Why Have Practice Period?
By Rev. Gene Bush
During this time of disruption, it is wise to turn towards community – to offer and to receive supportive connection. One of the ways we can turn towards community soon is to participate in this year’s Practice Period, October 15- December 5.
Traditionally, twice a year the followers of the Buddha gathered together for communal work, meditation and dharma study. These times of sheltering together during the rainy seasons, about 90 days, afforded the practitioners the benefits of having dharma companionship, along with the discipline of focused concentration on study among dharma friends. These periods were known as “Peaceful Dwelling.”
In our lay-based practice community, since we continue living in the conventional world, we have adjusted the duration of our Practice Periods based on how sangha events coincide with the calendar. The purposes remain the same:
- to deepen our relationship to a schedule of zazen,
- to work together in and for our community and
- to engage in study with trusted friends.
In this Practice Period, you have the opportunity to be aware, be devoted, be diligent, be amazed… Of the 12 suggestions on the attached document, choose 10. Or make a plan that suits your life. Everything is designed to allow participation while we shelter at home. There are many suggestions here that do not require zoom. On the home page of the website, in the menu named Programs, find the heading that is named Study, then go to Practice Period. There you will see the same chart with 12 options and a sign up sheet.
I invite you to consider: How might your participation be supportive and encouraging to someone else? Please let me know by October 9 whether and how you would like to participate in this year’s Practice Period as this will help me with my planning.
You can expect other announcements soon about classes and sesshins,
Looking forward to our Autumn cycle,
Gene