Jul
14
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jul
16
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Jul
17
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jul
19
9:00 AM09:00
JUKAI ZAZENKA
Jukai is a Zen public ordination ceremony wherein a lay student receives the first five Buddhist precepts and a formal initiation into Buddhism, makingone a member of the Buddha's family.
JULY 19 2025 Saturday 9am-12pm -- JUKAI ZAZENKAI (Day Sit)
Please plan to attend our annual 1/2-day Precepts Retreat (Zazenkai) online or in person. Lunch will be provided as part of the fee ($25). The eventwill include a refresher course on the Three Pure Precepts and Five of the Ten Major (Grave) Precepts of Buddhism. Study materials are provided below.
Suggested Program price: $150 or pay what you can afford.
If you require more information or have a question, contact Elliston Roshi at taiunmelliston@gmail.com
Retreat Downloads:
Jul
20
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service and JUKAI TOKUDO INITIATION CEREMONY
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Attend Zazen Sunday 9-1030 am followed by the Jukai Tokudo Ceremony
Suggested Program price: $150 or pay what you can afford.
If you require more information or have a question, contact Elliston Roshi at taiunmelliston@gmail.com
Retreat Downloads:
Jul
21
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jul
24
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jul
26
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Jul
27
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Jul
28
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jul
31
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Aug
3
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk:
Speaker: TBD
Aug
4
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Aug
6
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Aug
7
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Aug
10
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Aug
11
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Aug
14
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Aug
18
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Aug
20
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Aug
21
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Aug
23
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Aug
24
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Aug
25
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Aug
28
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Aug
31
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Sep
3
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Sep
4
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Sep
7
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk:
Speaker: TBD
Sep
8
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Sep
14
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Sep
15
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Sep
17
to Sep 21
Fall 2025 Roshi Retreat @ Watershed
WATERSHED ROSHI RETREAT
"FINDING THE ORIGINAL FRONTIER" — September 19th -- 21st
Where do we find the Original Frontier? Not the "final frontier" of space exploration, or the daunting frontier of the bottom of theocean, but the frontier of Mind, of consciousness itself? Like any frontier, entering it means leaving the known world behind andentering uncharted territory.
At Watershed, we leave the familiar terrain of the city, and our daily routine, embarking on a journey into Nature, in the relativewilderness of the mountains and valleys of North Carolina, which of course does not really exist, except as lines drawn upon a map,which of course, is not the territory. Bringing Zen's meditation to the strangeness of the piney woods, we realize the sameness in thedifference. Once the retreat - which is actually a Zen attack - is over, we return to the fray refreshed. The Original Frontier comes withus.
It is highly recommended that you read the book before the retreat. We will not be reading the book, but Taiun-roshi will give dailyteisho (pointed talks) embellishing on the main points, along with opportunities for dokusan (personal interview) on a regular basis.
Please join us for our multi-day meditation retreat in the western North Carolina mountains. Watershed Retreat Center is located on94 acres in a pastoral farm setting highly conducive to finding, or returning to our true nature, in the embrace of Mother Nature.
Registration is limited to preserve the experience.
Where: Watershed Retreat Center – 361 Albone Branch Road, Hayesville, NC 28904
Fees: Suggested Donation $240 or pay what you can.
Questions Prior to Retreat Contact: Bryan Price Email: bryan.price.md@gmail.com
Sep
17
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Sep
18
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Sep
21
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Sep
22
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Sep
25
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Sep
27
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Sep
28
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Sep
29
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Oct
1
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Oct
2
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Oct
5
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk:
Speaker: TBD
Oct
6
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Oct
9
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Oct
12
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Oct
13
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Oct
15
to Oct 19
Fall 2025 Silent Retreat @ Watershed
WATERSHED SILENT RETREAT
REGISTRATION IS NOT YET AVAILABLE — PLEASE CONTINUE TO WATCH THIS SPACE!
Overview:
Please join us for a multi-day Zen meditation retreat (Sesshin) in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Watershed Retreat Center is located on 94 forested acres at the foot of the Appalachian mountains.
Watershed Retreat Center is essentially Bryan Price and Kylie Brown’s home. There is a main house for meals, sleeping and showering, and a smaller cabin a short walk away, which is used as the meditation hall. Meals are informal and vegetarian (with optional dairy and eggs). Meditation is broken into 25 minutes of sitting meditation and 5 minutes of walking meditation over several blocks throughout the day, lasting from 2-3 hours. Additionally, Samu (simple working meditation tasks), will be assigned to all retreat participants to help the retreat run smoothly for all. Everyone is encouraged to attend all meditation sessions, but not required to attend all sessions. The retreat is silent from 8pm on Wednesday evening until mid-morning on Sunday.
To preserve the experience, registration is limited.
Contact: Chishiki Bryan Price 828-389-4927
Where: Watershed Retreat Center - 361 Albone Branch Road, Hayesville, NC 28904
Fees: $240 or pay what you can
Questions Prior to Retreat Contact: Email : bryan.price.md@gmail.com
Oct
15
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Oct
16
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Oct
19
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Oct
20
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Oct
23
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Oct
25
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Oct
26
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Oct
27
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Oct
30
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Nov
2
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk:
Speaker: TBD
Nov
3
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Nov
5
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Nov
6
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Nov
9
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Nov
10
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Nov
13
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Nov
16
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Nov
17
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Nov
19
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Nov
20
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Nov
22
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Nov
23
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Nov
24
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Nov
26
to Nov 28
Nov
30
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Dec
1
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Dec
3
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Dec
3
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Dec
4
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Dec
7
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk:
Speaker: TBD
Dec
8
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Dec
11
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Dec
14
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Dec
15
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Dec
17
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Dec
18
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Dec
21
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Dec
24
to Dec 26
Dec
27
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Dec
28
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Jul
13
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Jul
10
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jul
6
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker Daigaku Rummé -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: “Zazen is Zazen”
Speaker: Daigaku Rummé
Daigaku Rummé was born in Mason City, Iowa in 1950. He was ordained a Soto monk by Sekkei Harada Roshi in 1978. For more than twenty-seven years, he practiced under Harada Roshi at Hosshinji Monastery in Fukui, Japan. In March 2003, he moved to San Francisco to work on the staff of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center. While in San Franciso, he lived at the San Francisco Zen Center.
In April 2010, Rummé went to Los Angeles where he worked as the Director of the Soto Zen Buddhism North America Office and as the Head Priest of Zenshuji Soto Mission.
Retiring from his position in Los Angeles in April 2015, he relocated to St. Louis, MO where he is now the Resident Priest and Teacher at Confluence Zen Center STL. He is married to Kathleen Myoshin Rummé.
He is the translator of The Essence of Zen and, with Heiko Narrog, Unfathomable Depths, both by Harada Roshi, both published by Wisdom Publications. He is also the translator, with Keiko Ohmae, of A Blueprint of Enlightenment: A Contemporary Commentary on Dogen Zenji’s “Gakudo Yojinshu” – “Guidelines for Studying the Way” by Gien Inoue Roshi, published by Temple Ground Press, and Volume I of The Formless Record of Transmission of Illumination: A Contemporary Commentary on Keizan Zenji’s “Denkoroku” also by Gien Inoue Roshi.
Jul
3
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jul
2
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Jun
30
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jun
29
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Jun
28
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
Jun
26
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jun
23
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jun
22
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Jun
19
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jun
18
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Jun
16
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jun
15
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Jun
14
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Just Sit Saturday
Just Sit Saturday is your opportunity to enhance your daily practice and prepare for extended meditation in upcoming retreats offered during the year.
We will focus on just sitting zazen.
MORNING SESSIONS: 9 AM - NOON
(6) SESSIONS- 25 min sitting + 5 min walking
Suggested Program price: $25 or pay what you can afford.
Jun
12
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jun
11
to Jun 15
New Dates! Spring / Summer 2025 Roshi Retreat @ Watershed
SPRING / SUMMER— "FINDING THE ORIGINAL FRONTIER" — June 11 - June 15
New dates announced to make up for the flooding that occurred during April!
Where do we find the Original Frontier? Not the "final frontier" of space exploration, or the daunting frontier of the bottom of the ocean, but the frontier of Mind, of consciousness itself? Like any frontier, entering it means leaving the known world behind and entering uncharted territory.
At Watershed, we leave the familiar terrain of the city, and our daily routine, embarking on a journey into Nature, in the relative wilderness of the mountains and valleys of North Carolina, which of course does not really exist, except as lines drawn upon a map, which of course, is not the territory. Bringing Zen's meditation to the strangeness of the piney woods, we realize the sameness in the difference. Once the retreat - which is actually a Zen attack - is over, we return to the fray refreshed. The Original Frontier comes with us.
It is highly recommended that you read the book before the retreat. We will not be reading the book, but Taiun-roshi will give daily teisho (pointed talks) embellishing on the main points, along with opportunities for dokusan(personal interview) on a regular basis.
Please join us for our multi-day meditation retreat in the western North Carolina mountains. Watershed Retreat Center is located on 94 acres in a pastoral farm setting highly conducive to finding, or returning to our true nature, in the embrace of Mother Nature. To preserve the intimacy of the retreat, we must limit registration to 10 participants.
Contact: Chishiki Bryan Price 828-389-4927
Where: Watershed Retreat Center - 361 Albone Branch Road, Hayesville, NC 28904
Fees: $240 or pay what you can
Questions Prior to Retreat Contact: Atlanta Soto Zen Center Email : bryan.price.md@gmail.com
Jun
9
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jun
8
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
Jun
5
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
Jun
4
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
Jun
2
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.
Jun
1
9:00 AM09:00
Guest Speaker Soun Kosetsu Randy Earl -- Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: What are you asking for?"
Speaker: Soun Kosetsu Randy Earl
Soun Kosetsu Randy Earl began formal Zen training with Taiun Elliston Roshi after taking the precepts in 2003. When career moves took him away from Atlanta, he continued to train remotely and visit for retreats, taking Shukke Tokudo in 2013. Kosetsu served as Zen Chaplain at North Carolina State University for several years and is currently an STO member at-large.
Having earned a BS in Physics, an MBA, and worked in a career spanning Engineering, Research, and Design, Kosetsu retired in 2024. He now resides in Raleigh, NC with his wife near his three children and five grandchildren.
May
29
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
May
25
9:00 AM09:00
Soto Zen Sunday Service
9:00-10:30 Zazen (Three twenty-five minutes sitting sessions with 5 minutes of kinhin after each sit)
Traditional Soto Zen Service 10:30 AM
Dharma Talk: 10:30 AM
Speaker: Roshi, Senior Teacher, or Guest
May
24
9:00 AM09:00
ASZC - Master Class
Please read "The Original Frontier" as background reference. I will expand upon its content, and entertain any questions you may have in the Q&A dialog. See schedule.
MONTHLY CONTENT
I will review and expound upon 1 of 9 chapters each Saturday morning:
April 26: "Following the Sages"
May 24: "Where Zazen Differs"
June 28: " Finding Workarounds"
July 26: "Deconstructing the Senses"
August 23: "Embracing Nonduality"
September 27: "Applying Zen to Life"
October 25: "Benefitting from Zen"
November 29: "Designing a Zen Life"
December 27: "The Razorblade of Zen"
Fees:
The fees for this program support Roshi in his work and benefit ASZC. They may be paid per session at the door or online. Additional dana for the teacher is accepted and appreciated. Place cash or checks in the dana box provided or send via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo to taiunmelliston@gmail.com. Contact Roshi for additional information.
Individual Class (Per session): $40
Email: taiunmelliston@gmail.com for additional questions
May
22
7:00 PM19:00
Thursday Evening Workshop: Secrets of Zen = Singularity of Zazen
MONTHLY CONTENT CYCLE — Each Thursday will feature 1 of 5 focal points:
1st - Natural Posture..........Finding Your Center (zazen)
2nd - Natural Breath............Following The Body (kyuki & koki)
3rd - Mindful Attention.......Nurturing Beginner’s Mind (shoshin)
4th - Walking & Chanting...Feeling Stillness in Motion (kinhin, mokurai)
5th - Healing & Sleeping....Promoting Wellbeing (ki)
WEEKLY EVENING SCHEDULE—3 Periods:
1) Method of Zen—Demonstration & Explanation: 30 min
— Coping with Barriers to Practice
— Distress vs Comfort; Anxiety vs Serenity; Confusion vs Clarity; Friction vs Harmony; Skillful Means
2) Sitting + Teisho: 30 min
— Posture Correction & Blow of Compassion (Zazen & Kyosaku)
— Physical, Emotional, Mental, Social Samadhi; Awakening Self & Others
3) Q&A + Tea: 30 min
— Q&A, Tea Service (Sanzen & O-cha)
Hybrid Format—Onsite/Online Participation (Suggested Fee $10/Session)
Scan QR code to register and/or contact Elliston-roshi for questions:
No donation required; no donation refused
May
21
7:00 PM19:00
Wednesday Night- Introduction to Soto Zen Meditation
INTRODUCTION to SOTO ZEN MEDITATION:
7:00 - 8:30 pm - Orientation and Instructions including 15-20 min meditation (ZAZEN) sessions with 5-min walking (kinhin)
May
19
7:30 PM19:30
Monday Night Book Club
The first 25 minutes is zazen(meditation) followed by an informal discussion on the book that ends at 9:00 PM.