Daily Zazen and Dharma Talks
We offer morning and evening zazen (sitting meditation), Tuesday through Thursday. Sunday mornings, zazen is followed by a dharma talk or discussion, tea and a short work period. Please see daily schedule for details. Donations are welcome; there is no fee.
The Zen Center offers an introduction to Zen Buddhism and zazen. This includes a talk about Zen, zazen instruction, a short period of zazen and an opportunity for questions. These are held at 7:30pm on the third Wednesday of each month at the Zen Center. Please see calendar of events for specific dates. Donations are welcome; there is no fee.
Throughout the year we offer four-week courses for deeper study of Zen practice. Each session consists of a lecture followed by discussion of daily life problems and opportunities in practicing the Buddha Way. Please see calendar of events for specific dates. Fee: $50, or $25 for students or fixed income. E-mail or call us to register.A sesshin is a silent zazen retreat, a chance to sink more deeply into Zen practice. The daily schedule includes zazen, sutra chanting (service), a dharma talk, and work. Meals are eaten silently in the formal style using oryoki bowls. In chanting, zazen, eating, and work we turn our lights inwardly, illuminating and investigating our egoistic habit of thought. The silence and attention to detail of sesshin point us away from self and toward the ground of being. To do sesshin, even for a morning or an evening, is to renew limitless mind. We ask that you call ahead of time to let us know when you plan to attend so that we can reserve a space for you, especially for meal times. Those who wish to stay overnight may sleep at the Zen center. Fee: $25 per day; $15 per 1/2 day. See calendar of events for specific dates. A typical sesshin schedule is available here.
All-day sittings are less formal and less intensive than sesshins, consisting of eight periods of zazen. This is a chance for beginners to experience more intensive practice, and for all sangha members to get acquainted with others who practice. Participants are invited to sit all or part of the day. Meals are informal; all are encouraged to bring some vegetables or a dish to share. Those who wish to stay overnight may sleep at the Zen center. Donations are welcome; there is no fee. See calendar of events for specific dates. A typical all-day sitting schedule is available here.
Sangha means "community." Sangha meetings are primarily organizational, dealing with the day-to-day business of the Zen center. A typical meeting might include discussion of upcoming newsletters, mailings, short- and long-term planning, the budget, etc. All are welcome to attend.
Book Discussion Group
Created as an extension of the Introduction to Zen four-week course, two book discussion groups (one in Cedar Rapids, one in Iowa City) have formed led by our resident Teacher, Zuiko Redding. These groups gather in sangha members' homes on alternating Monday evenings to read and discuss the dharma in relation to assigned readings in member-selected books. Previously selected texts include You Have to Say Something: Manifesting Zen Insight by Dainin Katagiri-roshi, The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh, and Everyday Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck. Please contact the Zen center for specific times and locations. Suggested donation: $10 per session.
