WINTER 2023 Practice Period January 12 - March 11
A full description of the Practice Period, a list of events with registration links, and additional resources can be found here: 2023 Practice Period.
Practice Period is a time in which Zen students practice intensively together. Historically, practice period started with the rains retreats of the early Buddhist nuns and monks when they could not travel due to heavy rains. During that time they settled down for more intensive practice.
Although we don't live in monasteries, each winter in the spirit of those in monastic practice, we settle our busy lives in order to intensify our practice. We bring our mindfulness and Dharma practice to the foreground of our lives more than usual. Annual practice periods have been an essential part of Zen practice for a thousand years and an important part of Red Cedar Zen for over 20 years.
In the center of the mandala of Practice Period is the head student, or shuso, who serves as the center of the sangha wheel giving classes, Dharma talks, and meets in small groups with practice period students over tea.
This year's Shuso will be supported and helped by her benji (assistant) Daishin Bob Andrews.
Guest Teacher: We are delighted to announce that at the opening and closing of this year’s Practice Period, Nomon Tim will be co-leading with Ryushin Andrea Thach.
You can read more about our shuso, benji and guest teacher here.
Practice Period Theme: We will be guided this year by a study of several of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha through the clear guidance and deep understanding of Thich Nhat Hanh and others. The classes will include a bit of flavor from the Plum Village Tradition including a few songs and gathas.
Location: Events may be in-person, on-line or a combination. Please check individual events for details. Information for attending in-person or online can be found on the Our Zendo page of the website. When attending in person, please adhere to our Covid Safety Guidelines.
Initial Registration
Please register here if you are planning to attend any of our Practice Period events - you'll have a chance to consider and state your intentions for the period, sign up for a practice partner, and let us know if you need any assistance when attending in-person. You will also have an opportunity to contribute to the sangha's costs in setting up and administering the overall Practice Period program - thank you in advance.
REGISTER NOW
