A Special Opportunity for the Santa Fe Sangha to Participate in the Spring Practice Period April 2 to 27, 2019

Many of us would like to participate in a period of deep study and practice, but our schedules often do not permit us this rare chance to take a step back.

Upaya is offering an opportunity for locals to participate in the Spring Practice Period.: Stories from the Lotus Sutra, led by Sensei Joshin Byrnes and Sensei Genzan Quennell.

This is a unique opportunity for all of us to strengthen our practice and take a deep look at our vow to serve all beings, as well as to deepen our connections to sangha.

Dogen-Zenji so cherished the Lotus Sutra that he actually carved a selection of it into his door. This, the core text of not only Zen but the whole of Mahayana Buddhism, has never lost its appeal among practitioners of the Way. Over the course of this practice period, we will explore this Sutra through its stories and parables. Why did this text so resonate with Dogen-Zenji? What inspiration and instruction does it offer us today? How do these ancient, repeated tales relate to our life and practice in this moment?

All local sangha participants are strongly encouraged to attend the local sangha orientation to the Practice Period Sunday evening, March 31, at 7:00 p.m.. We will send out the location prior to that date. This is an important meeting, so please try to attend. However, if you are unable to attend, please let us know so that we can contact you individually with pertinent information.

Please fill out the application including the complete list of activities you plan to participate in. We ask that you make commitments that you are able to keep in this field of practice.

For more information or to register, please email Upaya’s registrar, Roberta at [email protected] or call 505-986-8518 ext. 112.

You may return this form in one of three ways: ● drop it off in person ● scan and email to [email protected] ● FAX to 505-986-8528

Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.

Dana should be offered to the teachers at the close of Practice Period

Name: ______

Phone number: ______

Email: ______

Suggested participation guidelines for Spring Practice Period:

● Attend the Local Sangha Orientation to the Practice Period, Sunday March 31, at 7 p.m.. ● Attend the Practice Period opening with all teachers and Practice Period participants on April 2 at 7:45 p.m.. Please consider joining 5:30 evening zazen.

● Participate in the Sunday evening sangha discussion groups April 7, 14, and 21. These evening discussions on the Lotus Sutra will be led by Joshin or Genzan

● Attend five zazen periods per week, at least two of these in sangha in the Upaya zendo, from 7:00-8:00 a.m., 12:00-1:00 p.m., or 5:30-6:30 p.m.

● Attend two of the four Wednesday evening Dharma Talks

● Register/Participate in one or more: o 4/6 – ZAZENKAI DAYLONG – $50 o 4/13 – ZAZENKAI DAYLONG – $50 o 4/16-4/23 - Sesshin: Lotus Sutra - $490 members, $540 non-members

● Commit to study readings provided by Joshin and Genzan ● Meet with a practice partner, in person, by phone, or Skype, once a week. Practice partners will be randomly assigned.

● Attend one practice interview with Joshin or Genzan.

● Attend closing council style meeting (date and time tbd).