Some jobs, like bringing a reading or treats to share during tea, organizing social events, and suggesting Dharma films or Rochester Zen Center teishos (or subject matter for teisho) can be done by anyone in the sangha. However, work practice volunteering promotes greater familiarity with Louisville Zen Center forms and customs while encouraging a thorough-going solidity in one's own meditation practice.
A representative from the Center is available to give a public talk on Zen Buddhism, meditation and mindfulness, or to conduct the Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop at your school, church, club, work place, etc.
Residential Zen Training
Louisville Zen Center sangha may participate in residential training at Rochester Zen Center (RZC). Under the guidance of RZC's Spiritual Co-directors and their senior students, residential training is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the disciplined atmosphere of semi-monastic Zen training - which includes meditation sessions, group and individual instructions and other guidance, Zen talks, chanting, and work practice - for a shorter or longer period of time.
Louisville Zen Center operates as much as possible on the Buddhist principle of dana (or giving). Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the functioning of the Center, refine one's meditation practice, and feel more connected to the sangha (community).
Louisville Zen Center