Open Gate Zen Collective

Practice Period 2025

June 18th - July 27th    

The 36 day Practice Period is a beautiful reminder of our everyday life practice, showing how ordinary life can embody the way of a Buddha. This period marks our annual intensive practice session, during which we will delve into a classic Zen Teachings. The Platform Sutra The teachings of Huineng.

Huineng (Hui-neng) (638—713)

“Because I was illiterate, I asked someone to read it. Once I heard it, I understood what was truly important, and I also composed a gatha. I asked someone who could write to write it on the west corridor wall so that I could reveal my mind. Unless you know your own mind, studying the Dharma is useless. But once you know your mind and see your nature, you understand what is truly important.”

“The mind is the bodhi tree

the body is the mirror’s stand

the mirror itself is so clean

dust has no place to land”

Please join us as we explore the sixth patriotic’s  profound teaching.

Book : The Platform Sutra. The teachings of Huinneg By Red Pine.

During this Practice Period, we intensify our daily practice by sitting zazen more frequently, attending classes, having private interviews with Sensei Shinzan, engaging in council practice, participating in a weekend retreat and precept ceremony, and culminating in a Zen Retreat Sesshin. Additionally, we will host seminars throughout the year 2025-2026 to continue exploring and studying Huineng’s teachings.

Participants will determine the level of their commitment and create their realistic schedules. We will support each other through a buddy system.

All participants will choose the level of their commitment. They are create their schedule, realistically. We will support each other through a buddy system.