Vinnie Piazza

The monthly Zazenkai
at the Williamsburg Zen Center

Each month I look forward to attending the zazenkai offered to the Sangha by Genshu at the Williamsburg Zen Center. This particular meditation is a monthly event that starts at 4:00 A.M. and ends at 7:00 P.M. on a Sunday chosen by Genshu. There have been as many as seven participants, all disciplined at meditation, or zazen.

The day's schedule is a duplicate of any given day of a traditional Zen Dai-Sesshin that usually lasts seven days. The uniqueness of the zazenkai is that we are in a Dai-Sesshin for one day where we can gain clarity and peace of mind. In a busy and hectic life where we seldom have time to stop moving or stop chasing our thoughts and desires, it has a calming and quieting effect on our body and mind.

We sit in meditation for twenty-five minutes and rest at our seats for five minutes. After two sitting periods we do walking meditation, or kinhin, on the roof deck for about ten or fifteen minutes. This is a refreshing change. The fresh air and exercise is awakening and loosens the stiff muscles, preparing us to return to the zendo and zazen. As in sesshin, we are provided with three delicious and well-planned meals that I look forward to with keen appreciation, after three hours of sitting meditation. They are prepared and cooked by Genshu's wife Maureen.

Dai-Sesshin is a rare event to attend, even for experienced meditators. It usually takes place in a country or mountain environment many hours from the city by car or airplane. A zazenkai of the type that Genshu offers in Brooklyn, available by a short commute from home, is a special and rare happening. Attending the zazenkai is not difficult even for those new to this practice, because of the structure and strength of the meditation. The zazenkai provides a wonderful opportunity for each of us to help ourselves. I thank Genshu for his generosity and Zen practice.

Best wishes,
Vinnie Piazza