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Sanshin is your regional dharma centerThere are a number of small sitting groups within several hours of Sanshin, and we are happy to make resources available to them to help support their practice. Formal affiliation with Sanshin or Soto Zen is not necessary; we simply want to offer what we can to the small groups of wholehearted practitioners in our region which may be practicing without a teacher, a formal organization or a dedicated facility. See below for information about visiting Sanshin as a group, visits from Sanshin practice leaders to your sangha in our region, and other resources from Sanshin which may support your own group's study and practice. For a wider general collection of study and practice materials, see Resources for Practice. |
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Two workshops in 2024: Sangha Stewardship |
A resource for discussion groups: 108 Gates |
As part of our work practice in 2024, Sanshin will offer two short workshops on bodhisattva leadership as experienced through the positions of sangha stewards, both practice leaders and administrative leaders. These sessions are aimed particularly at small groups and sanghas in our region which may be ready to add more structure to their communities, to take on more traditional practices, or to move from being informal gatherings to legally recognized organizations. On April 5th and 6th, Hoko led an exploration of the roles of tenzo (head cook) and ino (practice manager). On October 4th and 5th, we'll explore the role of director, specifically in a sangha board of directors context. Workshops include both higher-level doctrinal context and practical applications. Sanshin simply wants to contribute to the sustainability of smaller practice groups without resources in this area, helping them to get their feet under them, make good decisions, and continue to develop as healthy and viable sanghas.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER 
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Sanshin's senior dharma teacher Hoko Karnegis' comments and discussion questions about the Ippyakuhachi Homyomon, or 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination, are now being posted every Monday to our 108 Gates webpage. This resource may be particularly helpful for small discussion groups looking for dharma topics to explore, as the 108 Gates cover a broad territory that relates directly to our daily practice life. Groups can take up a new gate each week, read the commentary together or before their meetings, and use the discussion questions as a springboard for a conversation about what it means for them.
The text appears as the 11th fascicle of the 12 fascicle version of Dogen Zenji’s Shobogenzo. He didn't compile the list himself; it's mostly a long quote from another text called the Sutra of Collected Past Deeds of the Buddha. Dogen wrote a final paragraph recommending that we investigate these gates thoroughly. Hoko has been talking about the gates one by one since 2016. New gate commentaries, along with discussion questions and suggestions for further reading, go up here on Mondays. |
Other ways Sanshin can support your sangha (make your request below)
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Visits and dharma talks by Hoko or other dharma leaders
Members of our ordained sangha are available for dharma talks and discussion, classroom presentations, workshops, retreats/sesshin and more. One-day retreats at Sanshin just for your group We can arrange a day of practice just for your group that includes your preferred activities on your own schedule, or we can suggest a plan for the day based on our experience with similar events. Note also it is not uncommon for groups of practitioners that practice together elsewhere in our region to make the trip together to Sanshin to participate in our regularly scheduled sesshins or other practice activities. Workshops and resources on chanting services If your group's activities include liturgy, or you would like to add it to your regular schedule, we'll be happy to provide training for those ringing bells and leading chanting. Whether you need a tune-up or a start-from-scratch session, we can help service leaders feel comfortable in their roles and provide information that will help your group understand and appreciate the liturgy. Assistance with short, basic Japanese services is available as well as services in English. Other assistance by request Is your group considering how to organize practice, planning a special practice event, or working on a new program initiative? Sanshin might be able to help you think through your options. |
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Make your request
If your group would like to make use of the resource opportunities listed directly above, or you'd like to ask for another kind of assistance, please fill out and send us this form. We'll get in touch with you to talk about how we can help. To register for one of this year's Sangha Stewardship workshops, go here.