Spring 2022 Practice Period at Green Dragon Temple, GGF 2/8 – 4/5

Practice Center
Date / Time
Feb 8, 2022 / 3:00pm - Apr 5, 2022 / 8:00pm
Event Type
Practice Periods
Description

Buddha Bows to Buddha, and You Bow to Yourself

“In your practice you should accept everything as it is, giving to each thing the same respect given to a Buddha. Here there is Buddhahood. Then Buddha bows to Buddha, and you bow to yourself. This is the true bow.” —Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

In the Spring Practice Period at Green Gulch Farm, in the midst of the flowering plum blossoms and reawakening of the gardens, we will study the Dogen fascicle from Treasury of the True Dharma Eye, “Receiving the Marrow by Bowing / Raihai Tokuzui.”

This fascicle was chosen by Suzuki Roshi as the focus of his dissertation at Komazawa University, and explores the non-dual practice of bowing, the importance of the relationship to a teacher, the equality of genders in the practice of the way, and more. Dogen also brings, with great energy, the Zen stories of some of our women ancestors to illustrate his teachings.

During the practice period we will take up the practices of reading, reciting, and writing the teachings as well as having a chance to practice with bowing.

The one who is bowing, the one who is bowed to
Their nature, no nature
My body, other’s body, not two
Plunging into the inexhaustible vow
Living in harmony with all.

About the Winter 2022 Practice Period

The Spring 2022 Practice Period at Green Gulch is an opportunity for beginning and experienced students to participate with others in an intense period of residential practice that centers around daily zazen, work, study, and regular one-on-one meetings with the teacher of the practice period. Weekly events include lectures, formal ceremonies, classes, oryoki meals (formal meals in the meditation hall), and gatherings with the teacher of the practice period. Participants commit to stay in the Green Gulch valley during the entire eight weeks, which includes two one-day sittings and concludes with a seven-day sesshin.

Health & Safety Protocols

Practice period participants are required to be fully vaccinated (two weeks from final shot) for Covid-19 by the practice period arrival date. Vaccination documentation may be requested. Covid policies at Green Gulch are adjusted regularly, and some mask wearing and distancing protocols during practice period should be expected. As always during practice period, participants will commit to not leave the Green Gulch watershed for the duration of the practice period (except by arrangement or emergencies). If you have any questions related to Covid guidelines or vaccination, please contact Sonja at ggfdirectorassist@sfzc.org.

To Apply:

  • Please review the Practice Period Guidelines [Word] / [PDF] before submitting your application.
  • Complete a practice period application: [Word] / [PDF]. See below for $30 application fee.
  • Deadline for applications has been extended to February 4.
  • For questions or more information, contact Sonja Gardenswartz at ggfdirectorassist@sfzc.org.
Fee Information

Fees:

  • Non-refundable application fee: $30. This fee can be paid by clicking on the link below. Or call the Green Gulch Farm main office at 415-383-3134 or the SFZC Reservations Office at 415-354-0360 to inquire about other payment methods. Fee is waived for current SFZC residents.
  • Practice period fee: $2250. This fee is paid after acceptance through application. The notice of acceptance to the practice period will be accompanied by information on paying the fee.

Application Fee

Or call 415-354-0360.