2018 Practice Period: January 8 – February 18

Practice Period 2018 Begins!

Tomorrow evening we will formally begin our Practice Period, which will extend until February 18.  After our period of meditation and precepts recitation, we’ll have tea and cookies and time for discussion about practice, practice period, the doing and the non-doing of it.

What’s a practice period?  Fundamentally, it’s a period of time during which you are invited to indulge your desire to devote more than usual of your time and attention to your Zen practice.

In a very real way, this can be a time to do something useless, to drop the weight of utilitarian concerns and allow yourself to be deeply curious about….what you are deeply curious about.

Below you’ll find information about some offerings, in addition to the regular schedule of meditations, talks and discussion, that will be available to you to support your Zen practice.   A commitment form will be provided for your use in thinking about what time and energy you wish to devote to this process at the Community Night tomorrow; or, for you to download here https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bbc7215f79587650dd5f75ed6/files/cdea884a-8f5b-43d1-b27e-3cff226bdcd6/2016_PRACTICE_PERIOD_REGISTRATION_FORM_Springs_Mountain_Sangha.doc.  You’ll be creating your own practice period, in company of your sangha-mates.  This can include a deepening of sangha relationships and support, as well as solo practices .

 
Diamond Sutra Study Series
with Sarah Bender

January 14, 21, 28;  February 4, 11, 25
Sundays, 3 to 5 PM  at Creek Bend Zendo

Text:  The Diamond Sutra , translated by Red Pine
Contact: Sarah Bender   sembender@gmail.com
Suggested dana: $60 for the series

Introduction to Zen Practice
with Sarah Bender and assisting members

               January 25,  February 1, 8, 15, 22

Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 PM  at Shove Chapel

Contact: sembender@gmail.com
Suggested dana: $50 for the series (CC students free)

SMS Integrative Retreat

This is a chance to enter into meditation and inquiry, going in and out of silence and conversation with others, while we hang out with a particular story, koan or text.

This one may be centered around the Ox Herding Pictures, but stay tuned…still a bit in flux.

Friday evening, February 16 to Sunday afternoon,  February 18, 2018,
with Sarah Bender, Roshi

 Franciscan Retreat Center (FRC), Colorado Springs

$175 Full-time only, non-residential scholarships available

Registrar:  Robert King @ kingrh@comcast.net
registration deadline February 1, 2018 – firm!