COME AS YOU ARE ZEN

Come As You Are Zen is an continuing Saturday morning program focusing on Buddhist practices that enhance our daily lives. For example: how do we deal with difficult co-workers or our boss; how do we diminish the suffering we feel when we are frustrated and angry; or how can we keep our patience when things seem out of control. All of these examples are situations we might find in our work and relational life. The setting of the Saturday morning program will be informal, beginning with the presentation of the topic for that day, a discussion and as time permits ending with quiet sitting.

 

KNITTING TOGETHER, Second Sunday of Each Month, 1-4 p.m.

Have you ever wondered "What can I do to make our world a better place?" Knitting is an ancient practice of body, heart and mind. It is a creative act of caring attention, and an opportunity to express generousity. Intention and compassion become tangible for the being who receives the work of our hands and in the giving we remember our true nature.

We meet once a month to knit as a community. Each session begins with a simple dedication fo our work. The items we create we donate to an organization of our choice. KNITTERS OF ALL LEVELS OF EXPERTISE ARE WELCOME. If you are new to knitting, or you could mentor someone who is, please let us know. For more information call Randy Chelsey 831-423-5751. Please call Randy or email info@oceangatezen.org (see contact page for link) concerning the meeting date. The group is meeting once an month and setting the date for the next meeting at that time. Also see the HOME page for the upcoming date.

Morning Sittings

Morning sittings are alternating sitting (30 minute periods) and walking meditation. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to come to these activities as they are an excellent introduction to Soto Zen practice. More experienced practitioners are also encouraged as these sittings are a way to connect with deeper meditative experiences in the midst of our hectic daily lives.

Typical Schedule:

• 8 - 8:30 a.m. meditation
• 8:30 - 8:40 a.m. walking meditation (or break)
• 8:40 - 9 a.m. service/chanting
• 9 - 9:30 a.m. meditation
• 9:30 - 9:40 a.m. walking meditation (or break)
• 9:40 -10 a.m. short talk
• 10 - 10:15 a.m. short break
• 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. meditation
• 10:45 - 10:55 a.m. walking meditation (or break)
• 10:55 - 11:25 a.m. meditation
• 11:25 - 11:35 a.m. walking meditation (or break)
• 11:55 a.m. - noon short closing chant

Full Day Sitting

These meditation days begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. You may come to any portion of the sitting that fits your schedule. During that time we will alternate periods of meditation (as we do in the morning sittings). In addition we will include noon chanting followed by a modified Oryoki lunch (formal Zen meal). Please bring a bag lunch. There is a longer break after lunch and we have a silent tea from 2:10 - 2:30 p.m. There may be an hour of zendo cleaning added to the schedule. For more information write info@oceangatezen.org .