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. When held 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). Wearing a mask is optional in the dojo and at the discretion of the teacher for dokusan.
The Sydney Zen Centre relies on the financial support of its members and visitors. If you are not a member and are attending the zendo for the zazenkai, the facility fee is $10. You can pay this direct to our bank account: BSB 062 182 Account number 1013 7103. Please tag the payment with your name and the letters “FF”.
2023
January 15 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Jane Andino, roshi
“Yun Men leads a treasure hunt”
February 19 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Maggie Gluek, roshi
“Ritual in Zen practice and how it helps us take care of our lives”
March 19 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by apprentice teacher, Peter Bursky
Zen Master Hongzhi’s “Practice Instructions” titled “The Bright Boundless Field”
April 23 – Annandale – Baby-naming ceremony in lieu of zazenkai – postponed
May 21 – Annandale – Clay-zenkai 9.30am to 12pm
Be guided by Janet Selby in using clay as a mindfulness practice. We will make a small giving/receiving bowl at a cost basis $10, plus a suggested donation to SZC fundraising $50 Contact Janet if you’re planning to come: janetselby@bigpond.com
June 4 – Annandale – Samu at Annandale in lieu of zazenkai
July 16 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Gillian Coote, roshi
We recently honoured Sally Hopkins, who gave herself unstintingly to our sangha, and, in a couple of weeks, will honour Tony Coote, who gave so much to create Kodoji, our wilderness retreat centre. So, Gilly will talk about Dana, the Sanskrit word for giving or relinquishment. Dana is the first of the Ten Perfections, or Paramitas, the others being Shila – morality, Kshanti – forebearance, Virya – zeal, Dhyana – settled, focused meditation, Prajna – wisdom, Upaya – compassion and Pranidhana – aspiration. They are the subject of Aitken Roshi’s book, “The Practice of Perfection: The Paramitas from a Zen Buddhist Perspective”.
August 19/20 – Bushwalking weekend at Kodoji – postponed to 4th & 5th November
September 17 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Peter Bursky
October 15 – AGM and potluck – replaces zazenkai – meeting starts at 10.30am (9-10am zazen) Potluck lunch
November 19 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Paul Maloney, roshi
December 17 – No zazenkai this month
2024
January 21 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Jane Andino, roshi
February 18 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by apprentice teacher Will Moon
March 17 – Annandale – Haiku writing workshop and walk led by senior student, Diana Levy
April 21 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by apprentice teacher, Peter Bursky
May 19 – Annandale – Clay-zenkai 9.30am to 12pm
Be guided by Janet Selby in using clay as a mindfulness practice. We will make a small giving/receiving bowl at a cost basis $10, plus a suggested donation to SZC fundraising $50 Contact Janet if you’re planning to come: janetselby@bigpond.com
June 16 – Annandale – Samu at Annandale in lieu of zazenkai
July 21 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Gillian Coote, roshi
August 17/18 – Bushwalking weekend, led by apprentice teacher Will Moon
September 15 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Maggie Gluek
October 20 – AGM and potluck – replaces zazenkai – meeting starts at 10.30am (9-10am zazen) Potluck lunch
November 17 – Annandale – Dharma talk and dokusan by Paul Maloney, roshi
December 15 – No zazenkai this month
