June 2010 Weekend Zazenkai

"JUKAI - Receiving the Gift of The Precepts"
Friday June 4 - Sunday June 6
with Mettai Cherry Zimmer

We invite you to join for all or part of the weekend zazenkai (retreat) at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center. This retreat is appropriate for all levels of practitioners and everyone is encouraged to experience the deepening of your practice that is only possible with this kind of intense practice period. You are welcome to attend any or all of the zazenkai.

Sesshin literally means "to unify the mind", and is highly recommended to anyone sincerely interested in experiencing the true heart of Zen practice. You will find that this is a wonderful opportunity to draw from the tremendous strength of the sangha practicing together to deepen your Zen practice in ways that are only possible through this kind of intensive practice session.

Dharma Teachings: "JUKAI"

The Japanese word "JUKAI" literaly translates to "Receiving the Precepts". In the Abhisanda Sutta: Reward the historical Shakyamuni Buddha describes the precepts as "great gifts — original, long-standing, traditional, ancient, unadulterated, unadulterated from the beginning". During this retreat we will examine how receiving this gift of the Boddhisattva Precepts manifests in our true lives and our true selves.

On Sunday, there will be a Jukai ceremony for the candidates who have requested the precepts in which they will receive the Three Treasure Refuges, Three Pure Precepts, and Five of the Ten Grave Boddhisattva Precepts as they Enter The Stream of Buddhist Practice. details...

We invite everyone, at whatever stage of the path to join with us in this exploration.

Observing Silence

Talking is not prohibited, but we strive to maintain silence following the evening closing of the zendo until after breakfast.During the day, idle chitchat is discouraged, while dharma discussion of lecture content is encouraged. Any necessary talking is permitted, but please speak softly.

Schedule

The retreat begins at 7:00 pm Friday and ends Sunday after the ceremony. For convenience of the greater sangha, the zazenkai schedule conforms to our regular schedule during overlapping times (such as Sunday morning). This zazenkai follows the "Buddha" schedule format with emphasis on zazen. Click here for schedule details on the web site.

Samu

There will be samu periods, when work assignments will be given.

Cost

The suggested donation of $75 for the retreat goes to support the overhead of the Zen Center and to fund necessary investments in future program and infrastructure. Dana goes to the support of teachers and staff. There are limited discount and sponsorship opportunities available for staff, full time students or those in need of financial assistance. Please inquire at time of registration.

For those undergoing Jukai, we request a $100 doination to cover the cost of the ceremony.

Because donations are collected on the honor system, we urge you to drop your donation in the box upon arrival.

Meals Included

Registration, Accommodations, Transportation and Details

Please see our main retreat page here.
Advance registration is required for overnight accommodations and meals.

Location

Atlanta Soto Zen Center
1167-C/D Zonolite Place
Atlanta GA 30306

Questions?

Send email to info@aszc.org.