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.
Sky Above meets on Tuesday evenings September through May from 7:00-8:30.
We meet both in person at the Chastleton and on Zoom. The first Tuesday each month we meet exclusively on Zoom. On all other Tuesdays we will meet both in-person & on Zoom.
If the schedule changes or must be cancelled, we will post a special announcement here.
Sky Above will not meet:
November 22, 2022
December 20 & 27, 2022
Zazen
Sitting begins promptly at 7:00. Plan to be seated five minutes before the opening bell. 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 recommends Just Zazen to deepen practice. No Dharma talk will be offered on these evenings.
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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 meet with the teacher and be encouraged, to ask questions, or to briefly discuss your practice. Koan practice is also offered.
Meditation Instruction
Beginners are encouraged and in-person instruction is always available if you come early on any Tuesday or during a short, private interview (daisan) with the teacher the last Tuesday of each month.
“Beginner’s mind” is highly esteemed in Zen. Whether this is our first time in the zendo or the millionth, we value being 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
Shakyō is the ancient dharma practice of copying sutras. No experience is necessary. 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. The session of shakyō scheduled for November 15, 2022, on Zoom and at the Chastleton, has been cancelled because of a positive COVID test.
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 use the contact form below. Alternatively, leave a short message at business number 202-599-8242.
We meet both in person at the Chastleton and on Zoom. The first Tuesday each month we meet exclusively on Zoom. On all other Tuesdays we will meet both in-person & on Zoom.
If the schedule changes or must be cancelled, we will post a special announcement here.
Sky Above will not meet:
November 22, 2022
December 20 & 27, 2022
Zazen
Sitting begins promptly at 7:00. Plan to be seated five minutes before the opening bell. 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 recommends Just Zazen to deepen practice. No Dharma talk will be offered on these evenings.
—————--
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 meet with the teacher and be encouraged, to ask questions, or to briefly discuss your practice. Koan practice is also offered.
Meditation Instruction
Beginners are encouraged and in-person instruction is always available if you come early on any Tuesday or during a short, private interview (daisan) with the teacher the last Tuesday of each month.
“Beginner’s mind” is highly esteemed in Zen. Whether this is our first time in the zendo or the millionth, we value being 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
Shakyō is the ancient dharma practice of copying sutras. No experience is necessary. 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. The session of shakyō scheduled for November 15, 2022, on Zoom and at the Chastleton, has been cancelled because of a positive COVID test.
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 use the contact form below. Alternatively, leave a short message at business number 202-599-8242.
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:
The next session will be announced here:
To sign up for the weekly Sky Above Letter, please use the contact form below.