Linji’s Grandfatherly Advice

On this Fathers Day, 6/20/2021, Will reads from The Record of Linji (Linji Lu). Linji is the great grandfather of one of the schools of Zen (Chan) and has a message for us today. “Nowadays, he who studies buddhadharma must seek true insight. Gaining true insight, he is not affected by birth-and-death, but freely goes or stays. He needn’t seek the excellent— that which is excellent will come of itself.”

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Foundational Pillars of Zen

Great Faith, Great Courage, Great Question. Upcoming Buddha’s Birthday Retreat, what are we celebrating?

OZS Meditation on Siesta Key Beach

Join Ordinary Zen Sangha for Sunrise Zen Meditation practice every Saturday Morning from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM (weather permitting).  We will also go to the village (Mojo Risin’ Coffee Co.) for conversation, coffee, or tea after our practice. 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. No experience is necessary and all are welcome.  Please bring […]

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Making Clouds Disappear

When I was a child, I used to play a game with friends called “making the clouds disappear.” Days that clouds were scattered and puffy were ideal. We would each pick a cloud and focus all our energy on making it disappear, and sure enough, with patience, they would disappear! What was wonderful about the game was the experience of oneness, of sky, mind, space. It was the magic of active imagination! As adults, we intellectually might grasp that this […]

Chong An Sunim at OZS

Retreat Weekend with Zen Master Chong An Sunim

Zen Master Chong An Sunim – March 6,7,8, 2020 Join with us to explore and deepen your meditation practice under the guidance of a dynamic and gifted Zen Master. There will be an opportunity for a variety of practices, geared for the benefit of all participants. Beginners and old-timers alike are gratified by Sunim’s humor, down-to-earth approach, avoidance of intellectualisms, and of esoteric wordiness. His practice instruction is realistic and practical, yet somehow leaves you beautifully informed as to the meaning […]

January Silent Retreat

Saturday, January 18, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Silent Retreat Following some basic instruction on meditation, chanting will begin the Silent Retreat, with sessions of sitting meditation, walking meditation.  Please bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks will be provided. We will serve tea and end the day with a Dharma Talk. (Half day is optional.) Sunday, September 15, 10:00 am – 11:30 pm – Our regular Sunday practice. Chanting, sessions of sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma […]

Retreat Weekend with Zen Master Chong An Sunim

March 6,7,8, 2020 Friday, March 6, 7:00 pm – Dharma Talk After the Dharma Talk, Sunim will answer questions. Saturday, March 7, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Silent Retreat Following some basic instruction on meditation, chanting will begin the Silent Retreat, with sessions of sitting meditation, walking meditation, and optional Kongan interviews. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks will be provided. We will serve tea and end the day with a Dharma Talk. (Half day is […]

Retreat Weekend with Zen Master Chong An Sunim

Sept. 13,14,15, 2019 Friday, September 13, 7:00 pm – Dharma Talk Topic: Zen — The Mind of Emptiness and Abundance. After the Dharma Talk, Sunim will answer questions. Saturday, September 14, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Silent Retreat Following some basic instruction on meditation, chanting will begin the Silent Retreat, with sessions of sitting meditation, walking meditation, and optional Kongan interviews. Please bring a brown bag lunch. Water and snacks will be provided. We will serve tea and end […]