Practice Periods are an integral part of traditional Buddhism, and trace their origins back to the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, when the nuns and monks would take time during the monsoon seasons of India to devote themselves to intensified meditation, study, and community building.
Participants are expected to attend the eight weekly meetings (Wednesday evenings from 7:15 – 8:45 pm OR Thursday mornings from 7:30 – 9:00 am), commit to regular zazen practice, attend at least one day of retreat (for which there is an additional cost) and one work practice day, read the assigned text(s), and have regular meetings with an assigned practice partner.
Spring Practice Period with Ted O'Toole and Keido Jeromy Thotland Offered online and in person Wednesday evenings, March 29 – May 17 , 7:15 – 8:45 pm (There is also a morning option for those who cannot attend Wednesday evenings: Thursday mornings March 30 – May 18 , 7:30 – 9:00 am) Suggested donation $150 Please register five days in advance. Register
The topic of the spring Practice Period will be the Lotus Sutra, using the translation by Gene Reeves. The Lotus Sutra is one of the world's great religious texts and has been highly influential in the development of Mahayana Buddhism. The Practice Period will be led by Ted O'Toole and Keido Jeromy Thotland, and will end with Keido's shuso ceremony. There will be an opportunity for an optional "Tea with the Shuso."
We will study the second half of the Lotus Sutra in the Spring Practice Period. Although we studied the first half in the Fall 2022 Practice Period, that Practice Period was not a prerequisite for this one. In our initial meetings in the spring we will summarize the offerings from Fall 2022 in order for new participants to catch up, and prior participants to be reminded. Anyone wanting to familiarize themselves with the first half of the Lotus Sutra may take a look at pages 1-217 of the book. Please come to class with a copy of the book. If you do not want to purchase the book, you may read the copy on the reserve in the MZMC library.
Fall Practice Period with Tim Burkett and Alan Eustace Offered online and in person Wednesday evenings, October 4 – November 2o, 7:15 – 8:45 pm (Last class is on a Monday.) OR Thursday mornings October 5 – November 21 , 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. (Last class is on Tuesday.) Suggested donation: $150 Please register five days in advance. Register Topic TBA