On November 2nd 2024, All Beings Zen Sangha had its annual Sejiki Ceremony, in which we recited names of people, animals, etc. that have passed away within the past year, while having a chance to share how they have impacted our own lives or the ones around us. We honored and gave nourishment to them as well as all beings seen and unseen, here and gone, far and near, so that they may be satisfied and have all the conditions to thrive in this life and the next. Very grateful to our Sangha members who once again hosted this event at their beautiful residence, where we all shared heart-felt company and yummy sweets-n-treats afterward.

On November 1st, All Beings Zen Sangha welcomed the new month with a fun movie night, gathering to watch Suzuki Roshi’s talks on the Sandokai (Harmony of Difference and Equality). This event beautifully aligned with our practice period theme focused on the Sandokai, in which many of us our reading his talks given on this text in his book ‘Branching Streams Flow in the Darkness’. Now getting to also *watch* the talks given, allowed us not only to hear the words directly from the text, but also to glimpse the environment in which Suzuki Roshi originally delivered these teachings. After the film, we shared discussion reflecting on the aspects that resonated with each of us —Suzuki Roshi’s unique character, the elements of monastic practice, and the stunning natural scenery surrounding the freshly-built Tassajara Monastery.

To join us via zoom use this link. If asked for a password use 149227

Please put your zoom in gallery mode, and keep your video link on while muting your mic until the end of the service – Feel welcome to face away from your device camera while keeping your presence visible in the frame for others in attendance to see and know you are there. Please refrain from moving your device around while others are sitting zazen with you.

Order of Morning Practice

Robe Chant

40 minute period of Zazen

Four Great Vows

Short Morning Service

Morning greetings

Wednesday October 30, 2024 6:30am – Way Seeking Mind Talk following a brief period of zazen- Zen’etsu Clay will give a WSM talk.

To join use this link. If asked for a password use 034965

Tuesday October 29, 2024 2-2:45pm – Tuesday Tea at Two – John Flanagan will present “My encounters with Dogen’s Kuge.” Online only. Use this link to join. If asked for a password use 024787

Monday October 28, 2024 6:30am – Way Seeking Mind Talk following a brief period of zazen- Marie Olson will give a WSM talk.

To join us via zoom use this link. If asked for a password use 149227

Friday October 25, 2024 6:30am – Way Seeking Mind Talk following a brief period of zazen – Lewis May will give a WSM talk. Use this link to join. If asked for a password use 463913

Here is the Zoom link to join in the cloud zendo, password if needed: 522050

Tonight we will have a short service followed by one period of Zazen with an interval of Kinhin (5 minutes of slow walking in between) and have a talk by our Guiding Teacher Inryū Sensei. We will conclude by chanting the refuges in Pali. Please feel welcome to stay on zoom if you are able to share greetings with the sangha.

Please put your zoom in gallery mode, and keep your video link on while muting your mic until the end of the service – Feel welcome to face away from your device camera while keeping your presence visible in the frame for others in attendance to see and know you are there. Please refrain from moving your device around while others are sitting zazen with you.

Order of Service (text available at highlighted links)

Greeting by the Kokyo

Evening Bell Chant

Enmei Jukko Kannon Gyo

Short Morning Service to include: The Harmony of Difference and Sameness

25 Minute Zazen Period

5 minutes of Kinhin (slow walking)

Dharma Talk by the All Beings Zen Sangha Guilding Teacher/Resident Priest – Inryū Sensei on”The Segiki Season and the Sandokai”

Four Great Vows

Refuges in Pali

Tuesday October 22, 2024 2-2:45pm – Tuesday Tea at Two – Marie Olson will present”My Relationship with the Sandokai.” Online only. Use this link to join. If asked for a password use 024787 – Online only

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. 🙂