[ONLINE] Soto Zen Buddhism Beginner's/Newcomers Meetup

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

CZMS Sunday night ZOOM log on :

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.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9b4FbGlVSE)%20on%20You%20Tube%20for%20good%20information%20about%20Soto%20Zen.)

For our Dharma discussion we will begin reading "Buddhism: Plain and Simple", by Steve Hagan.

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.

The following sitting Schedule is ONLINE and should be conducted by the attendee at home, while logged on to ZOOM.

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

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

6:45-7:00 PM - Beginner''s introduction and orientation

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- 7:15 Zazen ("just sitting")

7:15 pm - 1 chime to end zazen

7:15-7:45 Dharma Talk - with a beginner's style book. We will read a few pages and discuss the book and or any other aspects the group would like to discuss.

7:45-8:00 Zazen

We will announce that this would end the formalized beginner's session, but everyone is welcome to stay for the remaining time.

"Advanced" Session and discussion:

8:00 - 8:05 announcement and break

8:05-8:15 Kinhin

8:15-8:30 zazen

8:30-9:00 advanced dharma discussion/announcements, etc..

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."