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Join us for Soto Zen Buddhist practice in Bloomington, Indiana.
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We practice Buddhism within the Soto Zen tradition that comes to us from Japan, following the particular style of our immediate three ancestors: Kodo Sawaki, Kosho Uchiyama and Shohaku Okumura.
Some of us are lay practitioners and some are ordained clergy, but we all engage in the same practices and walk the Buddha Way together. Everyone, whether beginner or experienced practitioner, is welcome. |
Several of the links throughout this website will connect you to our continually evolving companion-site, Sanshin Source: an online multimedia library of resources, context, and in-depth information organized around our practice vision.
This week at Sanshin (June 30 - July 6)Click on the boxes below for information and timing related to a given practice activity. All times listed are Eastern Time.
Weekday morning practice (Monday only due to precepts retreat -- drop in for zazen according to the retreat schedule below)
Practitioners are welcome to participate in all or part(s) of morning practice activities as schedules allow, virtually or in-person. Tuesday July 1 - Sunday July 6: precepts retreat (registration closed - drop-in participation welcome).
Our annual precepts retreat focuses on the study of the sixteen bodhisattva precepts that Buddhists receive as guidelines for living a life of practice. The daily schedule includes zazen, presentations from the preceptor and ensuing group discussions, work periods, and silent communal meals. Registration is now closed, but practitioners are welcome to drop in for one or more zazen, discussion, and/or work periods as you wish, on a dana basis (please refer to the schedule and partial participation info HERE). Sunday morning (July 6): Jukai-e (precepts receiving ceremony) & sangha Potluck
Please arrive and be seated by 9:55 am at latest, so that the ceremony can begin on time. 10 am Jukai-e (precepts receiving ceremony) ~11:30 Sangha potluck All are welcome to attend the ceremony as well as the potluck. A refrigerator is available. |
Throughout 2025, we're undertaking an exploration we've named Tangible Thusness, a deep investigation of the teachings of nyoho: things done or made according to the dharma. From May through August, we're focusing primarily on nyoho teachings related to food, from formal oryoki meals in a temple to what and how we eat at home, work, or school. What can we learn about attachment and interconnectedness through offering our attention to sourcing, cooking, eating, and cleaning up our everyday meals? LEARN MORE Sanshin skywatch
Tuesday 8: Very humid for morning practice. Partly cloudy and pleasant for evening sewing. Wednesday 9: Very humid with chance of rain for both morning practice and evening Getting Started session. Thursday 10: Very humid with chance of rain for morning practice. |
Looking ahead: |
3 Wednesdays (July 16, 23, & 30): the empty roles we play with tonen o'connor -- virtual only
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For a complete listing of our regular practice schedule and upcoming extended practice opportunities, see our Schedules and Calendars page.
Our practice
Our main activities are zazen, sitting quietly and letting go of thinking; working together on food, clothing and shelter according to Buddha's teachings, and on developing wise and compassionate leadership; studying the teachings of the Buddha and the ancestors of our lineage; and engaging in ritual that brings our community together across space and time. We do all this in the context of our six practice guidelines (see "Our Mission" below) and support each other in carrying forward this concentrated experience of interconnectedness throughout our everyday activities and communities.
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our mission
Sanshin Zen Community enables the investigation of interconnectedness as it manifests in community, by engaging in six guidelines for practice within the Soto Zen tradition:
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• Zazen in a Buddhist context
• Keeping forms simple • Balancing peace and progress |
• Dharma study as a support for zazen
• Work practice as an investigation of community • Deeply inquiring into the teaching of ehou ichinyo: kesa and dharma are one |
LEARN MORE about our six practice guidelines as direct legacies of our twentieth century dharma ancestors, alongside Uchiyama Roshi's seven points of practice.
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We're grateful for the financial support of our many friends and community members worldwide. Coming together as a sangha to take care of our temple and practice in this way is simply an instance of the universe carrying out its functioning. Thank you!
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Got a question?Start with our FAQ, and if you still need help, contact us. |
Sanshin's foreign language sanghas |