A New Years Resolution

Sangha is a Sanskrit word used in many Indian languages that means association, assembly, company, or community.  As we bring in the new year, I would like to take a moment to thank all those who have become part of our Ordinary Zen Sangha, in person, on Zoom, or by listening to our Podcasts. Thank you, for your generous contributions to OZS.   May the New Year be meritious and all beings benefit. DEDICATION OF MERITS 回向偈 May the merits […]

Happy Holidays!

Important schedule changes Please Note: There will be no Sunday Practice sessions for the rest of 2022!  The Next Sunday Practice session will be on January 8, 2023. Wednesday Evening Practice sessions will continue through the rest of the year. We will meet every Wednesday, as scheduled. Our retreat is still scheduled for January 7th, 2023. However, that is also subject to change! Myakka River State Park sustained extensive wind and water damage from Hurricane Ian and will be closed […]

The Great Treasure – transcript of the podcast

The Great Treasure – edited transcript of the Podcast Will: Good morning. Thanks for joining me. Make yourselves comfortable. This is a little story by Zen Master Seung Sahn in the book, Dropping Ashes on the Buddha. It’s called: The Great Treasure. When Dae Ju first came to Zen Master Ma-jo, the Master asked him, “What do you want from me?” Dae Ju said, “I want you to teach me the Dharma.” “What a fool you are!” said Ma-jo. “You […]

January 2023 – All Day Retreat in Nature

Saturday, January 7, 2023! Bring in the New Year with Ordinary Zen Sangha All-day retreat at Myakka River State Park. The natural setting surrounded by the beauty of nature will help us to relax, reflect, and renew ourselves. We will start promptly at 9:00 am (arrive by 8:45 am). There will be several sitting and walking meditations during the day, Dharma Talks, and a vegetarian/vegan potluck lunch. The retreat will be over at 4:30 pm. RSVP is recommended. The retreat will […]

Ian has moved on and we are still cleaning up.

The session for Sunday, Oct. 2 has not been confirmed. As of this writing, power has not been restored at our home. We do have a generator and are fine otherwise. Like a lot of us around Sarasota, there is debris to clean up. We are being patient as things get back to something more normal. I have not decided whether we will have a practice session this Sunday. I would like to hear from those who would, or could, […]

Spiritual Friendship

The Sangha or Spiritual Friendship is at the very core of the Buddha’s teachings. Since the inception of the Ordinary Zen Sangha in the spring of 2015, I have had the honor to practice with many wonderful human beings who have had a profound effect on my practice and life journey. I am very grateful and consider each and everyone without exception, to be a spiritual friend.  I will always hold each of you in my heart-mind with compassion and […]

Mountains and rivers are just so.  

In the quiet mountain air, the leaves rustle. Who sees their original face reflected in the babbling stream? Many opportunities are lost, mostly you don’t know they passed you by. The repository consciousness reflects the past, surfacing like reflections in a mirror. Be at peace, let the past go. Clear mirror, clear mind. Mountains and rivers are just so. — Abbot, Will Rauschennberger

OZS-Zendo

Important News – Our Zendo Is Open

Ordinary Zen Sangha has reopened. Based on recent studies, according to the C.D.C., it will be safe for those of us who have been fully vaccinated. I am inviting Sangha members to join me for all of our activities in person at our Zendo, the Wednesday Evening Practice Session, Sunday Morning Practice Session, and our upcoming Retreat. Newcomers are always welcome. Zoom sessions and podcasts of the Dharma Talks will continue. Please check the calendar for updates or cancellations before […]

Mind, clear like space

Join Abbot Will Rauschenberger of Ordinary Zen Sangha for  Zen Meditation Practice on Siesta Key Beach Saturday mornings (weather permitting).  Meditating in nature is ideal and we will have the beach mostly to ourselves this early in the morning. This is a wonderful opportunity to meditate together in a safe and beautiful environment (we will practice social distancing, by keeping 8 feet apart). No experience is necessary and all are welcome.  Please bring your own cushion or mat and arrive […]