|
|
|
Practice offerings
|
|||
|
Sesshin
Rohatsu Sesshin: November 29th
-- December 6th
Sesshin is a silent zazen retreat, a chance to sink more deeply into Zen practice. The day consists of zazen, sutra chanting, meals, a dharma talk and work. We take meals formally using traditional oryoki bowls. Oryoki training is available before sesshin begins. Sesshins may vary from two days to seven days in length. (A sample schedule is available here.)
To register
for the Rohatsu sesshin, please email or call (507) 542-4968.
Practice Period (Ango) Winter
Practice Period: January 18th -- February 28th Fall
Practice Period: November 15th -- December 6th Practice
period or ango is modeled on the rainy season retreat of the Buddha’s sangha.
It is a time of intensified zazen and study to help practitioners sink
deeper into their practice. Its schedule of zazen, daily
ritual, work, study and personal time encourage mindfulness throughout the day. (A sample
schedule is available here.) Ango practice roots the Buddha’s way deeply and allows the
practitioner to take its stillness and awareness along into the world beyond Hokyoji. Applicants
must have completed at least one week-long formal Zen Buddhist sesshin and have a reference from their teacher in order to
participate in practice period. Participants
unable to attend the whole practice period may participate in one-week increments, arriving on Sunday afternoon and departing
on Saturday morning. To register for a practice period, please email or call (507) 542-4968. Work Retreat Spring
Work Retreat: May 14th -- May 17th Fall
Work Practice: September 30th -- October 5th Work retreat
is a time for taking care of Hokyoji – its grounds, buildings, organization and other aspects. It is an excellent opportunity for practitioners who want more opportunity to practice outside the zendo
but in the context of a Buddhist community. No particular skills are required
and there is work for people of all physical capabilities. It’s also a
fine opportunity for beginners in Zen practice to spend time sitting, working and sharing with other beginners and with more
seasoned practitioners. Zazen instruction is available upon request. The day
begins with zazen followed by a short service and breakfast. Work occupies seven
or eight hours of the day and meals are informal. The evening schedule varies
according to circumstances. Activities might include zazen, a dharma talk or
just sitting around the campfire if the weather permits. Participants
may come for any length of time. There is no fee, though contributions are always appreciated. To register for a work
retreat, please email or call (507) 542-4968. |
Open practice
is an opportunity for experienced practitioners to do monastic practice, whether for a few days or several months. This
kind of participation also offers the chance for personal instruction and quiet practice with only one or two other practitioners. It's a gentle way of deepening and stabilizing our practice so that we can live our
lives outside the monastery with more grace. Participants will fully participate in our regular
daily schedule of zazen, services, meals, study and work (a sample schedule
is available here). However, Hokyoji frequently hosts retreats held by other sanghas, with groups of practitioners arriving for
a weekend or a week and maintaining their own schedules of practice in the zendo, the kitchen, and elsewhere on the grounds.
Those engaging in open practice will not be required to participate in these events, but will be expected to recognize that
others are using the facilities and to manage themselves and their own practice in a way that harmonizes with these events. Open practice occurs at times when other formally
scheduled activities are not taking place. It is dependent on Dokai's schedule and must be arranged with him directly. Previous
experience in formal Zen practice is required and a recommendation from one's teacher may be asked for. Contact Dokai by email or by phone at (507) 542-4968. Other events For information about events being held at Hokyoji by other organizations,
please contact them directly. Spring Break (no practice): March 1st -- April 15th Compassionate Ocean Retreat: September 4th -- September 7th Winter Practice Period: January 24th -- February 20th |
||
