Eon Zen Center

...Shishin Roshi's new book, The Five Ranks of Zen, is now available. 🙂
From Great Mountain Zen Center: to celebrate publication month, use the code FIVERANKS30 and receive 30% off when purchasing through Shambhala. Go to https://www.shambhala.com/the-five-ranks-of-zen.html to purchase and enter the code when you check out.

(This code is valid on shambhala.com through December 12, 2024. Enter code in shopping cart. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

Happy Publication Day to The Five Ranks of Zen: Tozan's Path of Being, Nonbeing, and Compassion by Gerry Shishin Wick!

The great Japanese Zen master Hakuin once exclaimed, “How priceless is the merit gained through the step-by-step practice of the Five Ranks of Master Tozan!”⁠
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In The Five Ranks of Zen, American Zen teacher Gerry Shishin Wick offers a comprehensive and accessible entry point to this pinnacle teaching of Zen Buddhism. Wick presents multiple translations and offers thoughtful commentary on both of Zen Master Tozan’s formulations of the Ranks — the Five Ranks of the Relative and the Absolute and the Sequence of Merit — as well as offering guidance on the applications in contemporary life and Zen practice.⁠
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Zen students and practitioners of all levels will benefit from this essential guide to Tozan’s exploration of relative and absolute reality.⁠

→ Learn more: https://www.shambhala.com/the-five-ranks-of-zen.html

Even if the sun were to rise from the west, the Bodhisattva has only one way. - Shunryu Suzuki Roshi

The way to support the beings and causes we care about is to — surprise! — directly care and support them. - Paul Gyodo Agostinelli Sensei

That reflection was offered by our teacher, Gyodo Sensei, the day before the US election in his post "Democracy is Messy." It is just as relevant today.

He also shared the Five Commitments of the Zen Peacemakers:

1. I commit myself to work towards a culture of non-violence and reverence for life.

2. I commit myself to work towards a culture of solidarity and a just economic order.

3. I commit myself to work towards a culture of inclusiveness and a life based on truthfulness.

4. I commit myself to work towards a culture of equal rights for all people, respecting and appreciating human diversity.

5. I commit myself to work towards a culture of sustainability and care for the earth.

The Bodhisattva has only one way.
Our Dharma practice lives in the gap, amidst causes and conditions.
Pay attention to what matters.

In this time of great change and uncertainty, may we offer our love and care — and action! — in this spirit, today and everyday, with wisdom, courage and compassion.🙏
Image by Mark T. Morse, Gateless Gate Studio

Democracy is Messy Don't kill the cat ....

We have a wonderful group signed up for next Saturday's Enter Here Zazenkai on Nov. 2nd. Register at eonzen.org/2024-retreats to join.

Though geared toward those new to practice, all are welcome and encouraged to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity for those new to Zen practice and seasoned practitioners to deepen together in the fundamentals.

The retreat includes Zazen (seated meditation) and Kinhin (walking meditation) instruction, shorter meditation periods, Zendo forms + movement instruction, Zen principles and history, work practice, group sharing and more.

Please note, Enter Here Zazenkai are offered in-person only at Willow Farm Contemplative Center due to the nature of the space and instruction provided.