February 2021
Dear Friends,
For Kyol Che this year we’ll be discussing myth, metaphor and meaning in the teachings of Zen. What do you suppose is the biggest myth of all? Perhaps it is the story of “I”.
The story is told with a dramatic beginning, a challenging, changeable middle and grievous end. The main character is, of course, “I”, presented within a somewhat flimsy framework of skin and a fragile hierarchy of muscles, tendons and bones. We build up the drama with fantastical borderlands and skirmishes between self and other. Who will prevail?
Without a doubt, it’s a gripping tale! But myths, fabricated as they may be, also reveal a fleeting, critical insight. How, then, do we integrate the myth-truth with the fundamental truth of non-self?
Here are a few practical practice pointers that you might try out, to tease open the confabulated borders of self and other:
- Relax your eyelashes.
- Center the body of air that surrounds you.
- Balance the cosmos on the crown of your head.
May our story of sentience, and of love and compassion, be transmitted, mind to mind, for 10,000 years non-stop.
Jeong Ji
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Photo by Eric Nord, JDPSN |
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February Online Sessions
You are welcome to join in on any of these online sessions. No sign up necessary, just join online group practice at the appropriate time for any of our group practices. If you need to, entering late is okay, as is leaving early. If it’s your first time trying this out, come early if you can. The Head Dharma Teacher will be available to help you get started.
Sessions:
- Monday - Saturday 7am
- Sunday 9am
- Tuesday 7pm
- Wednesday 10am
- Thursday 5:30pm
Sessions with Dharma Talks:
- Tuesday, February 2 7pm - Common Metaphors: Sean Vaughn
- Sunday, February 7 9am - Zen Master Jeong Ji
- Tuesday, February 16 7pm - Animals: Jim Peacey
Sessions with Dharma Dialogues:
- Tuesday, February 9 7pm
- Tuesday, February 23 7pm
Book Club:
Fundamentals of Zen:
- Sunday, February 7 1pm-2pm we are offering a one-hour online introduction. Please register if you would like to attend. Dana (donation) is welcome but not required.
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Friday Outdoor Practice
Fridays 10:00am - 10:30am
We are holding in-person practice outdoors at the Zen Center every Friday morning from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. We will practice outdoors, reciting the Four Great Views, sitting for 25 minutes, and then have a brief reading at the end.
This practice will be entirely outdoors; use of the building will be for emergencies only. In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that you remain masked, bring your own cushion and remain at least six feet apart from others. Clean chairs will be provided if necessary.
Because of the King County pandemic guidelines we are limiting the number of participants. If you plan to attend a session, please register for that session. |
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Online Dharma Dialogue Opportunities
Sunday February 14 - Saturday February 20
Zen Master Jeong Ji will offer online Zoom Dharma Dialogues from 2pm to 4pm during the week of February 14. Kong-an training is available in these dialogues (but not required). These will be scheduled individually, separate from our regular practice times. Sign up for a Dharma Dialogue. You will receive an email with the Zoom video conference information before the date of your dialogue.
Students may wish to offer dana to the teacher. These expressions of gratitude are most welcome. To anonymously provide dana to the teacher, please click here to donate. |
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Jeff Tipp, JDPSN and our senior dharma teachers are offering Online Dharma Dialogues if you would like to discuss your practice and any questions you may have. Please get in touch with them individually to schedule an appointment if you would like a one-on-one Zoom meeting.
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Half-Day Online Mini-Retreat
February 20 9am-12pm
Our half-day practice session is very simple: a three-hour session devoted primarily to sitting and walking meditation. For someone who has never attended a retreat before, this is a great way to practice sitting for longer periods. No registration required.
Saturday half-day Schedule:
9 am
- Four great vows / Evening Bell Chant
- Sitting and Walking Meditation
11:55 am
- Four great vows / Check-in
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Neighborhood Cleanup
Saturday, February 27 10:30am
As a part of our involvement with our community, we will have a socially-distanced trash pickup from the streets of our neighborhood. Please join the sangha for this outreach. Blue Heron will supply garbage bags and pickers for trash. Please bring gloves if you have them.
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Our Online Altar
We invite you to register a name of a loved one who is currently suffering for our Kwan Seum Bosal Chanting, or for Ji Jang Bosal Chanting, for a loved one who has recently died. We will recite these names when we do special chanting. |
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Looking Forward
3 day Retreat: March 5-7 with Anne Pepper, JDPSN
Necessities Pickup for hopelink.org: March 14
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