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Thread: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

  1. #1
    disastermouse
    Guest

    So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

    They do one every saturday and although I already know the basics, it's very important to know how they enter the Zendo, do kinhin, and other small pieces of protocol. I also got an introduction or clarification of the soto way to sit.

    The big bonus, however, was a lecture by Barry Magit - the author of one of the recommended books at this sangha ('Ending the Pursuit of Happiness'). The only reason I didn't buy the book right there is that the crowd was pretty big. I figure I can amazon it with 'Mind of Clover'.

  2. #2

    Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

    ... and how was the introduction? Interesting? Useful? Anything of note on the way they sit?

    In gassho, Kev

  3. #3

    Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

    Ryushin Paul Haller from the SFZC is over here with us (in Belfast, N.Ireland) at the moment and I am going to a 5-day sesshin on Wednesday led by him.

    I like Barry Magid I read both his books. 'Ending the Pursuit of Happiness' was great, but the first one (Ordinary Mind) had a bit too much psychoanalysis in it for me.

    Gassho,
    John

  4. #4
    disastermouse
    Guest

    Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

    I honestly have not been there long enough to know what they advocate. I know that it's not a mixed-tradition place like ZCLA or Kanzeon.

  5. #5
    disastermouse
    Guest

    Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

    Quote Originally Posted by Al Coleman
    Hi Disastermouse,

    I stated my question incorrectly. What I meant is how did they teach you to sit?
    Haphazardly. Count breaths (but not how), watch breath, 'just sitting' (but no real explanation of what that is).

    In a nutshell, it was perfect.

  6. #6

    Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

    Did you look at their website?

    http://www.sfzc.org/

    Gassho,
    John

  7. #7
    disastermouse
    Guest

    Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

    Quote Originally Posted by John
    Did you look at their website?

    http://www.sfzc.org/

    Gassho,
    John
    Yep. I needed to figure out where they were and how to get there. Turns out it's one little bus ride away - but it's a pretty weird bus ride. It goes from Pacific Heights (Specific Whites) - where my travel nursing company puts me up -, through the area around the Filmore Center (ghetto-tastic), and down past the Haight (Bongs, Coffee and Patchouli).

    I already know how to meditate. I went to learn their zendo protocol and to feel comfortable going there to sit zazen if I feel like it.

    Honestly though? I went for a hike near Cataract Falls and had the whole area to myself yesterday. I sat on the pebbly beach of the lake and I realized there's just this one thing - just 'this', again and again and again. Delusion is like walking in a fog - but the path of Zen is literally the whole earth. If you get lost, you can return to the feeling of your feet on the ground. It incited a resurgence in my commitment to Zen.

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