Sitting Buddha: Studying Dogen’s “Fukanzazengi”


Event Details

This event finished on 07 April 2020


Eight-week class led by Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan

Class dates: Tuesdays 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7
Class time: optional zazen from 6:30 to 7pm, class from 7:15 to 8:45pm


Sitting Buddha: Studying Dogen’s “Fukanzazengi”

“Fukanzazengi” (universal encouragement for the ceremony of sitting meditation) is Soto Zen founder, Dogen’s, instruction and description of “the essential art of zazen.” This text, chanted every evening in Soto Zen monasteries in Japan, expresses the Soto Zen understanding and approach to the practice of Zazen.

“Fukanzazengi” is based on a Chinese text “Zuochan yi.” Dogen wrote his first version right after returning from China in 1227 and edited it several times throughout his life, producing different versions.

In this study group, we will read and discuss the various versions of “Fukanzazengi,” as well as the Chinese text it was based on, and some recent commentaries. Participants are encouraged to attend the period of zazen preceding the class.


Class fee:  $200 Sustaining / $150 Base / $110 for BZC members (more than 3 months)

To register, please click here. Please note that registration for this class closes February 25.

Please note our cancellation policy for this offering: To request a refund for this class, you must notify BZC in writing by the start of the first class. Refunds will be issued in the total paid less a $15 processing fee. Please note that there are no refunds for events with registration fees under $50. This policy supports the organizing effort involved in managing registrations and cancellations and the largely volunteer-based structure of the Brooklyn Zen Center. Please see our complete cancellation policy here.


About Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan

Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan received training in Soto Zen practice as a resident of San Francisco Zen Center for 12 years, was ordained as a priest in the Shunryu Suzuki lineage by Tenshin Reb Anderson in 2010, and served as head monk (shuso) in 2014. She has taught yoga in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1988, as well as co- leading Zen and Yoga retreats at Tassajara and Green Gulch Farm since 2002. Shokuchi is currently serving as Head of Practice (Tanto) at the Brooklyn Zen Center.

 


Access Notes: There is one short flight of stairs leading to the Carroll Street entrance of the building; please press 3-0 to be buzzed in. From there, the center is located at the top of a longer flight of stairs. A ramp and elevator are available via an alternate entrance on President Street; please email us in advance if you need access to the ramp. Chairs, benches, and extra support cushions are available. We are not yet a fragrance-free space; our hand soap is scented with essential oils. Visit our Accessibility Page for more detailed access info. If you have any additional questions about accessibility, please contact us at info@brooklynzen.org.