Zazenkai (Daylong Retreat): Awakening in the World

Zazenkai (Daylong Retreat): Awakening in the World: Kongshi Daoren
Saturday, February 15th, 2025
This course is offered in-person & virtually
Register Here
For this Zazenkai, we will explore the theme of ‘Everyday Zen’ through the life and teaching of Kongshi Daoren, a woman ancestor in the Chan tradition. Kongshi was a Zen Master, poet, and teacher who lived most of her life as a lay practitioner. Her awakening poem includes the line, “Every single thing holds all things.”
The day includes both sitting and walking meditation, one or two movement sessions, a Dharma talk from Valerie, and a Q&A session in the afternoon.
If you plan to attend in person, please bring your own lunch; tea will be provided. To attend in person, please read and follow our COVID-19 Protocols for MCZC’s current policies on masks, vaccinations, and testing.
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Zazenkai is a term used in Zen Buddhism to refer to a day of intensive meditation practice. The word “Zazenkai” is of Japanese origin, where “za” means sitting, and “zenkai” means gathering. During a Zazenkai, participants engage in periods of sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), and may also include chanting, dharma talks, and other activities related to Zen practice. Zazenkais provide an opportunity for practitioners to deepen their meditation experience and strengthen their commitment to the path of Zen Buddhism. These events can vary in length, with some lasting a full day, as mentioned in your previous messages.
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Sample Schedule (Mountain Time)
6:30-8:00am: Sitting
8:45: Movement
9:00am-12:00pm: Sitting and a Dharma talk
12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch
1:00-3:30pm: Sitting and Q&A
* Note for online participants — the retreat Zoom room will open shortly before 6:00 AM MT. For those who prefer not to or cannot join the 6:00 AM MT start time, you have the option to begin your day with movement at 8:45 AM MT or sitting and a short introduction at 9:00 AM. The dharma talk is scheduled for around 10:00 AM MT. The dharma talk will be recorded and made available on our YouTube Channel within two weeks.
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Participation Fee
The cost for the day is $50 or an amount you can reasonably afford. Your support ensures that we can continue to offer free events and low-cost retreats.
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Zazenkai/Daylong dates in 2025
- January 18
- February 15
- May 3
- June 28
- July 19
- November 8
- Date
- February 15, 2025
- Time
-
6:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Event Categories
- Sanbo Zen, Special Events, Zazenkai