The most traditional Soto Zen intensive practice period is held within the confines of a monastery with the teacher. The time is generally 3 months and includes an intensive daily schedule of zazen, study and work practice.  At Shao Shan Temple the beginnings of holding an intense practice period is just being introduced. The schedule is designed to meet the needs of our community. We will be following our Intensive Practice schedule from February 17th until March 18th, 2012. The program we are introducing will incorporate a more rigorous daily schedule, special ceremonies, studies and events.  The schedule is below.

 

Winter Intensive Practice Schedule

 

February 17 - March 18, 2012

            

            Sundays:               No public schedule   (except 2/19 & 3/18)

            Mondays:              No public schedule 

            Tuesdays:               5:30 – 7:00 am                  Zazen followed by service

                                             9:00 – 10:30 am                Zazen followed by service

                                             6:15 pm                              Service

                                             6:30 -8:30 pm                     Study group & zazen 

            Wednesdays:          5:30 – 7:00 am                  Zazen followed by service

         7:30 am                              Formal breakfast (Oryoki)

                                             11:30 am                            Service

                                             6:45 pm                              Service

                                             7:00 – 8:30 pm                  Zazen 

            Thursdays:             5:30 – 7:00 am                  Zazen followed by service

                                             11:30 am                            Service

                                             4:00 – 5:30 pm                  Zazen followed by Service

                                             7:00 – 8:30 pm                  Zazen 

             Fridays:                  5:30 – 6:00 am                  Zazen

                                             6:00 -7:00 am                    Bowing & chanting

                                             9:30 – 11:30 am                Zazen followed by service (not on 3/9/2012- Temple Day)

                                             2:00 – 4:00 pm                  Zazen followed by service (not on 3/9/2012)

                                             7:00 – 8:30 pm                  Zazen

             Saturdays:             5:30 – 7:00 am                  Zazen followed by service & Breakfast (not Oryoki style)

                                             8:00 – 8:50 am                  Study Group

                                             9:00 – 10:30 am                Zazen

                                             No schedule rest of day (except during sesshin: 3/17/2012)

 

 

       Winter Intensive Practice  Special events and occasions

 Friday, Feb. 17, 2012       Rakufusatsu Ceremony – Opening Ceremony of Winter Intensive Practice

Feb. 17 - 19, 2012             Eishin will be visiting Shao Shan Temple.  He is a Japanese Soto Zen Priest who is in charge of the Valley Zendo in Western Massachusetts.   

Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012     ZAZENKAI (all day retreat) please refer to the program description of Zazenkai.  

                                                                Dharma Talk by Eishin

                                                                Sign up is required. 

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012   Pilgrimage to Kirpal Ashram  8:50 - 10:30 AM        

                                                                Sign up is required. 

 

Friday, March 9, 2012      Temple Day Program  9:30am – 1:30pm

                                                                Sign up is required. 

Mar. 16-18, 2012                SESSHIN (retreat) schedule

Sunday, Mar. 18, 2012     ZAZENKAI (all day retreat) please refer to the program description of Zazenkai.  

                                                                Sign up is required. 

                                               Closing Ceremony for Winter Practice