Sitting meditation

11:05 - 11:15 Kinhin

11:15 - 11:50 Sitting meditation

11:50 - 12:50 Lunch (Silence maintained)

12:50 - 1:25 Sitting meditation

1:25 - 1:35 Kinhin

1:35 - 2:10 Sitting meditation

2:10 - 2:20 Kinhin

2:20 - 2:55 Sitting meditation

2:55 - 4:00 Dharma talk

You will need to bring your own zafus and zabutons. We will bring a few from the church for those who don't have them, or you may borrow overnight following Saturday morning sit. If you prefer to use a chair, you may want to bring a cushion.

Walking meditation will be clockwise indoors, or you may walk outside. Similar to chanting, we practice Kinhin as a group, so maintain the pace of the leader. Follow the person in front of you closely with eyes cast down to their feet. If you leave the circle, when you return, bow to the person who was behind you in line and that person bows to you, then enter the line at your original position.

Please bring a vegetarian dish to share for lunch. For those who are coming, I can let you know how many to prepare for by Thursday the 26th. Everyone needs to bring their own cup, bowl, plate and utensils. The shelterhouse has a fridge, microwave and sink.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would respond directly to me at ckasselmann@columbus.rr.com, not to the group, if you plan to come. Please let me know if you will be at lunch and whether or not you will drink coffee.

I hope to see you at our Fall Zazenkai.

With great gratitude to everyone for your practice and your ongoing support of Zen Columbus Sangha.

Gassho.

Chris Kasselmann