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.
Fall Practice Period: Enlightenment is an Accident with Tim Burkett and Alan Eustace Offered online and in person Wednesday evenings, October 4 – November 20, 7:15 – 8:45 pm (Last class is the Shuso Ceremony for Alan Eustace on Monday night.) OR Thursday mornings October 5 – November 20 , 7:30 – 9:00 am (Last class is the Shuso Ceremony for Alan Eustace on Monday night.) Suggested donation: $150 Please register five days in advance. Register
A well-known spiritual saying goes, “Enlightenment is an accident. But we can make ourselves more accident-prone.” As an authentic American Zen takes shape, enlightenment continues to be misunderstood as a project to be completed, a goal to be achieved, or a prize to be awarded. Tim’s latest book unhooks enlightenment from the hot air balloon of ego and brings it back down to earth.
Drawing on stories of his first teacher, the Zen master Shunryu Suzuki (author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind), and Tim’s decades of practice and teaching, he reveals how to live in the world with a deep joy that comes from embracing the work and play of this very moment. With the wisdom and humor of a seasoned practitioner familiar with all manner of eccentric fixations and silly dead-ends, he offers views and practices we can use to support the paradoxical process of letting enlightenment happen on its own.
Come prepared to be surprised, encouraged and to have fun as we take a multi-week journey through Tim’s book! Copies of the book are available on MZMC's front porch.