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Greetings!
We received a beautiful blanket of snow for the new
year. Winter is a quiet time for self reflection, and for
renewal. Our deepest vow in Zen practice is that of a
Bodhisattva, to save all beings.
This is a serious and impossible vow, yet we take it
with good cheer and enthusiasm. It's what makes our
lives work. When we take this vow from the depths of
our being, it has the power to re-orient our lives in many
wonderful and surprising ways.
There are all kinds of wars being fought, not only in
the
world at large, but in our families and our
relationships. It's so easy to give in to fear or anger.
Before we know it, we're no longer talking to someone.
Instead of making an effort to speak skillfully to the
person in question, we just
shut down, close up and nurse a resentment,
sometimes for years or even the rest of our lives.
It's sad how we fight wars in this way. On any given day,
it's easy for any one of us to do this, and we can do it in
thousands of ways. We are remarkably creative in
carrying forward our wounds and sufferings.
So I think that if you reflect on what is important you
will see that taking this vow to liberate all beings is a
key to your own well being. When you take this vow to
heart, it begins to work on you in subtle and powerful
ways. You develop more confidence in your own
sanity and begin to extend yourself to others you may
have pushed away.
This vow to benefit others is the key to our happiness
and joy. And it is surprising how easy and effortless our
natural generosity can arise when we think of others'
well being and forget ourselves in small acts of
kindness.
May all beings be peaceful, happy and joyful.
Joshin Sensei
| Temple Opens on Tue., Jan. 9th |
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The Empty Sound Temple opens its doors to 2008 with
early morning zazen on Tuesday, January 8th. Morning
zazen consists of two 40 minute periods. The first period
is from 5:30-6:10 am. Following a 10 minute kinhin
(walking meditation) a second period begins from 6:20-
7:00 pm.
Please join us for one or both of these periods. To secure
a seat in the zendo, make sure to arrive at least five
minutes before the period begins.
Our evening schedule which consists of 3, 25 minute
zazen periods begins that Tuesday evening, Jan. 9th at
7:30 pm and finishes at 9:00 pm.
Please join us. Everyone is welcome.
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| Zen Practice 1: Entering the Way, Jan 20 |
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Zen Practice 1 will take place on Sunday, January 20th
from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. This is a beginning class in
meditation practice to which all new comers are invited.
You will receive the "nuts and bolts" of meditation
practice, and have an opportunity to ask any questions
about meditation.
Cost is $25.
To secure your place in this class, please register by
either calling our office at 708.445.1651 or register online
at our website.
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| Children's Dharma Class, Jan. 20 |
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The Children's Dharma Class is held once a month. The
class is taught by Susanne Fairfax and Rev. Ryushin
Tanoue.
The class includes stories, some simple meditation and
mindfulness exercises, singing and
more. The class is open to all ages. Cost is $15 per
child
Call 708.445.1651 or email kaili@zencommunity.org to
register your child.
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| Shared Stewardship Circle, Sun. Jan. 27 |
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We will hold our first Shared Stewardship Circle for 2008
on Sunday, January 27 from 9:00 to 11:00 am. All
members are requested to attend these months practice
circles.
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| Regular Programs that Continue in 2008 |
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Sunday Program:
Our regular Sunday program continues each Sunday
from 9 am to 11:00 am. It includes meditation, a service, a
Dharma Talk or Council Circle, followed by time for
fellowship.
Saturday Program:
Our regular Saturday, Interfaith program continues. It
includes a generic form of meditation followed by a
reading or presentation. On Saturday, January 26th,
Kumu Kaililani will do a presentation on Hawaiian
Spirituality.
Weekly Zazen:
Our weekly Zazen continues on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. On Tue. and Thur. mornings zazen is from
5:30 am to 7:00 am. On Tue. and Thur. evenings zazen is
from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.
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| Hula Classes in Chicago |
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Intermediate Hula: Wednesdays, from 6:30-7:30 pm.
The intermediate class is for students with one or more
years
of experience.
Beginning Hula: Wednesdays, from 7:30-8:30
pm
The beginning class include basic footworks, hands
and hula
auwana. These classes are for students that have been
dancing for less than one year. Adults and children are
welcome.
Come dressed comfortably. If you are interested, call
Kumu Kaililani at 708.445.1651.
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| Hula Classes in New York |
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The next New York City classes in 2008 are as
follows:
THE LOCATION FOR CLASSES:
Dance Theatre Workshop, 219 W. 19th St. (between 7th
and 8th Ave)
Saturday, Jan. 12 Beginning Kahiko: 1-3pm
(Please note that there will be no New Beginners Class
in January or February - this class will continue in
March).
Sunday, Jan 13th, Auana class: 10 am - 1 pm
Sunday, Jan. 13th, Kahiko class: 1 pm - 4 pm
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| Hula: Sacred Dance of Hawaii Workshop: Sat. Jan. 26 |
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This unique workshop is being offered by
Kumu Kaililani at the Zen Community of Oak Park in
Chicago, on Saturday, January 26 from 10 am until
5:00 pm. The workshop will include meditation, a talk
and learning a hula. A simple lunch is included.
Cost is $90
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| Coming Home Practice Circle: Fri. Jan. 26, 7-9 pm |
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On the last Friday of each month, the Zen Community of
Oak Park will host a Coming Home Practice Circle as a
way of supporting and honoring veterans in our
community.
This practice circle will be facilitated by Joshin Sensei.
Also leading this group will be David Pyle and Seanon
Holland. They are both veterans and students at
Meadville
Lombard Theological School. David is a US Army
Chaplaincy Candidate, and he has served in Panama,
Colombia, El Salvador and Bosnia y Herzegovina.
David is a member of the Zen Community of Oak Park.
Seanon served in the Marine Corps in Kosovo, Zaire
and Iraq, and is preparing to return to active duty as a
chaplain.
Because of the sensitive nature of this circle, at the
present time it is only open to Veterans and active
members of the Zen Community of Oak Park.
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| Django Jam, Friday, Jan. 11 at 7pm |
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This gypsy jazz music, which
was developed by Django Reinhardt, is a form of
swing jazz, which has become a highly developed
genre of music. All musicians and instruments are
welcome. We also invite anyone who would like to
come and hang out to join us. Bring along some food
and drink and enjoy the music.
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| Support the Zen Comunity of Oak Park |
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Make an online contribution today.
The Zen Community of Oak Park is a 501 (c)(3)
non-profit organization so your donation here to the
Zen Community is fully tax deductible
$
USD
Learn More
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3 Day Bare-Bones Sesshin: Jan 31-Feb. 3 |
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We will hold a 3 Day Bare Bones Sesshin starting on
Thursday evening, Jan. 31 at 7:00 pm. The retreat will
continue until Sunday, Feb. 3 ending at 12:00 noon.
This is a non-traditional retreat. It involves intensive
meditation done in deep silence, but will dispense with
many of the traditional zen rituals such as services and
chanting.
Joshin Sensei will give a Dharma Talk each day and
hold
private interviews with participants several times a day.
Cost: $225/$150 for ZCOP members
to register:
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