UUC’s Zen group invites all who are interested to join us on the first Saturday of each month for a morning of Zen practice with the Empty Moon Zen Sanghas. This Zen meditation intensive, called Zazenkai, occurs online monthly via Zoom. On October 3, we are also offering in-person sitting at UUC from 9 a.m. to noon. An early morning practice period from 6:30-7:30 a.m. is also offered, on Zoom only.

Please note that we use Empty Moon's Zoom link for this practice period, rather than the regular UUC Zen meeting link. You must be logged into your Zoom account before joining, as a security measure.
 
Whether on Zoom or in person, Zazenkai is a drop-in event, as are most of UUC's Zen offerings. Participants are encouraged to stay for the full time, though part-time attendance on your own schedule is also welcome. If you are participating online, we recommend that you view or download the liturgy book for chants that will be used during this morning of practice. Chant books are provided for in-person participants. Beginners and long-time practitioners are equally welcome to participate in Dokusan. 

We'll engage Zazen (silent sitting meditation) for 25-minute periods throughout the morning, alternating with shorter periods of Kinhin (5-10 minutes of walking meditation). One of the Empty Moon Zen teachers will offer a dharma talk during the 10-10:30 practice period.

Opportunity for one-on-one meetings with a Zen teacher (Dokusan) will be offered during Zazen following the dharma talk, to ask questions about your meditation practice, Zen Buddhism in general, or how to work with a life challenge through Zen practice. Our day of practice with the Sangha ends at noon, followed by clean up before we depart UUC.
 
Whether attending in person or on-line, wear comfortable, loose clothing. Subdued styles and dark colors are preferred to reduce visual distraction. We ask that those on-site avoid fragrances, as some participants are scent-sensitive. 

Our UUC Zen group information, including meetings and Zoom links, is included in UUC Connect, UUC's password-protected site for members and friends. Click here for an introduction to our UUC Zen practice groups and click "Join" to let the group leaders know you're interested. You may also contact Janine Larsen or another a group leader if you have questions or need assistance. 

Rev. Janine Seitetsu Larsen

Teacher & Resident Priest, Bright Cloud Zen

Covenanted Community Minister, University Unitarian Church

mserve@comcast.net

Bright Cloud Zen is a program of University Unitarian Church, Seattle, WA,

one of the Empty Moon Zen Sanghas,

and a member of the UU Buddhist Fellowship