The Big Summer Sit 2024

Cost: Free!

Dates: Jan 7th to Feb 18th.

Time:  Every single day, and from 4-5pm on January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18

Where: Right where you are, and in the Open Dojo on Zoom

Led by:  Deborah Chadwick (Head of Practice) with input from Susan Murphy Roshi and Kynan Sutherland Roshi

Theme:  Sitting in the light of the Metta Sutta - a steady mind and open heart in this world of stressful extremes

Join Us in the Yarning Circle Here: https://www.zenopencircle.org.au/group/the-big-summer-sit-2024/discussion

Join us for a summer of zazen, dharma talks and online discussion from Jan 7 – Feb 18.

The Big Summer Sit traditionally opens in early January, soon after New Year. This annual offer of community practice falls right in that hazy time of summer that’s also infused by a fresh draft of new year energy. Perhaps a timely resolution to refresh your meditation practice and to deepen it?

To sign on  to the Big Summer Sit is to make a firm and public undertaking to sit at least 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 is the final fifteen minutes or more before you finally settle to sleep.

Across the six weeks you will have the moral support and warm company of others who are making the same pledge with each other and themselves – and of meeting up online on four occasions for supportive Dharma and Zen practice discussion every second Sunday afternoon, with our highly-skilled Head of Practice, Deborah Chadwick.

2023 has been the hottest year on record, year two of the grinding war in Ukraine, horror civil war in the Sudan, the outbreak of devastating war in Israel and Gaza, and the profoundly shameful betrayal of indigenous Australians by a majority No vote in the referendum on recognition and a Voice to parliament.

The Metta Sutta does not speak of being or doing good, but of becoming “skilled in goodness”.  Skilled in keeping the heart open when the walls seem to be closing in.  You’ll be encouraged to grow familiar with its words, to contemplate and share your contemplations, as you sit in solidarity each day with all the many beings, meeting them at the heart of peace, confirming a generous ease daily in yourself, and passing it on to the world around you:  May all beings be at ease..

The Big Summer Sit concludes in February with an online ‘Zen Practicum’ – the opportunity to really sharpen your understanding of Zen practice at a more formal and detailed level – just in time for the new year to really get going.

We look forward to sharing the Big Summer Sit with you!

 If you get stuck or need help, simply email us at gassho@zenopencircle.org.au