We are currently reading The Book of Serenity compiled in China in the twelfth century and recently translated into English by Thomas Cleary.
There are books to share for anyone who wants to join in.
Sat. Feb 9.; A Lunar New Year activity
In Tibet it is known as Losar and more locally here in San Francisco many of us know it is the start of the Chinese New Year as of February 10, 2013. This is the year of Element Water and Animal Snake in Chinese Astrology.
In our very own SF Chinatown stores are packed full of Joss paper items to burn. This time of year is also said to be when the veil between the living physical world and any spirit worlds are thin and so an ideal time to burn paper representations of money or desired objects to “send” to deceased loved ones in their smoke and ashes.
At the start of our social, tea and cookie time a few of us are going to gather and using a western device of a chiminea burn some Joss paper in our garden to memorialize our passed loved ones as well as the many individuals who passed from this physical seen world at HSZC and Maitri Hospice. It will be a small informal, heartfelt gesture; we can even supply some joss paper for you, followed by a few traditional Chinese new year treats.
This event is not so much one of a specific Buddhist tradition, but has more roots in modern Chinese folk traditions which has some modern expression of Taoism. Ancient Taoism has historical roots that are part of our expression of today’s Zen.
To incorporate our Japanese tradition and lineage we will also burn the 2012 Daruma of HSZC whose goal has been realized and install a new single pupil Daruma for a new year of goals for HSZC! Please feel free to join us in remembering your loved ones, those of Maitri and all beings who have passed beyond the physically viewable world and setting some new hopes and intentions for the upcoming lunar year for you and HSZC.
***Opening for Resident Practice Student***
Sat. Jan 26.: Full Moon Ceremony
We’ll have the monthly Full-Moon Ceremony renewal of our Bodhisattva vows Saturday morning.
The ceremony takes about a half-hour and involves some thirty full prostrations, but simple standing bows are also all right if prostrations are too strenuous.
Everyone is welcome to take part in this celebration.
10 Feb 2013: Year of the Snake, Element Water!
In Chinese astrology we are getting ready to say good bye to the year of the Dragon 2012 and to welcome the Year of the Water, Snake! Snake is the Yin to last year’s Dragon Yang. Snake does not settle for mediocrity. The Snake is believed to symbolize developments in the area of science and technology. Research and development are said in year of the snake to flourish. The element this year is Water, the element most closely associated with education and research, making 2013 a great year for scientists and scholars. Snake is a great sign, a positive one, with energy that can help us face all of the challenges ahead of us.
Zendo closed today!
Jan – Feb.: Clothing Drive
Hartford Street Zen Center will be launching a month-long clothing drive on Saturday, January 19th continuing until February 23rd. Please click here for more details
February 2013: Opening for Practice Resident
The Hartford Street Zen Center has availability for one practice resident as of February 2013. We are looking for individuals interested in and committed to experiencing residential practice at a small, urban temple, helping to create and maintain a harmonious and welcoming place for our resident and non-resident sangha and living an engaged practice schedule.
Applicants ideally have prior experience with Soto Zen practice, and prior residential practice experience is not a requirement, but is preferred. While participation and assistance in the daily events of the sangha are expected of any practice resident, it is our expectation that most residents are employed outside of the center, and so we are accommodating toward one’s professional schedule as long as there is enough personal practice as guided and determined by our Practice Leader to be an active and engaged residential student.
Please drop by to inquire in person!