Bodhidharma’s Definition Of Zen Practice

“A special transmission outside the scriptures; Not depending upon words and letters; Directly pointing at the mind-heart of man; Seeing into one’s nature and attaining Buddhahood.”

Zen Practice is the skin, bone and marrow of the Buddha’s teaching. It cuts through the vines and briars that have long entangled us. Zen is minutely subtle, yet shakes the heavens and earth with the slightest turn. It is experienced by every hair and pore of the body.

As Bodhidharma pointed out, Zen is not based on intellectual pursuits, and is unattainable to those who have eyes yet can not see. However, some will push forward with tenacity and perseverance, and these students will realize the wondrous joy of the Dharma. Others will try to pacify their suffering via external means, what a pity. These people will continue to wonder in the darkness of ignorance. Zen Practice is for those who must know the truth, and are willing to push through the many obstacles that are the catalysts to awakening. Those who awaken, are charged with carrying the lamp of liberation for others who suffer. Zen is that lamp of liberation! Zen is the ancient catalyst, which has been handed down from teacher to student, for 2,600 years.

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen and walking meditation.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Joriki Dat Baker.

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.