Getting started in Zen practice
|
Who was the Buddha?
Four Noble Truths Main branches of Buddhism What is Soto Zen? Our practice theme this year: The World of Soto Zen How do we practice? Our six practice guidelines
|
Everyone is welcome to attend our free Getting Started sessions, whether out of general interest or a desire to establish a practice. We're not here to "convert" anyone, simply to explain our practice and what we do here at Sanshin. You won't be asked to make any commitment or give anything.
We practice Buddhism within the Soto Zen tradition that comes to us from Japan, following the particular style of our immediate three ancestors: Kodo Sawaki, Kosho Uchiyama and Shohaku Okumura. Our main activities are zazen, sitting quietly and letting go of thinking; work, whether taking care of the temple or our responsibilities in the world (jobs, family, community); the study of the teachings of the Buddha and the ancestors of our lineage; and ritual as a way to connect with our ancestors and each other. What we’re really doing with all four of these activities is experiencing interconnectedness with the entire universe. Our community includes some lay practitioners and some ordained clergy, but we all engage in the same practices together. Everyone, whether beginner or experienced, is welcome. |
