Quote form the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch
The Master instructed the assembly, "Good friends, what is meant by 'sitting in Ch'an (J. Zen)?' In this unobstructed and unimpeded Dharma-door, the mind's thoughts do not arise with respect to any good or evil external state. That is what 'sitting' is. To see the unmoving self-nature inwardly is Ch'an.
"Good friends, what is meant by 'Ch'an concentration?' Being separate from external marks is 'Ch'an.' Not being confused inwardly is 'concentration'.
"If you become attached to external marks, your mind will be confused inwardly. If you are separate from external marks, inwardly your mind will be unconfused. The original nature is naturally pure, in a natural state of concentration. Confusion arises merely because states are seen and attended to. If the mind remains unconfused when any state is encountered, that is true concentration."
In-person + Zoom Practice
The center has re-opened for in-person group practice (masks are optional). Zoom access will continue to be provided for most sessions (see below). All sessions are donation based; your generosity keeps our door open.
Monday:
5:30 PM Beginner's Instruction (no need to register, just show up by 5:30 PM)
6 PM zazen (sit) and kinhin (walk). Zoom Link Here
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CHANTS
As a reminder, please note that meditation at the Zen Center will now involve reciting the Verse Of Atonement before the first seated meditation:
Verse of Atonement Before the first meditation session
(recited three times, hands in Gassho)
ALL MY ANCIENT TWISTED KARMA
FROM BEGININNGLESS GREED, HATE AND DELUSION
BORN OF BODY, SPEECH, AND MIND,
I NOW FULLY ATONE.
Verse Before The Dharma Talk Following meditation and before the Dharma reading
(recited three times, hands in Gassho)
THE DHARMA IS VAST AND SUBTLE
WE NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO HEAR IT,
STUDY IT, AND PRACTICE IT.
WE VOW TO REALIZE ITS TRUE MEANING.
The Four Bodhisattva Vows After meditations and the Dharma reading
(recited three times, hands in Gassho)
CREATIONS ARE NUMBERLESS,
I VOW TO FREE THEM.
DELUSIONS ARE INEXHAUSTIBLE,
I VOW TO TRANSFORM THEM.
REALITY IS BOUNDLESS,
I VOW TO PERCEIVE IT.
THE AWAKENED WAY IS UNSURPASSABLE,
I VOW TO EMBODY IT.
The Evening Verse (recited once only by the doan)
LET ME RESPECTFULLY REMIND YOU:
LIFE AND DEATH ARE OF SUPREME IMPORTANCE.
TIME PASSES SWIFTLY BY AND OPPORTUNITY IS LOST
LET US AWAKEN, AWAKEN - TAKE HEED
DO NOT SQUANDER YOUR LIFE
Your donation of $5~$10 each time keeps the Zen Center open. We appreciate your donation. You can make a donation here.
