Great is the matter of birth and death Life slips quickly by . Time waits for no one Wake up . Wake up . Don’t waste a moment I ntroductory W o r k s h o p s Wo r k s h o p s at t h e Center: Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede a practical introduction to Zen Seven times a year the Rochester Zen Center offers a full-day introductory workshop taught by the Abbot, Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede (pronounced “COAL- heed”), and his senior students. Because beginning in Zen isn’t as simple as deciding Lunch to attend a new church on Sunday, the introductory workshop is aimed at providing A vegetarian lunch is served at 1:00 p.m. a useful introduction to Zen Buddhism, This is a good opportunity for informal demystifying the religion and giving basic discussions with Zen Center staff members Wo r k s h o p instruction on how to practice zazen (Zen and volunteers and for viewing the photo registration meditation). It’s a unique opportunity exhibit of Zen Center activities that is to learn first-hand from seasoned displayed in the lobby. Zen Center workshops are open to practitioners at one of the country’s largest Afternoon and oldest Zen centers. interested adults; those under 18 may Yoga and other stretching exercises that are be accepted on a case-by-case basis. How is Zen different from other forms of Buddhism? helpful for meditation are demonstrated Regrettably, infants and small children and explained. Next there are one or two cannot be accommodated during the Can I practice Zen and still keep my own religion? Location: more 20-minute rounds of guided zazen, workshop, although with prior notice Do I have to sit cross-legged in order to meditate? after which Roshi Kjolhede speaks on arrangements can be made for 7 Arnold Park integrating Zen practice with daily life and nursing mothers. These and other questions are how to deal with various mental states that Rochester, NY 14607 addressed during the schedule of may arise during zazen. He also offers advice You may register online at www.rzc.org 585-473-9180 P lectures, demonstrations, and guided on finding and working with a spiritual or by calling the Zen Center for a 585-473-6846 F meditations. Workshop participants have teacher. Light refreshments are served at workshop schedule and application. Since several opportunities during the day to the conclusion of the workshop – usually space is limited, please be sure to make Email: [email protected] ask Roshi Kjolhede and others questions, around 4:15 p.m. Membership information a reservation. You may assume you are www.rzc.org including specific inquiries about their is distributed to those who are interested, accepted unless you hear to the contrary. own spiritual practice. and sitting cushions, books, incense, and If you need to cancel please let us know Time and cost other items are available for sale. as soon as possible; the workshop fee Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., and The workshops are scheduled on Saturdays may then be refunded or applied to a the workshop formally convenes at 9:30, and begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Zen Center’s Workshop participants are invited to attend subsequent workshop. concluding around 4:30 p.m. Please see the city center near downtown Rochester. The the next morning’s (Sunday) sitting, which registration form for current fees. The cost day’s schedule is roughly as follows: includes a chanting service as well as a teisho For zazen, it’s best to wear loose-fitting (Dharma talk) given by Roshi Kjolhede. On clothing; it’s difficult to meditate of the workshop includes lunch. Morning a regular basis, the Center’s Tuesday night comfortably in jeans, for example. Accommodations Roshi Kjolhede opens the workshop with sittings are designated as “beginners’ nights.” Clothing should be subdued in color. Dormitory accommodations (without an introductory lecture on the principles The rounds of zazen are shorter than usual, Please do not wear a top that bunches at the meals) for workshop participants are of Zen and a discussion of Zen meditation. and during the sitting there opportunities neck, such as a hooded sweatshirt, or that usually available at the Center for $25 a Following the lecture, zazen postures, for group or individual instruction. leaves the shoulders near the neck bare. night. Please call ahead to reserve. methods of breathing, and methods of concentrating the mind are demonstrated If you wish to stay in a hotel near the and explained. The demonstration is Zen Center, you may call the Center’s followed by two 20-minute rounds of receptionist for guidance. guided meditation..