Meditation instruction and an introduction to our practice and the ceremonial aspects of the Soto Zen tradition.

Meditation, Mid-day Service and Dharma Discussion

30 minutes of meditation followed by vespers, the last ceremonial of the day. Vespers is the Chanting of The Litany of the Great Compassionate One followed by other short verses.

One of the foundations of our practice is looking at our minds through the lens of the Bodhisattva Precepts and this evening we will have an open discussion about the Precepts and other aspects of practice.

Work is a long standing element of practice in the Zen tradition and represents a concrete way to put practice into action in our everyday life. Working Meditation days at the Priory are a way to concentrate on and develop this aspect of practice and they are a way to give expression to generosity by helping take care of the practical elements of the life of the temple.

Meditation, walking meditation and meditation.

A family day is an opportunity for families with children to come and learn a bit about practice in a kid friendly way. The morning usually starts with a little walking meditation and some guided sitting meditation followed by a story and some activity that will allow us to explore practice in daily life. We end the morning with a snack and closing circle. Parents are encouraged to come and practice with their children.

With the Festival of Wesak, we commemorate the birth, life, Enlightenment and teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha. In the Buddhist world, Wesak marks the beginning of the New Year and is the most significant and joyous event of the Buddhist calendar. Wesak reminds us of the Buddha’s historical origins in the person of Shakyamuni, the Wise One of the Shakya Clan, and celebrates, with this joyful festival, the profound gratitude we feel for His timeless teachings. The Ceremony will be followed by a brief Dharma talk and tea.

We will also be broadcasting this event via Zoom using our usual Sunday link. If you will be joining us via zoom, bring along a treat and something to drink; in lieu of ladling water over the Baby Buddha, we’ll give ourselves a drink!

If you would like to join us and haven’t been to a Zoom meeting, please contact the temple for more information or to get the zoom link.

30 minutes of meditation followed by vespers, the last ceremonial of the day. Vespers is the Chanting of The Litany of the Great Compassionate One followed by other short verses.