The New Members Series (NMS)
“New Members Series” is a series of four classes normally offered on the first Saturday of each month and can be taken in any order. The series is offered twice a year: Feb-May and Aug-Nov. NMS is open to all members and has no fee. Pre-registration.
The NMS class schedule runs:
8:15 a.m. Registration in Sangha House
8:30 a.m. Service in Buddha Hall
9:00 a.m. Zazen with Dokusan/ Interview
11:00 a.m. Class with the instructor (except for NMS #2, which starts at 10:30 a.m.)

NMS 1: Forms of Practice This class covers the forms of practice at ZCLA, including a review of the basics of zazen and the postures of the body, breath, and mind; the practices of breathing, shikan taza, and koan; zendo procedures; the role of dokusan/interview; the teacher-student relationship and circle practice at ZCLA. Class ends with a recitation of the Fukanzazengi. Class materials: Fukanzazengi and The Zendo (ZCLA Bulletin #2).

NMS 2: Service, Liturgy and Lineage This class covers our temple and teaching lineage. Included is a discussion of how service is conducted at ZCLA, the role of ritual and ceremony, our practice of linking service to events in the world, the sick list, monthly memorial service, rites of passage services for the Sangha (baby blessings, weddings, funerals, etc.), and a description of the Gate of Sweet Nectar service. The class does a service together. Also included is Buddha Hall protocol. Note that this class starts at 10:30 a.m. Text: ZCLA sutra book.

NMS 3: Everyday Life as Practice This class explores the Three Treasures and Precepts as a point of reference in everyday life activities, including work, family, relationships, and ordinary life tasks. The main point is the inherent practicality of the teachings. Materials: Precepts (Day of Reflection document).

NMS 4: ZCLA’s Organizational Mandala This class looks into the evolving organizational structure of ZCLA. We will discuss Shared Stewardship, the Center’s organizational mandala (the Five Buddha Families’ perspective and its components), ZCLA’s Mission and Vision statements, Core Values, and the decision-making structure of ZCLA. Materials: ZCLA Mandala, the Mission and Vision statements, the Core Values document.