|
|
|
Sokushin zebutsu - Mind itself is Buddha
A three-part virtual discussion series led by Tonen O'ConnorTwo sets of meeting times (register for one):
Thursdays, 7 - 8:30 pm ET -- Mar 12, 19, & 26 Mondays, 10 - 11:30 am ET -- Mar 16, 23, & 30 |
|
Practitioners are invited to join Tonen O'Connor, resident priest emerita of the Milwaukee Zen Center, for a series of three virtual discussions in which participants will consider this statement from the Sotoshu Constitution, outlining central teachings in the Soto Zen tradition:
"Abiding by the True Dharma singularly transmitted by the Buddha-ancestors, the Sotoshu doctrine is to realize shikantaza ('just sitting') and sokushin zebutsu ('Mind itself is Buddha')."
"Abiding by the True Dharma singularly transmitted by the Buddha-ancestors, the Sotoshu doctrine is to realize shikantaza ('just sitting') and sokushin zebutsu ('Mind itself is Buddha')."
Three virtual discussions
In each of the three weeks we will meet on Zoom for an hour and a half to explore "Mind Itself is Buddha" (sokushin zebutsu) by delving into the meaning(s) of its component terms -- Mind, Itself, and Buddha -- to discover how they work together to create the vast, beautiful and ever-changing world Buddhism speaks of. We will also take a look at why shikantaza is paired with sokushin zebutsu.
Selections from Buddhist literature will be made available for reading in advance of each meeting to provide background and perhaps provoke questions.
Tonen will make brief introductory remarks and provide guiding commentary throughout, but the hope is that everyone will speak up to bring their questions and insights to the group.
Tonen will make brief introductory remarks and provide guiding commentary throughout, but the hope is that everyone will speak up to bring their questions and insights to the group.
Session 1. Mind
What does a mind do? Do we mean the same thing when we say "mind" and "Mind"? Can we see Mind? Experience it?
Session 2. Itself is
lf self is no-self, how can we say "itself?" What is the state of something "itself?" What state are we describing when we say something "is?"
Session 3. Buddha
The many manifestations of "Buddha" include the teacher, Shakyamuni; the Avatamsaka Sutra's trillions of buddhas in trillions of worlds; the Buddha of the Lotus Sutra come to awaken all beings. How do we reconcile all this with sokushin zebutsu?
|
About TonenRev. Tonen O'Connor is the Resident Priest Emerita of the Milwaukee Zen Center. She was ordained by Tozen Akiyama and received dharma transmission from him in 1999, performing zuise at Eiheiji and Sojiji in 2000. Tonen trained at Shogoji and Hosshinji and holds the rank of ittokyoshi within the Sotoshu system as well as currently serving as kokusaifukyoshi. Resident Priest of the MZC from 2001-2011, her further engagement included an 8-year partnership with Zuiko Redding to lead the Great Sky sesshin at Hokyoji in Minnesota and 17 years of leading dharma groups within the Wisconsin state prison system.
Currently Tonen leads dharma study groups twice a week and writes a monthly blog: Thinking About Dharma. For more about Tonen and her ongoing dharma career, visit our page on Tonen's Teachings. |
Considerations for participationPlease note that this series is offered online only, via Zoom. The discussions assume that participants are comfortable with the tasks outlined in the "Computer Skills Checklist" at right.
If you have any further questions after reading the information on this page, please feel free to contact us. |
Computer Skills Checklist
|
Registration
Please follow the prompts listed under both the Registration Form and Payment tabs below to successfully complete your registration.
On the Registration Form, you'll be prompted to indicate which set of meeting times in which you plan to participate.
On the Registration Form, you'll be prompted to indicate which set of meeting times in which you plan to participate.
registration form
Please fill out the brief registration form here, and then proceed to the payment options below.
payment Options
Note that there are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: regular ($30) and sponsor ($40).
Sponsor payments help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the regular amount. Thank you for your participation in this ongoing sangha effort.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, above or below these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Sponsor payments help our temple maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay the regular amount. Thank you for your participation in this ongoing sangha effort.
There is also an option to offer what you can based on your own circumstances and discernment, above or below these designated amounts.
Everyone's sincere participation and practice is appreciated.
Click a given button below to be redirected to the corresponding payment screen.