Three times a year, we hold intensive periods of online intensive Zen training called keishin (繋心 pronounced “kay-shin”) or “to connect the mind” in Japanese. This online intensive training will follow a new schedule, similar to sesshin, and one that can be adapted to any time zone around the world. Below is the schedule in US Central Time.
This keishin will be led by Ginny Whitelaw Roshi. A nominal schedule is given below, where "full time" participation on Fri and Sat would include 3 of the 4 segments.
THU: 9 am - 12 noon CT (or 6-9 pm CT if Americas and Asia only)
FRI-SAT: A: 6 am - 8:30 am CT / B: 9 am -12 noon CT / C: 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm CT / D: 6 - 9 pm CT
SUN: 9 - 10:45 am CT
The training will be continuous within a segment, with periods of zazen interspersed with Shodo, Okyo and other physical training. We will also be introducing and practicing shodo - Zen Calligraphy. If you don't have a shodo shop yet, here are the materials you'll need to set one up:
Brush
Paper
Newspapers - first option if you can get it
Newsprint paper - to do one big character or multiple characters in a column, size in the range of 15 x 26 works well
Recommended option on Amazon: 17 x 27, 160 sheets
Calligraphy paper (optional, if you wish to use for final calligraphy. NOT required, but passing along this guidance from Martinez Sensei) - rice paper used for final calligraphy, there are some options on Amazon. Here is one for example. The quality is okay for practice, but not for anything you would want to mount or frame.
Ink
Ink cup
Felt
Go to any fabric store and buy a large piece of black felt and cut it about a foot larger on all sides than the size of the paper.
Paperweights
Heavy stones, rocks, or taku (made from dense wood).
Further information on the schedule and other ways to prepare will be shared with registrants.
To prepare, students should have received basic instruction on how to sit zazen and have been sitting online or on their own for at least a month. Students should be able to sit for 45 minutes at a time without moving, understand the basic principles of hara breathing, and have a hara belt for personal use (see FAQs). If interested in participating, please discuss with your teacher. If you don’t have a teacher yet, email Scobie Roshi. Once approved, please register using the link above.
Events through Chosei Zen are donation-based and open to all regardless of ability to pay. All donations are very much appreciated and help keep our dojos running! You can donate online here.