2026 Big Summer Sit

You are warmly invited to join us for a rich Zen summer of zazen, dharma talks and online discussion, running from January 4 – February 15. Our annual Big Summer Sit welcomes newcomers and old-timers alike, and runs right through our Aussie summer holidays – infusing a fresh draft of new year energy into the lovely, hazy days of summer.

To sign on to the Big Summer Sit is to make public a firm undertaking with yourself to sit at least 10-15 minutes of Zen meditation (zazen) every day, come what may, for six weeks of Summer. First or second thing in the morning is an excellent time, but if the whole day mysteriously vanishes under your sandy feet, then it will be the final fifteen minutes or more before you finally settle to sleep. 

This year, as a special offer, we’ll be actively exploring the treasure of Zen known as “Beginner’s Mind” in four online afternoon sessions threaded through the weeks we share, conducted by apprentice Zen Teacher Deborah Chadwick. In the Beginner’s Mind of zazen, freed from preconceptions and simply held wide open to just what is arising, the world can begin anew and fresh with every breath. 

These sessions aim to introduce and sharpen a practical understanding of the fundamentals of zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), the purpose of Zen ritual and form, the ethical ground of Zen, and the qualities that characterise the awakening mind.  If you’re new to Zen, this is the perfect place for you to start your practice and ask your questions. If you’re not new to Zen, this is the perfect place to relax more deeply into your practice and ask your questions!

The first session will begin the Big Summer Sit on the afternoon of January 4 from 4-5.30pm — and then continue to be offered at that same time every second Sunday afternoon (January 18, February 1, ending on February 15). Across these six weeks you’ll have the warm company and moral support of others making the same firm pledge with each other and with themselves. 

You may also wish to join Jazz and Dave each day from 6-7am in the online Summer Dojo, a generous offer open to all, to help you really firm your resolve. There will be two 25 minute "rounds" of zazen, with a Kin Hin/stretch break of a few minutes between, but you are welcome to join for 15 minutes or more at any time between 6 & 7am.

Practicalities: Online Access to Big Summer Sit

Our Yarning Circles manage the hosting of our various online events, and create a forum to share practice experience, ask questions and receive support and encouragement. 

When you register for the Big Summer Sit you will receive a confirmation email with the link to the Big Summer Sit Yarning Circle. Here in turn you will find the ongoing link for the Summer Dojo, the Zoom room where we meet online to sit together, both daily and then 4-5.30pm every second Sunday, and where you can also find reminders about upcoming Big Summer Sit events.

Clicking on this link will take you to a login page. If you have not previously done so, you will need to create a free ZOC website account at this point by clicking the "Sign Up Here" link that appears on the login page. 

Once signed up, you’ll be able to access the Big Summer Sit Yarning Circle -- either via the link emailed to you, or else by clicking on the menu item "2. Sit" under the Big Summer Sit drop-down in the main ZOC website menu.

If you have any trouble navigating the website or getting setup for the Big Summer Sit, please reach out to us on gassho@zenopencircle.org.au