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Join us for zazen, work and study in Bloomington, Indiana.

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.

Our main activities are zazen, sitting quietly and letting go of thinking; communal work to take care of the temple and grounds as an active expression of our wisdom and compassion; and the study of the teachings of the Buddha and the ancestors of our lineage. We do all this as both an exploration and a manifestation of our interconnectedness with the entire universe. Some of us are laypeople 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.

LEARN MORE about our six points of practice

This week at Sanshin

Sun, Oct 13: Altered schedule

This morning, Okumura Roshi will be giving a talk transmitted via Zoom as part of a retreat held by Silent Thunder Order. The retreat itself is focused on the Sawaki-Uchiyama-Okumura lineage. We'll still hold Sunday practice at Sanshin, but the schedule will shift as listed at right.

9:10 am (ET) Zazen
10:00 am Kinhin
10:10 am Setup/break
10:30 am Dharma talk
12 pm Tea & snacks

Weekday mornings: Zazen (seated by 6:05 and 7:10 am) followed by chanting service & soji (temple cleaning), typically finished by 8:45 am -- practitioners are welcome to participate in all or parts of morning practice activities as schedules allow

Mon, Oct 14: Ryaku fusatsu (7 - 8 pm) -- our monthly ceremony of renewing our aspiration to practice with the sixteen bodhisattva precepts - all are welcome to participate

Wed, Oct 16: Zazen (6:30 - 7 pm); dharma book discussion group on Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura

Sun, Oct 20: Zazen (9:05 - 10 am); dharma talk (10:10) by Hoko: Zazen within Sanshin's practice vision; followed by our monthly World Peace ceremony

For complete information on our regular practice schedule and upcoming activities, see our Schedules and Calendars page.

Our mission and practice vision

Sanshin Zen Community enables the investigation of interconnectedness as it manifests in community by engaging in six points of practice within the Soto Zen tradition:

• 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

Fall 2024 Annual Fund Appeal
Practicing Today, Building Our Future Together

This is the time of year when Sanshin Zen Community gathers together offerings of financial support and looks to what's ahead.

LEARN MORE about our intention to raise $50,000 before the end of this year. Thank you for your generosity, support, and practice!