Category Archives: Featured Events

Aspects of Zen

GBZC is now offering an “Aspects of Zen” series, meeting online monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30 pm.

The next session of our Aspects of Zen series is entitled “What We Do When We Sit” and will take place online on Wednesday May 8th from 7-8:30pm. This session will be about the processes and purposes that guide Zen sitting practice. It will be facilitated by Julie Nelson (GBZC member and a sensei).

Please register here so we know you are coming. The suggested donation is $15 per session, but please don’t let money issues keep you away! You will receive the zoom link upon registration or can find it on the GBZC Calendar. Future topics may include our liturgy, our GBZC history, living Zen in the world, ethics, and/or questions that may come up in Dharma Discussions during our Tuesday evening or Saturday morning practice periods. Leaders (or co-leaders) will be GBZC members who have experience with a topic and want to share it.

Questions? Ideas for topics? Interested in leading a session? Contact [email protected].

Introduction to Zen Practice

Are you new to meditation? Or perhaps you’ve been meditating on your own, but would like to know more about Zen? Or maybe you are an experienced practitioner who would like to know more about what we are doing at GBZC and why? Have you tried out other Zen sanghas but found them teacher-centered and cultish? On Saturday Morning May 4 and Tuesday evening May 7, GBZC will be offering “Introduction to Zen Practice” during our normal practice times.

Experienced sangha members will demonstrate and explain (as well as lead) our walking, chanting, bowing, and sitting forms. The second period will be used for questions and discussion. All are welcome, either in person or over zoom! See the Schedule Summary webpage for times and links to instructions.
 
Note to regular attendees: Please still plan to come! We can all use our experience to guide newer folks, all enjoy the discussion, and all take this opportunity to review and better harmonize our Zen forms.

Precepts Discussion Group

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

The next Precepts Discussion Group will start in  spring or early summer 2024. The group usually meets for 45 minutes per week for 12 weeks at a time convenient to those who express interested, with readings in between.This study is open to all, whether you are just curious or intending to participate in Jukai (the formal ceremony of receiving the Precepts) or perhaps feeling the need to revisit these descriptions of an awakened life as a source of inspiration and solace. It is always an honor to share Precepts study together.

It is fine to miss class due to other commitments. If you are preparing for Jukai, 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. We hold a Jukai ceremony as needed, usually once or twice a year. More information is available in Preparing for Jukai. 

Email [email protected] to express interest or for more information.