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PLEASE
NOTE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING THE CENTER OUT OF STATE.
BUDDHISM: Even though Buddhism is commonly classified
as one of the world's great religions, Buddhism is a study of the mind and of the self. It is a path to Absolute Mind, absolute
freedom. It takes time and patience to realize deeply what "Absolute Mind" and "absolute freedom" mean.
These can't be compared to relative mind or relative freedom as we think of them in the conventional human world, yet they
are not apart from ordinary mind.
HUMAN WORLD: There is a strong need to overcome suffering in all human beings,
some individuals being prompted by a greater and more urgent need than others. Buddhism provides the path to overcome suffering.
This is the path that Buddha discovered and taught. Zen practice and zazen meditation help us with short-term goals of managing
stress, facing problems, and becoming better people as well as with the longer-term goal of enlightenment and overcoming suffering
completely.
MISSION: Joshu Zen Center was established to teach the philosophy and practice of Zen Buddhism as
well as general Buddhism. The purpose of Buddhism is to realize True Self and reach True Freedom (not to be confused with
relative self and relative freedom).
HISTORY: It was founded in 1970 by Kodo Osho (Ron Olsen), a priest who studied
with Rinzai Zen Master, Roshi Joshu Sasaki from Japan. Rev. Kodo is now retired. He was also a public schoolteacher for
twenty years to help support the center and his family. Meetings and lectures were held in a small church (which was converted
to a zendo / meditation hall) in Redondo Beach, California for twenty-eight years.
AFFILIATION: We are affiliated
with Rinzai-ji Zen Center in Los Angeles, Mt. Baldy Zen Center (www.mbzc.org), and Bodhimanda Zen Center in New Mexico, all
of which were founded by Roshi Sasaki.
ROSHI SASAKI: Roshi came to America in 1962. He turned one hundred years
old in April of 2007. He is from the famous Myoshin-ji monastery system in Japan, which is of the Rinzai school of Zen.
DIRECTOR: Myosen Osho (Marcia Olsen) is now the director of Joshu Zen Center. She has studied with Roshi Sasaki
since 1968. She played an important role in helping Rev. Kodo with the initial establishment and support of JZC in Redondo,
also working as a statistician.
NEW CENTER: We are presently in the process of looking for property in Indiana
where we can resume activities.
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ZEN
PRACTICE: We hold meditation meetings which are open to the public. At the center students can do zazen meditation (silent
sitting meditation) in one of two ways--either with legs crossed and folded up on the meditation bench or with legs down as
in a chair, not folded and crossed. (Zazen is the word for the sitting meditation and the particular posture for this as
taught through the centuries.)
The meditation meetings help us to experience clarity and depth. As you practice
over time, you will have deeper awakening experiences.
NEWSLETTER: If you would like to receive the newsletter,
call or send an e-mail with your address. We keep phone numbers and addresses strictly confidential.
WEEKLY MEDITATIVE
FOCUS: The content includes various items from sutras, writing of the Zen masters, lectures, comments, etc. If you would
like to receive weekly e-mails with the meditative focus, send your e-mail address. You can be added or removed anytime at
your request.
SUMMER SEMINAR ON BUDDHISM: Our umbrella organization, Rinzai-ji, has formed a partnership with
the University of New Mexico in sponsoring this annual seminar, which usually takes place in June at our beautiful center
in New Mexico. There are hot springs on the Zen center there. University credits are an option for each student.
ALL-DAY OR HALF-DAY SITTINGS: Future half-day or all-day sittings will be announced. They include formal tea, chanting,
zazen meditation, walking meditation, dharma talk. Formal, meditative meals and/or informal pot-luck.
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PLEASE NOTE WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING THE CENTER TO THE STATE OF INDIANA.
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SCHEDULE: We try to be flexible in order to accommodate students' work schedules, so the schedule is very often subject
to change. Lately we've been chanting at 7:30 AM. Call for schedule information and changes.
Sunday & Wednesday
Evenings:
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Zazen Meditation, Dharma talk, Tea & Discussion
Monday - Friday Early Mornings:
Chanting & Zazen
6:00 am Chanting; 7:00 am Zazen Meditation
Times are flexible.
Weekend Mornings:
7:30 - 9:30 am
Chanting & Zazen Meditation
Times are flexible.
DONATION POLICY: Donations are
open to your ability and generosity. We do need your help and support.
INTRODUCTORY CLASS: This is for anyone
who would like to learn about the philosophy and practice of Zen Buddhism. It includes five sessions of instruction, meditation,
dharma talks, and guidance. Requested donation is $50. If you cannot afford this, we can make other arrangements.
For more information:
Phone: TBA
E-Mail: myosen@comcast.net
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