This morning at the center the sangha welcomed the new year of the rabbit by sitting in silence first, followed by a reading of chapter 25, Universal Gateway of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, from the Lotus Sutra. In this chapter, the Bodhisattva displays various forms (skillful means) throughout the world to save beings as well as bestows fearlessness upon those who wholeheartedly chant the Bodhisattva's name. We then held the Gate of Sweet Nectar ceremony to feed the hungry ghosts all around us and also in us. Jason made special Chinese moon cakes and Indian rice pudding as offering then shared with the sangha at the tea time. What a great way to begin the new year with a lovely sangha; we are very grateful for your presence!
As the new year begins, may we embody the teachings of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to help all beings without exception, and to be creative and flexible in how we help them. May our practice lead all beings to realize the fearlessness of our true nature.
Next Book Study "Platform Sutra"
The next book study will start on Tuesday, 1/24 - meditation at 6:30 pm and meeting at 7 pm. It will be both in-person and on Zoom. We will study the Platform Sutra, recorded teachings by the sixth ancestor in the Chinese Chan lineage (Zen is a Japanese descendant of Chinese Chan). Click here to register.
We encourage you to read it prior to the 1st book study meeting. Here is a PDF of the stura, or you can listen to it on YouTube here.
Watercolor painting by an inmate at the NE Penitentiary
Members of our center have been supporting the Buddhist meditation group at the NE Penitentiary by volunteering at their weekly group sitting as well as donating Buddhist books. We have become good spiritual friends. It's a great opportunity to let go of our judgements and see the Buddha nature in everyone. There is no time commitment to volunteer to sit with them. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email the center and we will help you start the application process.
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
Dharma Relief 2 (DR2): “Healing Racial Trauma Through Buddhist Communities"
This DR2 project is the first of its kind, providing support for Black dharma teachers so they can better serve their communities, bringing the benefits of Buddhadharma to heal suffering. We’re doing something that no dharma centers or communities are doing as a collective project. after two years of meetings and discussions, we’re finally at a good place with mutual understanding and trust. I invite you all to be part of this meaningful effort.
It is in the final stretch of its 2022 fundraising goals so that it can begin to make fellowships to Black Dharma teachers at the beginning of 2023.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, gifts to DR2 will be matched up to $10,000. That means $10,000 in gifts will provide $20,000 towards our fundraising goal. We can achieve our goals by year-end with your support.
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.
