12:00pm-1:00pm Intensive Practice Period Kickoff

This year’s Intensive Practice Program will take place over five weeks in early spring, beginning on 14 March, and concluding on the last day of our five-day spring sesshin 18 April.

The Intensive Practice Program is time set aside each year when practitioners can make personal and collective commitments to intensify their practice.  Participants (PSZC Members can register at no cost) are asked to create their own individual practice plan, incorporating a number of elements, some of which are required (e.g., more zazen), some recommended, and some particular to the individual’s own circumstances.  The PSZC preceptors will be available to discuss the plans with each participant. This check-in will help the participant clarify and commit to their plan.

The theme of the Intensive Practice Period this year is “The Heart of Practice in the World: The Vimalakirti Sutra.”  This early Mahayana sutra, like the Heart Sutra (theme of last year’s Intensive Practice Period), focusses on the meaning of non-duality. This is explored through the story of Vimalakirti, a rich layman. From his sickbed  he explores, through a series of fabulous encounters, the possibilities for an awakened heart while still firmly planted in the world.  Over the five weeks, we will read from the sutra and commentaries, listen to speakers, and discuss readings at evening meetings. We will open and close the Practice Period ceremonially, with an opportunity for participants to discuss their intentions and experience.

We look forward to the opportunity to join with our sangha sisters and brothers, teachers, and the ancient Buddhist masters in five weeks of intensified practice.

Please read these over carefully and spend some time formulating your plan using the documents below.

Registration for this event closed on March 14.

The Intensive Practice Period Brochure outlines the process.

A set of worksheets will assist you in crafting and refining your plan. (Editable version of Worksheet MS Word here. Download to your desktop and edit offline.)

Readings – Burton Watson translation of the Vimalakirti Sutra (two online sources)

• Internet Archive 

• Buddhist Library

• Selected chapters for Wednesday night discussions from Joan Sutherland’s Vimalakirti & the Awakened Heart

Dokusan – Additional opportunities to discuss practice with Genko or Koshin during the practice period. Sign up below.

• Genko’s dokusan

• Koshin’s dokusan

• Giko’s dokusan