Temple Happenings at Choboji: Issue 5.2025 | Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Ji

Published on February 17, 2025

"The time being has a characteristic of flowing. So-called today flows into tomorrow, today flows into yesterday, yesterday flows into today. And today flows into today, tomorrow flows into tomorrow."

– Eihei Dogen, "The Time Being" (1240), ed. and trans. Kazuaki Tanahashi

 
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Looking Ahead...


Tues. Feb. 4
7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
Introduction to Zen


Sun. Feb. 9
5:00 - 11:15 a.m.
February  Zazenkai (In-Person & Via Zoom)

Sat. Feb. 15
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Zen Sangha Hike

Sun. Feb 23
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
CHOICE Workshop

Sat. Mar. 1
9:30 - 11:00 a.m. 
100 Sandwiches

Thursdays Mar. 6 & 13
7:00 - 8:15 p.m.
Precepts Classes (Via Zoom )

Fri. Mar. 21 - Fri. Mar. 28
Spring Sesshin (In-Person & Via Zoom)


























































































































 

Dear Sangha and Friends of Chobo-Ji,
 
 

New Podcast: Hekiganroku - Case 80

Genjo Marinello Osho gave this Teisho during the second day of Winter Odayaka Sesshin, 2025, at Chobo-Ji.  Based on "Joshu's 'A Newborn Baby,'" this talk explores how we can ride the rough waters we are facing, like a ball floating on rapids. To listen, click here.
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New Podcast: Hekiganroku - Case 81


Genjo Marinello Roshi gave this Teisho during the final day of Winter Odayaka Sesshink, 2025. Based on "Yakusan's King of the King Deer," this talk explores the difference between breakthroughs and maturity. To listen, click here.
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February  Zazenkai (In-Person & Via Zoom)
Sunday, February 9
5:00 - 11::15 a.m.

Please join us for this half-day sesshin, with chanting, zazen, shared breakfast, dokusan, and teisho. The requested donation, dropped in the bowl at the zendo entrance or using PayPal, is $30 (or whatever you can give). Using  PayPal you should make your donation to [email protected] and note that your payment is for the January Zazenkai.

You'll need to register in advance for this event ONLY if you plan to attend by Zoom. Here's the registration link.
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CHOICE: A workshop for navigating the polarization of our world, and living interdependently
Sunday, February 23
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Chobo-Ji is excited about hosting this day-long workshop, which aims to create a reflective space to explore perspectives and possibilities beyond right and wrong, and guide us into the realm of interdependent relationship. Based upon the principles of Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication, CHOICE builds concrete skills in nonviolence which  lead to reconciliation with ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities. To lead the workshop, we warmly welcome the return of  Kathleen Macferran, Certified Trainer, Center for Nonviolent Communication (NVC).

All are invited, and sangha members are strongly encouraged to attend. There is no fee for the workshop, but please donate as you can. Free copies of the workshop book Choice: A Field Guide for Navigating the Polarization of  Our World and Living Interdependently, co-authored by Kathleen Macferran and the late Jared Finkelstein, will be provided. There will be a lunch break around noon: please bring a sack lunch.

RSVP: Please let us know you're coming by emailing [email protected]. For more information contact [email protected].
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100 Sandwiches 
Saturday, March 1
Chobo-Ji Kitchen
9:30 - 11:00 a.m.



One Saturday each month we gather in the zendo kitchen to make 100 Sandwiches, which we deliver to the 12th Avenue South and South Jackson neighborhood – so in need of food for hungry people. We prepare both vegetarian and meat styles, as that's what recipients tell us they need. We hope you'll check the dates below and come help us assemble sandwiches after Saturday morning coffee. If you have questions, contact Zenka: [email protected].

Upcoming dates: March 1, April 5, May 10, June 14.
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Precepts Classes, Parts 1 & 2 (Via Zoom)
Thursdays, March 6 & 13
7:00 - 8:15 p.m.

Tune in via Zoom to this spring's version of our twice-yearly, two-part series exploring the Zen Precepts, ethical guidelines informed by our Great Vow to care for all beings. The classes, led by Rev. Sendo Anne Howells, are open to all Chobo-Ji students and are especially encouraged for those considering Jukai, for which participation in the classes is mandatory.

The required reading for the classes is chapter 8 of Norman Fischer's Taking Our Places: The Buddhist Path to Truly Growing Up (pages 141-183). Please read this chapter BEFORE the first class meeting. Participants should also have access to the Precepts text printed in Chobo-Ji's Sutra Book, pages 96-98. (You can find the Sutra Book on Chobo-Ji's website, under "Literature.")

Please register in advance for the Zoom meetings, using this link for both classes. After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meetings. Rev. Sendo is happy to answer questions about the classes, at [email protected].
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Spring Sesshin (In-Person & Via Zoom)
Friday, March 21 - Friday, March 28


We welcome both in-person and Zoom participation at our week-long Spring Sesshin. For in-person participation, please fill out an application by March 10. Full attendance is expected: speak to Genjo if this is not possible. If attending on-line you will need to register for Zoom.

The cost of sesshin is $360, minus dues for March. If attending by Zoom please make a donation that fits your budget and level of participation. We can provide sleeping accommodation for those traveling from out of town (an additional $10 - $20 per night); please bring a sleeping bag, toiletries, sitting clothes, work clothes, and a towel.

Sesshin starts Friday evening, March 21, at 5:30 p.m., with introductions, orientation, and informal supper. From Saturday through the following Thursday, sesshin runs from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Sesshin Schedule)  The final Friday begins at 5:00 a.m. and concludes around 11:00 a.m.

Please read and follow our COVID POLICY before attending.
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 Winter Clothing Drive
Tuesday, January 7 - Friday, February 28

You'll  find a large bin close to the laundry room ready to receive warm winter clothing, which will be delivered to Goodwill at the end of the drive (now extended through February).  Thanks for your donations!
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Introduction to Zen
Tuesday, February 4
7:30 - 8:45 p.m.

Our weekly in-person class introduces Zen at Chobo-Ji. We do some seated meditation together, and there will be plenty of time for questions and dialogue. All are welcome!

A Zoom introduction to our practice is offered  by appointment.
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Women's Meditation Circle
Chobo-Ji Practice Center
Sundays  2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

 Our  Women's Meditation Circle provides a space for meditation solely for women. Please join us for an hour of chanting, Zen sitting, tea, and dialogue. You can bring your children as one of us will care for them in the Chobo-Ji lounge during our time together.

The group meets regularly on Sunday afternoons except during week-long sesshins and other breaks.

Suggested donation: $5.00. 
Contact: If you have questions, please reach out to Anja at 
[email protected].
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BIPOC Sitting Group (via Zoom)

Chobo-Ji offers BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) sitting groups, led by Rev. Seifu (Anil) Singh-Molares and limited to BIPOC individuals. All BIPOC are welcome to these groups, and no experience is required or assumed. The meeting are held by appointment. Please contact Seifu at mailto:[email protected]  for details, and if you have any questions.
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Zazen Zoom Streaming Continues

Chobo-Ji welcomes participation via Zoom. Our zazen schedule is as follows – Evenings: Sunday 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Weekday Mornings  5:30 - 6:30 a.m.; Saturday Morning: 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.

When you join us via Zoom, please make sure you have turned on your mute.
Below are the Zoom links. The password is zazen.
 
Evening zazen Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/530953525
Morning zazen Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/182867490
Saturday zazen Zoom link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/781596433

 Following Saturday morning zazen, we listen to each other during a Council-style check-in, after which those in the zendo are welcome to share coffee and tea in the lounge.

If you wish to follow the chants which begin our services, here is a link to Chobo-Ji's sutra book.
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"Morning Coffee"

Starting around 15 minutes after Zazen on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings, there's a Zoom "morning coffee" gathering, for which you can use this link. All are welcome to drop in. 
Monday through Friday informal post-zazen gatherings at the Victrola Cafe take place on most weekday mornings.
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COVID/flu/colds Policy

Masks are optional for daily zazen, zazenkais, and longer sesshins.
Anyone experiencing flu or cold symptoms (and/or if testing positive for COVID) should stay away from the zendo until you've recovered.

Repeated vaccinations for COVID are highly recommended.

Here's a link to the full version of our new COVID POLICY.
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On Using PayPal for Donations to Chobo-Ji

Chobo-Ji is charged a 3% fee for every credit card donation received via PayPal. We would be grateful if you would consider adding 3% to your payment to cover the fee.  Alternatively, write a check or set up Chobo-Ji as one of your Payees at your Bank's "Pay a Bill" or "Bill Pay" section in your online account access. 

Also, make your donation to [email protected], and please indicate the purpose of your donation(dues, zazenkai, etc.) in the note/memo field. This will help our Fusu (Treasurer - Carolyn Josen Stevens) know to which program we should credit your payment. 




 





 
 
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