San Francisco Zen Center

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Main body
References

Introduction

I am at the San Francisco Zen Center, also known as Beginner’s Mind temple in the San Francisco Bay area. It is a part of Soto Zen tradition. Soto Zen is currently the biggest school of Zen in the world. It is a religious practice that focuses on a special training of both body and mind. The overall goal of this practice is Self-Realization.

Main body

Zen teachers often mention the Zen mind, which means to reach another level of consciousness, to know yourself, and understand who you are. Every single Soto Zen student should follow a doctrine of the unity of mind and soul. Special attention is devoted to proper nutrition since it is an important aspect of this practice. There are many other activities in Zen practice besides seated meditation, which are often forgotten. Buddhist initiation is an intriguing ceremony. Jukai (Buddhist initiation ritual) ceremony takes place at the Buddha Hall. It starts with the offering of incense sticks and bowing down to Buddha as they are sprinkled with special water. Everyone who has completed an initiation receives a new Buddhist name and verified identity papers.

Beginner’s mind temple is interesting from the architectural point of view. Symbols in this temple represent Soto Zen practice. While the temple looks modern, its architecture is still faithful to traditions. Every single object in this temple helps to form a relaxing atmosphere, which helps to meditate. Meditation is one of the core practices of Soto Zen. Some people meditate in the hallway if they are late and meditation has already begun in the zendo (meditation hall). Most of the time there are two meditation sessions, both are 40 minutes long. It begins with the teacher hitting a gong, which makes it an essential object of this practice. It is forbidden to touch the gong. Students must stay silent during most of the ceremonies, and all the instructions are provided by teachers. Some believe that during meditation it is possible to achieve a spiritual descent to Buddha. Students are seated on special cushions, which are also essential for Soto Zen practice. Art pieces at the center are an impressive and wonderful sight to behold. Zen art is extraordinary and beautiful; it helps to represent a culture in the best way.

A sacred detail that I find to be personally appealing is a statue of Buddha, also known as the Awakened One. Even though I am not able to touch it, I can enjoy a splendid view. I am amazed by the statue because it is masterfully done and it looks truly sacred. It is so important to this culture because Soto Zen is based on Buddha’s teachings. The difference of Soto Zen from other traditions is that Buddha is not a god or a savior; he is a teacher who is capable of enlightening the masses. He was extremely influential and had followers all over the world. There are statues of Buddhist deities nearby, that are also magnificent. I am fascinated by how different and unique they are. Buddha statue is the center of every ceremony. Candles on the altar are lit-up during ceremonies. It helps students to train, strengthen their spirit and test their senses. Another important object of the Zen tradition that I find appealing is a bucket of orchid flowers because I find it amusing how such a small object may have so much meaning. They represent purity in Buddhism and were grown in the Green Gulch garden, which belongs to the Soto Zen community. They are a part of the offering.

References

Home | San Francisco Zen Center. (2015). Www.Sfzc.Org.

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San Francisco Zen Center

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