The Heart of Practice Zazenkai

 

OVERVIEW

Our practice of "just sitting" is the heart of practice, and it is more intimate than it sounds. With nothing to manufacture and nothing to hold our attention, we simply sit upright, letting ourselves be breathed, meeting whatever appears as it arises and passes in its own time.

Just as a lamp illuminates a room and in lighting it reveals itself, so awareness reveals itself in the act of meeting what appears. This is what the ancestors meant by turning the light around.

And the light cannot remain in the zendo. It shows itself while we are listening to someone we love, caring for someone who is ill, preparing a meal, grieving a loss. This is the heart in practice.

Over our short time together we will follow this light. There will be periods of zazen, dharma talks, practice discussion, and time to meet one another.  We hope you'll join us.

 

Schedule: Fri. Sep. 25th - 7:00-8:30 PM. |  Sat. Sep. 26th - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Friday evening will include a welcome and orientation, zazen, and an opening dharma talk.
• Saturday will include a full day of practice with zazen, kinhin, dharma talks, and practice discussion. 
  

 

Teachers: Flint Sparks & Nathan Smalley

• Both teachers will be onsite at Appamada                                        

Format: Hybrid.

• Onsite at Appamada (913 East 38th St. Austin, TX 78705)
• Online via Zoom

 

What to Bring:

• A vegetarian bag lunch for Saturday.
• Loose, quiet, muted clothing.
• Cushions and benches are here. Bring your own if you like.

All are welcome at Appamada, regardless of what you're able to give. Special events like this one carry real costs — travel, lodging, and a stipend for our teachers — and we depend on the generosity of sangha members to meet them. One hundred dollars is roughly what this intensive costs per person. If you're able to give more, your contribution supports someone else. 

Suggested contribution: $100