
Peeling oranges: Photographed during Sesshin, 2019
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Big Summer Sit 2023
Cost: Free!
Dates: Jan 1 – Feb 28
Where: Right where you are
Zoom Gatherings: Jan 8, Jan 22, Feb 12, Feb 26 (4 - 5.30 pm)
The Big Summer Sit traditionally opens on New Years’ Day, right in that hazy time of summer that is also infused by an interesting fresh draft of new year’s energy. Maybe the resolution to refresh and deepen a genuine meditation practice!
Take advantage of the infusion of energies, with a simple undertaking to sit 15 minutes or
more of Zen meditation (zazen) every day, come what may. 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 15 minutes (or more) before you finally settle in bed.
You will have the moral and companionable support of many other people making the same commitment with each other and themselves – and of meeting for dharma talks, student talks, discussion of practice issues, in our online dojo every second week, spilling also into our new ‘yarning circles’ space for ongoing engagement online.
This year we’ll be taking up some of the provocative ‘Lojong slogans’ from the Tibetan
tradition for deeper investigation – such as “Trust your own eyes”, “Whatever you meet is
the path”, and “Celebrate your lunacy, pray for help”. Not a bad bundle to carry you
through the silly season!
To join the Big Summer Sit:
1. Click the orange button “join big Summer sit”
2. Sign up (or login if you’re already a member)
3. Click “Join Group”
You’ll then receive all the links, prompts and information you need. If you get stuck or need help, simply email us at gassho@zenopencircle.org.au.
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!