Aspects of Zen Practice: The Structure of ZCLA

Aspects of Zen Practice is a monthly, one-hour discussion series that takes place within our Sunday morning program, covering one of several topics. Participants leave the Zendo after the first period of zazen (9:35 a.m.) and proceed to the Buddha Hall. The class ends at approximately 10:40 a.m., in time for the break before the dharma talk or a special event. As with all our Sunday morning programs, a community lunch is usually served at 12:15pm

Aspects #1: Forms of Zendo Practice
We begin with a check-in on participants’ sitting practice, taking any questions that may come up. The class covers forms of zendo practice at ZCLA including a review of zazen and the postures of the body, breath and mind; a discussion of breath, shikantaza, and koan practice; and the role of the student/teacher relationship. Class ends with a recitation of Dogen Zenji’s Fukanzazengi. Copies of Fukanzazengi and our Zendo Protocol will be provided.

Aspects #2: Service, Liturgy and Lineage
We’ll discuss how service is conducted at ZCLA, including the basic meaning of the various elements and the role of ritual and ceremony. This will include a discussion of our Temple Lineage and Women Ancestors.

Aspects #3: Everyday Life as Practice
This class explores the Three Treasures, the Three Tenets and the Precepts as guides for daily living: with family, friends, and everyday tasks. We’ll also discuss the Sangha Sutra and how that was developed. Handouts include: Precepts (Day of Reflection document) and a one-page version of the Statement of Right Conduct.

Aspects #4: The Organizational Structure of ZCLA
The final class in the series covers the evolving structure of ZCLA, including the Zen Center’s organizational mandala: the Five Buddha Families and the sub-components of each, Shared Stewardship, the ZCLA Mission and Vision Statements, Core Values, Core Practices, and the decision-making structure of ZCLA. Handouts include: the ZCLA Mandala, the ZCLA Core Values document, including the Mission and Vision Statement.