WHAT TO EXPECT
Meetings always include Zen meditation and Zen liturgy and recitations, and sometimes include lectures/disucssions, question-and-answers, private interviews (dokusan/sanzen) and or other special events. You are invited to attend all or any portion of the activities—whatever works for your schedule and inclination. We sit 25-minute periods, and do a few minutes of walking meditation between periods. The evening starts formally at 7pm and usually winds up between 8:45 and 9:00, though you are free to leave at any time.
If you are familiar with Zen practice and want to dive in: Please send an email or call us and then just show up around 6:55 for our regular program. If you arrive late, please just come in anyhow and take a seat and dive in.
If you are new to Zen: Please send an email or call us to find out when the next beginner’s orientation will be taking place. In general, these orientations (very brief introductions to the Zen meditation pracitce of breath-countin) are available only by prior arrangement, and will be scheduled to start at 6:30. Please be prompt.
If you’d like to get a jumpstart on the orientation you may want to read either one of these books:
• Zen Meditation in Plain English,
by John Daishin Buksbazen
•The Still Point,
by John Daido Loori
WHEN AND WHERE?
Tuesday evenings, at 7 o’clock. At First Church in Boston, 66 Marlborough Street, in the Hale Chapel on the second floor.
(First Church is in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, at the corner of Marlborough and Berkeley, just a couple blocks past the Boston Public Gardens.)
WHAT ELSE?
You needn’t bring anything at all except, ideally, an open mind. If you wish to bring your own meditation cushion or bench, please do so. Some chairs, cushions, and benches will be available.
You needn’t wear anything special, though you may wish to choose somewhat loose-fitting pants.
All events at the Ralph Waldo Emerson Sangha are free—though donations to Boundless Way Zen and First Church are gratefully received in a “Dana Box” placed outside the meditation hall.
Stay connected: please be sure to JOIN OUR LISTSERV to get updates and learn about the rare cancellation. You can also send an email to join the list.
ABOUT OUR LOGO This original ink painting is a reinterpretation and integration of the enso and, to honor the Boundless Way affiliation with Unitarian Universalism, the flaming chalice. The enso is a traditional Zen symbol of oneness, boundlessness, and enlightenment. The flaming chalice stands, among other things, for the beginning of a life of service, and like the UU faith, it stands open to receive new truths that pass the tests of reason, justice, and compassion.
* dharma talk transcripts
* dharma talk audio files
* dharma movies list
* recommended reading list
bowz affilliates
outside links