Category Archives: Programs

Event: Practicing with Koans

Daylong Retreat, Zen

Join the Bozeman Zen Group on Saturday, July 8 for a half-day retreat and koan practice.

Image: PngTree.com
Image: PNGtree.com

Practiced by Zen students since the 600s, the study of koans encourages us to leave our beliefs and biases at the gate when we enter its space. While there are many fine collections of traditional koans, we will keep company with examples presented in a contemporary collection referred to as “the miscellaneous koans.” All welcome; no prior experience necessary! $20 donation to the Bozeman Zen Group is requested. Register here.

Intro to Meditation

Classes, Non-denominational

Beginning May 24, learn practices from the Insight, Zen and Tibetan traditions. Meditation can help to calm the mind, open the heart, and awaken wisdom. It is a means to study ourselves by contacting our inner life. When we know ourselves well, we are better able to relate to others in the world with integrity and confidence. In the Buddhist tradition there are several meditation styles that can aid us in developing the qualities of peacefulness and wisdom. Join us for any or all of this series, if you would like to begin a meditation practice or renew the one you already have.

Sitting Down & Standing Up: Retreat with Pamela Weiss

Daylong Retreat, Insight, Zen

On Saturday, May 13, visiting guest teacher, Pamela Weiss, will present a daylong retreat in honor of mothers throughout time. We will explore the story of the Buddha’s step-mother, Pajapati, and the ancient Sumerian myth of Inanna. Through meditation, dharma talks and interactive inquiry, we will reveal ways to balance receptivity and activity, and discover how to become skillful with these different dimensions of power in our practice, relationships and life. All are welcome.

Intro to Meditation

Classes, Non-denominational, Programs

Our Intro to Meditation class will start a few weeks later than we listed in the April newsletter, running on Wednesdays from May 24 – June 7.

Join us to learn practices from the Insight, Zen and Tibetan traditions. Meditation can help to calm the mind, open the heart, and awaken wisdom. It is a means to study ourselves by contacting our inner life. When we know ourselves well, we are better able to relate to others in the world with integrity and confidence. In the Buddhist tradition there are several meditation styles that can aid us in developing the qualities of peacefulness and wisdom. Join us for any or all of this series, if you would like to begin a meditation practice or renew the one you already have.

Practice of Enlightenment

Daylong Retreat

On Saturday, December 3, join Bozeman Zen Group leader Karen DeCotis and Joining Rivers Sangha (lineage of Thich Nhat Hanh) leader Steve Allison-Bunnell for a full day of sitting and walking meditation, talks, and inspiration following the theme of Enlightenment. Many Zen schools celebrate Rohatsu (commemorating the Buddha’s enlightenment) on December 8. We’re celebrating a bit early. This full day retreat is in homage to the enlightenment of all beings. All welcome!

Noon Sits are Back!

Noon sit

Our noon sits begin again starting today! Join us in the Sanctuary of Pilgrim Congregational Church at 2118 South Third in Bozeman each weekday from noon-1pm. Our volunteers will ring the bell three times at noon, once at 12:30pm and three times at 1pm. Stay as long as you like for this silent meditation period.

Noon Sits Still On Hold

Noon sit

We’re sorry to let you know that our noon sits will not be happening in February. We expect to be holding them in person again in March once this current Omicron surge has abated. The Thich Nhat Hanh group and MindSpace will meet in person. Bozeman Zen Group and the Insight Community are both online for February. Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Impermanence in Action

Noon sit, Zen

This week, several of our volunteers have been exposed to Covid and are waiting on test results which has led to the decision to postpone the noon sits for the rest of January. Similarly, the Bozeman Zen Group has decided to move to Zoom-only for the rest of the month. Stay safe everyone!