Charlotte Zen Meditation Society

You are welcome to join us ONLINE at 6:45 PM for Seated Meditation, Walking Meditation, and reading & discussion of the teachings of the Buddha.

CZMS Sunday night ZOOM log in for this evening : https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5232119427

To all newcomers -You are encouraged to have a look at the following video: Introduction to Zen Meditation, The Still Point (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9b4FbGlVSE) on You Tube for good information about Soto Zen.%20on%20You%20Tube%20for%20good%20information%20about%20Soto%20Zen.)

For our Dharma discussion we are currently studying the zen book "The Heart of Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation," by Thich Nhat Hanh.

If you are a newcomer, we also recommend you read through the "about" section of CZMS for more information as well as youtube videos and links to help familiarize yourself with this practice, in order to be more comfortable in engaging in the meetup, since in person guidance won't be possible during the ONLINE only meetings :)

The following sitting Schedule is ONLINE and should be conducted by the attendee at home, while logged on to ZOOM or if you prefer, log on at 8:15 for the Dharma Talk

(please feel free to contact us or post to the group or message an organizer for help in preparation if needed)

NOTE: if a Great Tree Sesshin is in session, we will simply join their meditation schedule instead of following the one below

6:30-6:45 PM - Stretch & prepare your area for Zazen and Kinhin

6:50 PM - 1st Bell rings (2 chimes) - 10 minutes until Zazen - Begin to be seated and prepare for first Seated Meditation (Zazen)

6:55 - 2nd Bell rings (1 chime) - 5 minutes until Zazen - This is the signal for everyone to be in the Zendo and final prep/stretched and ready for Zazen

TO ENTER ZAZEN: stand in front of cushion or meditation space facing the wall and bow (respect for your practice). Then, turn clockwise toward the center of the zendo or area and bow (respect for others' practice). Then kneel, sit on cushion while still facing into the zendo, and while kneeling or sitting turn clock wise back to facing wall. Center your self, take a deep cleansing breath, then gassho toward the wall (commitment to begin zazen).

7:00 - Bell rings (3 chimes) to begin first Seated Meditation (Zazen)

7:00- 7:30 Zazen

7:30 - Bell rings (2 Chimes) to begin Walking Meditation (Kinhin)

7:30 7:40 - Walking Meditation (Kinhin) 1 Chime ends Kinhin

7:40 - Bell rings (3 chimes) to begin 2nd Zazen

7:40 - 8:10 - Second Seated Meditation (Zazen)

8:10 - Bell rings (1 chime) to end Zazen

At this time, Zazen has ended and 4 bells close out the session. For the 1st bell, this acknowledges to all the closing of the sitting - everyone is standing in Shashu (left hand in a soft fist with thumb tucked in, Right hand covering left held around center of chest/sternum ) at the end of their cushion facing inward toward the center of the zendo. When this first bell rings, everyone stays in Shashu "at attention" (if in formal session, teacher begins to leave the zendo)

2nd Second Bell - bow in shashu to center of Zendo

3rd Bell - turn toward the altar and standing bow in Gassho to the Buddha

4th Bell - turn back to original position at end of cushion in shashu and bow

8:10 - 8:15 - Break if needed

8:15 - Log on to Dharma Discussion (if not already on)

8:20 - Opening Sutra and begin Dharma Discussion:

Leader : "Gatha on opening the Sutra"

All: "The Dharma is deep and lovely, we now have a chance to see it, study it, and practice it. I vow to realize it's true meaning"

8:20 - 9:00 - Dharma Reading, reflection and discussion of "The Heart of Buddha's Teaching: Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation," by Thich Nhat Hanh.

9:00 PM - Closing Sutra (Bodhisattva Vow)

This is chanted altogether through 3 times upon closing the Dharma Discussion:

"Sentient beings are numberless, I vow to save(free) them.

Desires are inexhaustible, I vow to put an end to them.

The Dharmas are boundless, I vow to master them.

The Buddha Way is unsurpassable, I vow to attain it."