Retreat practice and study in Soto Zen Buddhism. This is a yearly program which operates on a trimester basis of 5, 5, 5 weeks. Each trimester is highlighted with a 7-day retreat during Easter, August and November. A full enrolment is 15 units.
Program
Main Course C ushers students into intensive practice, study and ryo training at Bendoho retreats, a form of Zen monastic community practice, emphasizing Zen Master Dogen’s method of practices and teachings within his major work Shobogenzo, The Treasure House of the Eye of True Teaching. There he said:
To reach the Truth, one cuts oneself off from using the spoken word and lets the intellective function die out. This is because going beyond words and going beyond intellect are how one reaches the Truth, since having words and having thoughts is entirely different from the Truth.
– from Ango On Summer Retreat (Page 857)
Students are encouraged to have a long term vision, commit- ment and plan when they pursue Course C study. Anyone can apply to attend a Jikishoan Zen retreat. However, for formal entry and enrolment into the Main Course C program, in addition to their application, students are required to have an interview with Ekai Osho for their Individual Training Plan (ITP).
Curriculum
Course Work Strategy:
- IBS Year Planner
- Dokusan/Tutorial
- Individual Training Plan (ITP)
- Report Writing
Retreat Training
- Monasticism in lay life
- Ino Ryo – Zendo
- Shu Ryo – Base study
- Shika/Jiroku – Admin
- Tenzo Ryo – Kitchen
- Yaku Ryo – Personnel