Calendar
Zazen (meditation) and talks
with Barbara Jikai Gabrys Roshi
Meditation is a simple and natural activity which helps to focus mind and to maintain mental and physical health. In practical terms we explain, demonstrate and exercise four meditation postures and two fundamental meditation techniques. This is a non-sectarian approach which also explores links to mindfulness. There is an opportunity for a more in-depth study and one-to-one interview with Zen Master.
Week-end sesshins Saturday – Sunday 2 – 3 March, 6 -7 April, 8 – 9 June, 28 – 29 September 2024
In a nutshell, we’ll be starting early on Saturday morning, and continue until Sunday lunchtime. There will be free sitting on Friday evening. Food will be provided but if you don’t live in Oxford, you’ll need to find accomodation for one/two nights.
More info please email jikai7@pm.me
Foundations of Zen practice: methods and philosophy
What? weekly meetings, blended: in person and via Zoom
Where? Wolvercote Zendo
When? Spring 2024, Thursdays 6.15pm – 8pm
Posture, breathing and fundamental types of meditation will be (re)examined and practised. Every week there will be a short presentation and discussion of philosophical aspects underlying Zen practice.
Highlights: zazen postures, koans, samadhi
Supporting text: Zen training by Katsuki Sekida (2005), Shambala Classics
Cost: donations on ‘what you can afford’ basis
Contact: email jikai7@pm.me, phone 07967893145
Zazenkai
Zazenkai, a one day retreat, is a day devoted to focusing mind and introspection.
Saturday 11 May (Oxford Quakers), 30 November (Oxford Quakers) 2024
Saturday 11 May: morning zazenkai, afternoon Zen brushwork with Alison Kaishin Churchill
Morning 9.30 – 12.30: Barbara Jikai Gabrys Rōshi
Zen teachings – Compassion
The art of life is to go beyond ‘ourselves’ and to help others. While compassion is central to all religions, Zen offers a unique bodymind approach of ‘gathering mind’. We will explore sitting meditation (zazen), mindful movement and face-to-face interview (sanzen) with Jikai Rōshi.
Lunch break 12.30 – 13.45 Please bring some vegetarian/vegan food to share
Afternoon 13.45 – 17.00 Alison Kaishin Churchill, Zen teacher
Zen Brushwork
Zen Brushwork is a focussed, relaxed yet dynamic practice – an expression of Zen in action. Meditation and yōkihō (energy-raising movements) prepare the mind and body before we pick up the brush. The aim is not to produce perfectly formed characters, but to draw wholeheartedly. If so, the lines will be full of vitality.
No previous experience is required. Wear loose clothing for comfortable bending and drawing.
Retreat is suitable for all – beginners to experienced students.
Cost: £45, concessions £30 (students and unwaged). For Zen brushwork only: £20
Bookings: jikai7@pm.me; phone 07967893145
Venue: Oxford Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles’, Oxford OX1 3LW
Previous zazenkai
Saturday 3rd December 2022 ‘Zen teachings: forgiveness’
Over the course of life we interact with others and collect experiences. Some of these do not meet our expectations, and we end up hurt. The art of life is not just letting go but to forgive ourselves and others. While forgiveness is central to all religions, Zen offers a unique bodymind approach which we will explore during this day of ‘gathering mind’.
What is the code of conduct during the retreat? Here it is:
Practical information about the zazenkai
A one-day retreat – or zazenkai in Japanese – is a time of intense Zen practice when we turn our awareness inwards. When you have committed to this day, you may be sacrifying your free time or time with your partner or family.
Read more Practical information
Drop-in mindfulness meditation sessions – currently taught in University of Oxford colleges
Mindfulness meditation practices are simple and rewarding: their benefits include lowering stress, managing chronic pain, anxiety and anger, improving capability to relax and autoimmune response. Even on an ad-hoc basis you can notice positive changes – however more lasting results will be achieved with continuing practice.
This series of stand-alone meetings is a continuation of the course ‘Focus your mind: Zen for health and wellbeing’. Every meeting includes a short talk, discussion and gentle mindful movement followed by a group meditation. There are no prerequisites as full instructions on how to meditate will be given at every session. Comfortable clothing is advised; sitting on chairs or meditation cushions. There are handouts, guided meditation scripts to accompany each session as well as a short list of reference sources.
Session fee: donations are welcome when taught outside University of Oxford venues.
Further enquiries and register of interest please email: jikai7@pm.me
More information about the past course Quakers-2019.pdf