Transmission ceremony for Guiding Teacher Ken Kessel, JDPSN

This past weekend, on April 1st, a transmission ceremony was held for our Guiding Teacher Ken Kessel, JDPSN, in recognition of a several decades-long commitment to teaching, practice, service, and immense compassion for all beings. After transmission, Ken Kessel received the name and title of Zen Master Jok Um. When asked for some words for our local sangha, he responded: Thank you to everyone for your commitment to practice. There is no transmission and nothing to transmit without Sangha, and when sangha prajna is strong, transmission occurs with everyone by itself. When you look at each other, see each other’s mind light first always, and wisdom will also come forward from your own true nature. When you practice together, allow yourself to trust the fullness of your own mind light; it’s already there, so trying to find it and trying to make it diffuses your energy. If you trust this as you trust your own breath and beating heart, then you have a good guide. Hope to see you again before too long. In the Dharma, Jok Um

Half-day Retreat Saturday, February 25th

Since moving to the Gainesville Shambhala Center, monthly half-day retreats will now occur on the last Saturday of each month. The address to the new location is: 1899 NE 23rd Avenue Gainesville, FL 32698 Half-day Retreat Schedule 10:00am – 10:15am Morning Bell Chant 10:15am – 10:40am Sitting Zen 10:40am – 10:50am Walking meditation 10:50am – 11:20am Sitting Zen 11:20am – 11:30am Walking meditation 11:30am – 12:00pm Sitting Zen 12:30pm – 1:00pm Potluck lunch (please feel free to bring a vegetarian dish) 1:00pm – 1:30pm Break 1:30pm – 2:00pm Dharma discussion 2:00pm – 2:30pm Sitting Zen 2:30pm – 2:45pm Closing chanting Circle talk 2:45pm – 3:00pm Attendance is free, but donations are gratefully appreciated. Please feel free to arrive and depart as needed. Call 352-614-0512 with any questions. If you are a beginner or newcomer, please feel free to arrive anytime between 9:30am – 9:45am for a brief introduction.

New location and practice time

Beginning on Monday, January 2nd, the Gateless Gate Zen Center will be moving evening practice to a new location, and also beginning practice at a new time.  Practice will be held every Monday evening from 6:30pm – 8:00pm.  Beginners and newcomers are always welcome and may arrive early for a brief introduction to Zen practice and meditation.  The address to the new location is: 1899 NE 23rd Avenue Gainesville, FL 32609 Please do not hesitate to call 352-614-0512 with any questions.  

Monthly Long Sit

Buddha

Monthly Half-day Retreat

A half-day retreat is held on the last Saturday of every month.  Beginners and newcomers are always welcome and are encouraged to arrive between 9:30am – 9:45am for a brief introduction to Zen practice.  Attendance is free, but donations are gratefully appreciated.  Please feel free to arrive or depart as needed.

Current Practice Schedule as of March 2016

Monday Evening Practice

 Location: Gainesville Retreat Center
 6:45pm - 8:15pm
 Beginners and newcomers always welcome.

If you would like a brief introduction to Zen 
meditation and practice, please arrive 
15 - 30 minutes before practice begins.
Monthly Long Sit
 Location: Gainesville Retreat Center
 First Sunday of Every Month
 10am - 3pm
 Please feel free to come and go as you need.

Hope to sit with you all soon and be well.

February Long Sit

The long sit for the month of February will be held on Sunday, February 21 from 10am – 3pm.  Due to retreat in progress at the Gainesville Retreat Center, the long sit will not be held at the GRC.  Please call 803-260-7077 or email gateless.gate.zen.center@gmail.com for alternate directions to the long sit. Newcomers and beginners are always welcome to arrive early for a brief introduction to Zen meditation and practice.  And please feel free to come and go as needed.