Author Archives: Communications WG

Precepts Discussion Group

The Precepts of Skillful Action are the core Zen ethical teachings They are the heart of what it means to practice Zen off the cushion—and their study is an endlessly rich, ever-unfolding practice.

This study is open to all, whether you are just curious, intending to participate in a future formal ceremony of “receiving the precepts,” or have attended before and just want to discuss the precepts again.

The Fall 2025 cycle will begin September 14 and run through November 30. Here is the information document  with information about the book(s) we will use, the schedule, and the zoom link. 

It is fine to miss a class due to other commitments. If you are preparing for the ceremony, you may make up classes in the next cycle. There is no set fee, but donations are gratefully accepted. 

 

Watch the GBZC Newsletter (subscribe here) for announcements of future cycles. 

Email precepts@bostonzen.org to enroll or for more information. 

New Venue for Tuesday Evenings!

KC Parish House photoWe are excited to announce that Tuesday Evening Practice is now being held in-person at the historic King’s Chapel Parish House, 64 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108 (as well as online over zoom). Right across the street from the Boston Common, this location is easily accessible from the Arlington, Park St., and Boylston MBTA stations.

Please try to arrive by 6:45pm, and in any case before 7 pm. When you come to the door it will be locked, so you will need to knock using the door knocker to be let in. Also note the address carefully! The Parish House is not at the same address as King’s Chapel itself.

See How and When to Come for information on MBTA access and parking.

As always, if you are new to Zen or to GBZC we encourage you to contact tuesday@bostonzen.org to arrange for an initial orientation.

Book Group: For Aging Zen Learners

Of course we are all aging, and at the same pace! Yet the reality of this often becomes more noticeable at midlife or later. This group is for anyone who wants to explore with others how we may be fully present in this process, drawing on resources from the Zen tradition. 

Beginning September 16, 2025, we will be reading and discussing This Is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity by Susan Moon, on the third Tuesday of every month, 9-10 am. For more information, the schedule, and the zoom link, see this instructions document.

Questions? Email julie@bostonzen.org.

Note: Thesaurus.com suggests synonyms for “aging” that include “maturing,” “fermenting,” “mellowing,” “crumbling,” and “developing”! 🙂Take your pick, or embrace them all! 

LGBTQIA+ Zen Group

CURRENTLY ON HAITUS

The community at GBZC invites you to participate in the LGBTQIA+ Zen Group, a monthly sitting practice where our focus is on LGBTQIA+ issues. Our aim is to create a safe space for Zen meditation and dialogue for LGBTQIA+ people and allies.

What to Expect:
This is a shortened Zen Buddhist service that will include chanting, seated meditation, walking meditation, and discussion. We will also seek to bring in teachers from the Zen community that can speak to topics affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. No RSVP required.

This is an opportunity to cultivate a diverse community rooted in inclusivity, justice, and compassion. This group is meant to be both an entry point to discovering and practicing Zen and an exploratory practice for LGBTQIA+ people and allies already familiar with Zen.

Location: Currently being conducted via Zoom. Instructions here.

When: Every 4th Sunday from 7:00-8:30pm unless otherwise noted.

Approximate program schedule:
6:30 pm – Early arrival for newcomers that would like an orientation
7:00 pm – Sutra Service (15 min), Walking Meditation (5 min), Sit (20 min), Walking Meditation (5 min), Discussion/Talk (30 min), Walking Meditation (5 min), Closing Service (5 min)
8:30 pm – Out for the evening

Who: All LGBTQIA+ people and allies are welcome.

Questions/Comments: Please contact the group’s facilitator at lgbtqia@bostonzen.org.

art as spiritual practice

Arts as Spiritual Practice Group

 

CURRENTLY ON HIATUS

The Arts as Spiritual Practice group evolved from Writing as Spiritual Practice to reflect the many variegated gifts of its participants. This open group meets twice a month to create a community of loving support for participants’ creative endeavors and to help one another see inherent links to spiritual practice. This is an especially good space for those interested in or engaged in art but who do not necessarily see themselves as “artists.”

We cultivate this community through creative practices of reading and listening (often a close reading from our sutra book), guided prompts and exercises, and space to come forth and share work of any form. We meet one another’s work with attentive, encouraging, and, we hope, inspiring feedback, letting the act of response become an art in itself. All are welcome to join and participate at any level that feels comfortable, either to share work or to listen and marinate in the work of others.

This group is co-facilitated by GBZC members Rebecca Doverspike and Sarah Fleming, who aspire to hold a shared space where all voices know themselves as vibrant and vital.

We have also launched a seasonal creative arts journal, Radiant to the Heart: A Journal of Zen Arts. We invite you to read it—or submit to it!—here. To accompany the release of each new volume, we hold a journal launch for those both in and beyond our community. The theme of the second volume of Radiant to the Heart is art as refuge during turbulent times. Stay tuned!

Location: Currently being conducted via Zoom. Instructions and guidelines here.

When:  Monthly from 7-9pm on the last Thursday of the month.

Who: All are welcome for any of the meetings.

Questions/Comments: Please contact Rebecca Doverspike and Sarah Fleming at writing@bostonzen.org.