this thursday evening (June 19): open reality - Virtual talk & discussion with shodo spring
Open Reality: Book preview & dharma discussion ​with Shodo Spring (online only)
6:30 - 8 pm ET -- Participate via Zoom through our virtual practice page.

Shodo's forthcoming book, Open Reality: Meeting the Polycrisis Together With All Beings, is available now for pre-order. Check out excerpts recently published at resilience.org.​

Shodo writes: When Dharma eye looks at modern existence, things open up. This book is a deep dive into that opening, including questions of human nature, relationship with all sentient beings, and ways to open up our lives to allow the whole world to flourish. This talk and discussion offers an overview and an invitation. 

​No registration is required, but you can sign up at right for a reminder the day before this public virtual event.

​Participation is via Zoom through our virtual practice page.
Shodo is a dharma heir of Okumura Roshi, and practiced at Sanshinji from 2004 - 2009. She now leads practice at Mountains and Waters Alliance in Faribault, MN.

    Open Reality with Shodo: Sign-up for event reminder

Upcoming extended practice activities

Most (but not all) of these practice activities require prior registration to participate. Most also allow for both in-person and virtual participation (see below), and a few are only available virtually. Click on linked practice activities below for more information and to register:
​​​​

Our practice theme for 2025: Tangible Thusness

Throughout this year, 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

Virtual practice

Many of the practice activities offered here at Sanshin are also streamed online via Zoom. For a full schedule of our virtual practice offerings and the link to participate from home as able, please visit our virtual practice page.

And, if circumstances allow, please continue to support and participate with your local or regional dharma center.  While you're welcome to participate in our virtual practice no matter where you live, it's no substitute for in-person practice with a sangha.  Not only does practicing with others benefit you, your presence supports that local group and makes it possible for others to practice.  Please stay connected with your local or regional practice community and practice there to the degree possible.  ​
Mud and Lotus Collective recovery dharma group
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church,
2120 N Fee Lane in Bloomington; enter at the north portico entrance     

This in-person group, facilitated by Sanshin practice leader Hosshin Shoaf and others, explores the intersection between Buddhist teachings and practice and addiction recovery.  Following 20 to 30 minutes of guided meditation, participants read and discuss books or other materials related to recovery and the dharma.  At the moment, the group is reading The Zen of Recovery; bring your own copy or just listen and follow along.  No registration is necessary; simply attend as your life permits. No fee, but donations are welcome.

Regular practice 

 All times listed are Eastern time.

Weekday mornings
Please be in your seat and ready to go before 6:05​ if joining us for the first zazen period, in time for the doshi's bows.
​
​6:05 am  Doshi enters
6:10 am  Zazen
7:00 am  Kinhin
7:10 am  Zazen
8:00 am  Robe chant
8:05 am  Service
8:30 am  Reading from Shobogenzo Zuimonki, announcements, ​soji (cleanup)
​8:45 am  Bow out

Weekday evening zazen
Wednesdays: 6:30 - 7:00 pm
​
​Wednesday evening dharma book discussion (7 - 8 pm): On The Structure of the Self by Shohaku Okumura. You're welcome to drop in as your schedule allows, even if you're not familiar with the text.
​
​Saturday is our day off; there's no public practice.

​Sunday morning zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am)​:
  • First Sunday: Talk by Okumura Roshi following sesshin or retreat
  • ​Second Sunday: Hosshin leads a sangha work day or Hoko gives a talk
  • Third Sunday: Talk by a novice teacher followed by World Peace ceremony
  • Fourth Sunday: Talk by Hoko on Tangible Thusness (nyoho)
  • Fifth Sunday: Talk by Hoko or a senior practitioner

Missed a Sunday dharma talk?  Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.​​ ​

Getting Started in Zen Practice, second & fourth Tuesdays (June 24 online via Zoom & July 8​ in-person), 7:00 - 8:30 pm -- sign-up and more information is here.

Ryaku fusatsu: Monday evening closest to the 15th day of the month (June 16th), 7 - 8 pm
Our monthly ceremony of renewing our aspiration to follow the precepts.  Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether or not you've formally taken precepts. 

Sesshin:  3, 5, or 7 days, typically covering the first weekend of the month (Mar, June, Sep, Dec)
A retreat consisting only of 14 50-minute periods of zazen, 3 meal periods, and sleep each day. 
Proudly powered by Weebly