“But most of all, continuing to sit without moving, not even shifting a foot or lifting our eyes, it builds the strength that we need, and that others need in us in the face of pain or crisis. Sit there with your heart breaking. But sit tall, see and hear everything. Breathe low and slow and feel big. When you’re in the room with suffering, especially someone else’s, these are things you cannot fake and they work most palpably and effectively when they come out intuitively and spontaneously, rather than being sort of put on in a way that’s conscious or contrived.”

Reverend Cristina Moon of Daihonzan Chozen-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple in Honolulu, joined the NYZC sangha to deliver a stirring dharma talk on the importance of keeping the forms of practice even if they feel foreign, aiding a fellow meditator during their unease through your own stillness, and the transformation that comes about as a result of being still for your own pain. 

ZENTALK NOTES

Cristina Moon: After a career in human rights and social change organizing, and graduating from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Cristina embarked on three years of monastic training at Daihonzan Chozen-ji in Honolulu. While still in residence as a priest, she continues to train in zazen, Kendo, Chado, and ceramics—and now works with individuals and organizations to develop the sensitivity and spiritual strength needed to lead in today’s challenging world.

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS (as of December 9th, 2022)

—Commit to Sit Winter 2023 will start January 11th, 2023! Join 16 Zen teachers from across the United States and Japan for an in-depth, 90-day exploration of Zen practice and study guided by our study text, Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life & Practice, the latest collection of Charlotte Joko Beck’s clear and incisive teachings that cut to the core of our negative beliefs that prevent us from embracing every moment. | Learn more »

—Beginner’s Mind Sesshin: A Winter Silent Retreat of Wholehearted Practice—A cornerstone of Zen practice, the Japanese word for “sesshin” means “touching the heart-mind.” This is a rare opportunity for deepening our practice with a community of supportive practitioners. January 11th – January 15th, 2023 at the Garrison Institute. | Learn More »

—(New course) Deepen your practice while engaging study with the Zen Ancestors!—The Nature of Awakened Practice: Walking the Path with the Zen Ancestors—Starting January 25th, 2023, join Koshin Paley Ellison Sensei in a 13-week study of the Sōtō Zen lineage and how we can learn from and be supported by the ancestors’ examples of awakening practice in everyday life. | Learn More »

—The Contemplative Medicine Fellowship is accepting applications for the 2023–2024 cohort! Now in its second year, the Contemplative Medicine Fellowship is a  twelve-month training for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who want to lead change in the culture of care. The program is designed to immerse participants in the true experience of the alleviation of suffering in their personal and professional lives. Contemplative Medicine Conversations with esteemed visiting faculty are offered monthly, free of charge. | Learn more »

—Foundations in Contemplative Care is accepting applications: Since 2007, the Foundations in Contemplative Care training has transformed the lives of individuals from across the country and around the world by supporting the integration of spiritual practice and care. This program is open to anyone who feels called upon to respond to the suffering in the world. | Learn more »

MUSIC

Heart Sutra by Kanho Yakushiji –  Buddhist priest and musician of the Rinzai sect and Imaji temple in Imabari, Japan. In 2003, he formed “KISSAQUO”, a songwriting duo based in Kyoto.

NYZC PUBLICATIONS

Get your copy of Untangled (Koshin’s new book) here: https://bit.ly/untangled-book

Get your copy of Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up here: https://amzn.to/2JTKF1t

Get your copy of Awake At The Bedside here: https://amzn.to/3aijXdL

The post Train Hard, Your Spirit Counts | Cristina Moon appeared first on New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care.