Open Gate Zen Collective

Practice Period 2024

June 21st - July 28th    

The 36 day Practice Period is a beautiful reminder of our everyday life practice, showing how ordinary life can embody the way of a Buddha. This period marks our annual intensive practice session, during which we will delve into the teachings of Bodhidharma, our first Zen Ancestor who brought Buddhism to China in the 4th Century.

During this Practice Period, we intensify our daily practice by sitting zazen more frequently, attending classes, having private interviews with Sensei Shinzan, engaging in council practice, participating in a weekend retreat and precept ceremony, and culminating in a Zen Retreat Sesshin. Additionally, we will host seminars throughout the year 2024-2025 to continue exploring and studying Bodhidharma's teachings.

Participants will determine the level of their commitment and create their realistic schedules. We will support each other through a buddy system.

During a Practice Period, we intensify our daily practice by sitting zazen more frequently, studying in classes, having private interviews with Sensei Shinzan, engaging in council practice, a weekend retreat, precepts-ceremony and having a Zen Retreat Sesshin, also we will have seminars for the year 2024-2025 continuing exploring and study the Bodhidharma Teachings. 

All participants will choose the level of their commitment. They are create their schedule, realistically. We will support each other through a buddy system.