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  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.

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Sky Above Zen offers a hybrid approach, meeting both in person at The Chastleton and on Zoom each Tuesday evening (September - May) from 7:00-8:30p.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 will be included in the Sangha Letter sent out on Sundays to everyone on the mailing list.

Any schedule changes for holidays and the like will be posted here or announced in the Sangha Letter:

• Sky Above will not meet Tuesday, November 26, the week of Thanksgiving.
• Because of travel Sky Above will meet only on Zoom on Tuesday, December 17.
• And because of the holidays, Sky Above will not meet Tuesday, December 24th or the 31st.

 
Zazen
The bell that begins the evening rings promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Please plan to be early: 6:45 would be perfect. 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 ahead of time in the weekly letter. 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.

• 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

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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. 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, check, or Venmo. Each goes exclusively to supplement the monthly rent for the Chastleton space. Suggested amount: $10/week.

More Information
Information on the website will answer most questions about Sky Above and/or the schedule. To receive the weekly newsletter please fill in the contact form below.

If you have a question that is not answered by this website, please 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.

Shakyō (Sutra Copying Practice)
The next session will be announced here.

​To sign up for Sky Above’s weekly Sangha Letter, please fill in the contact form below.