Saturday, October 10, 2pm to 4pm
​Registration deadline:  October 8
 
Our current political environment poses profound challenges for those committed to the alleviation of suffering.  The nation is confronting a dangerous pandemic, menacing forest fires, and intensifying street protests.  All of this takes place amidst a contentious presidential election that further reveals that deep divisions that exist within our families and communities. Yet, our present situation also provides important opportunities to skillfully engage our Dharma practice and take beneficial action. 

Join us for a civil conversation about our present state of affairs and how it relates to our role as Boddhisattvas. The first part of the conversation will deal with our thoughts and feelings about current affairs in the context of the 2020 elections.  The second part of the discussion will pertain to our role as Dharma practitioners as we aim to take skillful action during trying times.
Please note that this will not be a debate, but a discussion in which all participants, regardless of background or political persuasion, are invited to share their perspectives and engage differences with curiosity and compassion. To receive the zoom link, please RSVP by sending an email to Mark Fraley at mark.fraley@sanshinji.org.  There is no charge for this event, but donations will be gratefully accepted; please go to our Giving page.

Doju will give Sunday's dharma talk, "Why do we chant the Daihishin Darani?"  The Daihishin Darani is a ubiquitous part of the Soto Zen liturgy. Whether a service is very brief, like at Sanshinji, or very elaborate, the Daihishin Darani is almost always performed. And yet, whether we are Japanese or American, very few of us have a good sense of what the Daihishin Darani means, where it came from, or why we chant it. Some of us may also ask whether it holds any real meaning for our practice. This talk will aim to answer some of these basic questions about this strange but familiar text.