In Zen monasteries, intensive practice periods traditionally last for three months. At Berkeley Zen Center, our usual way is to hold a six- week practice period each spring, designed to support us to intensify and strengthen our practice while living in the midst of family and work responsibilities.
Last year’s practice period was led by Hozan Roshi and graced by our Shuso, Sue Oehser, and our Benji, Preston Evers. This year, in light of Hozan’s hospitalization, and after polling senior students and other sangha members, the Coordinating Committee has decided not to have a shuso. We will return to having a shuso when the conditions come together to make it just right. We will still offer a full and rich practice period, with the many events we include and enjoy, and we hope that many of you will participate as fully as you can.
The theme will be SEEING ONE THING THROUGH: Practice, Insight, and Daily Life. Senior students will lead the practice period using lectures on practice and daily life from Sojun Roshi’s new book, Seeing One Thing Through.
This year’s practice period—May 4 to June 16—will begin with an opening sesshin on Saturday, May 4, led by Carol Paul. Other events will include a Thursday evening class, a community dinner followed by a possible return of skit night, Saturday dharma talks, way- seeking mind talks, and small group teas with senior students leading discussions, culminating in a five-day sesshin June 12‒16. Detailed information, including signups for the practice period and for specific events, will be found on the BZC website in April.