The Fall 2023 calendar is available here.

Sangha Meeting Recap

This past Sunday, we held a Zoom conversation that highlighted differing needs and expectations regarding the Center’s engagement with anti-racism and social justice issues in general. With some 50 participants, including members of the Board of Trustees and other leaders, it was an opportunity to be heard and to listen. One of the recurring themes was the shared need for the Center to serve as a safe and welcoming place for Zen practice. More conversation will follow in the weeks and months ahead, including the exploration of ideas for action that accord with the Center’s mission and the Middle Way. 

DepreshZen, Saturday, September 23, 3:00 p.m. 

DepreshZen is a peer support group for Sangha members with depression and anxiety disorders – a safe space to talk openly and educate oneself and others about living with these conditions from the perspective of a Zen practitioner. If you’re interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Iriz Robles or Tom Kowal. 

Joining the 7-day Sesshin on Zoom (September 23-30) 

While sesshin is underway at Chapin Mill, you can still join the in-person sittings at Arnold Park. Refer to the weekly schedule here for the days and times. Chanting and Private Instruction are not offered during sesshin at Arnold Park, but there will be one dokusan opportunity – see below. 

Although the regular schedule of Zoom sittings is suspended during sesshin, even if you’re not signed up for sesshin, you’re welcome to join any block of sitting (though without dokusan) in our usual Zoom room. If you do join us, please log on before a block begins or during kinhin to minimize distraction. Likewise, if you cannot stay for an entire block, please leave during one of the kinhins whenever possible. The sesshin schedule is posted here. 

Dokusan at Arnold Park, Tuesday Evening, September 26 

During sesshin, John-sensei will offer dokusan during the Tuesday evening sitting. 

Madison Zen Center 2-Day Sesshin Is Now Hybrid

Roshi will be leading a 2-day sesshin from October 6 to 8 at the Madison Zen Center. You’re invited to participate in-person or on Zoom. Click here to apply. The application deadline is Friday, September 29. 

Fall 2023 Term Intensive Begins October 5 

Our next Term Intensive (TI) runs from October 5 to 26, 2023. The TI offers a supportive structure in which to extend our practice efforts during a set period of time. Participants make an individual pledge to uphold a schedule of increased sitting and, if they wish, other aspects of discipline that relate directly or indirectly to their Zen practice. 

Click here for more information and to register for the upcoming TI.