November 2013 Calendar

SMS Zen Oct 2013 Calendar“In the end
these things matter most:
How well did you love?
How fully did you live?
How deeply did you let go?”

….Buddha

 

Freeing Creativity of Being:  Stories of Zen
A Community Talk with Sarah Bender, Sensei
In this evening, Sarah will bring Zen stories of enlightenment and transformation that illustrate Zen’s teaching about cultivating a free, unobstructed heart and mind.
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Date/Time:  Wednesday, November 6 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Penrose Public Library, Carnegie Reading Room.

Dharma Study and Discussion
Join us for study and discussion each Monday in November with Sarah Bender, Sensei and Andrew Palmer, Sensei.
With this month we’ll begin a slightly different format.  We’ll be taking up the broad subject, “What is Zen?” and divide it as follows:

  • Nov. 4        Dhyana…..What characterizes Zen meditation?
  • Nov. 11      Inquiry 1:   What’s with the emphasis on inquiry in Zen?
  • Nov. 18      Inquiry 2:  How do we see and use koans in this tradition?
  • Nov. 25      Mindfulness:  What’s emphasized in our understanding of practicing with awareness, inquiry and open-heartedness  during the everydayness of our lives?
  • Dec. 2        Ethical practice:    Why do we study and practice precepts and formally take refuge the way we do?
  • Dec. 9        Awakening, enlightenment, endarkenment, realization……what are these terms and why are they so central in our discussions of Zen practice?
  • Dec. 16      Creativity:  What’s characteristic of Zen creativity?  Is there even such a thing?

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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 (main level)

Work in the Room (WITR)
Sarah Bender, Sensei will offer WITR this month on Saturday, November 16 during our 6:30 to 8:30 AM meditation.  Our Saturday Work in the Room is a 20-minute appointment to meet with the teacher individually regarding your practice or any questions.  To make an appointment, please contact Liz Cramer.

Note: It is also possible to make an appointment to meet with Sarah Bender, Sensei or Andrew Palmer, Sensei at another time.  sembender@gmail.com or alpsensei@gmail.com .

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: Sundays, Nov. 10, 17 and 24
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: Creek Bend Zendo, 7528 Jenkin Place, Colorado Springs

Newcomer Orientation
Monday, November 11th 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)

Dharma Talk
Join us for a Dharma talk on Monday, November 18th with Sarah Bender, Sensei, during our regular Monday-night meditation.
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Time: 5:30 – 6 pm
Location: Shove Chapel (downstairs).

A Simple Sit
Join us for a day of meditation together. Brown bag lunch will be shared in silence.
$10 suggested donation
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Registration/Information: Steve Milligan, steve_milligan08@comcast.net. (Note, registration is not required, but it assists us in planning).
Date/Time: Saturday, November 16, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: The Woman’s Club (tentative)

Community Night Talks
Join us for a talk by Becky Myers on November 11th during our Monday meditation. Becky will talk about practicing with disability, and then will open the floor for discussion in community.  Several other community members are also practicing with disability.  This promises to be a rich presentation and discussion.
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Location: Shove Chapel Dharma Hall (main level).
Time: Regular Monday Meditation

Next Steering Committee (SC) Meeting
The next SC meeting is Thursday, November 14. Please contact Linda for information or questions.
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DateTime: November 14, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Linda Hodge’s house.

Looking Ahead…

December: December Retreat with David Weinstein, Roshi, December 4-8 at the Abbey in Canon City.
Cost: $450. For part-time attendance, $90 per day. For registration or more information please contact  Steve Milligan.
More info coming soon on this retreat!