Zen Service - Tuesday Evening Hybrid Practice

Newcomers: Please contact [email protected] to arrange an orientation.

We will meet in the Cambridge zendo.

As of 10/16/22, the zendo is open with vaccinations and masks required. Advance sign-in is no longer required, but you will be asked to sign in and attest being vaccinated on arrival. For details on Covid-related practices and updates, please see the Cambridge Zendo Covid Status and Guidelines.

Also see preparation notes below.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84661279249

Meeting ID: 846 6127 9249 | Passcode: GBZC

Dial by your location: Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kduXQ7LPj7

Meeting ID: 846 6127 9249 | Passcode: 060693

Download the liturgy book here, in advance.

Please arrive in the zoom meeting by 7pm. Please remain on mute except during two-way dokusan, Dharma dialog, and closing circle.

Sign up for Dokusan with the teacher using this dokusan sign-up sheet, by putting your name, phone number, and modality preference (Zoom/phone) in the appropriate column(s). You may do this anytime from a couple days in advance through the start of practice. (If you can't edit this document because you don't have a Google account or an appropriate device, please arrive early and ask the Zoom Host to enter your information on your behalf.)

To request that a Special Dedication be included in the Sutra Service, send an email to [email protected] listing the dedicatee, the reason for entering the request, and your name. For instance a request might be "Please add 'Jane D.' who is in the hospital--Nick P." Your request will be entered into a list accessible by the chant leaders within 24 hours, and entries will be retained for 3 weeks and can be renewed indefinitely. Please make your entries at least 24 hours in advance of the practice period.

Virtual Dana Box. The Greater Boston Zen Center is supported entirely through donations.

6:45 Log-in (for zoom participants), tech setup in zendo. Please be as quiet as possible.

7:00 Opening Circle and Announcments

7:10 or so: Chanting Service [See ORDER of SERVICE below]

One 25-minute period of Zazen (1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays: Dokusan)

5 minutes of Kinhin (walking meditation) or personal care

1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays: 25 minutes of Zazen and Dokusan

This second sit will be formally ended around 8:30pm, so that people who need to leave may do so. If necessary, a third sit will be started and the teacher(s) will continue dokusan until everyone who wants to have an interview has seen at least one teacher, or until 8:55pm, whichever comes first.

2nd and 4th Tuesdays: Dharma Talk and Dharma Discussion

Dharma Dialog will continue until all who want to have spoken, or until 8:55pm, whichever comes first. People who need to leave earlier are invited to do so.

Four Bodhisattva Vows

P 5 The Dharma is Vast and Subtle

P 5 Gatha of Atonement (spoken)

P 6 The Three Refuges

P 6 The Five Remembrances

P 7 Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo

P 8 Sho Sai Myo Kichijo Dharani

P 9 Dedication

One or two additional readings (page numbers will be announced)

P 10 Dedication

For In-Person Participants

An object will be passed around the zendo. When it comes to you, place it in front of your cushion. Take it with you during kinhin. Go to the dokusan room when the teacher rings their bell (not when the previous person returns, since the teacher may also be meeting with Zoom participants). If you have questions or get confused, consult with the Practice Leader.

For Zoom Participants

Dokusan with the teacher will happen in a Zoom Breakout-Rooms using the same device you are using for the main sit, or by audio-only traditional phone if necessary or preferred. Make sure your phone is either visible or not on silent, so the teacher can reach you.

Important links:

liturgy book: https://bostonzen.org/liturgy/

virtual dana box: https://bostonzen.org/donate/

dokusan sign-up: https://tinyurl.com/56wv3cd2 (on 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Greater Boston Zen Center, 552 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, United States