So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

[disastermouse]

They do one every saturday and although I already know the basics, it's very important to know how they enter the Zendo, do kinhin, and other small pieces of protocol. I also got an introduction or clarification of the soto way to sit.

The big bonus, however, was a lecture by Barry Magit - the author of one of the recommended books at this sangha ('Ending the Pursuit of Happiness'). The only reason I didn't buy the book right there is that the crowd was pretty big. I figure I can amazon it with 'Mind of Clover'.

[Longdog]

Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

... and how was the introduction? Interesting? Useful? Anything of note on the way they sit?

In gassho, Kev

[John]

Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

Ryushin Paul Haller from the SFZC is over here with us (in Belfast, N.Ireland) at the moment and I am going to a 5-day sesshin on Wednesday led by him.

I like Barry Magid I read both his books. 'Ending the Pursuit of Happiness' was great, but the first one (Ordinary Mind) had a bit too much psychoanalysis in it for me.

Gassho,
John

[disastermouse]

Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

I honestly have not been there long enough to know what they advocate. I know that it's not a mixed-tradition place like ZCLA or Kanzeon.

[disastermouse]

Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

Hi Disastermouse,

I stated my question incorrectly. What I meant is how did they teach you to sit?

Haphazardly. Count breaths (but not how), watch breath, 'just sitting' (but no real explanation of what that is).

In a nutshell, it was perfect.

[John]

Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

Did you look at their website?

http://www.sfzc.org/

Gassho,
John

[disastermouse]

Re: So I went to the SF Zen Center introduction..

Did you look at their website?

http://www.sfzc.org/

Gassho,
John

Yep. I needed to figure out where they were and how to get there. Turns out it's one little bus ride away - but it's a pretty weird bus ride. It goes from Pacific Heights (Specific Whites) - where my travel nursing company puts me up -, through the area around the Filmore Center (ghetto-tastic), and down past the Haight (Bongs, Coffee and Patchouli).

I already know how to meditate. I went to learn their zendo protocol and to feel comfortable going there to sit zazen if I feel like it.

Honestly though? I went for a hike near Cataract Falls and had the whole area to myself yesterday. I sat on the pebbly beach of the lake and I realized there's just this one thing - just 'this', again and again and again. Delusion is like walking in a fog - but the path of Zen is literally the whole earth. If you get lost, you can return to the feeling of your feet on the ground. It incited a resurgence in my commitment to Zen.