with Jokai Blackwell Roshi
Saturday, May 25th
9:00AM - 3:00PM
In Person
About the Retreat
“Concerning the Way, there will be no difficulty, if only you dislike being picky.”
The Xinxin Ming, is a classic writing of the Golden Age of Ch'an (original Zen). This remarkable text has been cherished and studied in the Ch’an Zen school for more than a thousand years. Together, let’s bring this text to life, experiencing its relevance, richness, and depth through shared study.
“Like the original nature of the universe, your nature is perfectly complete -
nothing lacking and nothing in excess.”
The Xinxin Ming can be translated as "Faith in Mind," or "Trust Your Heart.” This pivotal writing serves as a testament and encouragement towards the direct experience of enlightenment, the enduring truth that Shakyamuni Buddha realized under the Bodhi Tree.
“If you misunderstand oneness, you’ll be frustrated by duality.”
Drawing heavily upon Taoist understanding and terminology, it introduces the Buddhist way of awakening, expressed in a subtle and precise form. We will look at pivotal lines contained within this ancient inscription and explore how we can realize its essential meaning in our meditation and our everyday lives. A copy of the text will be provided to registered participants before the class. This class is suitable for beginners, as well as experienced meditators.
“Everything has more than one side to it, and good comes from considering that.”
Schedule
9:00am – Welcome and Introductions
9:10am – Opening Meditation (posture, breathing, mind)
9:35am – Walking Meditation
9:40am – Meditation (choiceless awareness)
10:00am – Dharma Talk on the text Trust Your Heart
10:45am – Tea Break
11:00am – Meditation
11.25am - Discussion, questions, and comments on the text
12:00pm – Lunch Break
1:00pm – Sitting Meditation
1:25pm – Walking Meditation
1:30pm – Dharma Talk - Trust Your Heart (continued)
2:15pm – Sitting Meditation
2:30pm – Reflections and Sharing
3:00pm – Metta Chant and Closing
Cost
The class is being offered for $55. For our Sustaining Members, we are offering the class at a discounted rate of $45.
If you cannot afford the full fee, choose “Reduced Fee” on the registration form below and please let us know in the comments field what you can afford. Volunteers at our events are always appreciated.
If you can contribute additional funds, your contributions help keep our services available, compensate teachers and staff, and make classes available for those who cannot afford them.
1. Register
Please make sure to register in order to be added to the roster. To do so, click the button below, fill out the form and submit. If you cannot afford the full fee, choose “Reduced Fee” on the registration form and please let us know in the comments field what you can afford.
2. Payment
Please make sure to register above prior to submitting your payment. If you chose “Reduced Fee,” do not pay at this time and we will reach out to you with details. To sign up as a Sustaining Member and receive the discounted rate, click here.
Pay With Venmo: Venmo username: @LBMeditation. Last 4-digits 2827
Pay via Zelle: Send to payments@longbeachmeditation.org
Send checks or money orders to:
Long Beach Meditation, 375 Redondo Ave. #178, Long Beach, CA 90814
3. In-Person Information
We meet in the Gabrielson Chapel of Bay Shore Church on The Toledo and Granada Ave in Belmont Shore. The Chapel is ADA Accessible.
Bay Shore Church
5100 E. The Toledo
Long Beach, CA 90803
The doors will close promptly at the start of the session. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to make tea if you prefer and get settled. Upon entry we ask that you silence your devices. If you arrive after the start of the session, please gently knock and we will open the door for you.
Parking: There is a free lot across Granada Ave. Parking passes will be available at event check-in. Street parking is also available. Please observe all parking signs.
Equipment: We have different styles of zafus (firm sitting cushions), zabutons (floor mats), benches and comfortable chairs on hand. You may also bring your own sitting equipment.
Lunch: Please bring your own light lunch to the event. We will have access to a refrigerator. Cold and hot water, as well as snacks will be provided.
Please: Do not wear scented perfumes and fragrances. Kindly turn off your cell phone for the duration of the event.
Questions: Email us at info@longbeachmeditation.org
Jokai Blackwell Roshi
Guiding Teacher
Jokai@longbeachmeditation.org
Jokai Blackwell Roshi relocated to California from the UK in 2000 to study with Tenshin Fletcher Roshi at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center. After completing formal study, encompassing over a decade of residential training, he received Dharma Transmission in the White Plum Lineage of Zen in 2014. As a newly minted teacher, Jokai felt moved to bring the heart of realization into the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Having previously visited as a guest teacher on several occasions, he accepted the role of Guiding Teacher at Long Beach Meditation in the summer of 2018. He received Inka, the final seal of certification in Zen, in 2022. Jokai emphasizes the direct experience of awakening using contemporary language and time-honored methods. He continues to live, work, and teach in Southern California.