All Day Sitting (Zazenkai)

All day sitting is an opportunity for Zen practitioners to deepen their practice by sitting for an extended period of time over the course of a whole day.

Non-members and those who do not ordinarily sit with us are most welcome, though it needs to be noted that there is no Zen for Beginners component at out zazenkai and those who attend need to have had some previous sitting experience. Daisan, or a private meeting with one of our two teachers, is open to all who attend, whether member or not.

If, after reading the general schedule below, you are not sure about your readiness, please email or call us and someone will get back to you to discuss your situation. Note that the schedule for our December extended zazenkai (Rohatsu) runs from 8am to 9pm and is slightly different.

Dates 2011-2012:
September 10, 2011
October 1, 2011
December 10, 2011 (Extended)*
January 7, 2012
March 10, 2012
May 12, 2012

Suggested donation:  $25 members, $50 non-members

Registration:  Call Still Mind Zendo (212-414-3128), or sign up at the zendo.

What to bring:  Zabutons (mats), chairs, zafu (cushion), and seiza benches are provided. Simple refreshments are provided. Bring your lunch on extended zazenkai days (dinner provided); lunch is provided for regular zazenkai.

Schedule:
- 8:15-8:30 am Registration and orientation for newcomers
- 3 25-minute periods of sitting with walking meditation in between (daisan offered)
- Break
- Dharma talk
- Chanting service
- Modified oryoki (meal in the zendo)
- Rest period of 1 hour
- Optional 15 minutes of qigong
- 3 25 minute sitting periods (daisan offered)
- Break
- 3 25 minute sitting periods (daisan offered)
- 20 minute work practice
- 5:45 pm Close