snow on temple

events

Winter 2011 Practice Period

January 20 - March 6
Red Cedar Dharma Hall & Vancouver

Practice Period is a time in which Zen students practice intensively together. Historically, practice period (ango, in Japanese) originated in the rains retreats of the early Buddhist monks and nuns when they could not travel due to heavy rains. During that time they settled down for more intensive practice.

Today, in monasteries the practice period schedule of zazen, silent work, and study is more intense than normal, and practitioners are expected to attend all events, never leaving the monastery. Our practice period is adapted to our lives as lay people in the West. Although we don't live in monasteries, each winter in the spirit of those in monastic practice, we try to settle our busy lives in order to intensify our practice. Especially today, in this time of extreme suffering throughout the globe, it feels crucial to come together to practice Buddha's Way in support of the awakening of all beings.

A central part of practice period is the head student, or "shuso." The shuso takes a leadership role as an emerging Dharma teacher and senior student by teaching a class and giving several dharma talks as well as meeting individually with practice period students for tea. The sangha in return gathers together to support the shuso. This year's shuso will be Edie Norton. Edie is a long time member of Red Cedar Zen who started practicing Zen in the 1970's in California with the Japanese teacher Kobun Chino continuing on with Tenshin Reb Anderson of San Francisco Zen Center and now entering into her shuso training with Zoketsu Norman Fischer

Starting with an opening ceremony on Thursday January 20st at the Dharma Hall and a weekend retreat in Vancouver January 21-23, a one day sesshin on February 5th at the Dharma Hall, and concluding with three day sesshin March 4-6, the Practice Period will include extra classes and zazen.

For most participants it's also a time to practice more at home, to study, or to take on a special focus in their practice lives. At the opening ceremony on January 20st we state our intentions and we do our best to stay connected with and supported by sangha during this dark winter time of practice.

Registration is required for the 3 retreats and the shuso's class.. Register online, look for paper forms at the Dharma Hall, or contact the registers for assistance at 360-312-7088 or registrar@redcedarzen.org. And tea with the shuso can be scheduled directly with Edie.

PLEASE NOTE: the retreat in Vancouver with Zoketsu Norman Fischer is sponsored by our sister sangha in Vancouver, the Mountain Rain Zen Community, and registration for this retreat is handled by the Mountain Rain Registrar. See www.mountainrainzen.org for info.

The following is a list of events that comprise Winter 2011 Practice Period. For more information about a particular event, including registration information if applicable, please click on the name of the event.