Zazenkai
Zazenkai is half a day of intensive zazen and a Dharma talk which provides an opportunity to deepen your practice. If you have not practised with us, please arrange an orientation before attending a zazenkai.
Zazenkai can be an introduction to longer practice, and is a good preparation for sesshin (retreats) where we sit for multiple days. On Sundays once a month at the zendo, Zazenkai is a rich practice format that includes a dharma talk given by a teacher or senior student, a sutra service, extended zazen and dokusan (interview with the teacher). And on some months our teachers and senior students will share their knowledge and skills in the arts.
The Sydney Zen Centre relies on the financial support of its members and visitors. If you’re not a member and are attending the zendo for the zazenkai, the facility fee is $10. Please make a bank transfer via PayID using our email: info@szc.org.au Please tag the payment with your name and the letters “FF”. Or you can leave cash in the donation box at the zendo.
2026
January – No zazenkai this month
February 15 –Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Jane Andino, roshi 9.30am – 1200
Jane’s teisho will explore a dialogue with Ch’an master Yunan and his question ‘What is your Buddha-nature?’
March 15 – Annandale – Tea ceremony with Peter Bursky
09.30 3 bells followed by silent tea offering to Buddha/altar, no sutras
10.00 Zazen
10.30 Tea talk by Peter + questions/discussion if time
11.00 Tea ceremony – Peter will make tea and anyone can partake as they wish. We will start in silence and discussion/questions can open up as we near the end. Sweets provided by Sean
12.00 End
April 12 – Buddha’s birthday & Baby Naming Ceremony at Annandale
May 17 – Annandale – Arts Zazenkai “Finding one’s way with Clay” with senior Zen student and artist Janet Selby.
Janet will give a guided meditation, based on a book of that name by Paulus Berensohn. Then, while we’re making a clay pinch pot, she will help us to be centred, mindful, to notice the clay reacting to our individuality and to be in the moment. Clay will be provided.
10:00 – 10:20 Guided meditation on our relationship with clay
12:00 End
June – May 31 – Samu at Annandale in lieu of zazenkai
July 19 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan with Gillian Coote, roshi
August 16 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Maggie Gluek, roshi
September 19 & 20 – Kodoji – samu in lieu of zazenkai
October 18 – AGM and potluck – replaces zazenkai – meeting starts at 10.30am (9-10am zazen) Potluck lunch
November 8 – Annandale – Memorial ceremony with Maggie
December – No zazenkai this month
