Issan Tommy Dorsey, founder of Hartford
Street Zen Center. Issan came to the S.F. Zen Center after a long career
as a party boy: drag queen, drug and alcohol enthusiast, commune organizer.
His rich, generous and loving nature made him, eventually, into a significant,
remarkably unusual and dearly loved landmark within Buddhism in America.
Though Issan passed away several years ago, his spirit and style are still
very much alive
and in evidence at HSZC. |
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.. Meditation instruction offered.
Contact: .
Meditation can facilitate quieting
the mind and body until your mind is like the unruffled lake.
The "activity" around which Zen is built
is "sitting" or meditation. The Zendo is a quiet, comfortable room, usually
with a Buddha and Zafu's [cushions] on mats, on which you sit. Most
of the people in the room are facing the wall, to minimize distractions.
The decor is Spartan and the floor is usually wood.
Periods of Zazen are usually 30 to 40
minutes [see schedule]. During which a deep quiet develops in the
room that is very healing, soothing, and rejuvenating.
The evening Zazen period is followed by
an 8 to 10 minute service which is a chant, and some bowing. This is optional,
you can leave before it starts, stay and watch, or participate.
The Free Zazen instruction is by appointment
or in one of our group beginner classes. You can show up on Saturday
morning or call for a personal appointment.
The practice person will tour you thought
the Zendo and then go through the process of using the Zendo and explain
the meditation procedure. They may offer to let you sit for a few
minutes at your option.
If you think you can sit relatively still
for 40 minutes you are welcome to stay or come back when you feel comfortable
sitting for 40 minutes.
The central practice is meditation and
we offer instruction on Saturday mornings at 8:30am and daily practice
at 6:00 am and 6:00pm -- please see the schedule for exact times.
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