Frequently Asked
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PRACTICE SCHEDULE AT PALOLO ZEN CENTER |
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| Monday – Friday | Early morning formal zazen: 5:30-6:30am |
| Wednesday | 7:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Sunday | 9:00am – 11:00am |
| Monthly: Check the calendar | Samu Sunday: Zazen and work practice. |
| Orientation: Introduction to Zen practice. | |
| Either zazenkai (all day zazen) or sesshin (multiple days of zazen). | |
| Question and Response. Ask the teacher anything | |
Other Events:
- Quarterly Meetings: Sangha business meetings usually held on Sundays.
- Dharma Study: Opportunities to study aspects of the Dharma with visiting scholars and/or teachers.
- Social Events: Parties, picnics and fun together.
- Question and Response (Q & R): After zazen and dokusan, Michael Kieran or Kathy Ratliffe, our teachers, will respond to questions from Sangha members. Usually held monthly.
- Sutras: At the end of most blocks of zazen there is a service where we chant some sutras together.
- Ceremonies: Formal celebrations of significant events.
- Zoom Events: Our quarterly meetings are held on Zoom plus other occasional events. Out of town/state members are in the process of arranging more regular Zoom zazen and talks for folks from afar who can’t make it to the zendo in person.
OPPORTUNITIES TO INTENSIFY YOUR PRACTICE
Sesshin
Sesshin means to touch, receive, and convey the Buddha mind. Sesshin are 3, 5, 7, or 8 day periods of continuous intensive Zen practice. During sesshin, participants live at the temple and engage in a rigorous daily schedule from 4am – 9pm consisting of zazen, kinhin (walking Zen), dokusan (private meetings with the teacher), samu (work practice), sutra recitation, Dharma assembly (Zen presentation by the teacher), and formal ceremonial meals. Periodic sesshin along with regular daily zazen and samu are key elements of a vital Zen practice.
Zazenkai
Zazenkai are one-day Zen intensives held each month unless there is a sesshin that month. The schedule runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm with a lunch break. The day includes zazen, dokusan, and a Dharma talk by the Tanto (training leader) or Teacher.
Hiking Zazenkai
This is an all day (9am – 4pm) practice that includes zazen, kinhin or walking meditation, and a Dharma talk, held on a local trail.
Intensive Practice Periods
Intensive Practice Periods are approximately six weeks in length and feature many opportunities to intensify Zen practice. These include ceremonies, increased frequency of formal zazen and dokusan, plus dharma discussions, zazenkai and sesshin.
APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Please wear loose fitting, dark, solid-colored clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Please avoid wearing jewelry including watches (except for leaders) and do not use scents in the zendo. Cell phones should be silenced and left outside the zendo. We provide mats, cushions, benches, stools and anything else you are likely to need to do zazen with us, so you don’t need to bring any personal items. For your home practice there are many sources of zazen clothing, mats and cushions readily available on-line.
FOR QUESTIONS AND GUIDANCE
Teachers
Michael Kieran, Roshi is the primary teacher at the Palolo Zen Temple. He worked for many years with our founding teacher, Robert Aitken Roshi, and then, after Aitken Roshi’s retirement, with Nelson Foster. Michael was authorized to teach in 1999 and received full transmission from Nelson Foster in 2004. He regularly holds dokusan and sesshin throughout the year.
In 2021 Kathy Ratliffe was made a Dharma Guide and authorized by Michael Kieran to teach. Kathy started her Zen training in 1978 at the Rochester Zen Center. In 1983 she began working with Aitken Roshi and then, after Aitken Roshi’s retirement, with Nelson Foster and finally Michael Kieran. A Dharma Guide is a fully qualified Zen teacher who has not yet received full transmission.
Dokusan
Dokusan is a face-to-face encounter with the teacher. It is a chance for creative Dharma interaction and mutual deepening. It is the teacher’s intention to guide students in the Dharma in accordance with their purpose in practicing. Periodically during zazen you will hear the teacher’s bell calling and the student bell responding. If you have been doing zazen with us regularly and wish to explore the possibility of working with Michael or Kathy in dokusan, talk to one of the Tantos or teachers.
Tanto
Traditionally, the Tanto is the person who oversees training and practice matters in the zendo. Several people have been appointed Tanto by our teachers. Each month one of the Tantos serves as training leader. This individual serves as Tanto during regularly scheduled zazen, zazenkai and sesshin (zazen retreats) and sets the tenor of group practice. Tantos are available to answer your questions about practice or other matters. Subjects could include posture, breath practice, coping with pain and upset, training forms and ritual, recommended reading, practice outside the temple in daily life, and personal issues of many kinds. Feel free to contact any of them.
To contact a Teacher or Tanto call the temple office at (808) 735-1347 or email to info@diamondsangha.org
TEACHERS:
Michael Kieran, Roshi
Kathy Ratliffe
TANTOS:
Clark Ratliffe
Kendra Martyn
Bob Buss
RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITY
Experienced Zen students who wish to maintain an intensive practice while working outside the temple or attending school may apply for residency at the temple (2 months or more). Our Temple Keeper lives full time at the temple and coordinates its daily running. If you are interested, please read the Residential Guidelines before filling out the Residential Application. Both can be found here. If you have further questions, the Administrator (808-735-1347) will be able to help you.
MEMBERSHIP
Everyone is welcome and may participate in any of the temple’s activities. Members are those who have been practicing Zen with the Honolulu Diamond Sangha for at least 3 months and have filled out the membership declaration form in which they affirm that they consider the Honolulu Diamond Sangha their immediate Dharma home. Members agree to participate in its programs twice a month or more, on average. They also contribute financially. If you are unable to contribute, you may still be a member. Talk to the administrator for more information.