OPEN LAND SANGHA
Zen meditation center
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Penetrate the source and travel the pathways, embrace the territory and treasure the roads.
You would do well to respect this, do not neglect it. (excerpt from the Precious Mirror Samadhi)
We are a small, welcoming Zen community located in the Fargo, ND-Moorhead, MN-West Fargo, ND area led by an experienced teacher in the Soto Zen tradition. We currently hold in person weekly meditation and occasional weekend practice periods at our Downtown Moorhead, MN location and by zoom.
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Here in the Northern Great Plains, we are fortunate to have the gift of ever-changing nature in all its intensity and majesty. Winds frequently blow over the open land and offer us a teaching from the Buddha, who said: "Different winds come from all directions. Some are clear, some carry dust, some are cold or hot, fierce gales or gentle breezes. In the same way, sensations arise in the body--pleasant, unpleasant or neutral. When a meditator sees sensations as the wind, coming and going, clear or dust laden, fierce or gentle, the meditator will fully understand them and be free from dependence on them. When sensations are understood, the meditator will see beyond the conditioned world."
(From the Samyutta Nikaya)
What do I need to know?
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We welcome those who have never meditated and those who have practiced for many years.
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Before joining us, please contact us to schedule an introductory session either by zoom or in person. We retain some Zen formality and the intro is an opportunity for those new to our practice to understand what we do and why we do it.
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On both Monday and Wednesday evenings, we sit in meditation for one thirty minute period, followed by a shared reading and discussion. On Friday morning, we meditate for one fifty minute period (with a brief break in the middle) and conclude with an exchange of well wishes.
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If you are local to Fargo-Moorhead, please plan to join in-person following the introductory session. Please wear modest, loose fitting clothing in subdued colors and avoid wearing heavy fragrances. Please be respectful of others by entering quietly as you would at any solemn place of practice. Digital devices should be muted and stored in the cabinet by the door of the zendo or left in your car. If you are not feeling well, please join us on zoom.
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Cushions and chairs are provided. If you use a bench for meditation, please bring your own.
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Weekly Meditation
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Mondays 7:00-8:30pm central time
(zoom only)
Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm central time
(hybrid in-person and zoom)
Fridays 7:00-8:00am central time (zoom only) second and fourth week of each month