Practice
Schedule
Our weekly schedule and programs.
Weekly Schedule
Programs
Our programs are smaller gatherings within the sangha, each a different doorway into practice. Most meet weekly. See details on each below.
Inquiry
Inquiry is a practice of direct encounter: someone brings a real question from their life, and a teacher meets it in front of the sangha. The form goes back to the Buddha, who answered questions from disciples, villagers and kings in open assembly. We sit together in silence, witness each exchange with support and compassion, and often find our own question answered in someone else's.
Contact: Appamada Teachers
Depth in Practice
For over fifteens years, this practice circle has gathered on Monday evenings to read challenging, profound Dharma books together, from the Buddha to teachers like Dale Wright, Joanna Macy and Norman Fischer. We take turns reading one paragraph at a time and pause to talk about what it means for practice, so there's no rush to finish. Drop in anytime; if you don't have the book, we're happy to share.
Contact: Kim Mosley
Zazen & Sharing
A midday pause at the start of the week: we sit zazen together, then open the circle so each person can share what's alive in their practice and their life. There's nothing to fix and no advice to give, only listening and being heard. It's a gentle way to stay close to the sangha from wherever you are.
Contact: Joel Barna or Ellen Hippard
Women in Zen
Women in Zen studies and honors the many contributions women have made to Buddhism, from the first women ordained by the Buddha to teachers like Joko Beck and Joan Halifax. It's more than a study group, and the conversations are lively. By reading the wisdom of our ancient sisters, which was very nearly lost, we help make sure women's voices are heard now and in the future.
Contact: Genève Gil or Rosemarie Gates
Sewing Buddha's Robe
Stitch by stitch, participants sew a rakusu, the small version of the Buddha's robe worn by those who have received the precepts, repeating the sewing mantra namu kie butsu: here I plunge my life into Buddha. Ann Lipscomb serves as Appamada’s sewing teacher, and together it becomes a quiet, embodied way of preparing for jukai. Sewing is open to those who have received the Precepts with a teacher's permission, so please reach out before you begin.
Contact: Appamada Teachers