“It is better to travel well than to arrive..”
….Buddha
Dharma Study and Discussion
Join us for study and discussion each Monday before meditation, with Sarah Bender, Sensei or Andrew Palmer, Sensei (roughly alternating).
We’ll be taking up the broad topic, “Living Practice,” and will divide it as follows:
- The Realm of the Sacred
- Community Practice
- The intimate world of family and friends
- The wider world of work, society and culture
- Generosity and Service
- This Very Body
- Creative Expression
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Time: 5:15 – 6 pm (please arrive on time if you can, but join us late if you can’t)
Location: Shove Chapel Dharma Hall (downstairs)
Koan Study in Community with Sarah Bender, Sensei
All are welcome. No previous experience with koans is necessary.
Suggested Donation: $10 per session
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Dates: Sunday, Feb 2
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Creek Bend Zendo, 7528 Jenkin Place, Colorado Springs
Weekend Retreat with Sarah Bender, Sensei
Which is the True Qian? An Integrative Retreat
Which is the true Qian?”
In an integrative retreat, we weave together silence and conversation. We sit, walk and share a meal in meditative silence; and as we speak and listen to each other, we receive the story, its question and each other as honored guests.
Non-residential Retreat. No previous experience with koans is necessary.
Click here for registration. Deadline is February 3rd.
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Dates/Times: Friday Evening, February 7, 7:00 pm – 9 pm; and Saturday, February 8, 9 am – 4:30 pm, lunch provided
Location: 20 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Talk by David Loy, “Why Buddhism and the West Need Each Other”
All are invited to this talk on February 9th at the Denver Zen Center. Click here for more details.
Newcomer Orientation
Monday, February 10th at the Shove Chapel Dharma Hall (main level). This is for anyone who would like a brief orientation to meditation, our tradition, or our Sangha and customs. Following the orientation, you’re invited to join us for meditation at 6:10 pm.
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Time: 5:40 pm
Location: Shove Chapel Dharma Hall (main level)
Work in the Room (WITR)
Andrew Palmer will offer WITR this month on Saturday, February 15 during our 6:30 to 8:30 am. Our Saturday WITR is a 20-minute appointment to meet individually with the teacher regarding your practice or any questions.
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Note: If you have questions about what this is, or if you’d like to make an appointment to meet with Sarah Bender, Sensei, or Andrew Palmer, Sensei, at other time, sembender@gmail.com or alpsensei@gmail.com
Dharma Talks
Join us for Dharma talks on Monday, February 17 with Sarah Bender, Sensei, and on Monday, February 24 with Andrew Palmer, Sensei, during our regular Monday-night meditation.
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Time: Meditation at 6:10 pm; Dharma Talk starts about 6:45
Location: Shove Chapel
Next Steering Committee Meeting
The next Steering Committee Meeting is Tuesday, February 4, 6:30 – 8:30. Please contact Robert for information or questions..
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Date/Time: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Robert King’s house
Feb-March
In February and March, Sarah Bender will be offering a six-session study group, taking up the Diamond Sutra.
We’ll be using the translation and commentaries of Red Pine.
- Sutra Study with Sarah Bender, Sensei: Tuesdays, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
- Feb. 4, 11, 25, 28 ; and March 4, 11 at the Creek Bend Zendo
We’ll be covering roughly 73 pages per week, so this will be interesting! The plan is to go for depth of engagement rather than breadth of coverage.
Red Pine’s preface says this:
“This book is the offering of no mind, born of compassion for all suffering beings. Of all the sutras that teach this teaching, this is the diamond. It cuts through all delusions, illuminates what is real, and cannot be destroyed. It is the path on which all Buddhas stand and walk. And to read it is to stand and walk with buddhas.”
In order to enter this way, participants will be asked to commit to attend all, or almost all sessions, and to come prepared to each session.
Registration will be capped at 14 people. 2 seats remain.
The requested donation is $70. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Questions can be directed to Sarah Bender at sembender@gmail.com.
Looking Ahead…
Spring Meditation Retreat with Sarah Bender, Sensei, March 31 to April 6 at the Abbey in Canon City
July
Meditation Retreat, details TBA
Fall Meditation Retreat
October 15 to 19 at the Abbey at Canon City with Sarah Bender, Sensei
About Dana
We depend on the generosity of our members to support the work of our sangha. Donations are gratefully received in the Dana bowl in the alcove of the meditation hall in Shove Chapel. Also, everyone is invited to contribute flowers for the altar and cookies for Community Nights.