Introductory Program
Introductory Program
Daishu-in West will have an introductory weekend on June 7th and 8th. There are six spaces available. Please contact the temple if you are interested in attending.
What is Rinzai Zen?
Rinzai Zen is a traditional form of Buddhism practiced in Japan for over 800 years, with a rich history and direct lineage tracing back to Gautama Buddha 2500 years ago.
In the last century, Buddhist practice has made its way to America in various forms, and many people have experienced a meditation class, retreat, or workshop. However, traditional Buddhist training is still difficult to find in the west.
Weekend Immersion Program at Daishu-in West
For those interested in experiencing a traditional Rinzai Zen Temple lifestyle, Daishu-in West, is offering a weekend immersion. The Saturday-Sunday program includes Sutra Chanting, Samu (working meditation), Zazen (seated meditation) and structured meals. The tranquil setting and rigorous schedule provide an opportunity to step away from the chaos of our everyday lives and see deeper into the Self.
SCHEDULE
Please be aware that some of the times may change.
SATURDAY
Please call for specific driving and parking instructions, close attention to driving
and parking instructions will be necessary. Allow time for your drive and
mistakes. Arrive no later than 11:00am.
12:00
Lunch
All meals are prepared as a meditation practice by an experienced practitioner.
The meals are vegetarian and gluten free except for dinner which includes a
bread option. All meals have a strict protocol that new practitioners should learn
by paying close attention to those around them. Sutras are chanted while
receiving meals and an organized system of eating and cleaning is followed.
1:00
Tour of grounds and protocol for sitting practice.
1:30
Samu (Working Meditation)
3:30
Reading or Dharma Talk, Q&A
4:30
Dinner
Unlike the other meals, there is no Sutra chanting.
5:00
Kaiyoku (bath)
After Dinner practitioners are allotted time in the Japanese soaking tub.
This is time to refresh before evening Sutras and Zazen.
5:30
Sutra chanting in the Hondo
6:30-9:00
Evening Zazen (Sitting Meditation) sutra read at the end.
SUNDAY
Sunday mornings at Daishu-in West are Zazenkai, when the local
community comes to sit with the residents of the temple and stay after for
tea & Dharma talk.
5:00
Morning Sutras
6:00
Zazen
7:00
Breakfast
7:30
Niten Soji (Morning Cleaning)
Samu (Working Meditation)
11:00
Traditional Matcha tea & Dharma talk
12:00
Lunch
A lunch of soba, prepared together.
Final Q&A after lunch.
Participants then clean up their bedding and gather their things before
heading home.
How to Participate
Call (707) 923-9529 or
write to contact@daishuinwest.org.
Location
Daishu-in West is located in the serene hills of Southern Humboldt, California.
Google Maps directions are not exact, and participants will be given further
instruction before arriving.
Cost
Daishu-in West operates entirely on a donation basis. Anyone interested in doing
this training is welcome regardless of their financial means. Most participants
give between $200-300 for the weekend stay.