We will answer some of the most commonly asked questions by people new to Zen Center of Pittsburgh.
Where do I begin?
Newcomers are encouraged to come to an orientation Introduction to Zen s before joining our schedule. Please check our schedule before paying a visit. We offer introductory sessions with a suggested donation of $15. Once you have had the orientation, come to Deep Spring Temple for our Sunday morning practice. Arrive early and ask for help if you feel unsure. All periods of Zazen are open to everyone.
Fundamental to Soto Zen training is the recognition that one’s practice and Awakening are not separate.
Zen Students should consider these important aspects of Zen Practice as guiding principles in their life
Zazen and Sesshin
Finding a way in the midst of a busy life to include Zazen as an abiding practice can serve to enhance our sense of well-being but also challenge us to put the Teaching in front us; the Path as our own life.
Working with a teacher
Our teaching is rooted in Lineage and is transmitted face-to-face , mind-to-mind fro Teacher to student. Zen students are encouraged to meet with the Head Teacher for Practice instruction. It is the student’s responsibility to request meetings with the teacher at least on quarterly and/or during Sesshin and/or formal Practice Periods.
Working with the community
Maintaining the Zen Center inside and out is the responsibility of each person who participates in Zen Center activities. Working with others, we create the Sangha, the Buddhist community.
Temple Life and Zen Training
Temple Life is designed to bring Realization to the forefront of our life through the rhythm and pace of a consistent daily schedule of Zazen, Sutra study, Temple duties and Community service. For those considering Ordination setting a time aside for this is required. For most of us with busy lives a period of time, however short it may be, to commit to resident Practice life can be a life enriching experience.
In either case discuss this possibility with the Head Teacher if interested.
Who is the teacher there?
Kotoku Ray Crivello is the Head Priest, a Zen Priest in the Soto Zen tradition in the Lineage of Gengo Akiba Roshi. His Zen studies began in his late teens as a temple resident at the New York Zendo Shobo-ji, in the Rinzai tradition under the Abbotship of Soen Nakagawa Roshi from 1970-1975. In 1976, Kotoku relocated to San Francisco where he lived and practiced at San Francisco Zen Center including two years of practice study at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, until 1983. Later, he established a home practice until becoming Akiba Roshi’s disciple in the late 1990’s. Kotoku was ordained in 2004 by Akiba Roshi at his home Temple, Kojin-an in Oakland, California.
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How can I find out about activities at Zen Center?
Subscribe to our e-mail list here.
What do I wear?
Wear subdued clothing, appropriate for the activity (bluejeans don’t work well). No shorts, tanktops, or tights are permitted in the Zendo. Please do not wear strong scents.
How do I find Zen Center?
Deep Spring Temple is on a secluded lane in the hills above Sewickley, about 30 minutes from downtown. You can see a map and get driving directions here.
What does it cost?
In Buddhism we have a concept of “Dana” which means the teaching is offered freely to all while trusting those receiving the teaching will also be generous in their offerings. We are often asked what that means. We have “suggested donations” listed for classes and retreats but most of our support comes from pledges. A common pledge level is “an hour/week for Zen Center”, in which one’s hourly wage is used as the basis for weekly pledges. We are deeply grateful for your generosity. Find out more about supporting the Zen Center of Pittsburgh.