This page is for storing seasonal or occasional page elements so they don't have to be recreated every time they're needed.
Note that there are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: regular ($250) and sponsor ($300).
For several years now, sponsor payments have helped our temple to maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay full registration fees. Thank you for your participation in this ongoing sangha effort.
If the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, you are invited to discern an amount that is workable for your financial circumstances and use the reduced fee registration button to offer what you can. Thank you for your practice and contribution.
For several years now, sponsor payments have helped our temple to maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay full registration fees. Thank you for your participation in this ongoing sangha effort.
If the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, you are invited to discern an amount that is workable for your financial circumstances and use the reduced fee registration button to offer what you can. Thank you for your practice and contribution.
the practice Rhythm of sanshin's calendar year
Breathing in and breathing out
While practicing at Sanshin, virtually or in-person, during sesshin or any day to day practice activity, it can be helpful to know something about the arc of our yearly practice calendar as a whole. Most of us who come to practice here, regularly or not, are not resident practitioners, and so do not directly participate in the entire range of practice activities throughout the year. Thus, our practice of wholeheartedly folding into a given activity at Sanshin is supported by maintaining some awareness of the particular point in the overall rhythm of the year at which we are stepping into the life of the community.
We can come to know and experience the practice calendar in terms of alternating phases of increasing and decreasing intensity over various periods of time. “Breathing in and breathing out” can be a useful metaphor.
In the broadest sense, it’s no coincidence that our 3-month ango (practice period) typically carried out in the spring quarter (though not in 2025) offers opportunities for extended, concentrated participation in all three forms of our practice life: zazen (5-day sesshin), work (precepts retreat), and study (dharma study intensive). The fall quarter, culminating in the practice intensity of Rohatsu sesshin and our simple celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening, is similarly comprehensive, though less highly scheduled. On the other end of the spectrum, during February and August, in the heart of winter and summer, we carry out a simplified, less busy practice schedule (see "Why is there a simplified practice schedule in February & August?" below). Breathing in in the spring and fall, breathing out in the summer and winter.
Knowing zazen itself as our most concentrated form of practice, we also find this alternating rhythm in the year’s overall schedule of sesshin, our most intensive zazen practice container. Currently, Sanshin offers the opportunity to practice “sesshin-without-toys” on a quarterly basis: March, June, September, and December. For a few days four times a year, throughout the seasons, we have a chance to breathe in deeply; at all other times we are, in a sense, breathing out, relaxing the intensity of our daily practice. The longer sesshin (5 days in June and 8 days in December) are carried out in the busier spring and fall quarters.
While sesshin intensifies our regular sitting practice, there are also opportunities to focus in on our regular work practice. Near the beginning of summer, Sanshin holds a 5-day precepts retreat, during which practitioners dive into the precepts through daily discussions and work periods, as touchpoints for working and relating in harmony with others in the various communities of which we are a part. We hold this retreat against the background of our monthly Sunday work days, which can be understood themselves as an intensification of our brief weekday morning soji (temple cleaning) practice. Thus, in terms of our work practice, we breathe in during the warmer seasons, carrying out grounds keeping and garden projects in the midst of retreat opportunities; we breathe out in the winter quarter, generally just taking care of day to day projects inside the temple.
The calendar also holds space for concentrating our regular dharma study. Twice a year, in May and November, we can participate (virtually only) in a 10-day dharma study intensive with Sanshin’s founding teacher, Okumura Roshi. These periods of in-depth study in the heart of spring and fall (breathing in) are carried out against a more spacious background of weekly study offerings throughout the year (breathing out), such as Sunday dharma talks and the Wednesday evening dharma book discussion group.
There are many ways in which we can understand and experience periods of greater intensity or of greater spaciousness in our ongoing practice activities. Of course, whether we are breathing out or breathing in, we can always be practicing; no one season is superior to another, and the counterbalancing relations between them are important to the overall functioning of our practice year. Whether we show up to Sanshin for a Wednesday evening book discussion, a Sunday work day, or the June sesshin, we support our own practice in knowing that our participation arises from within a larger arc -- both in the life of Sanshin’s practice calendar and in the changing rhythms of our bodhisattva lives in the world.
We can come to know and experience the practice calendar in terms of alternating phases of increasing and decreasing intensity over various periods of time. “Breathing in and breathing out” can be a useful metaphor.
In the broadest sense, it’s no coincidence that our 3-month ango (practice period) typically carried out in the spring quarter (though not in 2025) offers opportunities for extended, concentrated participation in all three forms of our practice life: zazen (5-day sesshin), work (precepts retreat), and study (dharma study intensive). The fall quarter, culminating in the practice intensity of Rohatsu sesshin and our simple celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening, is similarly comprehensive, though less highly scheduled. On the other end of the spectrum, during February and August, in the heart of winter and summer, we carry out a simplified, less busy practice schedule (see "Why is there a simplified practice schedule in February & August?" below). Breathing in in the spring and fall, breathing out in the summer and winter.
Knowing zazen itself as our most concentrated form of practice, we also find this alternating rhythm in the year’s overall schedule of sesshin, our most intensive zazen practice container. Currently, Sanshin offers the opportunity to practice “sesshin-without-toys” on a quarterly basis: March, June, September, and December. For a few days four times a year, throughout the seasons, we have a chance to breathe in deeply; at all other times we are, in a sense, breathing out, relaxing the intensity of our daily practice. The longer sesshin (5 days in June and 8 days in December) are carried out in the busier spring and fall quarters.
While sesshin intensifies our regular sitting practice, there are also opportunities to focus in on our regular work practice. Near the beginning of summer, Sanshin holds a 5-day precepts retreat, during which practitioners dive into the precepts through daily discussions and work periods, as touchpoints for working and relating in harmony with others in the various communities of which we are a part. We hold this retreat against the background of our monthly Sunday work days, which can be understood themselves as an intensification of our brief weekday morning soji (temple cleaning) practice. Thus, in terms of our work practice, we breathe in during the warmer seasons, carrying out grounds keeping and garden projects in the midst of retreat opportunities; we breathe out in the winter quarter, generally just taking care of day to day projects inside the temple.
The calendar also holds space for concentrating our regular dharma study. Twice a year, in May and November, we can participate (virtually only) in a 10-day dharma study intensive with Sanshin’s founding teacher, Okumura Roshi. These periods of in-depth study in the heart of spring and fall (breathing in) are carried out against a more spacious background of weekly study offerings throughout the year (breathing out), such as Sunday dharma talks and the Wednesday evening dharma book discussion group.
There are many ways in which we can understand and experience periods of greater intensity or of greater spaciousness in our ongoing practice activities. Of course, whether we are breathing out or breathing in, we can always be practicing; no one season is superior to another, and the counterbalancing relations between them are important to the overall functioning of our practice year. Whether we show up to Sanshin for a Wednesday evening book discussion, a Sunday work day, or the June sesshin, we support our own practice in knowing that our participation arises from within a larger arc -- both in the life of Sanshin’s practice calendar and in the changing rhythms of our bodhisattva lives in the world.
=== DSI Announcements ===
Please refresh this page each morning to ensure you have the latest updates. The latest lecture recordings will be posted below.
It's helpful to enter the Zoom room at least five minutes prior to the start of each morning's lecture. If there are pre-lecture announcements scheduled (see above), please arrive earlier as needed. You can check the time at Sanshinji (in Bloomington, IN) relative to the time in your hometown here.
Sesshin daily schedule format
Sesshin daily schedule
Below is a listing of the daily schedule format we use for 3- , 5- , and 7-day sesshins at Sanshin.
Please note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
Please note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
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First day
3:00 pm - Welcome meeting & oryoki meal orientation 5:10 - Opening comments & zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Last day (typically a Sunday) 4:00 am - Participants in their seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 6:45 - Temple cleanup 7:30 - Closing meeting Participants are welcome and encouraged to join the sangha for regular public Sunday practice which immediately follows sesshin:
9:10 - Zazen with sangha 10:00 - Break 10:10 - Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi ~11:15 - Uchiyama Roshi memorial service followed by informal tea & snacks with sangha |
Full days (in between first & last days)
4:00 am - Participants in their seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - Kinhin 9:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch 1:10 - Zazen 2:00 - Kinhin 2:10 - Zazen 3:00 - Kinhin 3:10 - Zazen 4:00 - Kinhin 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
Coming up
All are welcome to join us for Shakyamuni to Sanshin: Buddhist Essentials, a six-part lecture and discussion series continuing this evening, Wed, Mar 26, using the regular green button below:
- 6:30 PM ET - Zazen
- 7:00 - Hoko's talk begins (followed by discussion)
- 8:30 (at latest) - End of evening
| Week 4 |
You're welcome to participate even if you've not been present for earlier sessions.
I'm interested in receiving lay precepts at Sanshin.
If you're interested in receiving the precepts, please fill out and submit the request form below by Thursday, February 27th, to begin this process. We will follow up with you within a few days to continue the conversation. We'll close applications here when the maximum number of recipients is reached or sufficient lead time no longer remains.
If you are interested in receiving the precepts at Sanshin in 2025, you'll need to fill out the form at the bottom of this page by Thursday, February 27th, to begin the process. As part of your discernment beforehand, it would also be helpful to visit our page on the precepts at Sanshin Source. Please also take a thorough look at the practice-context and logistical information provided throughout this page.
See our regular weekly practice schedule here, to which we'll return in march
Regular weekly practice
Sunday mornings: Zazen (9:10 am ET) & dharma talk (10:10 am ET)
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
Weekday mornings
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 Chanting 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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): The Structure of the Self in Mahayana Buddhism by Shohaku Okumura (replaced by 6-part Buddhist Essentials series ("Shakyamuni to Sanshin") w/ Hoko between March 5th & April 9th
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
Weekday mornings
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 Chanting 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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): The Structure of the Self in Mahayana Buddhism by Shohaku Okumura (replaced by 6-part Buddhist Essentials series ("Shakyamuni to Sanshin") w/ Hoko between March 5th & April 9th
Quiet February: Simplified practice schedule
During February and August at Sanshin, the regular practice schedule becomes quieter, less busy, and more focused on zazen. We let go of chanting services and Shobogenzo Zuimonki readings on weekday mornings, most Sunday dharma talks (which are replaced by one more period of zazen), and all evening practice activities (except for our Getting Started in Zen Practice sessions, to keep open a meaningful access point during this quieter time for folks who are new to the practice or community).
This seasonal practice rhythm is related to Uchiyama Roshi's sesshin schedule at Antaiji, where a sesshin was held each month except for February and August, marked as the coldest and hottest months of the year. Though we have access to centralized heating and air conditioning in the zendo at Sanshinji and likely at home, we can acknowledge the facts of winter and summer by deeply settling into these two months of quieter, simplified practice activities. We can approach our activities in the zendo with a similarly quiet and focused attitude as maintained during sesshin, with a less intensive schedule -- and we can carry this attitude into our day to day activities and reflections outside of the zendo.
In the overall rhythm of our practice year, we might think of these two months in terms of deeply 'breathing out,' in contrast to the 'breathing in' of the busier, more highly scheduled 3-month ango (practice period) in the spring and of the activities in the fall quarter leading up to our longest sesshin of the year (Rohatsu), commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening in December. See a further description of Sanshin's calendar year as a whole on our Schedules and Calendars page.
This seasonal practice rhythm is related to Uchiyama Roshi's sesshin schedule at Antaiji, where a sesshin was held each month except for February and August, marked as the coldest and hottest months of the year. Though we have access to centralized heating and air conditioning in the zendo at Sanshinji and likely at home, we can acknowledge the facts of winter and summer by deeply settling into these two months of quieter, simplified practice activities. We can approach our activities in the zendo with a similarly quiet and focused attitude as maintained during sesshin, with a less intensive schedule -- and we can carry this attitude into our day to day activities and reflections outside of the zendo.
In the overall rhythm of our practice year, we might think of these two months in terms of deeply 'breathing out,' in contrast to the 'breathing in' of the busier, more highly scheduled 3-month ango (practice period) in the spring and of the activities in the fall quarter leading up to our longest sesshin of the year (Rohatsu), commemorating Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening in December. See a further description of Sanshin's calendar year as a whole on our Schedules and Calendars page.
Sesshin registration & participation fee
Note that there are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: regular ($65/day) and sponsor ($81/day).
For several years now, sponsor payments have helped our temple to maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay full registration fees. Thank you for your participation in this ongoing sangha effort.
If the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, you are invited to discern an amount that works within your financial circumstances and use the reduced fee registration button to offer what you can. Thank you for your practice and contribution.
Note: If you are participating online, please do not register. Simply join us for scheduled zazen periods as you wish through our virtual practice page. There is no fee, though gifts of financial support are welcome and appreciated.
For several years now, sponsor payments have helped our temple to maintain financial sustainability while welcoming practitioners unable to pay full registration fees. Thank you for your participation in this ongoing sangha effort.
If the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, you are invited to discern an amount that works within your financial circumstances and use the reduced fee registration button to offer what you can. Thank you for your practice and contribution.
Note: If you are participating online, please do not register. Simply join us for scheduled zazen periods as you wish through our virtual practice page. There is no fee, though gifts of financial support are welcome and appreciated.
Sesshin registration
Note that there are two payment options associated with your registration: regular and sponsor. The sponsor option supports our aspiration to include all sincere practitioners at retreats and events (space allowing), regardless of financial means. Over the past two years, sponsor payments have allowed us to include practitioners unable to pay the full amount, with no loss of income for the temple. Thank you!
If you are in a position to contribute to this ongoing sangha effort, please consider choosing the sponsor option from the choices below.
If paying the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to inquire about offering what you can.
If you are participating online, please do not register: simply join us for scheduled zazen periods as you wish through our virtual practice page. There is no fee, though gifts of financial support are welcome and appreciated.
If you are in a position to contribute to this ongoing sangha effort, please consider choosing the sponsor option from the choices below.
If paying the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to inquire about offering what you can.
If you are participating online, please do not register: simply join us for scheduled zazen periods as you wish through our virtual practice page. There is no fee, though gifts of financial support are welcome and appreciated.
Regular |
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Sponsor |
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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.
There's still time to participate in our annual fund appeal, in support of our shared practice and the flourishing of the dharma.
There's still time to participate in our annual fund appeal, in support of our shared practice and the flourishing of the dharma.
Funds raised so far: $23,197*
*As of Dec 22nd. For each thousand dollars we raise together, we'll color in a square of Indra's Net -- a symbol of interconnectedness often referenced by Okumura Roshi. Thank you for your participation and practice.
Sesshin page content
Rohatsu sesshin is carried out each year across the Buddhist world in recognition of Shakyamuni's awakening under the bodhi tree. Rohatsu is one of the sanbukki, the Three Buddha Days, marking the important events in Shakyamuni's life -- his birth, awakening, and death. Rohatsu sesshin is the longest sesshin we do at Sanshin, and on the final night we sit until midnight and then hold a brief chanting service.
We will sit together for three days, carrying out our usual steady Sanshin-style sesshin practice.
The five-day June sesshin is typically part of our annual three-month practice period, or ango. During the ango, a shuso, or head novice, serves as an apprentice teacher in order to develop leadership skills as Soto Zen clergy. While Hoko will lead the sesshin, the shuso will also serve as a model of practice in the zendo for the community. Learn more about our 2024 ango here.
Because it's important to have some understanding of the sesshin practice into which you're stepping, we recommend that you have some prior experience of intensive practice, and that you read several things before participating in sesshin here:
- this comprehensive page on the origin and intention of Sanshin style sesshin
- our free e-booklet Understanding Sanshin Style
- Uchiyama Roshi's Opening the Hand of Thought, particularly Chapter 4: "The World of Intensive Practice"
- the section on sesshin and retreats on our FAQ page
- the additional sesshin context and logistical information throughout this page
While we'll do our best to accommodate everyone's availability, there is no guarantee that there will be space for you during the times and dates you select. We'll determine our schedule on a first-come first-serve basis and let all respondents know where things stand by Monday, December 30th.
Regardless, if you respond to this survey, we'll pass along the reading materials selected by Tonen for the discussion series.
Regardless, if you respond to this survey, we'll pass along the reading materials selected by Tonen for the discussion series.
Home page "This week" activities
sunday morning (May 18: zazen, dharma talk, & World peace ceremony
9:05 am Zazen (50 minutes)
10:10 am Dharma talk by Esho: "All Problems are Body Problems"
~11:10 am World Peace Ceremony
followed by informal social tea & snacks
10:10 am Dharma talk by Esho: "All Problems are Body Problems"
~11:10 am World Peace Ceremony
followed by informal social tea & snacks
=== support dharma teaching ===
Sanshin offers modest honoraria (monetary gift) to non-staff members who offer teachings during practice activities here, like Sunday dharma talks. Contributing to our Spring fund appeal below helps us continue to recognize and support those who share the dharma here.
And/or give to Esho (this Sunday's speaker) directly, by clicking her name under the "Practice Leaders" section of this page.
monday evening (Dec 16): ryaku fusatsu ceremony
7 - 8 pm Ryaku fusatsu ceremony
Our monthly ceremony of renewing our aspiration to follow the sixteen bodhisattva precepts. Virtual or in-person participation is welcome, whether or not you've formally taken precepts.
If participating in-person, please arrive by 6:50 pm, to allow enough time for offering incense and purifying your rakusu or okesa if you have one.
Our monthly ceremony of renewing our aspiration to follow the sixteen bodhisattva precepts. Virtual or in-person participation is welcome, whether or not you've formally taken precepts.
If participating in-person, please arrive by 6:50 pm, to allow enough time for offering incense and purifying your rakusu or okesa if you have one.
Tuesday evening (Mar 11): Getting started in zen practice session
7 - 8:30 pm Getting Started in Zen Practice (in-person, facilitated by Hosshin)
This free, in-person session is a great place to learn more about and/or begin Zen practice in the Sanshin style. Become familiar with the sitting practice that's at the core of what we do; explore what happens with body, breath and mind; ask your questions and participate in practice discussions; and get a preview of upcoming Sanshin activities and events. More info & sign-up is here.
This free, in-person session is a great place to learn more about and/or begin Zen practice in the Sanshin style. Become familiar with the sitting practice that's at the core of what we do; explore what happens with body, breath and mind; ask your questions and participate in practice discussions; and get a preview of upcoming Sanshin activities and events. More info & sign-up is here.
Tuesday evening (apr 22): Getting started in zen practice session (online via zoom)
7 - 8:30 pm Getting Started in Zen Practice (online via Zoom)
Sign up here for this free, monthly, online session -- an opportunity to begin to explore Zen practice in the Sanshin style if you don't live nearby (participation in our other monthly GS session, held in-person at Sanshin, is highly recommended if you do live nearby). Become familiar with the sitting practice that's at the core of what we do; explore what happens with body, breath and mind; ask your questions and participate in practice discussions; and get a preview of upcoming Sanshin activities and events.
Sign up here for this free, monthly, online session -- an opportunity to begin to explore Zen practice in the Sanshin style if you don't live nearby (participation in our other monthly GS session, held in-person at Sanshin, is highly recommended if you do live nearby). Become familiar with the sitting practice that's at the core of what we do; explore what happens with body, breath and mind; ask your questions and participate in practice discussions; and get a preview of upcoming Sanshin activities and events.
Wednesday evening (dec 18): zazen & dharma book discussion
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6:30 pm Zazen
7 - 8 pm Dharma book discussion: The Structure of the Self in Mahayana Buddhism by Shohaku Okumura |
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Sunday afternoon (May 18): Sangha garden work gathering
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Following this Sunday's regular practice activities, practitioners are invited to gather at our community vegetable garden plot (2125 S Highland Ave) to tend our sesshin-bound crops, under the direction of a practice leader.
Hopeful tasks this week include:
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Okumura Roshi dharma talk
9:05 am Zazen (50 minutes)
10:10 am Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi, followed by Q & A (Note: this will be the 4th, and only public, of 10 lectures on Ejo's Komyozo-Zanmai as part of the virtual dharma study intensive (see below).
Noon Informal social tea & snacks
10:10 am Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi, followed by Q & A (Note: this will be the 4th, and only public, of 10 lectures on Ejo's Komyozo-Zanmai as part of the virtual dharma study intensive (see below).
Noon Informal social tea & snacks
sunday morning (dec 29): zazen & dharma talk
9:05 am Zazen (50 minutes)
10:10 am Dharma talk by Hoko on clothing, food, & shelter
~11:15 am Informal tea & snacks
10:10 am Dharma talk by Hoko on clothing, food, & shelter
~11:15 am Informal tea & snacks
sunday morning (May 25): zazen, oryoki breakfast (click to sign up) & dharma talk
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7:00 am Zazen
7:30 Oryoki breakfast 8:30 Break 9:05 am Zazen 10:10 am Dharma talk by Hoko ~11:15 am Informal tea & snacks |
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On the last Sunday of each month, we begin practice at 7 am, with zazen and a formal breakfast which includes chanting and the use of oryoki. No previous experience is necessary, but please sign up by Thursday, May 22, so that the cook has a head count.
sunday morning (Apr 20): Zazen & work day
On our monthly work day, typically held on the second Sunday each month, we work together on indoor and outdoor temple and grounds care projects. It is not just "volunteer work," but a communal practice of investigating interconnectedness with body and mind -- just like the rest of our activities.
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9:05 am Zazen (50 minutes)
Followed by sangha work day. Lunch provided at 12:30 pm. |
You can review our practice forms for Sunday mornings HERE. |
Everyone is welcome to participate for all or part of the day.
June 3 - 8: Five-day sesshin (registration closed)
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Throughout sesshin, practitioners are welcome to drop in freely for scheduled periods of zazen with sesshin participants. You can join during kinhin, between the top of the hour and ten minutes past. See the daily schedule at the bottom of this page.
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Shishobo giving quotes
From Dogen's Bodaisatta Shishobo:
"It is like offering treasures we are about to discard to those we do not know. We give flowers blooming on the distant mountains to the Tathagata, and offer treasures accumulated in past lives to living beings."
"Whether we give or receive, we connect ourselves with all beings throughout the world." (this could maybe go next to the Indra's Net tracker graphic when deployed)
"It is like offering treasures we are about to discard to those we do not know. We give flowers blooming on the distant mountains to the Tathagata, and offer treasures accumulated in past lives to living beings."
"Whether we give or receive, we connect ourselves with all beings throughout the world." (this could maybe go next to the Indra's Net tracker graphic when deployed)
From Okumura Roshi's commentary on Bodaisatta Shishobo:
"In order to free other beings we need to free ourselves, and the practice of dana (offering) is a practice that frees us and other beings simultaneously."
"This practice benefits both giver and receiver, and the gift is also free from the three poisonous minds. Thus, our activities simply become one with the circulation of the myriad dharmas that are always coming and going within the Dharma world. We simply refrain from blocking such a circulation by ceasing to create a wall between ourselves and all others."
"In order to free other beings we need to free ourselves, and the practice of dana (offering) is a practice that frees us and other beings simultaneously."
"This practice benefits both giver and receiver, and the gift is also free from the three poisonous minds. Thus, our activities simply become one with the circulation of the myriad dharmas that are always coming and going within the Dharma world. We simply refrain from blocking such a circulation by ceasing to create a wall between ourselves and all others."
Click here to make your gift of financial support today!
Monthly or one-time donations
Complete your transaction via PayPal or credit card
Complete your transaction via PayPal or credit card
Already a monthly donor and want to increase your giving amount?
First of all, thank you! To change the amount of your monthly gift, sign in to your PayPal account and delete the existing payment profile for Sanshin. Then create a new one for the new amount of your donations.
First of all, thank you! To change the amount of your monthly gift, sign in to your PayPal account and delete the existing payment profile for Sanshin. Then create a new one for the new amount of your donations.
To mail us a check: Please send to us at P. O. Box 1577, Bloomington IN 47402.
Six Points discussions virtual announcement template
Coming up (Thurs, Nov 14): Six Points discussion #5
Work practice as an investigation of community
How do we take our practice off the cushion and into our activities with the various communities in our lives? Join us using the regular green button at top right. |
LEARN MORE about our focus this year on lineage & legacy, and Sanshin's six points of practice.
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Quiet February & August: simplified practice schedule
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go before 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:05 am Doshi enters
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (no dharma talks)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Getting Started in Zen Practice
Fourth Tuesday (), 7:00 - 8:30 pm. More information is here.
No other weekday evening practice activities besides the Getting Started in Zen Practice session.
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go before 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:05 am Doshi enters
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (no dharma talks)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Getting Started in Zen Practice
Fourth Tuesday (), 7:00 - 8:30 pm. More information is here.
No other weekday evening practice activities besides the Getting Started in Zen Practice session.
See our regular practice schedule here, to which we'll return in March
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): The Structure of the Self by Shohaku Okumura
Saturday is our day off; there's no public practice.
Sunday morning zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am):
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
Getting Started in Zen Practice, second & fourth Tuesdays , 7:00 - 8:30 pm -- sign-up and more information is here.
Ryaku fusatsu: Monday evening closest to the 15th day of the month (no February ceremony, next is Mar ), 7 pm
Our 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, meal periods, and sleep each day. Local fully vaccinated practitioners may drop in for one or more periods of zazen as they wish (no fee) or may register for full days with communal meals.
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): The Structure of the Self by Shohaku Okumura
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 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 , 7:00 - 8:30 pm -- sign-up and more information is here.
Ryaku fusatsu: Monday evening closest to the 15th day of the month (no February ceremony, next is Mar ), 7 pm
Our 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, meal periods, and sleep each day. Local fully vaccinated practitioners may drop in for one or more periods of zazen as they wish (no fee) or may register for full days with communal meals.
Sanshin Network virtual practice offerings
In English
Hosted by Sanshin Zen Community (IN, USA):
Click here for complete information about our regular virtual practice activities.
Click here for complete information about our regular virtual practice activities.
Hosted by Shodo Spring at Mountains and Waters Alliance (MN, USA):
- Mondays: Zazen, 6 am.
Hosted by Shoryu Bradley at Gyobutsuji (Kingston, AR, USA)
- Monday - Fridays: Zazen, 5:10 am to 7 am
- Saturdays: Zazen, 9 to 11 am; dharma talk 11 to 11:30
- Monday evenings: Zazen, 6:10 pm - 6:40 pm followed by informal discussion until 7:30.
Hosted by Zen Community of New York for Dōgen Study (NY, USA)
Daily and weekly programs
Monday Dharma Lab: “Kōan Study: How Dōgen School sees Kōan ~ Book of Serenity/Shōyō-roku”
1:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm
Text: Trilingual text is offered to the participants.
Recommended Reading: “Book of Serenity – One Hundred Zen Dialogue” translated by Thomas Cleary from Shambhala
Thursday Evening Shōbōgenzō Classroom
6:30 pm ~ 8:00 pm
Text: Bilingual texts are offered to the participants.
Recommended Reading: “Realizing Genjōkōan – the key to Dōgen’s Shōbōgenzō” by Shohaku Okumura
Friday Dharma Lab: Dōgen’s Eihei Shingi
11:00 am ~ 12:30 pm
03/05, 12 & 25
Text: Bilingual text is offered to the participants.
Recommended Reading: “Dōgen’s Pure Standards for the Zen Community – a translation of Eihei Shingi” translated by Taigen Danial Leighton and Shohaku Okumura
Please email here for information about how to participate.
Daily and weekly programs
- Morning Zazen: Mondays ~ Fridays 7:20 am ~ 8:20 am
- Ryaku-Chōka follows Zazen at 8:20 am on the day of 4 and 9.
- Catherine's Body/Mind Synchronization Stretch Class follows Zazen on Thursdays.
Monday Dharma Lab: “Kōan Study: How Dōgen School sees Kōan ~ Book of Serenity/Shōyō-roku”
1:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm
Text: Trilingual text is offered to the participants.
Recommended Reading: “Book of Serenity – One Hundred Zen Dialogue” translated by Thomas Cleary from Shambhala
Thursday Evening Shōbōgenzō Classroom
6:30 pm ~ 8:00 pm
Text: Bilingual texts are offered to the participants.
Recommended Reading: “Realizing Genjōkōan – the key to Dōgen’s Shōbōgenzō” by Shohaku Okumura
Friday Dharma Lab: Dōgen’s Eihei Shingi
11:00 am ~ 12:30 pm
03/05, 12 & 25
Text: Bilingual text is offered to the participants.
Recommended Reading: “Dōgen’s Pure Standards for the Zen Community – a translation of Eihei Shingi” translated by Taigen Danial Leighton and Shohaku Okumura
Please email here for information about how to participate.
Hosted by the Everett sitting group (WA, USA):
- Saturday mornings: Zazen and kinhin. 8 - 11 am. Sit one or more 50-minute periods alternating with 10 minutes of kinhin.
in french
With Mokusho Depreay at Centre Shikantaza (Mons, Belgium)
Please email here for information about how to participate.
- Zazen: Monday to Friday (7:10-7:45 am CET)
- Text study: 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 7-8 pm CET
- Council Circle: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 7-8 pm CET
- Buddhist ethics: Wednesday - 7-8 pm CET
Please email here for information about how to participate.
in spanish
With Densho Quintero at Soto Zen Community of Columbia (Bogota, Columbia)
- Tuesday and Thursday: practice in person in the temple and online simultaneously. Two periods of zazen with kinhin. from 6:20 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday: practice only online, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: practice in person in the temple and online simultaneously. Two periods of zazen with kinhin and a short ceremony followed by breakfast using oryoki, Samu and tea. from 6:10 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Sunday: Teisho or Q/A session from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.
in italian
With Gyoetsu Epifania and Doryu Cappelli at Centro Zen Anshin (Rome, Italy)
Please email here for information about how to participate.
- Tuesdays 7.30 pm - Zazen, Kinhin, Zazen, evening service.
- Fridays 7.30 pm - Zazen, Dharma Talk
- Saturdays 8.00 am - Zazen, morning service
Please email here for information about how to participate.
Coming up: Sunday, July 7th -- Precepts ceremonies (web announcement)
- Jukai-e (lay precepts ceremony -- seated by 9:55 am) followed by potluck lunch
- Shukke tokudo (novice ordination ceremony -- seated by 1:55 pm) for Mark Myogen Ahlstrom
Coming up: Shuso ceremonies (web announcement)
- Saturday, June 29th: Honsoku gyocha (7 pm)
- Sunday, June 30th: Shuso hossen (hossenshiki) -- (10 am); followed by potluck lunch
Sanshin will mark the ending of the ango and of Esho's term as shuso (head novice) with two annual ceremonies. Everyone is welcome to participate, either in person or virtually -- no registration necessary. As part of her role as shuso, Esho has chosen a case (koan) from the Shoyoroku, or Book of Serenity, and Hoko will talk about it during the honsoku gyocha (formal tea) on June 29th. Esho will answer formal questions about it from the sangha during the shuso hossen on June 30th, which will be followed by a public potluck lunch. Visit our ango page for the complete case as well as further context and information.
Virtual page ango notice
Ango 2024 (Apr 1 - July 7)
Visit our Ango with Esho webpage to learn more about the context of ango (practice period) and its practice opportunities, and about Esho Morimoto, our shuso (head novice) for the next three months. Recordings of Esho's Sunday dharma talks and any associated resources and practices she provides will also be posted to the Ango page as they become available.
Sesshin registration box
Registration & payment
Note that there are two fee options associated with your registration: regular and sponsor. The sponsor option supports our aspiration to include all sincere practitioners at retreats and events, regardless of financial means.
If you are in a position to help in this ongoing sangha effort, please consider choosing the sponsor option from the menu below.
If the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to inquire about fee reductions and waivers.
If you are participating online, please do not register: simply join us for scheduled zazen periods as you wish through our virtual practice page. There is no fee, though gifts of financial support are welcome and appreciated.
If you are in a position to help in this ongoing sangha effort, please consider choosing the sponsor option from the menu below.
If the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to inquire about fee reductions and waivers.
If you are participating online, please do not register: simply join us for scheduled zazen periods as you wish through our virtual practice page. There is no fee, though gifts of financial support are welcome and appreciated.
"Six Points" discussion series virtual page reminder
Coming upThurs, May 23: Zazen (6:30 - 7 pm); "Six points of practice" discussion (7 - 8 pm) on point #2: Keeping forms simple -- join us via Zoom using the regular green button at top right.
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Precepts retreat fee language
Please note that there are two payment options in the registration dropdown menu below: regular and sponsor. The sponsor option helps us to support practitioners who are not able to pay full fees (see below). If you are able to help us in this effort, please consider choosing the sponsor fee from the buttons below.
We aspire to include all sincere practitioners at retreats and events as space allows, regardless of financial means. If paying the regular fee is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us to request a fee reduction or waiver.
There is no fee for virtual participation -- just join us through our virtual practice page during scheduled zazen or discussion periods as your own schedule allows. If you wish to make a donation, please go here rather than using the registration options below.
We aspire to include all sincere practitioners at retreats and events as space allows, regardless of financial means. If paying the regular fee is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us to request a fee reduction or waiver.
There is no fee for virtual participation -- just join us through our virtual practice page during scheduled zazen or discussion periods as your own schedule allows. If you wish to make a donation, please go here rather than using the registration options below.
DSI join buttons (w/ tan background)
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DSI announcements box language
Please refresh this page daily or as needed in case of new announcements, and also for access to lecture recordings as they become available below.
Please read the guidelines listed below, under "Things to know during the event," for detailed information that will help us to function harmoniously throughout our time together. If you have a question during the event that is not addressed there, please contact us here.
DSI Sunday procedures note
*Sunday, May 5th
Note the following changes for today only, in order to accommodate public Sunday practice at Sanshin:
- Use the "Join Sanshin's virtual practice" button at right to join the lecture via Zoom.
- This morning's lecture will begin ten minutes later than usual, at 10:10 am.
- There is a public period of zazen beginning at 9:10.
DSI Registration and payment
Note that there are two designated payment amount options associated with your registration: regular ($250) and sponsor ($300). The sponsor option supports our aspiration to include all sincere practitioners at retreats and events, regardless of financial means. Over the past several years, sponsor payments have allowed us to include practitioners unable to pay the full amount, with no loss of income for the temple. Thank you!
If you are in a position to contribute to this ongoing sangha effort, please consider choosing the sponsor option from the choices below.
If paying the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to inquire about our process for offering what you can.
If you are in a position to contribute to this ongoing sangha effort, please consider choosing the sponsor option from the choices below.
If paying the regular payment amount listed below is a barrier to your participation, please contact us to inquire about our process for offering what you can.
Regular payment: $250.00 |
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Sponsor payment: $300.00 |
DSI Lecture references (posted a week or so after last lecture)
Note that this list was compiled as able on a volunteer basis in the midst of tech support for the lectures, so it may be incomplete and/or imperfect. For references marked with a (*), particular published source information is offered below.
Lecture recordings have been archived with the Dōgen Institute (message after taking down lecture recordings June 11th)
Over time, lectures from this dharma study intensive on Shobogenzo Zazenshin, past genzo-e, and future study intensives will be made available to our Dōgen Institute listening community. See here to learn more and to subscribe.
Sesshin daily schedules
3-day Uchiyama Roshi memorial sesshin Daily schedule
Please note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
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Thursday, Mar 6
3:00 pm - Welcome meeting & oryoki meal orientation 5:10 - Opening comments & zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Sunday, Mar 9 5:00 am - Participants in their seats 5:05 - Doshi entrance 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 6:45 - Temple cleanup 7:30 - Closing meeting Participants are welcome and encouraged to join the sangha for regular public Sunday practice which immediately follows sesshin:
9:10 - Zazen with sangha 10:00 - Break 10:10 - Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi ~11:15 - Uchiyama Roshi memorial service followed by informal tea & snacks with sangha |
Friday & Saturday, Mar 7 - 8
4:00 am - Participants in their seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - Kinhin 9:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch 1:10 - Zazen 2:00 - Kinhin 2:10 - Zazen 3:00 - Kinhin 3:10 - Zazen 4:00 - Kinhin 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
5-day june sesshin: daily schedule
Please note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
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Tuesday, June 4
5:00 pm - Welcome meeting 5:30 - Dinner w/ oryoki orientation 7:10 - Opening comments and zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Sunday, June 9 03:55 am - Participants in their seats 04:00 am - Shuso entrance 04:05 am - Doshi entrance 04:10 am - Zazen 05:00 am - Kinhin 05:10 - Zazen 06:00 - Breakfast/Personal time 07:10 - Zazen 08:00 - End of sesshin; cleanup and close -------------- Participants are encouraged to join our regular public Sunday practice which immediately follows sesshin: 09:10 - Zazen with the sangha 10:00 - Break 10:10 - Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi ~11:30 - End of Sunday practice; informal tea & snacks |
Wednesday - Saturday, June 5 - 8
03:55 am - Participants in their seats 04:00 am - Shuso entrance 04:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 05:00 - Kinhin 05:10 - Zazen 06:00 - Breakfast/Personal time 07:10 - Zazen 08:00 - Kinhin 08:10 - Zazen 09:00 - Kinhin 09:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch/Personal time 01:10 - Zuiza ('free sitting') 02:00 - Kinhin 02:10 - Zazen 03:00 - Kinhin 03:10 - Zazen 04:00 - Kinhin 04:10 - Zazen 05:00 - Kinhin 05:10 - Zazen 06:00 - Dinner/Personal time 07:10 - Zazen 08:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
3-day september sesshin Daily schedule
Please note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
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Thursday, Sept 5
3:00 pm - Welcome meeting & oryoki orientation 5:10 - Opening comments and zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Sunday, Sept 8 4:00 am - Participants in their seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 6:45 - End of sesshin; cleanup 7:30 - Closing meeting ----------------------------------- Participants are welcome and encouraged to join our regular public Sunday practice which immediately follows sesshin: 9:10 - Zazen with sangha 10:00 - Break 10:10 - Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi ~11:30 - Informal tea & snacks |
Friday & Saturday, Sept 6 & 7
4:00 am - Participants in their seats 4:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Breakfast 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - Kinhin 9:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch 1:10 - Zazen 2:00 - Kinhin 2:10 - Zazen 3:00 - Kinhin 3:10 - Zazen 4:00 - Kinhin 4:10 - Zazen 5:00 - Kinhin 5:10 - Zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
Rohatsu sesshin Daily schedule
Please note that virtual participation begins with the first zazen period on the opening evening.
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Saturday, Nov 30
3:00 pm - Welcome meeting & oryoki orientation 5:10 - Opening comments and zazen 6:00 - Dinner 7:10 - Zazen 8:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day Saturday, Dec 7 Same as Dec 1 - 6 except: 9:00 pm - Silent tea 9:20 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 am - Heart Sutra service Sunday, Dec 8 07:00 - Cleanup 07:30 - Potluck breakfast w/ sangha 08:30 - Sunday setup & break ----------------------------------- Participants are welcome and encouraged to join our regular public Sunday practice, which in this case includes our annual Rohatsu ceremony marking Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening, immediately following sesshin: 9:10 - Zazen with sangha 10:00 - Break 10:10 - Dharma talk by Okumura Roshi ~11:00 - Rohatsu ceremony |
Sun, Dec 1 - Fri, Dec 6
04:00 am - Participants are in their seats 04:05 - Doshi entrance 4:10 - Zazen 05:00 - Kinhin 05:10 - Zazen 06:00 - Breakfast 07:10 - Zazen 08:00 - Kinhin 08:10 - Zazen 09:00 - Kinhin 09:10 - Zazen 10:00 - Kinhin 10:10 - Zazen 11:00 - Kinhin 11:10 - Zazen 12:00 pm - Lunch 01:10 - Zazen 02:00 - Kinhin 02:10 - Zazen 03:00 - Kinhin 03:10 - Zazen 04:00 - Kinhin 04:10 - Zazen 05:00 - Kinhin 05:10 - Zazen 06:00 - Dinner 07:10 - Zazen 08:00 - Kinhin 8:10 - Zazen 9:00 - End of day |
Sangha participation with residents, ango 2023
Those living in Bloomington are invited and encouraged to join residential practitioners in their daily schedule of zazen, work and study during the ango (see below). If you wish to join the residents for a meal, please plan to bring your own food unless you've made prior arrangements with the tenzo for that day.
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Regular weekdays
5:10 am Zazen 6:00 Kinhin 6:10 Zazen 7:00 Robe chant 7:05 Service 7:30 Reading from Shobogenzo Zuimonki, announcements, soji 7:45 Bow out 8:00 Breakfast 9:00 Eihei Shingi study period 10:15 Work period 12:00 Lunch 1:00 pm Work period 3:30 Personal time 5:30 Dinner 6:30 Zazen/evening practice
Fridays -- same as weekday schedule, except: 8:00 am Breakfast using oryoki 9:00 Eihei Shingi group discussion |
Study of the Eihei Shingi (group discussion Friday mornings, 9 am)
Please come having completed the assigned reading and prepared to discuss. We'll be using Dogen's Pure Standards for the Zen Community, translated by Leighton and Okumura, as well as From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment by Dogen and Uchiyama. Copies of Pure Standards are available for purchase at Sanshin; there is one copy of Zen Kitchen in Sanshin's library for use during the discussion. Other readings will be made available as needed. April 7: Introductory material (through p. 29) 14: Tenzo Kyokun (no meeting this week because of the sewing retreat, but please read in preparation for the following two weeks' discussion) 21: Jinsei Ryori no Hon I: Sections 1 - 7 (Zen Kitchen) 28: Jinsei Ryori no Hon I: Sections 8 - 14 (Zen Kitchen) May 5: Sodo no Gyoji (no meeting this week because of the genzo-e, but please read in preparation for the following two weeks' discussion) 12: Bendoho; Living in the Sodo (Seido Suzuki); Pull your own nose and lift the ancient koan (Shohaku Okumura) 19: Fushukuhanpo 26: Shuryo Shingi June 2: Sesshin; no meeting 9: Taitaiko Gogejariho 16: Chiji Shinji I (through p. 152); Eyes Wide Open (Shohaku Okumura) 23: Chiji Shingi II (director, ino) 30: Chiji Shingi III (tenzo, work leader) |
Fee language
Please note that there are two fee options: regular and sponsor. The sponsor option helps us support practitioners who are not able to pay fees (see below). If you are able to help us in this effort, please consider choosing the sponsor fee from the buttons below.
Sanshin Zen Community aspires to accommodate all sincere practitioners at retreats and events, regardless of their ability to pay. If you are not able to pay the full fee, please contact the Sanshin program assistant to inquire about fee reductions or waivers.
Sanshin Zen Community aspires to accommodate all sincere practitioners at retreats and events, regardless of their ability to pay. If you are not able to pay the full fee, please contact the Sanshin program assistant to inquire about fee reductions or waivers.
Please note that there are two payment options in the registration dropdown menu below: regular and sponsor. The sponsor option helps us to support practitioners who are not able to pay fees (see below). If you are able to help us in this effort, please consider choosing the sponsor fee from the buttons below.
We aspire to include all sincere practitioners at retreats and events as space allows, regardless of financial means. If paying the regular fee is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us to request a fee reduction or waiver.
There is no fee or registration for virtual participation -- if you'd like to donate, please go here rather than using the registration button below.
We aspire to include all sincere practitioners at retreats and events as space allows, regardless of financial means. If paying the regular fee is a barrier to your participation, please reach out to us to request a fee reduction or waiver.
There is no fee or registration for virtual participation -- if you'd like to donate, please go here rather than using the registration button below.
February & August: Simplified in-person practice schedule
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go by 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements as needed, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (except for Sunday, Feb 18th -- see below)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Sunday, Feb 18th (Parinirvana Day)
9:10 am Zazen
10:10 Dharma talk by Hoko
~11:00 Q & A
~11:30 Potluck lunch
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
No weekday evening activities
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put it on before zazen, and be in your seat ready to go by 6:05 am, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements as needed, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Sunday mornings (except for Sunday, Feb 18th -- see below)
9:10 am Zazen
10:00 Kinhin
10:10 Zazen
11:00 Bow out
Sunday, Feb 18th (Parinirvana Day)
9:10 am Zazen
10:10 Dharma talk by Hoko
~11:00 Q & A
~11:30 Potluck lunch
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
No weekday evening activities
February & August: Simplified virtual practice schedule
Weekday mornings
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put them on before zazen. In the zendo, the doshi enters at 6:05 am, so practitioners at home may wish to be in your seat ready to go by then, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
If you wear okesa or rakusu, please put them on before zazen. In the zendo, the doshi enters at 6:05 am, so practitioners at home may wish to be in your seat ready to go by then, in time for the doshi's bows.
6:10 am Zazen
7:00 Kinhin
7:10 Zazen
8:00 Announcements, soji (cleanup)
8:20 Bow out
Regular virtual practice schedule
Weekday mornings
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
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
Wednesdays: 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday evening book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
- You may wish to view this talk by Okumura Roshi, in which he introduces Ryokan's life and work.
- Here is the Shushogi, to which reference has recently been made in our reading of the book.
Regular in-person practice schedule
Weekday mornings
Please be in your seat and ready to go by 6:05, in time for the doshi's bows.
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
Please be in your seat and ready to go by 6:05, in time for the doshi's bows.
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 book discussion (7 - 8 pm): Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura
- See this talk by Okumura Roshi, in which he introduces Ryokan's life and work
- Here is the Shushogi, to which reference has recently been made in our reading of the book.
Saturday is our day off; there's no public practice.
Sunday morning zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am):
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
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 Hoko followed by World Peace ceremony
- Fourth Sunday: Talk by Doju
- Fifth Sunday: Talk by Hoko or a senior practitioner
Missed a Sunday dharma talk? Many recordings are available on our YouTube channel.
Introduction to Zen Buddhism
with Hoko Karnegis, senior dharma teacher
Six Thursdays, 7 - 8:30 pm beginning January 18
Offered at Sanshin in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College Center for Lifelong Learning. In-person participation only.
"Zen" has become a shorthand term for zoning out in some blissful state, but in fact this rich, centuries-old practice is not at all aimed at getting us to escape from our lives. Instead, it offers the opportunity to release ourselves from suffering by seeing reality more clearly and becoming intimate with our own moment-by-moment experience. We'll explore what Zen Buddhism is really all about, beginning with the central ideas of Buddhism itself and moving on to the teachings and practices particular to its Zen form. Class will include instruction in sitting practice (zazen) as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. Enthusiastic participants in this class from previous years went on to form a zazen/book discussion group that is still meeting today. All faith traditions welcome.
Registration and payment managed by Ivy Tech.
with Hoko Karnegis, senior dharma teacher
Six Thursdays, 7 - 8:30 pm beginning January 18
Offered at Sanshin in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College Center for Lifelong Learning. In-person participation only.
"Zen" has become a shorthand term for zoning out in some blissful state, but in fact this rich, centuries-old practice is not at all aimed at getting us to escape from our lives. Instead, it offers the opportunity to release ourselves from suffering by seeing reality more clearly and becoming intimate with our own moment-by-moment experience. We'll explore what Zen Buddhism is really all about, beginning with the central ideas of Buddhism itself and moving on to the teachings and practices particular to its Zen form. Class will include instruction in sitting practice (zazen) as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. Enthusiastic participants in this class from previous years went on to form a zazen/book discussion group that is still meeting today. All faith traditions welcome.
Registration and payment managed by Ivy Tech.
David Fukudō Thompson
Director of the Dōgen Institute
Email David
David joined the board of Sanshin in February 2012. He has been practicing with Okumura Roshi since 2004 – in Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and Bloomington. David has also practiced at other Zen Centers on the East Coast. He began sitting in 2001 with a student of Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi and received the precepts from Reb in 2009. David is currently editing one of Hojo-san's books-in-progress. He is a retired IT strategy consultant, with Master’s degrees in American Civilization and in Organization Development. He is thrilled to have been leading the Dōgen Institute since 2012 and enjoys working and corresponding with its many volunteers across the world. David is a native of Philadelphia, PA, enjoys hiking, and is an avid student of Japanese.
Director of the Dōgen Institute
Email David
David joined the board of Sanshin in February 2012. He has been practicing with Okumura Roshi since 2004 – in Pittsburgh, North Carolina, and Bloomington. David has also practiced at other Zen Centers on the East Coast. He began sitting in 2001 with a student of Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi and received the precepts from Reb in 2009. David is currently editing one of Hojo-san's books-in-progress. He is a retired IT strategy consultant, with Master’s degrees in American Civilization and in Organization Development. He is thrilled to have been leading the Dōgen Institute since 2012 and enjoys working and corresponding with its many volunteers across the world. David is a native of Philadelphia, PA, enjoys hiking, and is an avid student of Japanese.
Template for virtual talks for other temples:
Hoko's talk for Great Tree Zen Temple (Asheville, NC):
What Drives Our Practice?
Connection without Dependance
Saturday, September 23 at 9:30 am EDT
Open to the public -- click here to join
Sanshin's approach to practice is one of nonreliance, or connection without dependance. It's a continuing exploration of an important question: what's driving our practice? It's not calendars, teachers, systems or doctrines -- but without those things, how do we keep practice from becoming a free-for-all based only on our own opinions and preferences? How do we know we're succeeding, and how do we keep from flying apart as a community?
Hoko's talk for Great Tree Zen Temple (Asheville, NC):
What Drives Our Practice?
Connection without Dependance
Saturday, September 23 at 9:30 am EDT
Open to the public -- click here to join
Sanshin's approach to practice is one of nonreliance, or connection without dependance. It's a continuing exploration of an important question: what's driving our practice? It's not calendars, teachers, systems or doctrines -- but without those things, how do we keep practice from becoming a free-for-all based only on our own opinions and preferences? How do we know we're succeeding, and how do we keep from flying apart as a community?
Additional practice opportunities during Temp/Short-term residencies
From Friday, Aug 25 through Friday, Sept 15, Jakusho Pignatiello from Venezuela will be living and practicing at Sanshin as a short-term resident. During this time, in addition to the regular practice schedule listed at right, the sangha is invited to participate with him in the following practice activities as your lives permit. If you wish to join for a meal, please plan to bring your own food, unless you have made prior arrangements to share. Note that during sesshin (Aug 31 - Sept 3), these activities will not be held:
Weekdays* (except Friday mornings - see below)
9 am Breakfast
10:00 Individual dharma study
11:10 Light work/lunch prep or continued study
12 pm Lunch
1 pm Work period
3:30 pm End of day
*On Friday mornings, breakfast will be taken at 7:45 am using oryoki, as usual. From 9 - 10 am, we will be discussing the Gakudo-Yojinshu (Points to Watch in Practicing the Way) by Eihei Dogen Zenji, section by section following the schedule below. The text can be accessed as a free .pdf here (starting on page 5). There are also several copies available at Sanshin.
Aug 25: sections 1 - 4 (pg. 6 - 17)
Sept 8: sections 5 - 7 (pg. 18 - 29)
Sept 15: sections 8 - 10 (pg. 30 - 35)
9 am Breakfast
10:00 Individual dharma study
11:10 Light work/lunch prep or continued study
12 pm Lunch
1 pm Work period
3:30 pm End of day
*On Friday mornings, breakfast will be taken at 7:45 am using oryoki, as usual. From 9 - 10 am, we will be discussing the Gakudo-Yojinshu (Points to Watch in Practicing the Way) by Eihei Dogen Zenji, section by section following the schedule below. The text can be accessed as a free .pdf here (starting on page 5). There are also several copies available at Sanshin.
Aug 25: sections 1 - 4 (pg. 6 - 17)
Sept 8: sections 5 - 7 (pg. 18 - 29)
Sept 15: sections 8 - 10 (pg. 30 - 35)
Standby list for non-local practitioners
Do NOT assume you have a seat and plan to travel to Sanshin unless we contact you to confirm your registration.
Homepage Weekly Schedule Template:
Weekday mornings: Zazen (seated by 6:05 and 7:10 am) followed by service and 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
Sun, Dec 10: Zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am) by Okumura Roshi on Opening the Hand of Though; followed by Rohatsu service and sangha potluck lunch celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening
Wed, Dec 13: Zazen (6:30 - 7 pm) followed by book discussion -- Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura (7 - 8 pm)
Sun, Dec 17: Zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am) by Hoko on Gate 103: 'Accomplishment of the state of dharani'
Weekday mornings: Zazen (seated by 6:05 and 7:10 am) followed by service and 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
Sun, Dec 10: Zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am) by Okumura Roshi on Opening the Hand of Though; followed by Rohatsu service and sangha potluck lunch celebrating Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening
Wed, Dec 13: Zazen (6:30 - 7 pm) followed by book discussion -- Ryokan Interpreted by Shohaku Okumura (7 - 8 pm)
Sun, Dec 17: Zazen (9:10 am) and dharma talk (10:10 am) by Hoko on Gate 103: 'Accomplishment of the state of dharani'
Policies and guidelines
