Special Events

December 4, 2011 Visit and Talk by Dr. Alan Gettis

Dr. Alan Gettis, a clinical psychologist, visited Clear Mountain Zendo during zazen on Sunday, December 4, 2011 to discuss his book "It's All Part of the Dance: Finding Joy and Meaning in an Upside Down World". "It's Part of the Dance" is a collection of parable-like stories, myths, and anecdotes dealing with complex human issues. It combines Zen wisdom, cognitive behavioral therapy, spirituality, and the new paradigm of positive psychology so as to challenge us to find true happiness. The Clear Mountain sangha expresses its thanks for an interesting and incisive presentation by Dr. Gettis.
 

Zen For Youth

Jeff Kuschner, Densu, has designed and arranged to host an elective seminar regarding Zen and other Eastern forms of spiritual practice for 6th grade youth attending the Montclair Cooperative School. The first seminar went from March through June, 2011, and was taught by both Jeff and Sensei Carl Bachmann. Future seminars are anticipated.

We hope to expand this outreach to local youth, possibly at other schools in the vicinity if interest develops.
 

Study Circle for Autumn

Our Autumn study circle will focus on "Bring Me The Rhinoceros", a book by John Tarrant regarding Zen koans and their relevance to the lives we live. Tarrant suggests using koans as "a way to approach happiness by unbuilding, unmaking, tossing overboard and generally subverting unhappiness". Our sangha holds a practice circle during the 4th sitting period (from 10:30 to 11:00 am on Sundays), usually twice each month.