Traditional Zen training activities at Daiyuzenji

Zazen

Zazen is seated meditation, the foundation of Zen training. Posture, breathing, and meditative technique are combined to develop deepening levels of meditative attainment. Samadhi, a state of intense yet relaxed concentration, is developed. In this state of mind which is anchored in the present moment, the divisions between self and other, inner and outer, are softer and less rigid. Our everyday wandering thoughts and emotions are seen to arise and fall naturally, without sweeping us away into confusion. For the meditator who sees deeply into his or her own mind, it can been said that truly, “Every day is a good day."

Okyo (chanting practice)

The energy of sound can powerfully affect our minds, bodies and environments. In the study of okyo, or chanting, we learn to use our breath and voice to create vibration. When done correctly this vibration can change ourselves and others, and is another gate into the condition of mind we call samadhi. Okyo is practiced on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Samu (work practice)

The Zen master Pai-chang said: "A day without work is a day without food." From its earliest days, Zen has stressed the value of self-sufficiency and economy of resources. But there is more here: Zen recognizes that a deep realization of wisdom is not enough, and our training does not end with such realization. To be of value, wisdom and insight must be expressed, and must freely function in all our activities. The place to practice this is within the work of daily life.

Cleaning, maintaining, and helping to develop the temple creates a sense of involvement in the community, and a practical sense of the interconnectedness of things. Physical work is also a valuable practice helping students learn to maintain the samadhi condition off the cushion: it serves as a bridge between silent periods of meditation and the hectic realities of everyday life.

There are work periods scheduled for each day of a Zen retreat (sesshin) and cleaning before Zen meditation class on Sundays.

Koan study

A koan is a question, anecdote or phrase that can become the focus of meditation. The simplest koan is the most important one: who am I? Any such deep question can be used to focus our meditative state, to give rise to a burning, visceral questioning and doubt, and can lead us to a breakthrough into new insights regarding our existence.

There are many koans, often taken from the words and actions of ancient Zen masters. The Rinzai school in particular has a highly developed koan system. Once a student has achieved a certain stability through other methods of meditation, a koan may be assigned by a teacher. The student and teacher together examine the koan, meeting with each other frequently in private interviews. Working through these questions, which at times seem illogical or nonsensical, the student is led to not only gain insight into his or her being, but to polish and practice the functioning of that insight. In this way, koans forge and shape us, and demand that the results of our Zen training be not only deep, but practical and useful to others.

Reigi

Reigi, or etiquette, is more than simple tradition. The ways of bowing and greeting, of standing and sitting, of walking, entering and exiting—all of these, aside from their cultural origins, have actual utility for our training. Coming from a temple culture in which it is necessary for large numbers of people to harmoniously interact, traditional Zen etiquette teaches our bodies and minds to function in a very particular manner. Awareness and sensitivity to the environment are learned and cultivated. Efficiency and economy of motion are acquired, as the body learns to move in a relaxed, centered manner that is graceful and beautiful yet lacking affectation. Ultimately reigi, like any discipline or art, can become an effortless practice through which the depth of our realization, and our compassion for others, is unmistakably manifested through our bodies.

Buddhist studies

Daiyuzenji's Buddhist Study Group is open to anyone interested in exploring this spiritual tradition in a casual, friendly group of fellow seekers. Through readings and discussion, the group examines the early history of Buddhism, its basic principles and concepts, and the development of Zen as a vibrant out-growth of the Buddhist tradition. A collection of basic readings is provided. Class format is a combination of lecture, group discussion, and lively debate.

Meditation retreats

Daiyuzenji offers two types of meditation retreats: zazenkai and sesshin.

Zazenkai literally means "a gathering for zazen." Zazenkai are short retreats, from six to twenty-four hours duration, that allow participants to do more concentrated meditation practice. Zazenkai are held at our Ravenswood facility several times per year.

Sesshin are longer, more intensive residential retreats.

Sesshin is the most intensive and demanding practice in traditional Zen training. Beginning very early each morning and lasting until late in the evening, each day is filled with activity: meditation, work periods, chanting, practice of calligraphy, and other methods used in Zen practice. The intention of sesshin is to completely focus and unify mind and body; the schedule itself forces participants to go deeper and to face themselves clearly without distraction.

Sesshin is an unparalled opportunity for you to discover who and what you really are... and to emerge with a new strength and insight which can change your way of thinking and living.

During sesshin, all meals (vegetarian) will be provided. Participants are expected to sleep at the sesshin location.

Sesshin are conducted three times yearly under the guidance of So'zan Miller Roshi and Soen Linxweiler Roshi.