2010 Calendar
The Original Root Zen Center’s 2009 schedule includes a variety of practice, ceremony, and community events such as one and two day retreats, weeklong retreats, classes, workshops, ceremonies, and celebrations. All events are held at ORZC on the campus of the DeKoven Center, 600 21st St., Racine, WI.
If you are interested in attending any of ORZC’s events, contact us at: ORZC@wi.rr.com or call (262) 488-3419.
Each month’s Root and Branch Newsletter (click here to have the R&B e-mailed to you) will also have updates and reminders regarding upcoming events. Please check each month’s newsletter for updates. Community dinner is the first Friday of every month.
Click here for ORZC’s daily schedule.
January
Harmony Celebration & begin 49-Day Intention Retreat, 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 17
In the middle of winter seeds still need planting and a tending intention is necessary. Join us for this ceremony of balance, harmony and joyous growth. This ceremony also marks the start of the 49-Day Intention Retreat.
49-Day Intention Kido 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20-March 13
Walk the energy path of sound and silence during Wednesday evening chanting practice.
February
Peace Retreat Friday, Feb. 5-Sunday, Feb. 7
Find the natural quiet that you already know you are in your heart, and practice peace with others during this weekend retreat. The retreat involves many meditation practices, including sitting, walking, formal meals, chanting and work. Retreat begins with dharma talk at 7 p.m. Fri. night.
Sitting with the Moon Retreat 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27
Sitting with the Moon. New year, new moon, new life! You can do something about your direction! Let go and ride the wave of happiness! And this all in one night! Whew!
March
Breakfast in the Garden 9a.m. Saturday, March 6
Sitting with the Moon. New year, new moon, new life! You can do something about your direction! Let go and ride the wave of happiness! And this all in one night! Whew!
Kido Retreat and end 49-Day Intention Retreat, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 13
Walk the energy path of sound and silence during this intensive chanting retreat. Bring a percussion instrument. This retreat also marks the end of the 49-Day Intention Retreat. Rev. Teacher Jeno Somlai will lead a rhythm workshop at 8:30 a.m., the morning of retreat.
Spring Intensive 5 p.m. Friday, March 19
Quiet your thinking mind with an evening of work practice! Helpers are needed for this evening retreat to prepare for the return of ORZC’s famous rummage sale.
Renaissance of Rummage 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 20
Returning this year is the Renaissance of Rummage! Come for antiques, collectibles, oodles of baby items and clothes, books, household goods and more! To donate items for the sale, call Sue Jaimes at (262) 637-3885 by Feb. 28. Donations to ORZC are tax deductible.
Will You Sit With Me? 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27
The whole world wants peace. We Buddhists firmly believe, and directly experience, that when our minds and hearts are empty of our attachments, opinions and judgments peace appears.
Sitting quietly helps us realize that peace was always here, right in front of us and in our hearts and minds. When we directly experience peace we help others find peace. So, another year has gone by and not much peace in the world. Too many people have ideas about peace. Too many people are emotional about peace. All I can offer is an opportunity for us to sit together and find peace.
I offer to you a simple gift – Will you sit with me?
April
Buddha’s Birthday Ceremony 9 a.m. Sunday, April 11
Over 2,500 years ago a baby was born in India. All of these years later, the loving-kindness direction of this birth resonates through the universe. The Original Root Zen Center celebrates the birth of the historic Buddha on this day.
Remaining Nameless Retreat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 17
Often times, we are required to go to classes, courses, seminars, and retreats where we become further certified, labeled, and inscribed. These classes usually have a nice name with a colon, and you receive a paper at the end telling you exactly what you can call yourself. For one day, please come and participate in the question, ‘Is this retreat remaining nameless or am I?’ Certification guaranteed.
First Moment Retreat Friday, April 23-Sunday, April 25
We love stories of a “first moment” - the moment we touch love, wisdom and humor. A Zen Buddhist practice is to make every moment a first moment. Come practice this wondrous way of seeing the world at this weekend retreat at ORZC. Retreat begins at 7 p.m. Fri. night with dharma talk.
May
Garden Work Retreat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 8
The retreat is an opportunity to let go of all the snow that appeared this last winter. Said snow was crushing, mushing, and flattening shrubs, perennials, and insect critters. Join us as we uncover the garden and allow all these beings to fully breathe again. Bring effort, garden tools, garden clothes, waterproof shoes, and more effort.
June
14th Annual Women’s Retreat Thursday, June 10-noon Sunday, June 13
What is woman? What is my strength? How can I connect with my intuitive and joyous self? How can I do this during times of suffering and confusion? Explore these questions and more through creative practices, movement, meditation, rest and ceremony. All women are welcome to attend part or all of the retreat. Retreat begins at 5 p.m. Thursday with opening ceremony and dinner.
July
Garden Buddha’s Retreat Friday, July 16-Sunday, July 18
This weekend retreat is an opportunity to practice in ORZC’s “outdoor dharma room” – the gardens at the DeKoven Center. No gardening experience is required, just an intention to help all beings (and garden tools if you have any.)
Sangha picnic 4 p.m. Saturday, July 24
Celebrate summer with the community! An afternoon of fun and food on the DeKoven grounds. Visit the gardens, play games and share in a famous ORZC potluck. Call or sign up in advance so cooks know how much to bring!
August
Camp Bodhi Root 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7
Join us for laughter, creativity, and fun at ORCZ’s 3rd annual Camp Bodhi Root! Previous years’ activities included composing earth music, making a living statue, a scavenger hunt and making our own video! Children of all ages are welcome. Contact Marie at 262-308-4881 or Mat/Brie at 262-822-2258 for more information.
Summer evening intensive 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21
Live for one night only! Come rock-n-roll at this late-night retreat from 8 p.m. to midnight! This heavy metal practice will include sitting, chanting and walking meditation. It’s an opportunity to quiet your punk rock mind (and rock star ego!) and let the deep resonance of your true nature sing out. This meditation concert is a free, all-ages show. No cover charge!
September
Opening the Earth’s Eye Retreat Friday, Sept. 17-Sunday, Sept. 19
Connect to the “wisdom eye” of the planet at this retreat. Listen to what the earth has to say about how to live in peace. It holds the key to learning how to function out of loving-kindness. Retreat begins at 7 p.m. Fri. night with dinner and dharma talk.
October
Compassion Fest noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3
ORZC’s annual festival of compassion returns. Compassion Fest 2009 included a sit/walk for peace, day-long critter mandala, bake sale, cake walk, wall of peace and improvisational poetry. Families and friends are welcome! Admission is free with a non-perishable food donation.
Three Pillars Ceremony 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17
Great Faith, great effort and great doubt are the Three Pillars of our Zen Buddhist practice. Come take part in this Sun. morning community ceremony to directly experience what these teachings point to.
November
Studio Day 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6
Practice your creativity, your intuition and your ability to make fun! All supplies provided. Bring some snack-type finger foods to share. Studio Day will be at Master Teachers Tony and Linda Somlai’s studio.
Peace Vigil 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 9-Dec. 7
How do we become conduits for peace? How do we help those who are suffering? These questions must appear in our lives if we ever hope to help the next seven generations. Our conduct and effort as human beings must reflect our intention and motivation to live as peaceful beings. The vigil is an attempt to help all beings find peace.
December
Web of Light Ceremony 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8
Held each year in the heart of the week leading up to Buddha’s Enlightenment, this ceremony was created by the ORZC community to celebrate our inter-connected nature. You are light connecting with light. Join us at the Web of Light Ceremony and let your true nature light shine!
Buddha’s Enlightenment and Precepts Ceremony 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12
Over 2,500 years ago the historic Buddha looked up, saw the morning star and realized his true nature of only helping. You are Buddha. Join us to celebrate your enlightened nature, and to support ORZC members taking precepts - spiritual commitments to live a life of loving-kindness. Open to all. Activities will be available for children, and one of ORZC’s famous potlucks will follow. Bring a dish to share!
New Year’s Eve Celebration 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31
Come celebrate the New Year with ORZC. We will eat together, welcome the new year and play games, with midnight meditation.
