A Quick Description of Dogen, His life and accomplishments by Prof. Masunaga Reiho from the book 'Soto Approach to Zen': Dogen profoundly expressed the essence of Zen. In his biography it is said that Dogen had great doubts about reality and ideals when he was 15 years old, and he visited Eisai in an effort to solve this problem. Dogen later studied under Myozen, a disciple of Eisai. When he was 24, Dogen went to China with Myozen to study Zen. Sonoma Mountain Zen Center - Genjo-ji was founded to provide Soto Zen Buddhist practice in the lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-roshi to the people of Northern California and globally.SMZC offers intro programs, meditation instruction, regular & online practice programs, Solo & Group Retreats & residency. Soto Zen is situated within the Buddhist tradition, yet Dogen Zenji's zazen itself is a transparent practice that does not require a Buddhist container. Thus it can be colored by any number of influences and contexts, Buddhist and not. We do only four things in zazen: take the posture, keep our eyes open, breathe deeply and let go of thought.
Join Our Online Spring Practice Period
- Begins with a one-day sesshin on May 8
- Ends with a three-day sesshin June 18 – 20
- Class Materials:
- The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh (links to our Bookshop.com)
- Dogen Zenji’s Fukanzazengi
Our Approach to Practice Period
Since 1989, Berkeley Zen Center has had an annual six-week practice period in the spring or fall. Sojun Roshi regularly offered words of encouragement and perspective for those intending to participate. For our Spring 2021 Practice Period, I offer a similar message, drawing on Sojun’s expression and my own.
Practice Period has roots in Buddha’s time and continues through our Soto Zen tradition. In India and Southeast Asia, the Buddha established a Rains Retreat each year. During the monsoon season, monks and nuns would cease their wandering and gather in monastic centers for collective practice. This tradition migrated through East Asia and continues today. In Japan there is ango, which means “peaceful dwelling.” Practice period at BZC translates ango into our urban setting.
This spring we can concentrate our effort, renewing the practice of beginners’ mind. Study will center on zazen and basic Buddhist teachings. The practice period has some minimum requirements, but within these requirements each person should create his or her own realistic schedule. This is the nature of lay practice. According to the demands of our whole life, some will be able to do a minimum, while others can stretch themselves further in formal practice. In general, sangha members are not required to participate. You are free to come to zazen, even if you are not signed up for practice period.
Dogen Zenji Amazon
The schedule you sign up for should incorporate zazen into your rhythm of life as an intention rather than as a special activity. When we design our schedule for these six weeks, taking into consideration the other factors and responsibilities in our life, we have a foundation for practice, honoring all our commitments.
Sojun Roshi wrote: “I like to think of the spirit of practice period as the wish to do it all, and then narrowing it down to what is practical or possible, rather than simply picking and choosing pieces of it based on preference or convenience. This helps to create an edge; something to push against but not enough to be inhibiting. When we all have this attitude, it creates a strong sangha feeling of mutual support and encouragement. We also manifest the spirit of zazen in our home and work life as continuous, well rounded practice; not just something we do on the cushion”
This provides an encouraging atmosphere for those who sit from day to day but are not in a position to throw themselves into this practice period. Please remember that we are all practicing together.
After this strange year of isolation, practice period can prepare us for the renewal of our intimate practice together.
Connect your Windows PC and your controller with a USB cable. You can also use a DUALSHOCK®4 USB wireless adaptor. You can also use your wireless controller for your PS5 console. Connect the controller to your Windows PC using a USB cable. You can use your wireless controller to play games streamed from your PS4 using the Remote Play app on PC or Mac. Your wireless controller can also be used with compatible games and applications on your PC or Mac. Please visit the publisher's website to check if a game or application supports the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller. A PS5 console or PS4 console is required for Remote Play. With Remote Play, you can control your PlayStation® console remotely wherever you have a high-speed internet connection. Using the PS Remote Play app, you can control your PlayStation®5 console or PlayStation®4 console from a device in a different location. PS Remote Play The power of PlayStation® gaming, streamed to PS5™, PS4™, PC, Mac, Apple iOS or Android devices. A PS4 or PS5 console is required to stream your games to other devices. Remote play cannot be used on your mobile device’s cellular data network. Ps4 remote play controller pc.
—Hozan Sensei
BZC Remains Closed To In Person Activities
Until Further Notice
Dogen Zenji Books
The Board has decided to keep BZC’s physical facilities closed to all but essential activities through our Spring Practice Period. All community spaces in the BZC facilities are officially closed. The patio, garden, community room, and zendo may be used only if necessary or essential, with prior notification and approval. We are in the process of evaluating various criteria for opening.
Dogen Zenji Quotes
Affirmation of Welcome
Walking the path of liberation, we express our intimate connection with all beings. Welcoming diversity, here at Berkeley Zen Center the practice of zazen is available to people of every race, nationality, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. May all beings realize their true nature.