CityZen — Santa Rosa, California

Earth, my dearest, I will.
Oh believe me, you no longer need your springtimes to win me over — one of them, ah, even one, is already too much for my blood. Unspeakably, I have belonged to you, from the first.

— Rainer Maria Rilke, Duino Elegies

CityZen Programs

Our in-person programs have been on hold due to the pandemic. We're exploring ways to safely open later this season.

Meanwhile, CityZen is a Welcoming Sangha. You can join us on Zoom for Monday night meditation, dharma talk, and discussion and our half-day meditation retreats.

Email Zenappt@gmail.com to receive an invitation and a link to join our Zoom evenings and Zoom retreats.

Individual Meetings with a Teacher by reservation

Rachel Mansfield-Howlett Roshi: Zenappt@gmail.com

Michelle Brandt Sensei: Koanview@gmail.com

($25 suggested donation)

CityZen ½ Day Meditation Retreat

Saturday April 17, 2021

Finding Today

Zoom 6:50am — 12:30pm (optional early morning sit 7:00am–8:30am)

Cost: $25 plus Dana

In deep meditation we experience life outside our habitual thoughts and beliefs. The stillness of meditation allows the confines of the mind to unravel, revealing our true nature, which is a consciousness we share with all beings. Zen, then, isn’t about acquiring a new belief system, or erecting a different kind of structure to replace the old one. When delusion drops away, the world just appears to us, rich, warm, and friendly.

Dokusan: They’ll be an opportunity to speak directly with a teacher about your practice: Rachel Roshi (early morning), Michelle Sensei (mid-morning), and teacher in training, Deanna Hopper (late morning).

Meditation Retreat Schedule

6:50 Logon and welcome for early risers (Rev. Chris Bell)

7:00am – 8:30am Optional early morning sitting: seated meditation, walking meditation, and private interviews in a break-out room, with Rachel Mansfield-Howlett Roshi

8:30 – 9:00am Breakfast break

9:00 Logon and welcome (Rachel Roshi)

9:10 – 10:00 Seated meditation, walking meditation, and interviews in a break-out room with Michelle Brandt Sensei

10:00 Dharma talk and discussion with Rachel Roshi

10:30 – 11:30 Seated meditation, walking meditation, and interviews in a break-out room with Deanna Hopper

11:30 – 12:30 Sutra service and closing circle

Please orient your monitor so that you can be seen. You do not need to face the monitor except for during the dharma talk, sutra service, and discussion.

As in a regular retreat, there will be timed 25 min. sittings and 5 min. walking meditation periods. Please use the periods of walking meditation to get a drink or use the restroom.

The blue sky and bright day—

no more searching around.

“What is Buddha?” you ask.

Hiding loot, you declare your innocence.

Because it’s so very clear,

it takes so long to realize.

If you just know that flame is fire,

you’ll find your rice has long been cooked.

Email Zenappt@gmail.com to receive the CityZen Zoom links

Gardening and Recipes