Zen at Neighborhood
Join us on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:00-8:00pm in the Living Room of Neighborhood House,
Join in for silent meditation and a talk on aspects of the spiritual life. This activity represents the meeting of traditional Zen Buddhist practice and Unitarian Universalism’s respectful but eclectic approach to matters of depth. Zen at Neighborhood is an activity of Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church. It is also sponsored by Empty Moon Zen. Empty Moon is a traditional Zen community with strong UU ties. Empty Moon also offers two weekly meditation opportunities via zoom for those who wish to have a more rooted practice.
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There are three parts to Zen at Neighborhood monthly gatherings:
1. The first part is a slightly modified traditional Zen ritual. It is a liturgy that centers on a recitation of the Heart Sutra, a brief spiritual text, one of the signal documents of the nondual traditions shared at most Zen gatherings. It concludes with a dedication in which we are invited to name those who we carry in our hearts, offering our intention of sharing whatever merit is raised by our gathering with them and the world. It is brief but many people find it very meaningful.
2.The second part, and the heart of this gathering, is silent meditation. We will sit quietly for twenty-five minutes. There will be traditional Zen meditation cushions, as well as chairs and couches. If you wish for instruction in the Zen style of meditation, we can provide that before we begin. But you need to come about fifteen minutes early! Otherwise, you can do whatever silent meditation calls to your heart.
3.The third part will be a talk on some aspect of the spiritual life. These talks will mostly be rooted in the Zen traditions. The principal speaker will be Reverend James Ishmael Ford. Occasionally Jan Seymour-Ford or an invited guest will speak. James will begin his talks with a series derived from his forthcoming book “Zen at the End of Religion: An Introduction for the Curious, the Skeptical, and the Spiritual but Not Religious.” (Due in May from Monkfish Publishers).
Our facilitators:
Jan Seymour-Ford has been practicing Zen for thirty years. She is co-founder of Empty Moon Zen and serves the community as a senior dharma teacher. Over the years she has facilitated numerous Zen groups and meditation retreats.
Rev. James Ishmael Fordhas been called one of the senior Zen teachers in North America. He has practiced within the Zen traditions for more than fifty years and is a dharma successor in two lineages. He is a seasoned retreat leader and spiritual director. James is the author of six books on aspects of Zen spirituality and practice. He is a teacher with Empty Moon Zen. A long time Unitarian Universalist minister, James is also a community minister affiliated with Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church.