Every sound is a Dharma talk and everything is the true body of the Buddha. But we always hear that it is very difficult to encounter the Buddha Dharma even once in ten million kappas. This puzzling situation deserves our serious consideration.
. .....Zen Master Man Gong
WEEKLY UPDATE
MON 16 DECEMBER - SUN 22 DECEMBER 2024
To join in person, visit the Guidelines for our health and safety protocols. All times are Eastern Standard Time.
Special Programs
Classes / Talks / Interviews / Groups
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THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 7:30-8:30 PM
Join URL: Dharma Talk / Meeting ID: 876 2455 3876
Join us for our weekly Dharma talk with CZC Guiding Teacher Zen Master Bon Yeon, Jane Dobisz answering questions in person with an introductory talk by Mark O’Leary, Senior Dharma Teacher.
TUESDAY COMMUNITY DINNER at 5:30 PM Come early and join us for a delicious vegetarian dinner with a $10 suggested donation followed by chanting at 6:30PM prior to the standard Tuesday Long Sitting.
TUESDAY LONG SITTING with Colin Beavan, JDPSN giving Kong-An interviews.
TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER 7:30-8:40 PM
Join URL: Tuesday Zoom Meditation Practice / Meeting ID: 85830843540
There will be two sitting periods of 30 mins each with 10 mins break in between periods. You may join the Zoom meeting at 7:25-7:30 PM or 8:00-8:10 PM. If you are new, please arrive 10-15 minutes early for brief instruction on our practice forms. The last Sunday and Tuesday of each month will feature zoom participants first for interviews.
BIPOC GROUP/ SOCIAL JUSTICE DIVERSITY INITIATIVE
WEDNESDAY 8 JANUARY will resume meeting from 5:00 - 6:30 PM
In these 90-minute sessions, we explore practices that link to our various experiences of belonging and otherness, as well as our interest in social, racial, and environmental justice. Our group is especially interested in engaged Buddhism, and our practices will include 30” sitting meditation alongside diverse other forms of practice. Our aim is to create practice space, encourage interfaith Zen dialogue, and build community. All those who identify as BIPOC are welcome to join our practice sessions. Please contact kfoo (kaephu@proton.me) with questions or to join our list!
UNPACKING WHITENESS /SOCIAL JUSTICE DIVERSITY INITIATIVE
WED 18 DECEMBER 8:15PM - 9:15 PM
(1st & 3rd Wednesdays on Zoom)
In these one hour meetings, we join together to talk about race and dharma practice, and examine how white privilege operates as we examine the question "What Am I?" The group is currently working with Home is Here: Practicing Antiracism with the Engaged Eightfold Path by Lien Shutt. We use three passages from the book followed by questions to guide our discussion. There is no need to purchase the book, the passages for discussion are posted in the zoom chat. We welcome new members - no experience necessary. Inquiries are presented and facilitated by Senior Dharma Teacher Jennifer Magrone, who brings over ten years of professional experience with addressing how bias and identity oppression operate. If you are curious - please join us!
MEDITATION INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS
THURSDAY 19 DECEMBER 6:45-7:30PM
This introduction to meditation is offered weekly in person for those new to Cambridge Zen Center or meditation practice. Highly recommended for new students prior to attending a practice session. Your questions will be answered and you are welcome to repeat sessions. Meditation Instruction is in person.
SUNDAY LONG SITTING -with Zen Master Bon Shim on Zoom
SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER 9:00-11:30 AM
Join us for 4 30-minute sitting periods. Zen Master Bon Shim, Aleksandra Porter will give Kong-An interviews. If you are new, please arrive 10-15 minutes early for brief instruction on our practice forms.
SUNDAY 22 DECEMBER 12:30-1:30 PM
Begin or deepen your meditation practice in community with other students and young adults. Each session includes sitting meditation, a check-in, and then a short talk or reading about how to integrate Zen practice into everyday life followed by refreshments.
TWO-DAY YMJJ RETREAT LED BY DYAN EAGLES, JDPSN
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11 & 12 JANUARY 2025
Note: Registration is now open
Retreats are an opportunity to strengthen our practice, in order to perceive more clearly and act from our natural compassion and wisdom.
Regular Practice
Daily Sitting & Chanting
AM ZEN MEDITATION PRACTICE
Bows 5:45 AM daily except Sunday
Chanting 6:10 AM daily except Tuesday and Sunday
Sitting 6:35 AM daily except on Tuesday and Sunday
Description: AM Meditation Practice in person consists of bows and the Morning Bell Chant followed by the Heart Sutra in English. There is a 30-minute period of sitting.
MID DAY ZEN MEDITATION PRACTICE
Sitting 12:30 PM on Tuesday and Thursday for 30 minutes. There is no need to register, just ring the door bell for entrance 10 minutes beforehand.
PM ZEN MEDITATION PRACTICE
Special chanting 6:30 PM daily
Regular chanting 7:00 PM daily
Sitting 7:30 PM daily except on Thursday*
Description: PM Meditation Practice consists of a 35-minute period of sitting followed by a short reading concluding at 8:10 PM. Note: *On Tuesday evenings, join us for two sitting periods with interviews from 7:30 PM - 8:40PM. You may join the Tuesday Zoom Meditation Practice / Meeting ID 85830843540 Please join the meeting on time.
Upcoming & Ongoing
Events / News
Protect The Jewel We are so grateful for your support in keeping our doors open for 50 years! Please help us continue to serve the needs of the community for a long time to come by using any of the following ways to donate: click on the “Protect the Jewel” for GoFundMe; find Venmo@cambridgezencenter under “Czc Zen”; a donation box is located in the Reception Room for cash or mail us a check to Cambridge Zen Center. We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our Tax ID is listed at the bottom of this page.
CZC Residency: If you have wanted to live in a practicing community, your opportunity awaits! Check out our residential requirements and for more information contact abbot@cambridgezen.org. Applications can be submitted online.
Membership is the most effective way to help the Cambridge Zen Center. When you join as a member, you also join the Kwan Um School of Zen, a worldwide community. Become a member today by completing this online Membership Application.
Online Sangha Events are also available at any sister sangha in the Kwan Um School of Zen Americas. See other opportunities in Europe and Asia, plus another calendar of KUOS events with schedules for online retreats and practice opportunities.
Composting Our Karma; Turning Confusion into Lessons for Awakening Our Innate Wisdom. A new book by our School Zen Master, Barbara Rhodes, Zen Master Soeng Hyang is out and is available for purchase at Shambhalla Publishers, Barnes and Noble, Amazon and at the CZC Book Store!
KWan UM WorldwidE
Events at Sister Sanghas