Open Gate Spring Sesshin

This year’s Open Gate Spring Sesshin will be Saturday May 5^th and Sunday 6^th.  We have scheduled this sesshin to coincide with Dharma Brother Mike Furst’s (Fa Dong) annual visit to America from Beijing, China.  Mike really enjoyed his stay with us last year and is looking forward to seeing everyone and sitting with the flamingos again in May. Anyone attending is welcome to come Friday evening and spend the night in the zendo, otherwise non-resident attendees should try to arrive around 7:00 am.

As usual, there will be an informal breakfast with social time Saturday morning, but otherwise we will be following our traditional sesshin schedule and etiquette. There is no fee for attending sesshin, but donations to help pay for food and heating costs are greatly appreciated. Mattresses will be provided for those who wish to remain in residence for the duration of the sesshin, but if you plan to stay you should bring your own additional bedding.

Please e-mail opengatezendo@msn.com to confirm your plans to attend, as we need an accurate head count for buying food stuffs.

2012 Spring Sesshin

Saturday Schedule

7:00-7:15 Arrive for Sesshin

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05-9:00 Informal Breakfast in Hojo

9:00-9:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-12:30 Samu (work period- clean up, yard work, meal preparation)

12:30- Call to Lunch (Han roll)

12:45-1:45 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

1:45-2:15 Break and kitchen cleanup

2:00- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:15-3:30 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:30-4:30 Angya practice. (monk procession walk)

4:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

4:45-5:15 One period Zazen

5:15-6:15 Dinner ceremony (Oryoki)

6:15-6:45 Break and kitchen cleanup

6:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

6:45-8:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

8:00 -8:50 Tea ceremony & Teisho (teaching)

8:50- Closing ceremony

9:00- Prepare for bed or leave for the night.

9:00 Konsho (striking the evening bell)

      

Sunday Schedule

7:00-7:15 Arrive for Sesshin

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05-9:00 Breakfast ceremony (Oryoki)

9:00-9:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-11:45 Samu (work period), meal preparation and/or exercise.

11:45- Call to Lunch (Han roll)

12:00-1:00 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

1:00-1:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

1:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

1:30-2:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

2:45-3:00 Short Break

3:00-3:55 Tea Ceremony, Teisho/Group Discussion

3:55 Closing ceremony

4:00 Konsho (striking the evening bell)

Island Gate Sangha

Shodo (Lee) Jishin, reports from Hawaii that he and Hana are intending to make their sitting group official in April. Lee has been very busy with his Clouds & Water practice, acting as an engaged Bodhisattva and itinerant Zen teacher.  Currently, Lee practices regularly with two loosely organized but separate sitting groups that he plans to consolidate into one.  If things go as planned, this will mark the beginnings of a new Boundless Way practice center to be named Island Gate Zendo.

In February Lee gave a Dharma talk at Daifukuji, Soto Zen temple (on the Big Island) during their Buddha's Parinirvana celebration. He spoke about the importance of practice, how he came to Buddhism and described his evolving practice as an engaged Bodhisattva; moving away from self-centered interests toward doing more to help people, animals and the environment.  Since moving to Hawaii, Lee has been working with Hospice of Kona, the Humane Society and Community Emergency Response Team, as well as, acting as an advocate for promoting a whole foods plant based diet and eliminating tobacco use.  

Currently, Lee is considering teaming up with a fellow hospice volunteer and Daifukuji Temple dharma brother named Shinkaku, who has offered a building that seems very suitable for their future Zendo. Shinkaku lives on five acres and he says that the building in back of the main house could accommodate about thirty people.  Meanwhile, Lee and Hana are renting a house in Kona that has a lot of room that will serve as temporary practice space.  Having, founded the Fukuyama Buddhist Fellowship (Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan in 2007), Lee and Hana already have some experience in founding and maintaining a successful practice group and are looking forward to building their Island Gate sangha.

Aloha

OBW Tenth Anniversary Celebration

Tenth Anniversary Celebration (Part One)

This summer marks the tenth anniversary of the Order of the Boundless Way, which was founded on June 29th, 2002.  From modest beginnings in a converted garage Zen Dojo in Olympia, Washington, the Order has grown to include students, members, and sanghas on five continents. Through the years we have had numerous blessings, including the good fortune to associate with many wonderful kindred spirits who fully understand and live by the principles of original Zen.

Among the other gifts that we have received has been some waterfront island property less than an hour away from Open Gate Zendo in Olympia. As part of our tenth anniversary activities, we plan to establish a presence on the island in the form of a small zendo.   This will be the first building of a retreat center that will be made available to members of the sangha for solitary retreats, sesshins, and special gatherings of the sangha.

Ultimately, the completed retreat center will consist of two main buildings: a zendo fashioned in the style of a traditional thatch-roofed Japanese farmhouse (rendering pictured above) and a main entrance hall that will be more like a traditional Zen temple building.   Both buildings will be on the same scale as their respective counterparts at Open Gate Zendo but will have their own unique styling.  Additionally, there will be three to five smaller outbuildings that will serve as private retreat huts and service buildings for the compound.

Unlike individual properties owned and/or leased by the individual sanghas, this island retreat property belongs to the Order overall and therefore will be funded by the membership and others interested in supporting our organization.  It is estimated that the entire compound will cost fewer than thirty thousand dollars, with each of the larger buildings costing just under ten thousand dollars each.  The goal for this summer is to have one hut and the zendo building built for our celebration and dedication. We have already had a few generous donations given to help move us forward with the initial construction, and currently have three thousand dollars to go towards the construction of the Zendo. The first hut is already under construction and has been funded separately; it will be moved out to the island this spring and act as our initial base of operations.

This announcement is intended to be both a proclamation of intent and an appeal for contributions. Local sangha members and friends have agreed to volunteer all of the labor, so all we need is the money for materials and related building expenses. The goal of this initial appeal is to get the seven thousand dollars needed to complete the zendo building and get it ready for this summer’s celebration. Anyone interested in contributing to this effort can contact Miles at opengatezendo@msn.com or submit donations by check (payable to Open Gate Zendo) to:

Open Gate Zendo
4123 Biscay Street NW
Olympia, WA 98502

News at Eleven: New Zendo Opens in Australia...

By Jishin Matt Hoka

In November 2011, The Central Coast Zen Centre held a public opening of the new Zendo in Davistown, Australia. However it’s fair to say that this was no ‘ordinary’ celebration.

On a typical Friday morning, which included morning Zazen, and a quick breakfast, I boarded the commuter train for Sydney. It was my usual day of work at the State Buddhist Council, which is about a one hour journey. As I slipped into a meditative state, the train passed through beautiful scenic vistas and breathtaking waterways, until suddenly I received a text message on my cell. As I read my partner’s wish for a happy day, I suddenly noticed that the date was 11/11/11. How auspicious I thought, not only was I heading for a day of important service, but the opening of our new Zendo was about to occur that very evening.

As I arrived at the Buddhist Council office, I heartily greeted everyone with a…… “Happy 11/11/11!”
This greeting was well received with an even greater response.
“Why don’t we sit together at 11:11 am” said the General Manager.

“What a good idea” said our Special Religious Education Assistant, “and why don’t we sit for sit for 11 minutes” she added.

“We could do 11 chants too” I said, joining in.
“Great” said the GM, “Matt, you lead the chanting and I’ll lead the meditation?”
“How auspicious, my Sangha and I are opening the new Zen centre this evening”, I announced with a nod.
“Well then, let us also make the wish for an auspicious opening of your new centre!” said the GM.

So as you can guess, at 11:11 am on 11/11/11 we sat for 11 minutes and then did 11 assorted chants. In jest, we all probably smiled at each another 11 times for the rest of the day.

That evening, it was planned to open the new centre with a vegetarian fest, chanting, Zazen and social activities. Our Sangha members previously volunteered their time and efforts to make the event quite remarkable. What we didn’t expect was another interesting twist in our plans. After my initial opening address and the first round of entrées, I looked at the previously prepared chanting list and noticed they were numbered from 1 to 11. Smiling, I decided to then deliver the unusual story of the day’s events at the Buddhist Council. Just then, one of our Sangha piped up and said…. “Well if we are all still here at 11:11 pm, why don’t we do exactly the same thing?”

The whole crowd then nodded in unanimous agreement.

As the evening progressed, I thought that some folks may become tired and leave to return home, but everyone stayed until 11:11 pm. Then we all somehow found positions on zafus, zabutons, benches and chairs and sat for 11 minutes, followed by 11 chants. So in summary, on 11/11/11 the workers and volunteers at the NSW Buddhist Council, offered the wish for an auspicious opening at 11:11am, by sitting for 11 minutes and chanting 11 mantras.  At 11:11pm, our tired, yet enthusiastic Sangha stayed on until 11:11pm, to sit for 11 minutes and chant 11 times.

My newly revised closing address was……..
“Friends, after 11 minutes of Zazen and 11 chants at 11:11pm on 11/11/11, I wish to declare that the new Zen centre is now fully open!”

When everyone applauded I thought I heard 11 claps.

Gassho,
Jishin Matt Hoka

Guitar Strumming Bodhisattva



Ron Brickey (Muji Shindo), one of our guitar strumming Bodhisattvas, is busy working in the Washington DC area. In addition to his regular practice and prison Dharma work; he is diligently involved in the Guitars-not-Guns program which works with at risk youth (see video above).

Ron has been practicing monthly with the inmates at the Federal Prison in Hopewell, Virginia and is currently planning a one day retreat with them in April. The average attendance in the monthly session is about 20 at the Medium risk facility and about 6 at the Low risk facility.  The proposed retreat is first event of this kind at the Hopewell Prison. Ron has permission to take the Buddhist inmates who are interested out of general population for full a day of meditation, silence, and fasting. He says that he is really enjoying working with both the kids and the inmates and adds that this volunteer work is a boon to his own practice.

Annual Thich Nhat Hanh inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk

Despite all of our efforts to the contrary, this year’s Peace Walk was a wonderful success. We forgot to put out posters until the weekend before the walk, the scheduled newspaper article promoting the walk never ran, and the morning of the walk was greeted by the year’s first heavy snowfall. But when the eight of us from Open Gate arrived at the lake, dedicated peacewalkers were already at the park waiting for us, wondering if we would show up. Twenty-six hardy souls set out on the long, slow march with us, and by the time we circled back to the starting point, fifty-one different people had walked for all or part of the trek. Their dedication showed us that the lessons of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the continuing efforts of Thich Nhat Hanh have been taken to heart. We have learned that peace is not a single goal to attain, but an ongoing practice. Though there will always be conflict in the world, steady and dedicated efforts by sincere and compassionate people ensure that there will always be peace right alongside it.

“Nirvana and the ordinary world of suffering are not two things but related to each other. There is no nirvana except where the world of suffering is; there is no world of suffering apart from nirvana. For existence is not mutually exclusive.”

-Buddha

Lankavatara Sutra

Open Gate Zendo Winter Sesshin

Open Gate Zendo Rohatsu/Winter Sesshin

As it has become a tradition; the 2012 Open GateWinter Sesshin will coincide with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, from Saturday, January 14th through Monday, January 16th. Our practice schedule will include the Sunday afternoon Silent Peace Walk around Olympia’s Capitol Lake.

Anyone wanting to arrive early is welcome to come Friday evening and spend the night in the Zendo. Attendees arriving in the morning should try to arrive by 7:00.  There will be an informal breakfast with social time Saturday morning, but otherwise we will be following our traditional silent sesshin schedule and etiquette.

There is no fee for attending, but as usual, contributions for food and to help pay for supplies and heating costs would be most helpful. Mattresses will be provided for those who wish to remain in residence for their duration at sesshin and showers will be made available.

    

Please e-mail; opengatezendo@msn.com with any questions and/or to confirm your plans to attend, we need an accurate head count for buying food stuffs.

2012 Winter Sesshin

Saturday Schedule

First Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen (Chosan- first morning meditation)

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05-9:00 Informal Breakfast and kitchen cleanup (in Hojo)

9:00-9:15 Sesshin Introduction and Instructions

Second Morning Session

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-12:30 Samu (work and/or exercise/rest period)

12:30- Call to Lunch (Han roll)

12:15- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

12:45-1:45 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

1:45-2:10 Break and kitchen cleanup

Afternoon Session

2:00- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:15-3:30 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:30-4:30 Angya practice. (monk procession walk)

4:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

4:45-5:15 One period Zazen

5:15- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for Dinner- bring out trays

5:30-6:15 Dinner ceremony (Oryoki)

6:15-6:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

Evening Session

6:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

6:45-8:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

8:00-8:10- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for tea, bring out trays

8:10 -8:50 Tea ceremony & Teisho (teaching) and/or Dharma Discussion.

8:55- Closing ceremony

9:00- Daily Closing- Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

9:00- Prepare for bed or non-residents leave for the night.

Sunday Schedule

First Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen (Chosan- first morning meditation)

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

8:15-9:00 Breakfast ceremony (Oryoki)

9:00-9:25 Break and kitchen cleanup

Second Morning Session

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

11:15-1:15 Angya practice. (MLK Silent procession walk Capitol Lake)

1:15-2:30  Hosted Sangha Lunch

Afternoon Session

2:30- Call to Zazen (time adjusted to return time)

2:45-4:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

4:00- 4:30 Work and/or exercise/rest period (may be adjusted for schedule)

4:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

4:45-5:15 One period Zazen

5:15- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for Dinner- bring out trays

5:30-6:15 Dinner ceremony (Oryoki)

6:15-6:40 Break and kitchen cleanup

Evening Session

6:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

6:45-8:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

8:00-8:10- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for tea, bring out trays

8:10 -8:50 Tea ceremony & Teisho (teaching) and/or Dharma Discussion.

8:55- Closing ceremony

9:00- Daily Closing- Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

9:00- Prepare for bed or non-residents leave for the night.

Monday Schedule

Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen (Chosan- first morning meditation)

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

8:15-9:00 Breakfast ceremony (Oryoki)

9:00-9:15 Break and kitchen cleanup

Second Morning Session

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-11:45 Samu (work and/or exercise/rest period)

11:45 Han Roll

12:00-12:30 One Period Zazen

12:30- 12:40 Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

12:40-1:30 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

Afternoon Session

1:30-2:00 Break and kitchen cleanup

1:45- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:00-3:15 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:15-3:30 Short Break

3:30-4:30 Tea ceremony, Teisho/Group Discussion

4:30-Closing - Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

Dojin Roku

The Dojin Roku Blog has some new activity worth investigating with two new posts; one by Kaishin Michael Pockley and the other by Jikai George Walczak, both are well worth the read and reflection.

Read more at:  Dojin Roku

Remember, the purpose of this blog is to connect members of the order and the greater Boundless Mind Zen sangha and act as common ground for thoughts, observations and shared teachings as presented by the members of our order.

Now that our sangha is international; with various sangha members around the United States and in five continents, it is very important for us Wayfarers to keep in touch with each other by sharing our experiences and life lessons that have helped us along our paths.  You can also follow this blog by Email in the same way that you follow Drifting Clouds & Flowing Water by submitting your Email address.

Additionally, I have published a new essay based on my Open Gate dharma talk a few weeks back on the nature of reality and the importance of the “Big Picture”   
This new essay can be found at: Connect the Dots

Enjoy the Holidays!

Miles

Annual Silent Peace Walk

For the past five years the South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship has sponsored a silent meditation peace walk around Capitol Lake here in Olympia, Washington. Traditionally, this event takes place on the Sunday before Martin Luther King Day as part of the Martin Luther King Day weekend activities. For the last three years the walk has been incorporated into the Open Gate Zendo Winter Sesshin, as part of our retreat schedule.

The annual walk is conducted in the walking meditation tradition of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, who King himself had nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Our  group participation allows members of the Order and of the Open Gate Sangha to share their practice with those in the greater community that are equally interested in supporting non-violence and silent meditative practices. Members of the Order, local sangha members and the general public are all encouraged to join in this silent hour of common unity, regardless of their spiritual beliefs and/or practices.

This year’s walk is on Sunday, January 15th and will begin at Marathon Park on the south side of the lake precisely at noon. Anyone wishing to walk in silent meditation in support of peace in the name of Dr. King is invited to attend. Sangha members are not required to attend the sesshin in order to participate in the walk. Please plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early to help us get organized and receive instructions.



Meet Kenneth Zen Bodhi

Hello my fellow Sangha members,

My name is Kenneth Zen Bodhi.

I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington.  I am the middle child of three boys raised by a single mom.  Growing up we attended a very conservative charismatic, full gospel church.  After graduating high school, I attended the Christian Life College of Theology (CLCT).  After my CLCT studies were complete, I was a pastor at a local church in Spokane. However, after several years the church where I was an associate pastor, split.  It was this experience, coupled with several other life-altering events that occurred during the same period that resulted in my disillusionment, and questioning the faith that I had believed and ministered.

I decided to attend a public college to work toward a degree and start a career outside of the ministry.  I attended Spokane Community College (SCC).  After 2 years at SCC, I transferred to Gonzaga University where I graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and minor in Criminal Justice.  Upon receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I applied for graduate school, where I received a Master of Public Administration degree.

Knowing I wanted to work within the government to make the changes I believed in, I applied for and was accepted into the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) program with the federal government.  It was through the PMF program that I took at job with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Philadelphia.  I packed my Honda Civic with everything I owned and headed east.

After a few years in Pennsylvania, we decided to move to Maryland and now Virginia where I currently work for the U.S. Geological Survey helping to protect the environment, save wildlife, and provide vital research information on global warming.

While in Maryland, I began an earnest search for truth.  It was through this search that I found Buddhism.  The more I studied Buddhism the more that I felt I had arrived at the truth I had been seeking my whole life.  It is like a parched individual in the desert finding water.

It was through starting to study for a degree in Buddhism that I met Ron Brickey (Muji Shindo).  Ron was gracious enough to take me as a student.  I am thoroughly excited about joining the Sangha, and learning more from every member of The Order of the Boundless Way. I am hoping when the time is right to begin a Sangha in the part of Virginia that I now live.

Thank you for welcoming me to the Sangha, I am sure we will one day meet face-to-face.

Metta,

Kenneth Zen Bodhi

Meet Maitri Sojourner

Hello,  my name is Maitri Sojourner I live in Olympia with my husband, David.  Our two children are now grown and have “flown the nest”.  I currently work for the State of Washington, Department of Commerce managing three programs that help low-income people become more self-sufficient.  I am also a practicing artist, and am currently working in several media—painting and fiber work mostly.  In my art I usually explore themes of communication and interconnectedness.

About seven years ago I reached a point in my life where my Christian upbringing was not enough—I felt there was something missing.  I began reading various literature about Eastern philosophies, and found that I gravitated to Buddhism (and also somewhat to Taoism).  I also took my present name to more accurately reflect this new focus in my life—“Maitri”—from the Sanskrit for “loving kindness”, and “Sojourner”—someone who is on a journey.  I no longer consider myself Christian, although I learned many admirable things from that faith.  I now take what I consider to be a larger view of the universe—one in which we are all connected, we are all one. 

Late last year I was invited to Open Gate Zendo by a friend and sangha member and have been attending ever since.  I have come to believe that the philosophy of Boundless Mind Zen and the Order of the Boundless Way suits my understanding and fits well with my own spiritual journey.  I feel fortunate to have found the Open Gate Zendo sangha and I wish to continue to study, practice and enjoy this community of spiritual friends as I develop my spiritual intelligence. I have officially requested to become a a student of Boundless Mind Zen with the intention of becoming a member of the Order and I look forward to the continued opportunity to study with the sangha, my friends, in the Order of the Boundless Way.

Deep Bow,

Maitri Sojourner

Eighth Day of the Twelfth Month

Something I once read

Rohatsu brings satori

Eighth day, the twelfth month

In the Japanese Zen tradition, Rohatsu is the day celebrated in recognition of the Buddha’s enlightenment.  The word Rohatsu means the eighth day of the twelfth month and was originally tied to the Chinese lunar calendar. Due to the misalignment of lunar months with the solar year, this typically places Rohatsu in early to mid January. However, due to the adoption of the western calendar by the Japanese, the day of Rohatsu is most typically celebrated on December 8^th as the eighth day of the twelfth solar month.

Nevertheless, many traditional temples, monasteries and modern Zen Centers still observe (or have returned to observing) Rohatsu in January, according to the original lunar tradition. Sometimes this is done because of tradition, while at other times it is a return to the original time frame based more on modern calendar conflicts.  For those of us living in the West (or heavily influenced by the Western culture), December is a very busy month with the eighth day of the twelfth month landing smack in the middle of the Holiday Season.

For the last few years, this clashing of cultural traditions has led to the reconfiguration of Rohatsu recognition at Open Gate Zendo.  In order to allow those of us who have friends and family who are fundamentally “not Buddhists” to participate fully in the Holiday Season, we have moved our Rohatsu Sesshin to mid January.  Typically, this Winter Sesshin coincides with the Martin Luther King three day weekend and the Sunday afternoon silent peace walk around Olympia’s Capitol Lake (as it will again this year). 

However, in observance of the December tradition, we continue to recognize “the eighth day of the twelfth month” with our evening practice session nearest to December eighth. This year, this special Rohatsu practice session will be on the evening of Wednesday December 7^th and will begin at 6:45 PM. 

Below is the practice schedule for this year’s December Rohatsu Eve: 

6:45    Call to Zazen (Han Roll)

7:00 - 7:30  First period of Zazen

7:30 - 7:35  Incense Ceremony

7:35 - 8:05  Second period of Zazen

8:05 – 8:30 Tea Ceremony and Teisho

8:30    Closing Gatha

The Open Gate Rohatsu/Winter Sesshin will be held January 14^th - 16^th