Open Zen
Sunday, April 13
Thirty minutes of zazen followed by a World Peace Ceremony and a dharma discussion with the sangha. Please bring thoughts or questions you have about Zen practice.
Open Zen, 10 am:
Zazen, World Peace Ceremony, and dharma discussion
Please arrive by 9:45 and be seated on your cushion by 9:55.
We will be chanting the Sho Sai Myo Kichijo Dharani and Verses on the Faith Mind.
Those joining from home can find the NZC Sutra Book here.
Open Zen
Sunday, April 20
Rev. Daishin McCabe will share a dharma talk after Open Zen
Satori in the Taiko Drum
Drums have been used since ancient times as a way of calling a community together. Zen temples use drums to tell time, in special ceremonies, and to release the dynamic energy of our body and mind. The drum reveals the heart of its player. Daishin will offer thoughts on how we can apply these aspects of Taiko to Zen practice.
Afterward, we will welcome the Izuna family—husband, wife, and three sons—for a special taiko performance in the zendo. See the link below for a sample. Please join us for this fun event!
Open Zen, 10 am:
Zazen, service, and dharma talk, followed by taiko drum performance.
Please arrive by 9:45 and be seated on your cushion by 9:55.
We will be chanting the Heart Sutra.
Those joining from home can find the NZC Sutra Book here.
Join from home with Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88585048888
Just Sitting
Sunday, April 27
Zen master Dogen advises us to “put aside the intellectual habit of chasing words and phrases, and learn to take the backward step that shines the light inward.”
Zazen is the heart of Zen. On the last weekend of every month, we dedicate the Sunday Open Zen time period to Just Sitting, a concentrated block of zazen.
Just Sitting begins at 9 am:
Three 35-minute periods of zazen with 10 minutes of kinhin
(walking meditation) in between.
Followed by tea or coffee and conversation.
**Please arrive by 8:45 and be seated on your cushion by 8:55.
Full Moon Ceremony
Friday, May 17
Join Us for Ryaku Fusatsu, the Bodhisattva Full Moon Ceremony
On Friday, May 17, Daishin McCabe will lead us in a Full Moon Ceremony, also known as Ryaku Fusatsu. Dating from the time of the Buddha, when monks and nuns would gather on the night of the full moon to renew their vows, Ryaku Fusatsu gives us an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to the sixteen bodhisattva precepts in a group setting. We repent for harms done and reaffirm our vow to help, not harm, all beings in a formal ceremony that includes zazen, chanting, and full bows.
Join us Friday, May 17, at 6 pm.
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
The moon reflected
In a mind clear
As still water;
Even the waves, breaking,
Are reflecting its light.
–Eihei Dogen
Intro to Zen
Saturday, May 18
9 am – 12 pm
Join us for an Introduction to Zen class on Saturday, May 18.
We will explore the history and essential elements of Zen practice, giving participants a hands-on appreciation of this ancient tradition. We highly recommend that anyone new to Nebraska Zen Center complete this course. It provides a strong foundation for further practice with the NZC sangha.
The fee for the class is $35.
Registration deadline is May 15.
Family Program
Saturday, May 18
1 pm – 2:30 pm
Sangha members are invited to bring their children for an afternoon of singing, meditation, and art. Snacks will be provided.
Suggested donation: $15
If you enjoy working with kids, we need your help! Please contact Daishin at daishin@zenfields.org if you are interested.
Sangha Work Day
Saturday, June 1
10 am – Noon
Please save the date for a sangha work day and help us take care of our garden and temple. We have lots to get done in a two-hour period, so every volunteer will be essential. Come get your hands dirty, spend time with your fellow sangha members, and engage in community work practice together.
We hope you will join us!
Just Sitting
Sunday, June 30
Zen master Dogen advises us to “put aside the intellectual habit of chasing words and phrases, and learn to take the backward step that shines the light inward.”
Zazen is the heart of Zen. On the last weekend of every month, we dedicate the Sunday Open Zen time period to Just Sitting, a concentrated block of zazen.
Just Sitting begins at 9 am:
Three 35-minute periods of zazen with 10 minutes of kinhin
(walking meditation) in between.
Followed by tea or coffee and conversation.
**Please arrive by 8:45 and be seated on your cushion by 8:55.
Zazenkai – One Day Silent Retreat
Saturday, July 13
Zazenkai is a day of zazen.
Join us Saturday, July 13, for a zazenkai with Rev. Brian Shinkyu Coté.
Beginning at 9 am and ending at 4 pm, this short, intensive meditation retreat includes several periods of zazen, a mindful work period, lunch, and a practice meeting with Shinkyu.
A zazenkai can be a gateway into deeper practice. We hope you will join us, especially those who are curious about what it’s like to sit zazen for extended periods. An online option is also available.
Please submit registration form and payment by Thursday, July 11. (Registration opens soon!)
Cost: $45 for NZC members, $55 for nonmembers. Or, pay what you can.
Precept Study and Jukai Ceremony
NZC interim priest Daishin McCabe is currently offering an opportunity for NZC sangha members to begin formally studying the sixteen bodhisattva precepts.
Preparing to receive the precepts will deepen your understanding of Zen traditions and training. The process takes approximately one year and includes an online study group; sewing a Buddha robe, or rakusu, together in person; and working closely with Daishin to discern ways of moving toward greater health and happiness. Preparation culminates in a ceremony called jukai.
Please contact Daishin at daishin@zenfields.org if you are interested. And if you have already received the bodhisattva precepts, please support Daishin by passing your understanding on to others!
September Sesshin
Friday, September 13 – Sunday, September 15
Nebraska Zen Center will offer a three-day sesshin from Friday, September 13, at 2 pm to Sunday, September 15, at noon. Rev. Daishin McCabe will lead us.
In sesshin we settle our distracted minds by sitting for extended periods of zazen, eating mindfully, and resting deeply. Sesshin, which translates from the Japanese as “collecting the heart-mind,” provides a rare chance to step into a sanctuary of stillness. You can close the door for a while on the world’s cacophony and appreciate the freedom and spaciousness of life in the present moment.
The sesshin will include multiple periods of sitting and walking meditation; dharma talks; traditional, oryoki-style meals; Zen chanting liturgy; temple care (also known as mindful cleaning); body practice (e.g., yoga); rest breaks; and an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the teacher. In sesshin, we refrain from unnecessary speech and settle into silence.
This weekend will be a special opportunity to practice with Rev. Gyokei Yokoyama, international missionary for the Soto school in North America.
If interested, complete and submit a registration form and pay the registration fee by the end of the day on September 11.
Partial attendance is possible. Please email Daishin at daishin@zenfields.com if you will only be attending part of the sesshin.
Registration opens soon!
$135 for nonmembers / $120 for members / pay what you can