SKY ABOVE GREAT WIND
Our Meditation Schedule and More Information

      Iwasaki Tsuneo (1917-2002), Detail of DNA, 30 x 27 cm
    Courtesy of Dr. Paula Arai

Iwasaki brushes the double helix with miniature calligraphy of the Heart Sutra set against the universe. He renders the  wisdom that we chant in the Heart Sutra as embedded in the very code of life. 

Sky Above Zen meets both in person at the Chastleton and on Zoom each Tuesday evening (September - May) from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. 

The only exception is the first Tuesday of each month when we meet exclusively on Zoom for one hour from 7:00-8:00 p.m. The Zoom link is included in the Sangha Letter sent out each Sunday to everyone on the mailing list.

Plan to be early. In Zen it is said if you arrive on time, you are already late. It is important for everyone to be seated and still by 6:50 before the 7:00 bell that signals the start of the evening.
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Schedule or calendar changes will be announced in the Sangha Letter and will be posted in this space here: 
 
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The Evening Schedule
The evening includes zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation) and chanting. A teisho (dharma talk) is typically given. 

• 6:50 time to arrive
• 6:55 everyone sitting
• 7:00-7:25 Gatha of Repentance and zazen
• 7:25-7:35 kinhin
• 7:35-8:00 teisho and zazen
• 8:00-8:05 kinhin
• 8:05-8:27 chanting, zazen
• 8:27-8:30 Four Great Vows and Evening Gatha

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Just Zazen
On occasional Tuesday evenings “Just Zazen” will be announced ahead of time in the weekly letter. Sky Above recommends Just Zazen to deepen practice. No Dharma talk will be offered on these evenings.

Meditation Instruction
Beginners are encouraged and in-person instruction is available if you come early on Tuesday or during a short, private interview (daisan) with the teacher. “Beginner’s mind” is highly esteemed in Zen. We are all beginners.
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Daisan
Daisan—an individual interview with the teacher--is offered occasionally or by request. Daisan is the traditional opportunity to meet with the teacher for encouragement, to ask questions, or to briefly discuss your practice.

​Shakyō
Shakyō is the ancient dharma practice of copying sutras. Copying the Heart Sutra is an excellent way to put yourself fully into the sutra. Maezumi Roshi says, “The sutra is copying you too!” Shakyō is offered occasionally and materials are provided. No experience is necessary.
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Dana
​We are grateful for every donation: by cash or check only. Every gift of dana supports the monthly rent for the Chastleton space. Suggested amount: $10/week.

Appropriate Dress and Actions: To support everyone gathered for meditation, dress appropriately and refrain from distracting movement or other actions:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing in dark or muted colors;
• Avoid wearing short skirts, shorts, sleeveless shirts, and t-shirts with logos or messages;
• Do not bring a cell phone or any other device into the zendo;
• Leave shoes, coats, bags, water bottles, and notepads in the entry lobby.

Location & Directions

• The Chastleton Co-op Apartments, 1701 16th Street (northeast corner of R and 16th) NW: a 10-minute walk from the Dupont Metro station (Red line, North - Q Street - exit). Walk east a few blocks along Q Street, then turn left on 16th.
• When you arrive, ring the buzzer to alert Reception to let you in.
• Free on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood.

For more information
To receive the weekly newsletter, fill in the contact form below. 
If you have any questions, please ask them by leaving a message at 202-599-8242.