This past Sunday, our Sangha gathered for our first full-day Zazenkai of this Fall Practice Period. Beginning at 9:00am, we began with an introduction from our guiding teacher on the day’s schedule, moving into morning service which included chanting our Ango study text, the Sandokai. As the thirteen attendees relaxed into their seat, the ring of the bell invited our heart-mind’s to sink into zazen for 30 minutes at a time, followed by 10 minute segments of kinhin (walking meditation).
Throughout the day, we enjoyed two formal oryoki meals prepared by our two tenzo’s (head cook). Prior to our lunch period, we began with an engaged, step-by-step process of this ‘just-enough’ style of eating that is formally practiced in our Soto Zen lineage, which was led by one of our Senior-Sangha members. Afterwards, we had a period of time for exercising our bodies, in which many of us went for a led walk around the neighboring area, while others stayed inside for stretching and Dharma study. Whether being outside or remaining in with the windows open, it felt like the rustling leaves and Autumn winds were practicing along with us.
By evening time, inside the zendo had a pleasant harmony cultivated from practicing together all day. Outside the zendo in our Nations Capital, we started to hear the October happenings: halloween music, kids giggling as they explored the neighborhood, and the many creatures in all of their late night activity. It was a marvelous environment to sit zazen together in.
In our last evening service, we incorporated a dedication of merit inspired by and borrowed from Shodo Spring Roshi from Mountains and Waters Alliance, which extended our day’s Bodhisattva activities at All Beings Zen Sangha .. to All Beings. (photo of eko below)
We concluded our Zazenkai with chanting the refuges at 8:00PM. It was a beautiful day to practice together.
Please come to our next Zazenkai of this practice period on November 16th. If you’re interested in seeing what the full schedule looks like, scroll down two posts from this one. 🙂
