Samu

A samu day sit is an excellent opportunity for you to expand the dimensions of your practice. (Never forget that without a teacher, there is no Zen.) Take the lessons you have learned in zazen and extend them to formal eating, to extended work practice and even to a bit of quiet time as you find a spot on the AZC grounds to reflect. And then take the questions that have naturally arisen during those activities back into the zendo and more zazen. This is the essence of a Zen practice. It is both a challenge and an opportunity. So reaffirm your commitment to your Zen practice and sit for a day. That's what sitters do!

The day sit generally lasts from 6am - ~4pm and will include:

• Tea, chanting and zazen
• Formal breakfast
• Extended samu (work practices)
• Personal quiet time
• Formal lunch
• A Dharma talk
• Informal Q&A

As both breakfast and lunch are held in the zendo (and are therefore silent activities), there is a minimum protocol that you are expected to recognize. An introduction to this is given, as needed, on the Friday evening prior to the sit. For more info - stop by or call or drop us a note through the Contact page.

While the day sit is recommended for those of you who have been sitting consistently for at least three months, motivated beginning members are encouraged to talk to Seiju for consideration.

The suggested donation is $20. In order to plan for the meals, participants are asked to inform the office at least three days prior to the sit. And finally, as there will be extended work periods (often landscaping), participants are expected to bring weather appropriate clothes and hats (and work gloves, if available).