Last call for Dokusan

This Thursday evening, January 31, is your last opportunity to see Roshi before his Mexico trip. The following dokusan will be Monday, February 25.

Finding Your Seat: The Return (February 2 – 23)

After a 7-week hiatus due to sesshins and other activities, we’re happy to start back up with Finding Your Seat. Beginners – members and non-members – are always welcome to attend these informal sessions to discuss Zen practice. Besides addressing questions about sitting posture, concentration and breathing, zendo protocol, and the difficulties of getting started in Zen practice, we’ll carve out time for a short period of zazen and some feedback afterwards. And if you can’t make it this Saturday, come next Saturday, or next …

Coming to the Path: Donna Kowal

This Sunday, February 3, after sitting and chanting, Donna Kowal will give a Coming-to-the-Path talk.

Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion: Miyeon Oh

Also on Sunday, on behalf of the Zen of Living and Dying Group, Sangha member Dr. Miyeon Oh will offer a two hour introduction to mindful self-compassion, from 11 am to 1 pm in the Community Room. Space is limited, so if you would like to attend, email Miyeon at Miyeon@dreganallen.com, or text her at 585-435-7593 to let her know. Materials will be provided. Here is a more complete description of the workshop:

Self-Compassion means treating yourself the way you would treat good friends when they suffer, fall short, or fail in some way. People who are compassionate to themselves feel more connected to others, happier, and more likely to pick themselves up and try again. Most of us believe it is necessary to be self-critical to motivate ourselves, but the opposite is true. This is an introductory workshop, and we will explore how to motivate ourselves from a place of kindness rather than criticism. Paper and pencil will be used.