Everyday Zen Practice Period

Genjo Koan – The Koan of Everyday Life

In-person or Online Participation

January 20-April 13, 2024

The 3-month Everyday Zen Practice Period is an opportunity to come together with other Sangha members and deepen your practice with an individually designed schedule supported by a variety of Dharma teachings and peer-to-peer Sangha dialogue. (The 3-month timeframe reaches all the way back to the rainy season retreats during the historical Buddha’s time.)

The 2024 Practice Period is led by Zenki Roshi, BZC’s Guiding Teacher, and members of the Practice Council. This year’s emphasis is on the study of the Genjo Koan, Dogen’s seminal essay on the "Koan of Everyday Life."

As a participant, you design and commit to a schedule that works within your daily life based on a minimum participation requirement as spelled out below. Click here for guidance and ideas on how to invigorate and expand your daily practice.

The pricing includes your participation in the Weekend Seminar, in addition to all of the following events, except for the Weekend Sitting and Sesshin. The sliding scale is designed to allow you to choose your price point based on how much you plan to participate as well in accord with your finances. 

Required 

• Opening Dharma Talk and Ceremony: January 20
• Self-designed commitment to zazen and mindfulness practice
• At least one Zazen Intensive: Half-Day Sunday, Weekend Sitting, or Sesshin (see available options below)
• Weekend Seminar on Genjo Koan with Zenki Roshi: February 9-11
• Closing Ceremony: April 13

Available Intensives

• Weekend Sitting: January 26-28
• Sunday Half-Day Zazen: February 4 | February 18 | March 3 | March 17
• 7-day Sesshin: March 30 - April 7

Recommended

• Four Dharma Weekends with Saturday Dharma Talks by Zenki Roshi on the Genjo Koan and Sunday Half-Day Sittings followed by oryoki practice. (Dharma Talks and Half-Day Intensives can be attended separately.)

        (1) Dharma Talk and Q&A (Saturday AM): February 3 | February 17 | March 2 | March 16

        (2) Half-Day Zazen (Sunday AM): February 4 | February 18 | March 3 | March 17

• Study Group on the Genjo Koan (Wednesday PM; commitment to all four sessions required): February 7 | February 21 | March 6 | March 20 — (6:30-8:00 PM)
• Sangha Circles facilitating an experiential dialogue among participants about what works and doesn’t work in daily practice: February 24 | March 9 | March 23
• Study materials on the Genjo Koan and suggestions for everyday mindfulness practices provided through a dedicated Practice Period portal.

Additional

• Preferred access to Dokusan with Zenki Roshi
• Weekly Tea - An informal yet mindful conversation after morning zazen with Practice Council Members and/or Zenki Roshi about forms, practice, and general BZC affairs — Fridays (8-8:45 AM)
• Practice Buddy System
• Full Moon Ceremonies: January 25 | February 24 | March 25 — (8:00-8:45 PM)