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DBZ: Jukai Ceremony

October 16, 2024 by Sabrina Plum

Please join us for the 2024 Jukai (Ten Precepts) ceremony at Dai Bosatsu Zendo. Led by Chigan Roshi, this ceremony will witness and honor the commitments of this year’s Jukai students, who will vow to uphold the Zen precepts for lay students. These students will formally become Buddhists and will receive a Dharma name and a rakusu (traditional Japanese garment worn by those who take the precepts).

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., just after the closing of Harvest sesshin. There will be a celebratory informal lunch after the ceremony.

The fee is $25 for the ceremony and lunch. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

Tagged With: Sesshin, Special Events

Noh Chant and Dance Workshop for Beginners

September 23, 2024 by Sabrina Plum

Move your heart, Illuminate your inner self

Noh, the traditional Japanese performance art, evolved into a distinguished stage form during medieval Japan in the 14th and 15th centuries. It crystallized the essence of Japanese art and aesthetics, reflecting religious concepts and perspectives on life and death. On the surface, a Noh performance may appear abstract; however its expression can be described as a form of movement of the human heart.

In this Noh workshop for beginners, you will learn Utai (Noh chant) and Shimai (Noh dance). By chanting Utai and using deep abdominal breathing along with your imagination, you will activate your inner energy and transform your feelings into the lyrics of Noh. Through the Noh dance experience, you will reconnect with the natural sensations of your body, lower your center of gravity, and learn Kata (fundamental movements) and Suriashi (sliding step technique).

As the season moves toward winter, this is an opportunity to turn your outward energy inward, illuminate your inner self, and engage in self-reflection through the Noh experience.

About the instructor: Mayo Miwa (三輪万葉) started studying Noh at 14 years old. She majored in Noh at Tokyo University of the Arts and trained at the Kanze School in Japan. Since relocating to New York, she has collaborated with artists across various media to adapt Noh for contemporary forms and to explore the physicality of traditional Noh theater. As the Vice President of the non-profit Noh Society, Mayo actively facilitates educational programs in Noh, Kyogen, and Bunraku, working with actors from Japan in New York and beyond.

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Socks or tabi are required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

The fee for this workshop is $30 for nonmembers, $25 for members, and $20 for students. Note that the Member price is for Members only – please consider becoming a Supporting Member of ZSS. To register please email info@miwamayo.com. 

Tagged With: Beginner Friendly, Special Events

NYZ: Films – Carving the Divine (POSTPONED)

June 26, 2024 by Sabrina Plum

Thank you for your interest, this event has been postponed. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Please check back in the fall, the calendar will be updated when a new date is available.

Gassho

Tagged With: Special Events

NYZ: Found in the Flowers – An Ikebana Workshop

May 4, 2024 by Devyani Sadh

Commune with flowers and learn about the Japanese art of ikebana in this workshop. We will begin with a brief history overview of the art form, observe an ikebana demonstration illustrating basic principles and techniques, and then spend the majority of the time creating our own arrangements.

All supplies (scissors, vases, and flowers) are provided, and you will take your arrangements home with you.

This class is a perfect opportunity for anyone to start practicing the meditative art of ikebana and for Zen practitioners to learn a skill for altar care.

Fees for this workshop are $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Consider becoming a Supporting Member. Sangha members who volunteer to maintain Shobo-ji’s altar arrangements will receive a discount on the course fee. Contact office@newyorkzendo.org to inquire. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

About the Instructor:
Studying Sogetsu ikebana since 2015 with Mrs. Fumiko Allinder (a long-established teacher who learned directly from the founder of Sogetsu school Sofu Teshigahara) and with Christine Donck Guelton since 2023, Kristina finds solace in ikebana and loves sharing her appreciation of this timeless art.

Tagged With: Special Events

NYZ: Tao Te Ching Summer Calligraphy Workshop

May 4, 2024 by Sabrina Plum

June 7 – Aug 2, 2024 (No class on 7/5)

Join Ines Sun for an eight-week calligraphy course based on Lao-Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. The evening will begin with tea in silence. After tea, each week we will focus on calligraphy characters related to a single chapter of the Tao Te Ching. As we read and write the text together, we will gain a deeper insight into the meaning by connecting with some of the original characters. This course is designed as a series, but each individual class may be taken separately.

The Tao Te Ching summer calligraphy workshop will use the Thomas Cleary translation with commentary from a 17th century Rinzai Zen Master, Takuan Soho and The Wisdom of Laotse by Li YuTang, a renowned 20th Century writer with an intellectual and spiritual approach.

You may wish to obtain your own copy, though there will be one available to read together at the workshop. All calligraphy supplies will be provided. Prior experience is helpful, but not required. ZSS Health Protocols apply.

About Ines Sun

Ines Sun learned calligraphy as a child and found a deep connection with the art as an adult. Her aim is to help others find joy and profound peace in this ancient art. Calligraphy has also served as a means for her to unite her spiritual practice with the physical form of the brush. In addition to offering basic and advanced instruction, she offers calligraphy workshops in sutra writing.

Cost:
$40 single class
$300 8-week series

Date and Time:
Fridays 6:30-8:30pm
6/7/24 – 8/2/24

No class will be offered on 7/5

Please register at www.inessun.com.

 

 

Tagged With: Special Events

NYZ: Tea with the Abbot

January 2, 2024 by koge louise bayer

Chigan Roshi and Shuko-san invite members of the New York Zendo sangha to join them for informal tea and light snacks in the Dharma hall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Please join the Zen Studies Society’s third abbot for a lighthearted reception and casual conversation at the beginning of 2024.  All are welcome;  no registration is necessary.  Donations welcome.

Tagged With: Special Events

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