A Practice Period is the backbone of Zen life. It provides a deepening into body and mind, a new look at Dharma and a renewal of energy. For our lay center it is a special opportunity to meet with sangha in a more intimate way.

If you are interested in joining, please send an email, and I will provide the Commitment Form. It will also be available in the meeting room.

This fall, it will be a six-week intensive period, starting on October 7. There is going to be a shuso* this time, who will begin his service on the opening day, a one-day sitting. The Hossen Ceremony, where the shuso shows his understanding, will take place on Saturday, November 11, at 2 pm.

The class for this Intensive has the title Imagination and Transformation and deals with the Six Paramitas. We use Norman Fischer’s book The World Could Be Otherwise:. Imagination and the Bodhisattva Path. Please sign up separately for this.

The Intensive ends with a half-day sitting on Saturday, November 18.

A JUKAI, lay ordination for four of our sangha members, follows on Sunday, November 19, after the usual morning program.

*a senior practitioner, who shares the teacher’s seat