Welcome to Boulder Morningstar Zen Center

ROHATSU SESSHIN 2024

Tuesday evening, Dec. 3 - Saturday morning, Dec. 7

NOW! Join with the Morningstar Sangha to take refuge in the quintessential ROHATSU sesshin, sitting in resonance with practitioners around the world to proclaim sanity, wisdom and compassion, and equanimity in this time of World challenges. Refer to the Retreats page for details.

winter PRACTICE PERIOD 2024

(November and December)

“RISE UP ROOTED”

• MONDAY afternoon Practice At The Barn: 3:30 - 5:00 pm (3:15 entry) ONLINE practice each morning Tues - Fri. 7 - 7:30 (6:45 entry)

NOTE Exceptions to schedule:

NO Online practice from NOV. 28 - Dec. 13. YES, RESUME Dec. 17 - 20.

Then, No online practice until Jan. 7, 2025.

NO Monday afternoon practice Dec. 2 or 9, YES, RESUME Dec. 16

Then, No Monday practice until Jan. 6, 2025.

• SATURDAY Morning Practice and Teisho at THE BARN: November 2 and 16, December 7 (Jukai Ceremony), and December 21 (Special Winter Solstice Celebration —tba) 9:00 - 10:45 (8:45 entry). Online Teisho, 10 - 10:45 (registration with announcement)

• WEDNESDAY EVE ONLINE TEISHO (tba) Wednesday, Nov. 27: 6:30 entry, 6:45 - 7:30. (over)

• ROHATSU SESSHIN: Tues evening - Sat. morning, Dec. 3 - 7. TRUE CONFIDENCE

“Consider Deeply: What do your RELY upon in this Time of The Great Turning? Sesshin is a COMMUNAL experience of plunging into the Essentiality of Life. If you are called to participate in the purifying and dedicated opportunity to bring your life into greater congruence with the

“Peace that Passeth All Understanding”

consider entry into this Rohatsu Sesshin.

Do not hesitate!

We assist each other through the deep waters.”

-roshi sanchi Reta Lawler

Contact BMZC for further information to register.

• BMZC ANNUAL NEW YEAR’s EVE GATHERING Tuesday, Dec. 31 at THE BARN, 2:00 - 3:30 (1:45 entry) announcement for registration comes in late December

• Dear Friends, please consider making the suggested donation for our ongoing programs so that True Reciprocity is generative toward the continuance of our community gatherings. EVERY donation of any amount is received with gratitude! Ways to Donate can be found on our Donations page.

October Schedule 2024

• MONDAY afternoon Practice AT THE BARN: 3:30 - 5:00 (3:30 Entry)

• SATURDAY Morning Practice and TEISHO at THE BARN: October 5 and 19, 9:00 - 10:45 (Enter 8:45) Online Teisho, 10 - 10:45 (registration with announcement)

• EARLY MORNING online practice: 7:00 am - 7:30 (6:45 entry) TUESDAY - FRIDAY each week (Respond to this email if you need zoom link and instruction)

• COMMUNITY SPECIAL HONORING CEREMONY FOR ANCESTORS Wednesday evening, October 30, at THE BARN 7:00 - 8:30 (6:45 entry) (Registration with Announcement)

• Upcoming Dokusan with Roshi will be announced

SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE, 2024

• MONDAY afternoon: ONLY Sept. 9 and 16! 3:30 - 5:00 (enter 3:15).

• ONLine Practice: Tuesday - Friday, 7:00 - 7:30 (enter 6:45) (No ONLINE Practice Sept. 24-28, nor Oct. 1 -4 )

• SATURDAY morning Practice and Teisho at The Barn: Sept. 7 and 21. 9am - 10:45. (enter 8:45) Zazen, chanting, kinhin and Teisho ONLINE Teisho, 10 - 10:45 am (registration with announcement)

• GOLDEN WIND SESSHIN 2024 Tuesday evening, Sept. 24 - Saturday morning, Sept. 28.

“The night-world is where we are. And in that darkness, we remember what we love the most. That itself is the candle.” -Martin Shaw “SESSHIN: The great gathering up.”

Take a leap and join us for this poignant time of steadfastness and indestructibility

spring practice period 2024

MARCH 18 - JUNE 8, 2024

• Monday afternoon Practice continuing at THE BARN: Zazen and Kinhin, 3:30 - 5:00, (entry at 3:15.)

• Morning Online zazen: Tuesday - Friday morning 6:45 entry - 7:30 am. (Request zoom link information.)

• Saturday morning Practice and Teisho at THE BARN: April 6, 20, May 4, May 18, June 1: 9 - 10:45 am (8:45 entry); Online Teisho: 10 - 10:45 (registration with announcements)

• “Working with End-of-Life Durable Power of Attorney Documents” at THE BARN: Sunday, April 28, 2:30 - 4:00. REGISTRATION required. For ANYONE who wants to receive basic instruction to secure legal end-of-life documents as to how one wants their medical treatment to go if unable to make those decisions for oneself. (announcement in mid- April for registration.)

• KANZEON SESSHIN: June 4 - 8. CONSIDER NOW! Join the Morningstar Sangha for the annual Kanzeon sesshin that is marked by particular “outdoor” practices of the Silent Illumination teachings. Tuesday evening - Saturday morning. Fee: $450. Announcement for registration arriving soon!

March 2024 ZAZEN

• INTERIM: (There are no scheduled events for BMZC March 11 - 17)

• Monday afternoon practice at THE BARN, 3:30 - 5:00 pm. (March 4, 18, 25.)

• Online practice, 6:45 am entry, 7:00 - 7:30 zazen.

• (ONLY March 5 -6 and March 19 - 22). We will resume the continuity of early morning practice in April.

• Saturday morning practice and Teisho, March 2,n8:45 entry, 9 - 10:45 practice.

• (the next Saturday morning gathering, April 4)

Sesshin and Retreat Schedule 2024

Refer to the Retreats page for details as details become available.

• ONE BRIGHT PEARL Retreat: MARCH 7 - 9. Thursday, Friday mornings online, afternoons and Saturday morning, at The Barn

  in Boulder.

• COMING FULL CIRCLE TRAINING: MARCH 28 - 31. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9 - 5, Sunday 9 - noon. IN-PERSON training, at The Barn in Boulder. (for all repeating and beginning participants.)

• KANZEON Sesshin: June 4 - 8. Tuesday evening, Wednesday - Friday mornings online, Wednesday - Friday afternoons and Saturday morning, at The Barn in Boulder.

• GOLDEN WIND Sesshin: September 24 - 28. Tuesday evening, Wednesday - Friday mornings online, Wednesday - Friday afternoons and Saturday morning, at The Barn in Boulder.

• ROHATSU Sesshin: Dec. 3 - Dec. 7. Tuesday evening, Wednesday - Friday mornings online, Wednesday - Friday afternoons and Saturday morning, at The Barn in Boulder.

• Announcements and registration for all retreats/sesshins will come between 4- 5 weeks in advance of the event. Coming Full Circle announcement will be sent the week of Jan. 15.

• Practitioners of all levels of experience are welcome to apply for admittance into the events.

Winter 2024 practice period January - february 2024

Monday afternoon practice continuing, January 8, 2024

• 3:30 - 5:00 pm (3:15 entry) at the Barn in Boulder. Zazen and Kinhin.

Continuing Zazen Online Practice

• Tuesday - Friday mornings, 7 - 7:30 (6:45 entry)

Saturday morning Practice and Teisho

• At the Barn. January 20, February 3 and 17. 9:00 - 10:45. Zazen, Chanting, Kinhin and Teisho (8:45 entry).

• Online Teisho for those who cannot be at The Barn, 10 - 10:45 am. Announcement will follow.

KOAN Expressions with Roshi Sanchi Reta

Take a leap and enter the Koan Stream with other practitioners who are fellow travelers in the infinitely creative and mysterious realm of Koan’s beauty and their power: a journey into non-ordinary ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. This evening class is designed to enter a gentle sharing with each other, to dream the Koan together, and just perhaps, land in a more intuitive and generous support within our zen practice. This gathering is for ALL practitioners who would like to take a deeper plunge into the transformational potential of Koan work with roshi Sanchi.

• Each Wednesday evening in February (beginning Feb. 7).

• 6:30- 8:30 in Longmont (location to be announced)

• Registration is for the entire 4 weeks. Fee: $50.

• To register, email info@bouldermorningstarzencenter.com NO LATER than Feb. 1.

  Roshi will acknowledge your registration with an entry letter and will receive your payment at the first gathering.

End of Year 2023 Practice and events

No Monday practice at The Barn in December, through the end of the year.

• On-Line Practice

  • NO online practice Dec. 5 - 8. RESUMING: Dec. 12 - 15 Tues - Fri.; Dec. 19 - 22 Tues - Fri.

  • EVERY MORNING, 7 - 7:30 (6:45 entry) (NO Wed. Qi Qong)

  • After Dec 22nd, NO online practice until Jan. 2.

• ROHATSU SESSHIN: Dec. 5 - 9

  • SATURDAY, DEC. 9: 9 - 10:45 ish (8:45 entry) COMMUNITY

  • PRACTICE and JUKAI ceremony for Hope Robertson. Our Morningstar community is invited to join the end of Rohatsu sesshin and the Jukai (Lay Ordination) ceremony for Hope Robertson. NO online. Announcement will come. PLEASE JOIN US at THE BARN for this very moving and time-honored ceremony.

• HOLIDAY gathering

  • SATURDAY evening, DEC. 16: 5:30 - 8. Bring-a-dish dinner at The Barn. COME be with our festive time of enjoying each other with dinner, holiday singing, and some “play time”! Announcement will come to let us know how many are coming.

• ANNUAL 108 Bells of NEW YEAR

  • SATURDAY, Dec. 30, 2:00 - 3:30 (1:45 entry). entry to 2024. We will gather to receive poetry, music, and inspiration for Peace in our World with the 108 Bells of New Years. Announcement will come.

May your Dark Nights be filled with dreaming a GOOD DREAM for peace and fulfillment for All.

GOLDEN WIND PRACTICE PERIOD Sept. 11 - Dec. 9, 2023

• IN-PERSON PRACTICE at THE BARN: Monday afternoon, 3:30 - 5:00 pm (3:15 entry). Beginning Sept. 11; each week other than Oct. 2, Dec. 4.

• Saturday morning Practice and Teisho: Sept. 30, 9 - 10:45 .
  (The community is invited to join the participants of the Golden Wind sesshin in our final meeting of the retreat at the Barn.)

• Saturday morning Practice and Teisho: Nov. 18, Dec. 9, 9 - 10:45.

• Saturday morning zazen, kinhin, chanting, and contemplative offerings by the Morningstar Priests: Oct. 21, Nov. 4: 9 - 10:30.

• ONLINE WEDNESDAY eve TEISHO with roshi: Sept. 20, Nov. 29: 7 - 7:45 pm (6:45 entry)

• SPECIAL EVENT: “Return to Lost Angel”, Saturday, Oct 7, 9:00 - 11:00 am. We did not have our 10 yr. anniversary of the formal opening of the BMZC in 2022 due to the continuing covid realities. This year, if weather and other considerations hold steady, we will gather at 8:30 at 6th and Canyon, then carpool up to Sugarloaf’s beautiful Lost Angel overlook for our morning service and dedication to our earth and beautiful landscape in which we live and serve. An announcement will come closer to the event.

• ONLINE ZAZEN PRACTICE: Begins on Tuesday, Sept. 11. Tuesday - Thursday and Friday, 7 - 7:30 am (enter zoom at 6:45)

• Wednesday morning: QiGong and stretching with Eryu, 6:45 - 7:15 am, ending with zazen 7:15 - 7:30. (enter 6:30).

• NO ONLINE PRACTICE: Sept. 14-15, Sept. 26-29, Nov. 23 -24, or Dec. 5-8.

• Contact BMZC site for zoom info.

• GOLDEN WIND SESSHIN: SEPT. 26 - 30 and ROHATSU SESSHIN: DEC. 5 - 9.
  Sesshin is the quintessential “GREAT GATHERING UP” meditation intensive in the Zen Tradition. We know it as the opportunity to plunge deeply into the core of our lives, to enter a “change of Heart”, and to encourage our LOVE and INTENT for our WORLD....Consider joining us!

  PLAN AHEAD

  • HOLIDAY dinner and gathering at THE BARN: Sat. evening, Dec. 16, 5:30 - 8:30 (bring a dish dinner!)

  • Annual NEW YEAR’s 108 BELLS: Sat. Dec. 30, 2 - 2:30.

Your financial contributions to our practice are essential for our continuance. THANK YOU! PLEASE support our practice venue in the amount that you hold as VALUE unto our offerings. Suggested donation is $5 for zazen practice, $15 for Teisho—our offering bowl is at the door. Everyone is ALWAYS welcome to join our practice regardless of capacity to support. Ways to donate are available on the Donations page.

All levels of practice are welcome! If you are new to zen practice, our advice is “SEE MONKEY DO”! The zendo is run by bells and clappers to announce zazen and kinhin (walking meditation.) Fall into the practice by maintaining deep stillness and gentle focus. If you are interested in “Practice Instruction”, please request through the Center website, and we will be VERY GLAD to welcome you with initial pointers to zazen practice.

Summer Practice Period June 19 - September 2, 2023

• MONDAY afternoon practice at *THE BARN: 3:30 - 5:00 pm (3:15 entry). **Available to ALL practitioners interested in the practice of zen meditation. Suggested Donation: $5.

• Tuesday morning (zazen) ON-LINE Practice (Zoom) 7:00 - 7:30 am (enter at 6:45 am)

• Wednesday morning (Qi Gong followed by zazen) ON-LINE Practice (Zoom) 6:45 am - 7:30 am (enter at 6:30 am)

• (after August 24) Thursday morning (zazen) ON-LINE Practice (Zoom) 7:00 am - 7:30 am (enter at 6:45 am)

• THURSDAY morning practice at *THE BARN: 7:00 - 7:45 am (6:45 entry). 6 week Intensive, focus on Zazen practice, beginning Thursday, July 20 through Thursday, August 24. Come as you can. Suggested Donation: $5

• Friday morning (zazen) ON-LINE Practice (Zoom) 7:00 am - 7:30 am (enter at 6:45 am)

• SATURDAY MORNING PRACTICE and TEISHO at *THE BARN, 9:00 - 10:45 am (8:45 entry) and also offered online. ONLINE offering of Teisho: 10:00 - 10:45 (9:45 entry)—Registration with announcements)

  • Saturday, July 1, 15

  • Saturday, August 19, and Sept. 2 (closing of practice period)

  • Suggested Donation: $15 at The Barn or Online.

• Wed. Evening Online Teisho, July 26

• Morningstar Picnic: Sunday, August 6, 5:00 - 8 pm (location tba. Announcement coming soon.)

• Saturday, August 5, 9 - 10:30 am at THE BARN: FUSATSU. In the Rinzai tradition, Fusatsu is a ceremony held to offer VOW RENEWAL for all Jukai (Lay Ordained) practitioners. This offering will be held for ALL Jukai holders that have been lay-ordained through the Order of the Morningstar as a lineage declaration of one’s reception of the rakusu and the abiding Vow to Awaken on Behalf of all Beings. We invite all practitioners of the Morningstar to come witness this ceremony and to offer whole-hearted devotion to our love and blessing of Dharma encouragement for all men and women who have made this time-honored declaration for their own lives, and for our World. Sanchi roshi will be in contact with all active Jukai holders for participation in this ceremony.

• GOLDEN WIND SESSHIN - AUTUMN 2023, SEPTEMBER 26 - 30, 2023 Tuesday evening - Saturday morning. More information on our Retreats page.

2023 Spring practice period
March 20 - June 10, 2023

THE ART OF ZEN: How to behave as an inspired human being

Awareness practice is not just sitting meditation or meditation-in-action alone. It is a unique training practice in how to behave as an inspired human being. That is what is meant by being an artist. -Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche

Spring 2023 Schedule

• Monday afternoon, 3:30 - 5 pm (3:15 entry) IN-person practice at THE BARN

• THURSDAY MORNING April 6 - May 25, 7 - 7:45 am (6:45 entry) (An 8 -Week Intensive on the deepening of zazen. Come as you can. Not available online.)

• Saturday morning Practice at THE BARN*, (zazen, chanting, and TEISHO with roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler) 9 - 10:45 am (8:45 entry):

  • April 1, 15 (Priest Dharma Talks), May 6, 20, and June 10. Online audio for Teisho (10 - 10:45 am) will be available with registration as announcements are sent.

• ONLINE TEISHO: Wednesday evening, May 31, 6:45 - 7:30 (announcement will offer registration)

• FULL MOON Precept Recitation: Wednesday morning, April 5, and Friday morning, May 5.

• MORNINGSTAR AFTERNOON PICNIC: Saturday, May 27, 4 - 6:30 Thompson Park, Longmont (details will come soon). Bring your friends and come for a sangha gathering of fun and picnic delight.

• KANZEON-SILENT ILLUMINATION RETREAT Wednesday, June 7 - Saturday June 10. Announcement will come soon for our beloved Silent-Illumination Retreat that is held partially outside for our practices.

If you would enjoy Dialogue Process with Roshi Sanchi , please contact her at sanchireta@earthlink.net with your request to meet. For this quarter, unless necessary, all meetings will be held in Sanchi’s Longmont home.

*IMPORTANT! Please follow directions below to THE BARN. NOTE THE PARKING RESTRICTIONS that are NECESSARY to follow. Masks are required for all meetings at THE BARN.

If you would like to join our active and strong ONLINE zazen practice, please leave a message through the BMZC for our zoom link and any questions that you may have. We offer zazen instruction as requested.

2023 winter practice period
January 3 - March 11, 2023

We again fall into the season of the “LOOKS WITHIN”, held by the ancient teachings that encourage our contemplations and reflections nurtured by the “fallow time” of the year. Come join the Morningstar Sangha as we look into the nurturing hearth fire of our hearts and dream our World awake.

ZAZEN PRACTICE

• Monday afternoon, 3:30 - 5 pm IN-PERSON at *THE BARN in Boulder. 3:15 arrival to be seated.

• Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings 7-7:30 am ONLINE . 6:45 am arrival to *ZOOM site.

• NEW OFFERING: Wednesday morning 6:45 - 7:30 am ONLINE. 6:30 arrival to *ZOOM site. We will participate with ERYU in 30 minutes of stretching and beginning qi gong, and finish with 15 minutes zazen. Enter with usual sitting and camera placement, then be ready to change your device to see Eryu and have a place for your body practice (as in our qi gong practice in sesshin). Then, be ready to quickly change your device/camera back around to end with zazen practice. (for questions, contact Etsudo: shericoldwell@att.net).

ADDITIONAL ZAZEN PRACTICE

• Tuesday evenings, 6:45 - 7:15 (6:35 entry) ONLINE. Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, and 28; zazen and winter contemplation with Roshi Sanchi.

• MORNING PRACTICE and TEISHO with Roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler: Saturday mornings, January 7, 21, February 4, 18 and March 4. 9:00 - 10:45 am at *THE BARN (8:45 entry) and ONLINE Teisho 10:00 - 10:45 (9:45 entry)—registration prior to each Teisho.

Sesshin

• ONE BRIGHT PEARL SESSHIN: MARCH 7 - 12, 2023 Join the Morningstar Sangha for the annual late winter sesshin! Plan NOW to grant yourself the great gift of deep concentrated retreat to Walk in the Awakening World with dedicated sisters and brothers of The Way! As in the past few sesshins, we will continue our format of morning online practice, and afternoon IN-PERSON practice at *The Barn (online practice for those out of town). Announcement and Registration will come soon!

GOLDEN WIND AUTUMN PRACTICE PERIOD 2022

September 19 - December 11, 2022

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for events at the Barn:

• HOLIDAY GATHERING, Saturday eve, Dec. 17 “The Mysterious Disappearance of the Zendo Bell"

• Annual NEW YEAR’S EVE 108 BELLS, Saturday afternoon, Dec.31

PLEASE NOTE CHANGES IN AUTUMN SCHEDULE

IN-PERSON ZAZEN PRACTICE at THE BARN

• Monday afternoon, 3:30 - 5:00 pm (3:15 entry)

• *Thursday morning, 7:00 - 7:45 (6:45 entry) Teisho with roshi (NO meeting on Sept. 29, then, final meeting for this practice period on October 20.)

• Saturday morning Intensives: Oct. 8, Nov. 5, 19: 9:00 am - 10:45 (8:45 entry); zazen, kinhin, and study directed by Morningstar Priests.

• JOIN US ONLINE ZAZEN PRACTICE: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:00 - 7:30 am (6:45 entry). *Thursday morning online practice resumes Oct. 27)

• IN-PERSON morning Practice and Teisho, The Barn. SAT, Sept. 24, SUN, Dec11. : Practice, chanting and Teisho with roshi Sanchi Reta 9:00 - 10:45 am (Online Teisho will also be available: 10 - 10:45 am; registration as announcements are sent

ROHATSU SESSHIN, 2022:

Monday, December 5 - 10, ending with community Teisho, Sunday, December 11. We will meet ONLINE in the mornings, 8:45 - 12:30, with IN PERSON meetings at The Barn in the afternoons 2:30 - 5. (Out-of-town participants will be invited to afternoon online participation from The Barn. ) Formal Rohatsu ending will take place Saturday morning at 11. We will end the Autumn Practice Period on Sunday morning, December 11.

Announcement and Registration for ROHATSU will arrive to you in early November. Please PLAN NOW to attend this most auspicious Sesshin.

PLAN AHEAD

• HOLIDAY GATHERING: Sat. evening, Dec. 17: 5:45 - 9 pm. Join this joyful evening of light dinner, wine, and a fun “MYSTERY PLAY”, produced by Oshin Laura McWilliams, and by-the-way, a fundraiser for the Center. Please plan to come and enjoy the gathering. Announcement will come out in December (IN-person at THE BARN).

• 108 Bells of the NEW YEAR, December 31, 2022, 2:00 - 3:30. Due to the pandemic, we have missed our In-Person celebrations of the 108 Bells to bring us into the New Year. This year, we re-convene in the Spirit of mutually held Intent for the Blessing of each other and our World as we enter 2023. Join us at The Barn!

2022: Summer Practice Period

JUNE 20 - SEPTEMBER 10, 2022

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep: the more I give to thee
The more I have: for both are infinite.”
(Shakespeare’s Juliet)

“With deep experience, our hearts are opened, and energy and compassion are there for the asking.
The more I give, the more I have to give. It wells, even in the midst of uncertainty.
And truly the years of struggle and frustration are forgotten
as though they never were.” (roshi Ross Bolleter)

Zazen

• IN-PERSON ZAZEN Practice at The Barn*

  • Monday afternoon, 3:30 - 5:00 pm (3:15 entry)

  • Thursday morning, 7:00 - 7:45 am (6:45 entry). Short Teisho with roshi.

• ONLINE ZAZEN practice** Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:00 - 7:30 am (6:45 entry).

• IN-PERSON SATURDAY morning practice at THE BARN*, (zazen, chanting, and TEISHO with Roshi Sanchi Reta), 9:00 - 10:45 am (8:45 entry). June 25, July 9 and 30, August 20, and September 10.

• ONLINE TEISHO (10 - 10:45 am) will be available with registration as announcements are sent.

SILENT ILLUMINATION Teachings:

• ENTERING SPACE=SPACIOUSNESS. (OUTDOORS, ONLINE): SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 9:00 - 11:30. For ALL Participants. Announcement will follow for registration. Tuition: $95.

ONLINE Wednesday evening Priest Dharma Talks

• Beginning soon! Announcements will follow in the next days.

Dialogue with Roshi

IF you would enjoy Dialogue Process with roshi sanchi, please contact her at sanchireta@earthlink.net with your request to meet. All meetings will be held in roshi’s home in Longmont.

Announcement

This year’s Golden Wind Retreat is cancelled. Instead, the Center will host a weekend zazen retreat in late September and November. We will continue with our Rohatsu Retreat, December 5 - 10.

SAFETY PROTOCOL at The Barn

During this time of continued challenge in the transmission of the coronavirus, we are embracing safety protocols that are congruent with other practice centers and designated by our hosts at the Barn. Please help us maintain optimal safety by following the guidance that is required:

• Wear your mask for the entire time you are in the Barn. (Suggestion: find a mask that is of EASE to wear, for your comfort and adequate breathing, yet protective.

• We will attend to adequate distancing in our zendo format.

• Be sensitive to each person’s needs around contact in greetings and good-byes. Air purifiers will be in use during our time of practice.

The Barn
1360 Sumac Avenue
Boulder, Colorado

PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: Please park on Sumac AWAY from the mailboxes, neither, in front of the house with the fence that is west of The Barn.

Enter the front yard of the residence and WALK TO THE LEFT following the driveway to the back side of the house. There you will see entrance to THE BARN.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the beginning of each event in order to be seated. Support our practice venue in the amount that you hold as VALUE unto our offerings. Everyone is ALWAYS welcome to join our practice regardless of capacity to support.

The Boulder Morningstar Zen Center: A Revelation of Endless Vow

We welcome everyone to ALL of the listed events. We aspire to impart a warmth of inclusivity and sincere invitation to participate in our Dharma Expressions.

Thank You

Thank you to our “out-going” jikijitsu, Eryu Maria Bailey and Oshin Laura McWilliams, for their skillful and heart-felt guidance, and tech wizardry these past months. Welcome to Jikai Dan Baldwin, Joshin Denise Townsend, and Etsudo Sheri Coldwell to fulfill the office for the next term.

HONORING BELOVED THICH NHAT HAHN
(October 11, 1926 - January 21, 2022)

For all times, May we remember the extraordinary blessing of this Great Master and Ordinary Monk by Watering the Seeds of Peace.  

WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD 2022 - “THE ONE BRIGHT PEARL” 

JANUARY 3 - March 12, 2022

“When the sword of wisdom is at hand Nothing remains. Even prior to the appearance of brightness, Darkness is already bright.” -Master Linji (Rinzai)

Online weekly Zazen practice:

• Monday afternoon zazen practice 3:30 - 5 pm. Zazen and Kinhin (3:15 entry)

• Tuesday - Friday: 7:00 - 7:30am, Zazen (6:50 entry) If online etiquette and link, or zazen instruction is needed, please email info@bouldermorningstarzencenter.com.

TEISHO with Roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler:

• Saturday, January 15, 10 - 10:45 am

• Saturday, February 5, 10 - 10:45 am

• Saturday, February 26, 10 - 10:45 am

• Saturday, March 12, 10 - 10:45 am (end of practice period)

Announcements arrive 3 days in advance for registration and new Teisho link.

WINTER NIGHTS STUDY SERIES

• January 18 - February 24 Tuesday

• Thursday evenings, 8 - 9:10 pm. (enter at 7:50)

STUDY: MOTHER OF THE BUDDHAS

• Meditations on the Prajnaparamita (Translation by Lex Hixon). Join this exquisite opportunity to delve into the profound teachings of the PRAJNAPARAMITA HEART SUTRA. Reply to this email for information and registration.

FULL MOON Precept Recitation

• January 17, Monday afternoon zazen practice

• February 16, Wednesday morning zazen

New Moon Gate of Sweet Nectar

• March 2, Wednesday EVENING, 6:45 - 7:15 pm (6:35 entry)

ONLINE Shambhala SESSHIN

• Monday, March 7 - Saturday, March 12, 2022. (Announcement for registration will arrive 4-5 weeks before the event.)

Dialogue Process

Dialogue process continues with Roshi Sanchi at designated times. Email info@bouldermorningstarzencenter.com if you are not currently on the contact list for these 45 minute sharings with Roshi as to your practice. For this quarter, all meetings will be online. 

AUTUMN PRACTICE PERIOD 2021

September 13 - December 18, 2021

ONLINE WEEKLY Practice:

• Monday, 3:30 - 5 pm (all times Mountain Time)

• Tuesday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

• Wednesday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

• Thursday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

• Friday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

• The VIDEO link to follow is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83870019883.

• FOR AUDIO ONLY OPTION: Dial any of the following numbers: (346) 248-7799; (669) 900-9128; (312) 626-6799; (646) 558-8656; (253) 215-8782; (301) 715-8592. For international AUDIO ONLY find your local number here. After dialing in, you will be prompted to enter the Meeting ID: 838 7001 9883, followed by #. 

TEISHO with Roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler:

• Wednesday evening, Oct. 13, 6:45 - 7:30 pm

• Saturday morning, Oct. 23, 10 - 10:45 am

• Wednesday evening, Nov. 3, 6:45 - 7:30 pm

• Wednesday evening, Dec. 1, 6:45 - 7:30 pm

• Saturday morning, Dec. 18, 10 - 10 :45 am

(announcements for registration before each Teisho)

NOVEMBER STUDY SERIES with BMZC Priests:

As we enter more deeply into zen practice, we invite considerations of how the Mandala of Zen is supportive to an engaged and transformative commitment to our Lives. The Morningstar Priests will be presenting Dharma Talks on making the translation of our practice into poignant areas of Life principles of well-being.

• Saturday, Nov. 13, 10 - 11am.

• Saturday Nov. 20, 10 - 11 am.

Full Moon Recitation of Precepts:

• Wednesday early practice (7 am), Oct. 20.

• Friday early practice (7am), Nov. 19.

• Friday early practice (7am), Dec. 17.

ROHATSU ONLINE URBAN RETREAT:

• Dec. 6 - 11, 2021 (announcement will come in late October!)

SUMMER PRACTICE PERIOD 2021

ONGOING Online Weekly Practice

• Monday, 3:30 - 5:00 pm Zazen and Kinhin

• Tues., Thurs., and Fri., 7:00 - 7:30 Zazen

• WEDNESDAY, 7:00 - 7:45 DEEPENING THE PRACTICE and ZAZEN with Roshi Sanchi.

For everyone who wants to develop and cultivate deeper expressions of zazen. The Zoom Zendo opens 15 minutes prior to each practice session. The “zoom temple gate” will CLOSE at the start time.

If online etiquette and link or zazen instruction is needed, email request. We are happy to support your entry into practice in whatever way t hat we can.

IN PERSON ZAZEN PRACTICE IN THE PARK

• Sunday evenings, 6:45 - 8:00 pm. July through August

THOMPSON PARK Bross St. & 5th Ave. Longmont. Come to the open space in the middle of Park where we will make a large circle for our practice. DO NOT WEAR BLACK. Bring camp chairs or cushions, mosquito repellent, water, or anything else that you may need. In case of rainy afternoon, watch for announcement suggesting cancellation of practice.

TEISHOs with Roshi Sanchi Shudo Reta Lawler

• Tuesday evening, June 22, 6:45 - 7:15 pm

• Saturday morning, July 17, 10 - 10:45 am

• Tuesday evening, July 27, 6:45 - 7:30 pm

• Saturday morning, Aug. 14, 10 - 10:45 am

• Tuesday evening, Aug. 24, 6:45 - 7:15 pm

• Saturday morning, Sept. 4, 10 - 10:45 am

SILENT ILLUMINATION Teachings - SATURDAY, AUG. 7, 8:30 - 11:00 am

This 2.5 hour teaching is both a review for those having received the initial teachings and for those who would like to receive the introduction to Silent Illumination practices. Meeting OUTSIDE of your choice with AUDIO ONLINE (cell phone with earphones) $95. Announcement will follow for registration.

New Moon Gate of Sweet Nectar Practice

• Sunday, August 8, 6:30 - 7:15 pm

Full Moon Precept Practice with zazen practice

• 7 - 7:30 am Friday mornings July 23 and Aug. 20.

ZAZEN INTENSIVE

• MON- FRI. Aug. 30 - Sept. 3, 3:30 - 5 pm , ending SAT. SEPT. 4, with TEISHO, 10 - 10:45 am.

Join the quarterly end-of practice period Intensive!

Please remember to make your contribution to BMZC through the “DONATION” page. Our suggestion is $5-10 per practice session and $15 for Teisho. THANK YOU.

SPRING PRACTICE PERIOD 2021

MARCH 22 - JUNE 12, 2021

SPRING WIND! Come once again..
Do not be too rough
on the delicate branches and buds
Of the weeping willows. -Rengetsu (19th c. Zen nun, artist, and poet) 

ONLINE WEEKLY PRACTICE:

• Monday: 3:30 - 5:00 pm Zazen and Kinhin (3:15 entry)

• Tuesday - Friday: 7:00 - 7:30 am Zazen (6:45 entry)

  Please remember that the “zoom temple gate” will close at the start time of each practice session. If online etiquette and link, or zazen instruction is needed, please email info@bouldermorningstarzencenter.com.

TEISHO with Roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler:

• Saturday mornings: March 27, April 10: 10:00 - 10:45 am.

• TUESDAY evening: April 20, May 4, June 1: 6:45 - 7:30 pm. 

  Community announcements will go out the week of the upcoming Teisho, and will invite you to register for audio zoom link for our gathering.  

2-PT SERIES: SILENT ILLUMINATION with Roshi Sanchi

Saturday, MAY 15 and 22, 8:45 am - 1:00 pm.

We will enter the dynamic study of Ch’an Master Hongzhi’s classic poetic text of Silent Illumination—the quintessential recognition of our natural awakened nature. Each session will include study, group reflections, zazen, and out-door practices. Registration will arrive soon.

FULL MOON Precept recitation and Contemplation

(offered in each practitioner’s home on the following dates:

• April 26

• May 26

June 24

NEW MOON GATE OF SWEET NECTAR

For the year of 2021, BMZC is offering this online practice on the NEW MOON of each month. The Gate of Sweet Nectar is a rendering of bringing remembrance and nourishment to those who are forgotten, uncared for, or marginalized in our community and world culture. When we UNITE within this practice, we also bring the aspects of ourselves that we deem lacking or insufficient. We will culminate this practice with the BMZC community making a designated offering of needed foods or goods to a local organization that assists the food-deprived in Boulder County. Announcements come out to register (and to receive the liturgy and other info as to our offerings.)

• APRIL 11

• MAY 11

Annual KANZEON online Retreat

June 7 - 12 (ANNOUNCEMENT WILL FOLLOW SOON).

TAKE A LEAP! PLAN NOW TO enter the time-honored vessel of Zen Retreat: Open, Transparent, Vivid, Awake! See the Retreats page for details.

*The BMZC requests a 5 - 10 dollar donation for ongoing practice attendance, and 15 dollar donation for Teisho. Please note the ways to donate either on our website or on the etiquette pages with registration. PLEASE KEEP THIS REQUEST to assist in the continuance of our Center programming. 

AUTUMN PRACTICE PERIOD 2020

September 21-December 19, 2020

ONLINE WEEKLY Practice Sept. 21 - December 18, 2020

• Monday, 3:30 - 5 pm (all times Mountain Time)

• Tuesday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

• Wednesday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

• Thursday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

• Friday, 7:00 - 7:30 am

Email info@bouldermorningstarzencenter.com for online Zoom instructions.

TEISHO with Roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler

• Wednesday evening, Sept. 23, 6:45 - 7:30 pm

• Saturday morning, Oct. 17, 10 - 10:45 am

• Wednesday evening, Oct. 28, 6:45 - 7:30 pm

• Wednesday evening, Dec. 2, 6:45 - 7:30 pm

• Saturday morning, Dec. 19, 10 - 10 :45 am

Announcements for registration before each Teisho.

NOVEMBER STUDY SERIES with BMZC Priests

As we enter more deeply into Zen meditation, the contemplation of core Buddhist understanding provides enormous support to the transformative potential of our practice. The Morningstar Priests will be presenting Dharma Talks on primary Buddhist principles so that we are thoroughly Dharma drenched together! Saturday, November 7, 14, and 21: 9-10:30 am (announcements for registration before the series).

GOLDEN WIND ONLINE SESSHIN: Sept. 28 - Oct. 3, 2020 (registration ends Monday, Sept. 21. Details below.)

ROHATSU ONLINE URBAN RETREAT: Dec. 7 - 12, 2020 (announcement will come in October!)

Golden Wind SessHIN (online)

September 28 - October 2, 2020

Monday through Friday

8:30 am - 8 pm.

Closing: October 3, 8:30 - 10 am

Join the Morningstar Sangha for our annual Golden Wind Sesshin (online). We will travel into the Cave of the Blue Dragon, retrieve the One Bright Pearl, and come back to our world with gift-bestowing hands.

This sesshin is for FULL-TIME participants. FEE: $595. Information and Registration with Etsudo Sheri Coldwell: shericoldwell@att.net. Non-refundable deposit of $250 no later than Sept. 21.

To advance from where you can no longer advance and to do what can no longer be done, you must make yourself into a raft or ferryboat for others. -Zen Master Ma

May 1, 2020

Dear Friends of the Morningstar,

We continue the depth of committed offerings for this time of Great Challenge and Opportunity that is presented through our need for continued Safe practices during this time of the coronavirus. Therefore, all in-person gatherings of the Boulder Morningstar Zen Center are cancelled through the unforeseeable future. THE BARN is closed for all weekly meditation practices and teaching opportunities, and our cancellations include all In-person retreats through November, 2020.

We WILL continue to offer ONLINE presence through the following offerings:

• Zazen practice

• Teisho

• Small group online dialogue

• The mid-week PAUSE

• Shambhala ONLINE Sesshin (Oct, 2020)

Roshi Sanchi Reta continues to offer online personal Dialogue at request. We will continue to create other learning opportunities as the time of the coronavirus continues. May we continue to practice deeply and to remember that we are awakening together! Please hold the Diamond of the Morningstar near to your heart: Love yourself and watch!

Yours in Dharma, Roshi Sanchi

To support our online offerings, please consider donating. Simply select the Donate button above.

Past Schedule

WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD

JANUARY 6, 2020 - March 21, 2020

TEISHO and practice

• SATURDAY January 11: OPENING PRACTICE PERIOD TEISHO

  9:00 - 11 am at THE BARN

  "In Praise of Loneliness"

  Saturday, January 11, 9:00 - 11:00 am.

• SATURDAY, January 25

  9:00 - 11 am at THE BARN

  (arrive at 8:45 to be seated)

• February 15, 29;  and March 21: SATURDAY morning practice, TEISHO, and MANDALA of ZEN with Roshi Sanchi Reta Lawler 

  9:00 - 11:00 am
  at The Barn
  Announcement will come soon as to ONLINE, LIVE availability for those who cannot attend Teisho at The Barn.

• ****Roshi Sanchi Reta will be guest speaker for THE MEDITATION PLACE Sunday morning practice on January 19.

  If interested, see address below under "STUDY GROUP". You may arrive at 8:55 to be seated for short zazen before Teisho begins at 9:30.

ZAZEN PRACTICE SCHEDULE

ZAZEN and KINHIN*

(*sitting practice and walking meditation)
MONDAY afternoons (each Monday afternoon)
3:30 - 5:00 pm
The Barn
1360 Sumac Avenue
Boulder, Colorado
(Arrive by 3:15 to be seated.)
(no practice March 10)

*sitting practice and walking meditation

WEDNESDAY morning WEEKLY online practice

7:00 - 7:30 am.
(no practice March 12)
ZOOM LINK: https://zoom.us/j/740725860
Please contact mariafbailey@gmail.com for assistance and information.

Everyone with a sincere desire to practice zen meditation is welcome. If you would like an introduction to the practice, please contact info@bouldermorningstarzencenter.com with your request. If you have previous zen practice experience, please join us at any time. Otherwise, take a LEAP and COME - we will welcome you with a brief introduction.

THURSDAY morning practice in Longmont
will resume in April.

EXTENDED PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES

• STUDY GROUP:  Wednesday evening,  February 5 and 19 6:30 - 8:00 pm. at THE MEDITATION PLACE, 324 Main Street, EAST ALLEY entrance.
  Announcement will come soon as to the focus of our Study and registration for the group. Requirement both evenings.

• BMZC WINTER SHAMBHALA SESSHIN:  March 8 - 13, 2020
  "OVERWHELMING OVERWHELMS OVERWHELMING" ~ Zen Master Dogen
  Join the BMZC sangha for this time-honored residential Sesshin at the beautiful SHAMBHALA MOUNTAIN CENTER at Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. 
  REGISTRATION no later than February 1, 2020.
  All inclusive fee: $1,360 (double) and $1,450 (single)
  Contact registrar Etsudo Sheri Coldwell (shericoldwell@att.net)
  for information, registration, and scholarship assistance.
  TAKE A LEAP!
  We are happy to announce that Onryu Ingrid Bamberg will be receiving TOKUDO, full ordination in the Order of the Morningstar, on Wednesday, March 11, 1:30 pm.

• Please contact Roshi Sanchi Reta for "Dialogue"
  (a 45 minute expression of sharing the heart of Practice together with Roshi).
  If you have not had a previous opportunity to work with Roshi, make your request through the BMZC web site.

** Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before each event. If you are needing instruction, contact the BMZC webmail to schedule a meeting to speak with Roshi Sanchi Reta.

**REMEMBER to consider the necessary support for those who so graciously offer their space for the Boulder Morningstar Practice. Suggested Donation is $5-10 for daily zazen practice, and $15 for Teisho mornings. Otherwise, everyone is ALWAYS welcome to join our practice regardless of capacity to support.

COME BE WITH US!

Thanks to everyone who has joined our practice!

And, thank you to our Friends at A PLACE TO SIT, THE BARN, and THE MEDITATION PLACE  who so graciously offers us this space to practice Dharma.

“All beings are flowers blooming in a blooming universe." - Soen Roshi