Winter 2010 Sesshins
January 9, "The Practice of
Sangha", Mettai Cherry Zimmer
February 2-7, "The Lotus Sutra", Joriki Marcus Barlow
March 2-7, "Just Buddha and Buddha", Shiho Gareth Young
The Atlanta Soto
Zen Center will be offering a 1-day zazenkai and two 5-day sesshins
during our winter Ango
(practice period). Each of these three zazen retreats
provides an intensive schedule of zazen, with a different focus for
other activities. We hope you will find one of these schedules suitable
for your sitting pleasure.
Teachers and Staff
Our Abbot , Taiun Michael Elliston, will be present during all three
sesshins, training our shuso (head student) Zenku Jerry Smyers and
other disciples in the retreat teaching and coordination roles.
Mettai Cherry Zimmer will
be serving as Teacher, under Sensei's guidance, for the January Sangha
retreat. Mettai brings a wonderful appreciation of the beauty and power
of Sangha practice to this retreat. As a lay practice community in a
large metropolitan area, the ASZC Sangha is a complex and shifting
group. This is an intricate weaving which lends to rather than detracts
from its beauty and grace. Taking turns and working together for a
common purpose is the hallmark of our practice!
This 1-day zazenkai will use our abbreviated schedule from 9am - 5pm
on Saturday January 9 (full
schedule).
Joriki Marcus Barlow
will be serving as Teacher, under Sensei's guidance, for the February
Dharma retreat. Joriki brings us great expertise in the study of the
Lotus Sutra through his years of practice and devotion to this sutra.
We will include study of both the Lotus Sutra and Master Dogen's
commentary found in the Shobogenzo Fascicle "Hokke Ten Hokke".
This sesshin is suitable for people who are familiar with basic
teachings and terms found in sutra studies, but can accommodate all
levels of practice.
During the February 2-7 Dharma
Sesshin we will feature (full
schedule):
Shiho Gareth Young will
be serving as Teacher, under Sensei's guidance, for the March Buddha
retreat. Shiho brings a fervent zazen practice to this retreat which is
solely focused on the practice of zazen. Shiho, through his love of
zazen, brings insight and encouragement to all of us in our practice.
This sesshin is best for people with some zazen experience, however, those who are newer to practice will be allowed to take breaks.
During the March 2-7 Buddha
Sesshin we will feature (full
schedule):
- Zazen
- Silence
- Oryoki
- Hossen
- Zazen
Schedule Overview
Each retreat runs Tuesday evening through Sunday morning. As a lay
practice center, we rejoice in all participation that our
members can arrange and recognize that most have responsibilities which
prevent full attendance. For those unable to participate for the full
sesshin, please consult
the schedule to arrive and leave during appropriate break times and
please be mindful of the increased intensity of those
attending full-time. Please be especially attentive to whether a
cushion is occupied before sitting on it!
Overnight space is limited and so many choose to commute.
Full-attendance commuters may choose to wait until 8:30am to arrive
(but are welcome at 6:00am).
All attendees who are new to retreats at the Atlanta Soto Zen Center are required to attend the orientation on Tuesday evening.
Cost
The suggested donation 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. Partial attendees should prorate appropriately.
Because donations are collected on the honor system, we urge you to drop your donation in the box upon arrival.
Duration |
Donation |
Nights |
Meals |
|
5-day sesshin |
$250 |
$15each |
Included |
|
Single day |
$50 |
None |
$5 |
Registration and Details
Please see our main retreat page here.
Questions?
Send email to info@aszc.org.