Dharma Study with Koji
Saturday, May 9, 9 am–noon
Liberation Through Understanding: Fundamentals of Buddhist Philosophy
Part 2: Zen–The Method of No Method
In the second of two classes exploring the foundations of Buddhist thought, Rev. Koji Acquaviva will lead us in a study focusing on the unique teachings of Zen. Topics to be discussed include Daoist and Confucian connections, the koan, no gaining mind, Dogen Zenji, menmitsu, dynamic function, and the life of awareness.
The first class in January explored the foundations of Buddhist thought. The intention of this series is to offer practitioners a deeper understanding of the ideas underpinning Buddhist practice, giving them a more subtle and nuanced way to interpret their own practice experiences.
$45 for nonmembers/$35 for members/pay what you can
Say Goodbye and Hello: Potluck Celebration for Carol and Shinkyu
Saturday, May 9, 12:30–2pm
NZC’s first resident priest of 2026, Carol Dougherty, will be leaving us just as Shinkyu Brian Coté returns. Shinkyu will complete another residency with us in preparation for his shuso ceremony (a public question-and-answer ceremony) this summer.
Because Sunday, May 10, is Mother’s Day and many sangha members will be celebrating with their families, we’ll have a potluck to bid farewell to Carol and welcome Shinkyu on Saturday after Koji’s Liberation Through Understanding class. All are welcome.
Please bring your favorite vegetarian dish and help mark this transition! Email Sarah at sarahneppl868@gmail.com with questions.
Open Zen
Sunday, May 10
Koji Acquaviva will share a dharma talk.
Great Effort, No Gain
Koji will talk about how we can navigate the practice of acceptance and cultivation.
Open Zen, 10 am:
Zazen, short service, and dharma talk, followed by tea, coffee, and conversation.
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.
Open Zen and Remembrance Ceremony
Sunday, May 17
Pam Shoju Griffin will share a dharma talk.
What About Joy?
Shoju will share a student talk on this topic at Open Zen.
Open Zen, 10 am:
After zazen, we will hold a special Remembrance Day service. NZC’s Remembrance Ceremony is an opportunity for anyone who wishes to acknowledge the passing of a loved one, whether a person or an animal companion.
Feel free to bring a small token of remembrance to place on the altar. You will also have the option of writing your loved one’s name(s) on a card that you can place on the altar.
Shinkyu will lead us in the ceremony, followed by Pam Shoju’s dharma talk. Tea, coffee, and conversation will follow.
Please arrive by 9:45 and be seated on your cushion by 9:55.
We will be chanting the Great Compassionate Heart Dharani.
Zoom Dharma Talk by Koji
Sunday, May 24, 10 am
Although NZC will be closed for the Memorial Day weekend, Koji Acquaviva will offer a dharma talk via Zoom at 10 am on Sunday, May 24. Question-and-answer period to follow.
Please join us!
Zen Center Closed for Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday, May 23–Monday, May 25
June Sesshin
Friday, June 5–Sunday, June 7
Nebraska Zen Center will offer a three-day sesshin from Friday, June 5, at 2 pm to Sunday, June 7, at noon. Rev. Daishin McCabe will lead us.
In sesshin, we settle our distracted minds by sitting 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.
If interested, complete and submit a registration form and pay the registration fee by the end of the day on June 3.
Partial attendance is possible. Please email George Patenode at georgepatenode@gmail.com if you will only be attending part of the sesshin.
$135 for nonmembers / $120 for members / 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!