COMPASSIONATE WAY SANGHA (CSANGHA)
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Below is an important quotation on spiritual practice, followed by a 20 minute video on beginning zazen by the Venerable Shodo Harada Roshi, the highly respected teacher at Sogen-ji in Okayama, Japan. Due to the time limitations of the video the Roshi was not able to discuss all of the possible sitting postures, breathing approaches, and practices used in the Zen school of Buddhism, so he focuses on a few important ones which are often used by practitioners to good effect. 

The presentation is in Japanese, with English as well as other language subtitles available via the 'settings' icon in the lower right of the video's page. 
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"The path is not a matter of seeking information but a matter of reaching answers...which are not limited by names like Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism or Christianity. If someone still feels that s/he only has to belong to a particular sect, then s/he only understands a shadow of reality, s/he sees a mere reflection of a religion which does not give a true and deep understanding. True understanding comes from the primary place of all religious teachings. We need to find this place of true human nature, where we really recognize that the Life Energy of each person has the same root. 
 
This state of consciousness is beyond any explanation and oral teaching. It cannot be talked about, it can only be realized through one’s own personal experience." Ven. Shodo Harada Roshi.





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Announcements: 

                                                                                   ---------------------------------
​JUNE 2025 "MINI SESSHIN"
The dates for our June 2025 on line weekend retreat and its daily schedule are below. If you would like to participate and need a link for it please use the CONTACT page of our website.

Friday 06/13: 
7:00- 9:00 pm, Zazen.

Saturday 06/14:
6:30- 7:40 am, Zazen.
7:40- 9:00 am, Breakfast and Cleanup/ Rest.
9- 11:30 am, Zazen and recorded teisho (Teisho begins at about 10:30 am).
11:30- 1:30 pm, Lunch and Samu (Work meditation)/ Informal Meditation/ Rest.
1:30- 2:00 pm, Question and answer/ Dharma discussion period.
2:00- 4:30 pm, Zazen and short Sutra service.
4:30 -7:00 pm, Exercise and Supper, Informal Meditation/ Rest.
7:00- 9:00 pm, Zazen.

Sunday 06/15:
6:30- 7:40 am, Zazen.
7:40- 9:00 am, Breakfast and Cleanup, Rest.
9- 11:30 am, Zazen and recorded teisho (Teisho begins at about 10:30 am).
11:30- 1:30 pm, Lunch and Samu (Work- meditation)/ Informal Meditation/ Rest.
1:30- 2:00 pm, Question and answer/ Dharma discussion period.
2:00- 4:30 pm, Zazen and closing service.

Please avoid all unnecessary distractions during the retreat and take advantage of this precious weekend of your life by devoting yourself to your practice for the welfare of all. When can we be absolutely certain of another such opportunity? Please don't waste it!

Please contact us using our Contact Page if you would like to participate in all or part(s) of this retreat and need a link, have any questions, or need a copy of our current set of retreat Sutras.