Join us for our 2018 Big Summer Sit: A three month commitment to foster our practice together!
Dates: 8 December 2018 – 10 February 2019
Location: Right where you are!
Closing date for registrations: 31 December 2018
Cost: Free!
Enquiries: gassho@zenopencircle.org.au
The eighth day of December is traditionally celebrated as the day of Rohatsu, honouring the vast awakening experience of Shakyamuni Buddha as he sat on the earth under the Bodhi Tree and glimpsed the Morning Star – and was left without a speck of difference in the entire universe.
This year we inaugurate the Summer Big Sit on that auspicious day, reviving our Antipodean version of the three-month Summer Ango (Rains Retreat) of monsoonal South Asia.
We’ll sit not with dark, rainy days but under hot, bright, blue skies – yet with the same firm intention: to stay the course and sit every single day whatever happens — for as long as it wants but no less than 15-20 dedicated minutes.
You will join a strong Australia-wide community of sitters who share your intention and will help you sustain it whatever happens — by way of fortnightly online sits together and an online group conversation process.
Throughout this time, as we practice in the very midst of life, we will share our discoveries around practice with each other. This is a deeply enriching way of enjoying sangha while still freely relishing the timeless days of an Australian summer.
The Big Summer Sit 2018 consists of:
- Your strong commitment to sit for 15-20 dedicated minutes each day throughout the three months.
- Optional online gatherings held fortnightly via ZOOM (Our online video conferencing platform)
- A weekly dharma email to help inspire and guide our practice together
- Access to an online email discussion where you can share your reflections and connect with others in the group
- Access to an archive of dharma talks given by Roshi Susan during the past year as part of our Online Zen Group
What you will need:
- 15-20 minutes per day
- A computer with internet connection
- A sense of adventure and curiosity
- A desire to explore the mysterious challenge of sustaining practice in the midst of daily life
Zen Open Circle is offering this practice period FREE of charge.
