Practice

Practice Opportunities

Practice during COVID-19: During this time of physical isolation, we continue to study interdependence through our practice of zazen and group study sessions. Please note that our practice offerings are now available through Zoom video conferencing. If you would like to join us for regular Wednesday night zazen or weekly Sunday Sit’n’Study, please sign up on our Friends of the Sangha list for email updates on the schedule, current study materials, and links to Zoom meetings.

1. Wednesday evening zazen: Almost every week of the year we practice traditional Zen sitting and walking meditation, hold a brief session of chanting, and offer a dharma talk by our teacher or a dharma discussion led by a sangha member. We meet at 210 Cedar Lane from 7:15 – 9 p.m.  Everyone is welcome. The only time we don’t meet is during the last two weeks of December or due to weather-related cancellations.

2. Sunday half-day of practice: Five times a year, we meet on the last Sunday of the month for zazen and study.  Our discussions are led by students and often centre around traditional Zen texts, making for a rich and exciting study. Please contact us ahead of time to confirm the schedule.

3. Sesshin: Our silent, four day traditional Zen retreats (called sesshin in Japanese, which means “to touch the heart/mind”) are offered every spring. This is a profound opportunity to experience the Self through Zen practices in a formal, traditional manner supported by a warm and committed community of like minded people.

4. Study RetreatThe four day retreat includes periods of zazen (seated meditation), kinhin (walking meditation), dharma talk, and exploring traditional Zen texts and themes through presentation, discussion groups, and practicing Dogen’s study of the self in several traditional and creative ways. Some private meetings with the teacher may be offered.

Note: Please sign up as a Friend of Salt Spring Zen Circle to receive notification of future sesshins or retreats.  You may unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time.

Space for participants is limited, so please inquire early.

For further information about any of the above, please contact us. Thank you.

Contact Us

Salt Spring Zen Circle
PO Box 235
Salt Spring Island, BC
V8K 2V9
(250) 537-2062