Service Description

Led by Doka Sensei, this workshop is a practical and authentic introduction to Soto Zen practice. The half-day schedule includes instruction, practice, and Q&A session, where participants are introduced to the basic non-dualistic approach to Zen Buddhism, Doka sensei's approach to practice, and the Hinotori An program. SCHEDULE: • Instruction on Zen practice and main principles of Zen • Instructions on meditation postures, breathing and the taught process applied during sitting Zen (Zazen) and walking Zen (Kinhin) • Instructions on Zendo conduct • Introduction to application of Zen in everyday life • Two periods of guided Zen meditation (Zazen) with walking meditation (Kinhin) in between • A question-and-answer period and a talk by Sensei on how to bring Zen into daily life, how to find a teacher, and how to practice on one's own • The Workshop ends with tea where further information about practicing at the Hinotori An can be shared The workshop is an ideal opportunity to assess the status of practitioners in terms of their needs, experience, and aspirations, thus enabling an easier identification of the appropriate approach (Gate). Regardless of the initial motivation that led practitioners to participate in this workshop (whether they are driven by a desire for deeper peace and a more conscious everyday life, a deep need to understand the ultimate nature of existence or an inexplicable longing for something that has not yet taken form), this workshop can encourage introspection and more clarity in recognizing the Path the practitioners are on and the direction they wants to go. REQUIREMENTS: • Registration (no entry without prior registration) • Punctuality (arrival 10 - 15’ before the start of the workshop, no entry once workshop is on) • Skillful communication (no idle talk, no talking during practice) • Zendo is floored with tatami that can be stepped on only with clean socks (Chado room rules) • Mobile phones need to be turned off completely (not only on silent mode) • To ensure painless sitting and preserve the atmosphere of a temple, attire should be loose-fitting (no jeans, or leather pants), in calm colors (preferable dark); watches and jingling jewelry must be removed; strong smells must be avoided. Schedule: Sat 08:00 – 12:00 Participants: max 4 Duration: 4 hours Teaching tuition: 60 CHF