February 15, 2026
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
In the Suzuki-Roshi Soto Zen lineage, sewing practice is a cherished tradition. Many students learn to sew their own rakusus—as 15 of our students are doing now in preparation for receiving the precepts in March. Another beautiful tradition is sewing ceremonial envelopes that can hold a rakusu, serve as a sutra cloth for Buddhist texts, or be given as a gift to someone receiving the precepts.
Join us for an afternoon workshop where you’ll learn to create one of these envelopes through a meditative, five-step process that many describe as “origami with fabric.” This workshop is open to both Jukai students and all community members—no prior sewing experience necessary.
Come together for traditional practice, sew alongside Dharma friends, learn a new skill, and leave with a beautiful handmade envelope.
Bringing your own fabric: If you prefer to bring your own materials, you’ll need two ½ yard (41cm) squares:
Fabric will need to be marked and cut in advance. Detailed preparation instructions will be sent upon registration.
Questions about fabric? Contact Sarah at sarah@brooklynzen.org
Registration deadline — February 13
Cost — $50 for the class, plus $25 materials fee if you’d like materials provided
Questions? If you have any questions or concerns about registration, please contact us at info@brooklynzen.org.
Sarah Dōjin Emerson’s formal practice in Soto Zen began in 1996. She lived and trained at Tassajara Zen Mountain center and other sites of the San Francisco Zen Center from 1997-2007. She received Dharma Transmission from Abbott Konjin Gaelyn Godwin of the Houston Zen Center in 2015. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies, and has worked in the fields of mental health and pastoral care with children and adults. She experiences Bodhisattva Zen practice as deeply supportive to inquiring into, challenging and transforming systems of oppression, particularly racial inequities and the harm they cause within convert Buddhist sanghas, and in U.S. society generally. Sarah has also worked for many years in grief support- clinically, ritually and in community- specializing in child loss. She lives with her partner, Charlie Pokorny (who is also a Soto Zen Buddhist priest), their children (who are her most profound and constant teachers) and numerous pets in Brooklyn, NY.
Boundless Mind Temple is located in the Parish House of Christ Church Cobble Hill, next to 326 Clinton Street. Enter the driveway on Clinton, go past the scaffolding, and through the double doors. There are two flights of stairs leading to the center, located on the second floor. The closest subway stop is the F/G at Bergen Street.
BZC relies on donations to sustain its spaces, teachers, and staff. Learn more about supporting us here.
Our health and wellness policy for all visitors has been updated for our current post-pandemic times while still prioritizing community care.
Please see BZC’s Updated Health & Wellness Policy for more information.
To request a refund for this program you must notify BZC in writing at least two days before the beginning of the program. You may request a full refund by emailing info@brooklynzen.org. This policy supports the organizing effort involved in managing registrations and cancellations and the largely volunteer-based structure of the Brooklyn Zen Center.