Ceremony of Atonement April, 17 Approximately every six weeks we hold a ceremony for the renewal of our vows and precepts. The ceremony includes a period of zazen, chanting, bowing, and an opportunity to bear witness to our conduct in the presence of the Sangha. Those who have received the precepts are asked to attend this ceremony regularly. Open to everyone. Schedule:7:15 service in the Buddha Hall; 7:30 Zazen; 7:50 Atonement Ceremony in the Zendo

China Pilgrimage 2008

Earth Day

Sunday April, 20 11 am - Noon

Dharma Talk Roundtable: "Samantabadhra Speaks"

(Samantabadhra is the Great Action Bodhisattva associated with the Karma Sphere)

Speakers:

Bill Earth-Mirror Corcoran, Senior Regional Representative - Sierra Club

Darla Myoho Fjeld, Executive Director - Coalition LA

Gary Koan Janka, Steward - Angulimala Prison Project

Penelope Luminous-Heart Thompson, Certified Chaplain

1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Tree-Planting with Roshi and Koan.

Everyone welcome.

Facilitated by the Brown-Green Group

Denim Day in LA

Wednesday, April 23

We received an invitation from Peace Over Violence to join them as an endorsing agency for their Denim Day on (Wednesday) April 23, 2008, part of Sexual Assault Awareness month. This annual event is a massive education campaign aimed at rape prevention and rape myths and realities. To celebrate their 10th year, the campaign is going national this year, as Denim Day USA. You can read more at http://www.denimdayinla.org

Also: The Zen Center will therefore hold a Chanting Service from 7-7:25 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 (Denim Day) in lieu of evening service—and asking Sangha to join in wherever they may be. We will chant the Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo
You are encouraged to wear denim (jeans) on this day. Pick a sticker in the Sangha House to make a personal statement.

Thank you to Peace Over Violence for their never tiring efforts on behalf of the safety and dignity of women!

Ceremony of Receiving the Precepts, Jukai

April 29 11:00a.m.

To take Jukai, means to receive the precepts, is an important rite of passage. During these ceremonies people will state publicly to take on the Bodhisattva Precepts as their intention for this life and beyond. As part of the ceremony recipients will receive the Wisdom of the Lineage, their new Dharma Names and their Rakusus, the robe of the Buddha.

The Sangha is invited to bear witness

Preceptor Ensho, recipient Al Hoagland

Wall-gazing Day

May 10, 2008

Bare bones zazen, sitting in meditation facing the wall, in the style of the great ancestor Bodhidharma. For schedule click here.

Introduction to Sesshin

May 22 eve. — 24 2008

Led by Dharma Holder Ensho Berge

Literally translated, sesshin means “to unify the mind.”  It is an extended silent retreat in which much of the normal schedule of the Center is set aside to allow for a more focused zazen practice, punctuated by work, rest, oryoki meals, and talks.  

This Intro to Sesshin is designed to help you learn about this form of practice by providing more opportunities for instruction, questions and explanation than would ordinarily be possible in the silence of Sesshin.  It is quite literally a class on how to do sesshin.  In addition, the periods are shorter and the schedule lighter.  Participation in sesshin is an important part of the practice here on Normandie Mountain and we encourage you to use this as an opportunity to deepen your practice.  

Also: The Tenzo (Cook) supports the Sangha and the container of Sesshin by providing nourishment. The Tenzo position is a practice position. It is pure bodhisattva action because one cares for a practicing community. It is a supreme gift. For the Tenzo, serving the community goes hand in hand with serving oneself. If one is not served, neither is the other. How does one serve oneself as Tenzo? If you are interested in starting/deepening your practice as Tenzo, please contact Gemmon in the office.

Compassionate Care of the Dying

June: Friday 27.— Sunday 29

led by Evi Gemmon Ketterer

Weekend Retreat on Contemplative Care Giving.

For program discription and registration click here.  

Precepts Series: An Introduction to the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts.

Schedule at ZCLA on Tuesday evenings, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., July 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5 (plus a bonus class to be added)      

led by Roshi and Ensho at ZCLA

Schedule at The Valley Sangha on Monday evenings, 7:30 – 9:00 pm., July 7, 14, 21, 28, and August 4 (plus a bonus class to be added)

led by Shingetsu at teh valley Sangha.

This series introduces practitioners to the Sixteen Zen Bodhisattva precepts.

The classes are open to all those who are interested in learning about the precepts and their application to their life. The classes are highly recommended for everyone who practices at ZCLA. The classes are a combination of lectures and discussion. Assignments will be given. This series is a prerequisite for everyone who is interested in formally receiving the precepts (Jukai). 

For more information click here.