SKY ABOVE GREAT WIND
Our Meditation Schedule and More Information
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 enlightening wisdom that we chant in the Heart Sutra as embedded in the very code of life, embodied in every cell of the interconnected web of life, generating myriad forms of compassionate action.
Courtesy of Dr. Paula Arai
Iwasaki brushes the double helix with miniature calligraphy of the Heart Sutra set against the universe. He renders the enlightening wisdom that we chant in the Heart Sutra as embedded in the very code of life, embodied in every cell of the interconnected web of life, generating myriad forms of compassionate action.
On Tuesdays evenings from April 5 through May 31, Sky Above will offer “Just Zazen” on Zoom only: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Please log on by 6:55 p.m.
Susan KoDo Efird Sensei will be on medical leave for April and May. Please join Just Zazen on Zoom to support each other and the world by your strong sitting. Zazen is the very heart of practice.
Sky Above Zen’s regular schedule is to meet on Tuesday evenings September through May. The first Tuesday each month we meet exclusively on Zoom; on all other Tuesdays we will meet both in-person & on Zoom. The Zoom sign-in link will be in the weekly email that goes out every Sunday to the mailing list. Be sure to save the Zoom link in the April 3 email. There may be a long gap before another newsletter goes out.
Please use the contact form below to sign up for our email list. Because Sensei KoDo is on medical leave for April and May, there will be a delay in responding. In addition, Sky Above follows a traditional academic schedule and does not meet during the summer.
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Zazen
Sky Above Zen meets weekly on Tuesday evenings September (starting Tuesday after Labor Day) through May. Sitting begins promptly at 7:00. Plan to be seated five minutes before the scheduled sit. In Zen it is said if you arrive on time, you are already late. It is helpful to be settled and sitting before the bell that signals the start of the evening.
Just Zazen
On occasional Tuesday evenings “Just Zazen” will be announced here and in the weekly newsletter. Sky Above Zen recommends Just Zazen to deepen practice. No Dharma talk will be offered.
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Evening Schedule
The evening includes zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation) and chanting (a few of Sky Above's principal chants and sutras). A teisho (dharma talk) is given, which typically emphasizes a koan. These Zen stories about the basic truths of our lives are dark to the mind but radiant to the heart.
Daisan
Daisan, an individual interview with the teacher, is offered on the last Tuesday of the month or by request. Daisan is the traditional opportunity to ask questions or briefly discuss your practice with the teacher. Koan practice is also offered.
Meditation Instruction
Beginners are encouraged to come and instruction is always available. Please send an email if you'd like a ten-minute introduction to meditation. “Beginner’s mind” is highly esteemed in Zen. Whether this is our first time in the zendo or the millionth, we aspire to be beginners with a mind that is open and self-sufficient. We do not think, “I have attained something.” We resume our original boundless mind, and practice.
Shakyō—Tracing Emptiness
Shakyō is the 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 quarterly on Tuesday evening. The date will be announced well ahead of time just above the contact form at the bottom of this page. If interested, please use the form to sign up.
Zazenkai (All-day Retreat)
Date, time, and location to be announced.
Donations
We are grateful for every donation. Each goes exclusively to supplement the monthly rent for the Chastleton space. Suggested amount: $10/week.
More Information
If you have any questions, please send an email to skyabovezen [at] gmail.com or call 202-599-8242 and leave a message.
Susan KoDo Efird Sensei will be on medical leave for April and May. Please join Just Zazen on Zoom to support each other and the world by your strong sitting. Zazen is the very heart of practice.
Sky Above Zen’s regular schedule is to meet on Tuesday evenings September through May. The first Tuesday each month we meet exclusively on Zoom; on all other Tuesdays we will meet both in-person & on Zoom. The Zoom sign-in link will be in the weekly email that goes out every Sunday to the mailing list. Be sure to save the Zoom link in the April 3 email. There may be a long gap before another newsletter goes out.
Please use the contact form below to sign up for our email list. Because Sensei KoDo is on medical leave for April and May, there will be a delay in responding. In addition, Sky Above follows a traditional academic schedule and does not meet during the summer.
—————--
Zazen
Sky Above Zen meets weekly on Tuesday evenings September (starting Tuesday after Labor Day) through May. Sitting begins promptly at 7:00. Plan to be seated five minutes before the scheduled sit. In Zen it is said if you arrive on time, you are already late. It is helpful to be settled and sitting before the bell that signals the start of the evening.
Just Zazen
On occasional Tuesday evenings “Just Zazen” will be announced here and in the weekly newsletter. Sky Above Zen recommends Just Zazen to deepen practice. No Dharma talk will be offered.
—————--
Evening Schedule
The evening includes zazen (sitting meditation), kinhin (walking meditation) and chanting (a few of Sky Above's principal chants and sutras). A teisho (dharma talk) is given, which typically emphasizes a koan. These Zen stories about the basic truths of our lives are dark to the mind but radiant to the heart.
- 6:45 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
Daisan
Daisan, an individual interview with the teacher, is offered on the last Tuesday of the month or by request. Daisan is the traditional opportunity to ask questions or briefly discuss your practice with the teacher. Koan practice is also offered.
Meditation Instruction
Beginners are encouraged to come and instruction is always available. Please send an email if you'd like a ten-minute introduction to meditation. “Beginner’s mind” is highly esteemed in Zen. Whether this is our first time in the zendo or the millionth, we aspire to be beginners with a mind that is open and self-sufficient. We do not think, “I have attained something.” We resume our original boundless mind, and practice.
Shakyō—Tracing Emptiness
Shakyō is the 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 quarterly on Tuesday evening. The date will be announced well ahead of time just above the contact form at the bottom of this page. If interested, please use the form to sign up.
Zazenkai (All-day Retreat)
Date, time, and location to be announced.
Donations
We are grateful for every donation. Each goes exclusively to supplement the monthly rent for the Chastleton space. Suggested amount: $10/week.
More Information
If you have any questions, please send an email to skyabovezen [at] gmail.com or call 202-599-8242 and leave a message.
Location & Directions
- The Chastleton Co-op Apartments, 1701 16th Street (corner of R and 16th) NW, near Dupont Circle.
- When you arrive, please ring the buzzer. Someone will greet you and direct you to the first floor room where we will be sitting.
- The Chastleton is 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.
- There is free on-street parking available throughout the neighborhood.
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Shakyō (Sutra Copying Practice)
The next session will be announced here: TBD
Shakyō sessions are limited to 10 participants. Sign up via the contact form below to ensure that materials are available. No experience is necessary for this dharma practice.
The next session will be announced here: TBD
Shakyō sessions are limited to 10 participants. Sign up via the contact form below to ensure that materials are available. No experience is necessary for this dharma practice.
Please use the contact form below to sign up for Shakyō or to be included on the Sky Above mailing list.