Meditation Proactive In Daily Life
Journey Towards Peace and Balance in El Cerrito, CA
Members of Blue Mountain Chan Meditation Center
Teacher: Imo Moncayo
WHAT IS "ZAZEN"?
Zazen is a traditional form of meditation that is practiced in the Zen Buddhist tradition. Zazen has different meanings and techniques depending on the school, but in general it may be seen of as a way to gain understanding of ourselves and the nature of our existence.
THE ZENDO IS NOW OPEN
Blue Mountain Zen Center of El Cerrito cordially announces the reopening of its Zendo to the community for in-house zazen, zazen instruction, and the Sunday program. Please note that on account of continuing the sangha's health and safety, only those who have been fully vaccinated can be physically present in the Zendo. However, online participation will still be made available upon request.
OUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE
As of May 5, 2021, the Zendo will be open for Zazen Monday through Friday, from 6:00 a.m to 7:00 a.m. and followed by morning service. Zazen and short service will additionally be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and lasting until 12:20 p.m., and on Mondays & Wednesdays, from 4:00 PM until 4:45 PM and on Fridays, from 5:00 PM until 5:45 PM.
If you would like to participate online, please contact Imo via text at 510-333-1644 30 mins. Prior to the start of zazen as indicated above. For those who will plan on sitting on a consistent basis, Imo will be available for dokusan interviews online. The number above is Imo's cell phone number and should only to be used 30 minutes before Zazen to inform about your participation. At other times, please email Imo by clicking the button below.
OUR WEEKLY COURSES
DAILY
ZAZEN
Weekday sittings be at 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. In the morning there will be a clunk at 6:40 for stretching or for anyone who may have to leave. The rest of us will continue to sit through to 7:00 a.m. and then do a short service.
SUNDAY
PROGRAM
Sunday sitting will begin at 9:00 a.m., with two periods, one of forty minutes, and one of thirty minutes, with kinhin in between, followed by a longer service. In the future we hope to offer a 6am-11am Sunday program including oryoki breakfast and work period.
DHARMA
STUDY GROUP
Currently the study group is concentrating on a bilingual Chinese/English version of Hui neng's Platform Sutra.
ZAZEN INSTRUCTION
Imo will offer zazen instruction as requested. Zazen instruction in Spanish will be offered during Wednesday afternoon zazen. All who want to polish their dharma Spanish are welcomed.
THE BENEFITS OF ZAZEN
"Mindfulness is an aspect of beginner's mind. A beginner's mind is a quality rather than a quantity of practice. This “quality includes calmness, responsiveness, compassion, and wisdom."
EVENTS
On March 24th 2024, Imo Moncayo ordained Troy Dufrene, Onsei Kyokai as a Soto Zen Temple priest. Many people attended and it was a very joyous occasion.
Dr. Imo Moncayo is having his inaugural online meditation sitting at Blue Mountain with CAFL and CAFL with Blue Mountain.
2023 Rohatsu Meditation Retreat from Wednesday December 6 to Sunday December 10 at noon. Two meals will be served. Donations will be accepted. Please call 510-333-1644 to register.
December 10th represents the Buddha’s enlightenment. Many things may come to fruition now based on on past karma.
The temple will be closed from December 18 to January 2.
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year 2024!
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