Zen In Ireland

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Winter Solstice Zazen Day 16 Nov 2024

On Saturday, December 21st, we’ll have a short Zazen Day at Earth+Sky Zen. All welcome, see poster for details. The suggested donation is €25.

Medieval Chanting workshop at An Tairseach 15 Nov 2024

A life-long friend, Eilish Butler, is offering a Medieval Chanting workshop at An Tairseach, the Wicklow Ecology Centre, December 7th - 8th, based on the life and work of Hildegard Von Bingen

Imbolc Sesshin 14 Nov 2024

Our first sesshin of the New Year will be held at An Tairseach, Feb. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, at the St. Brigid’s Day bank holiday weekend, the ancient festival of Imbolg. More info. later! Meanwhile, Save the Date!

Stillness at Samhain 2024 27 Sep 2024

Join us at Hallowe’en for a non-residential retreat at Earth +Sky Zen Dublin Dojo, Oct. 25th - 28th. Send an email for programme costs & info.

Autumnal Equinox Zazen Day September 15 30 Aug 2024

On Sunday September 15th, join us for a day of zazen, samu and discussion to re-set the season!

We’ll begin at 7:30am until after lunch, then we will take the opportunity to talk about the upcoming months of participation in practice together.

Summer Arrangements at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 29 Jul 2024

We are closed for the Lúnasa Sesshin and summer break. The dojo will re-open for the normal zazen schedule on Sunday evening, Sepember 1st.

Lúnasa Sesshin 2024 at Wicklow Ecology Centre 09 Jun 2024

The Earth+Sky Lúnasa Sesshin this year will be held at An Tairseach, Wicklow Ecology Centre, from July 25th to 29th.

Send an email for more information and registration details.

Bealtaine Sesshin - a Path to Practice 13 Apr 2024

At the May bank holiday weekend, Earth+Sky Zen will host a Zazen Day on Saturday, May 4th, and a Sewing Day on Sunday, May 5th. This is an opportunity for people to learn about sewing a rakasu, or to continue to sew one that they have already started. Sewing a rakasu is one aspect of preparing to receive Jukai - also known as ‘becoming a bodhisattva’, and ‘taking the precepts’. The dharma talk on Saturday will outline the process in more detail.

A Day of Stillness at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo, Sunday March 24th 10 Mar 2024

Join us for a day of stillness at the Dublin Dojo, 6:30am to 6:30pm on Sunday, 24th March, to mark the Vernal Equinox 2024. It’s possible to join at breaks between zazens, but attendance for the whole day is encouraged. Breakfast and lunch is included. Suggested donation €25.

Joint Sesshin Grey Heron Zendo and Earth+Sky Zen 07 Feb 2024

Earth+Sky Zen with Grey Heron Zendo will host a sesshin on the first weekend in March at the Dominican Retreat Centre, Tallaght, from Friday evening March 1st to Sunday after lunch, March 3rd. Send an email for more information and if you wish to join us.

Programme of Events at Earth+Sky Zen 2024 04 Feb 2024

Our programme of events for 2024 can be viewed in PDF format here. The next event is a joint sesshin with Grey Heron Zendo to be held at the Dominican Retreat Centre in Tallaght, March 1st to 3rd. Followed by a Zazen Day in the Dublin Dojo to mark the Vernal Equinox on Sunday March 24th. Send an email to join us or for more info.

Zazen Schedule Changes at Earth+Sky 09 Jan 2024

Morning zazen at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo is now at 7:30am, Monday thru’ Thursday, and at 6:15pm on Wednesdays and Sunday evenings.

Imbolc Sesshin 09 Jan 2024

Earth+Sky Zen will host the Imbolc Sesshin from January 26th to 28th, 2024, at An Tairseach, Wicklow Ecology Centre.

The sesshin will be led by Mary Soshin, a Zen Teacher in the White Plum Asanga.

For more information and if you would like to join us, please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com

Stillness at Samhain: Halloween Zen Sesshin Oct 28 - 30 at Wicklow Ecology Centre 29 Sep 2023

This year Earth+Sky Zen will host the Halloween Sesshin at An Tairseach, the Ecology Centre in Wicklow town, www.antairseach.ie

The sesshin will be led by Mary Soshin Laheen Sensei, a Zen Teacher in the White Plum Asanga and Dharma Successor of Robert Kennedy Roshi.

For more info, and to register send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com

Re-balance, Re-connect, at an Afternoon of Zazen, Sunday 24th September 17 Sep 2023

We are approaching the autumnal equinox - a time of balance between day and night everywhere on Earth -. 

The traditional wisdom of humankind offers various ways to re-connect with ourselves, with each other and, with the natural world. The wholehearted and embodied practice of zazen is one of these ways. We invite you to join us in an afternoon of zazen practice on Sunday, Sept. 24th, from 3pm – 7:30pm

Sitting in stillness together, we re-connect and re-balance body and mind.

Send an email if you would like to join us.

Sunday, Sept 3rd: Re-opening of Dublin Dojo after Summer Break 26 Aug 2023

After an intense summer of sesshin, practice, work, & connection with family and friends, Earth+Sky Zen at the Dublin Dojo will open again on Sunday, September 3rd for in-person and online sitting. 

Morning zazen, at 7am Monday thru’ Thursday, will be available on zoom as well as in person.

Sunday evenings at 6:15pm and Wednesday evenings at 7:15pm will be in-person only.

Beginners and newcomers are welcome on Sundays at 5:30pm for an Introduction to Zen Practice.

Summer Arrangements at Earth + Sky Zen 11 Jul 2023

The Dublin dojo will close for in-person sitting, during the up-coming sesshins in Aran and Tallaght, on July 20th and afterwards for our annual summer break until Sunday, September 3rd. Online morning sitting will continue until July 27th.

Arrangements for the Week of May 14th 03 May 2023

The dojo will be closed for morning zazen during the week of May 14th to May 21st, (online and in person).

In-person evening zazen on Sundays and Wednesday will be available at the Dublin dojo, but not online.

Bealtaine Weekend at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 07 Apr 2023

Announcing the Bealtaine Weekend when we will have a Sewing Day and a Zazen Day on Saturday April 29th and Sunday April 30th. The Sewing Day will be led by Joan Sansen, and the Zazen Day by Mary Soshin. Send us an email if you would like to come along.

Some changes to the schedule around St. Patrick's Day 12 Mar 2023

On Wednesday morning, March 15th, zazen will be offered online only, there will be no in-person morning zazen, otherwise the dojo will be open at the normal times.

The dojo will close for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend; so no zazen on Sunday evening, March 19th, or Monday morning, March 20th. In-person and online zazen will recommence after the weekend on Tuesday morning at 7:00am.

Spring Equinox 2023 at Earth + Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 11 Mar 2023

There will be a Zazen Day on Sunday, March 26th to mark the Spring Equinox, beginning at 9am and ending around 6pm. See the programme for more information and send an email if you would like to join us.

March Events at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 12 Feb 2023

March 4th: Zazen Day / Short Sesshin with Grey Heron Sangha

Venue and details to be confirmed.

March 11th and 12th: A Weekend Meditative Brush-Painting Retreat. Oriental Brush Painting / Sumie Workshop - Bamboo -

with Yingge Xu and Mary Soshin Laheen, for information see

https://www.artofthebrush.ie/post/oriental-brush-painting-sumie-workshop-bamboo

March 26th: Vernal Equinox Zazen Day at the Dublin Dojo

Sunday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, in-person only. For more information, send us an email.

Wednesday Evening Zazen at Dublin Dojo 11 Feb 2023

Evening Zazen on Wednesdays will start at 7:15pm, instead of 6:15pm until further notice. All other times remain the same

Brigid Sesshin at Earth+Sky Zen 27 Jan 2023

The first sesshin of the new year will be held on the new bank holiday in honour of Saint Brigid, goddess of Spring. Starting Saturday evening, Feb. 4th at 8pm in the Dublin Dojo, continuing through Sunday and ending on Monday morning after zazen. All welcome, in person or online. Please send an email for registration details.

Happy New Year! 08 Jan 2023

Happy New Year to all!

The Dublin dojo is open again for the full schedule of in-person sitting, Monday through Thursday at 7am to 8:10am, Wednesday and Sunday evenings from 6:15pm - 7:20pm. These sittings are also available online.

If you wish to join online, please send an email for the link.

Winter Solstice Sesshin 2022 at the Dublin Dojo 20 Nov 2022

We will celebrate the Winter Solstice this year with a short sesshin beginning on Saturday evening, December 17th at 8pm and ending after morning zazen on Monday, December 19th. All are welcome to this in-person and online sesshin. If you wish to join please send us an email for further information.

Zazen Afternoon for Beginners, Sunday November 6th 26 Oct 2022

This is an opportunity for beginners who would like to experience zen practice in a group.

Arrival at 4pm, quick introduction to zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (meditative walking) at 4.15pm.

The first part finishes at 5.30pm with a circle of discussion and a chance to ask questions.

You are then welcome to stay for our regular Sunday evening zazen programme 6.15 – 7.30pm.

To register, send an email and offer a donation of €10.

Autumnal Equinox Sesshin at Earth+Sky Dublin dojo 14 Sep 2022

Starting on Saturday evening, September 24th, there will be an in-person and online sesshin led by Roshi Robert Kennedy and Mary Laheen Sensei at the Dublin Dojo. The sesshin will run through Sunday and end after zazen on Monday morning.

Suggested donation: €50 in-person, €25 online.

If you would like to join us or need more information drop us a line by email.

Zen Mind in East Asian Calligraphy with Yingge Xu 22 Aug 2022

With the artist and calligrapher, Yingge Xu, we are offering an online Calligraphy Course for six weeks starting Saturday morning, September 17th. You can find out more about it and register at this link:

https://www.artofthebrush.ie/post/the-zen-mind-in-east-asian-calligraphy—shodo

Annual Earth+Sky Sesshin on the Aran Islands 15 Jun 2022

The annual Earth+Sky Sesshin this year will begin on Saturday, July 30th, and end on Saturday, August 6th. This is the first week of the sesshin and will be led by Mary Soshin Laheen. The following week will be led by Alain Tainan Liebmann, beginning August 6th and ending August 13th. For further information please email zen.in.ireland @gmail.com

Mid-summer Zazen Night June 18th 06 Jun 2022

A Mid-summer Zazen Night at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo will be offered online starting June 18th at 8pm and ending the following morning around 7pm. Please send an email for the zoom link and password.

Easter Arrangements at Earth + Sky Zen 13 Apr 2022

We will take a break from online and in-person zazen at the Dublin Dojo, during the Easter break. The next zazen will be on Wednesday morning, April 20th, at 7 00 am.

Bealtaine Sesshin at Earth + Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 13 Apr 2022

The Bealtaine Sesshin will start Friday evening, April 29th, and end on Monday morning, May 2nd, after morning zazen. There will be a Sewing Day and Zazen Day led by Maddie E Shin Parisio. The sesshin will be an in-person event at the Dublin Dojo, and will also be provided online, except for the sewing part. For more information and details about the online link, send us an email.

Spring Equinox Sesshin 2022 March 25-27 01 Mar 2022

At Earth + Sky Zen we have joined with the Grey Heron Zendo to host the Spring Equinox Sesshin this year, it will begin Friday, March 25th at 7pm and end on Sunday, March 27th, after lunch. This is an in-person sesshin to be held at the Dominican Retreat Centre in Tallaght, it will also be offered online. Send an email for zoom link and more information.

Lá Fhéile Bríde & Imbolc Sesshin at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 28 Jan 2022

This weekend we will mark the beginning of Spring with a short Sesshin starting on Saturday evening, January 29th at 8pm, and ending after morning zazen on Monday, January 31st.

The online sesshin format will be the same as that of our zoom retreats together these last couple of years, but it will be also be possible for a small group to sit together in-person at the Dublin Dojo.

Please send an email if you would like to join us online or in person.

Happy New Year! 15 Jan 2022

Áthbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir!

From Tuesday January 4th, we have begun to zoom zazen again from Earth + Sky at the Dublin dojo. The physical dojo will remain closed until the end of January.

Please contact us by email if you would like to join us online.

Despite the uncertainty that the pandemic brings we continue to plan practice events with our friends at Galway Zen Dojo, and the Grey Heron Sangha.

Our programme of events for the year includes two weeks of sesshin on the Aran Islands in August. Alain Liebmann will join us for the second week. Roshi Kennedy will come to Ireland at the end of August for a sesshin with Grey Heron Sangha, and will spend the month of September with us at Earth + Sky.

We look forward to practicing with you all in 2022!

Christmas Arrangements at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 24 Dec 2021

The dojo will close for Christmas, re-opening on Tuesday morning, January 4th, for zazen at 7am. This will also be available online. Send an email if you would like to join us.

Happy Christmas All!!

Samhain Sesshin 2021 at Dublin Dojo 07 Oct 2021

The Galway and Dublin Sanghas will hold the Hallowe’en Sesshin in the Dublin Dojo, as due to current circumstances it’s not possible to be at Esker, Athenry this year. The sesshin will begin at 8pm on Friday evening, Oct. 29th and end after morning zazen on Monday, November 1st. It will be a non-residential sesshin and also offered on line. Send us an email if you would like to join.

Autumnal Equinox Sesshin Programme 11 Sep 2021

Autumnal Equinox Sesshin Day at Earth+Sky Zen 10 Sep 2021

The ‘season of mellow fruitfulness’ is almost here, the turning of the season from Summer to Autumn will happen this year on Wednesday September 22nd. It’s a good time to sit still for a while! All are welcome to join us for the Autumnal Equinox Sesshin, starting Saturday 18th at 8pm, and ending after morning zazen on Monday, 20th September. If you want to come in person please send us an email in advance so that we can arrange everything.

Re-opening Dublin Dojo 06 Sep 2021

Earth+Sky Zen at the Dublin Dojo has opened again for a full schedule of zazen practice, having been closed for 18 months due to the pandemic. All welcome! Please contact us by email before coming as we must comply with government guidelines for Covid.

Zazen Night at Midsummer 10 Jun 2021

On Saturday, June 19, Earth + Sky Zen will host a Zazen Night on Zoom, starting at 8pm and ending at 6:30am on Sunday morning. We catch a few hours sleep at midnight. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the experience of the shortest (almost) night of the year!

All are welcome. Send us an email if you would like to join, and for information about the zoom link and password.

Poster here

Bealtaine Sesshin at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin 19 Apr 2021

Our next sesshin will start on Lá Bealtaine, Saturday May 1st, at 8pm, and end on Monday morning, May 3rd, after zazen.

All welcome. Contact us for zoom details.

poster here

Winter Solstice Sesshin at Earth + Sky Zen 12 Dec 2020

There will be a Winter Solstice Sesshin starting on Saturday evening, December 19th and ending on Monday, December 21st after morning zazen.

This sesshin will be offered on the zoom platform by Earth + Sky Zen.

If you would like to join us, please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com for the passcode.

The zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89834251202

Poster Here

Introduction to Zen Practice 29 Oct 2020

There will be an introduction to zen practice for beginners on Sunday, November 8th, at 4pm via zoom. Please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com for zoom link and password, if you would like to join.

Halloween Sesshin (on zoom) 29 Oct 2020

The annual Halloween Sesshin will be held on zoom this year, starting on Friday evening, October 30th, at 8pm and ending on Sunday, November 1st, at lunchtime. All welcome. Please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com for zoom link and password.

Zazen Day Sunday, September 20th 03 Sep 2020

There will be a Zazen Day at Earth + Sky Zen Dublin Dojo on Sunday, September 20th, starting at 7am and finishing at 5pm. This will be zoomed. If you wish to join us please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com for timetable, link, and password.

Annual Summer Sesshin July 25th - August 1st 25 Aug 2020

The Annual Summer Sesshin scheduled for July 25th until August 1st will now be held via zoom, by Earth+Sky Zen at the Dublin Dojo. For the timetable, link and password, please email zen.in.ireland@gmail.com

From August 1st to 8th, a physical sesshin will take place on the Aran Islands, numbers are limited to 10 people.

Zazen Night on Mid-summer's Eve 24 Aug 2020

We’re having a Zazen Night on Mid-summer’s Eve, via zoom. It will begin at 8pm on Saturday June 20th, until 11:30pm. Then we take a few hours sleep and begin again at 4:30am on Sunday June 21st. until about 7am. If you would like to join us please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com for the timetable, link and password.

Zazen Day on Sunday, May 31st at Earth + Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 23 Aug 2020

There will be a Zazen Day next weekend, starting on Saturday evening at 7 00 - 8 00 pm and beginning again on Sunday morning, at 5 30am. Everyone is welcome to join via zoom link, for part or all of the evening and day, as your home situation allows. Email zen.in.ireland@gmail.com for the link, password and timetable.

Zazen Day on Sunday May 3rd 22 Aug 2020

We will have a Zazen Day on Sunday, May 3rd, at Earth + Sky Zen. The day will begin at 9am, until 5pm. Everyone is welcome to join via zoom, and come to the sittings as your home situation allows. We’ll send a zoom invitation and timetable of zazen sittings closer to the time. Send an email to zen.in.ireland@ gmail.com for more information.

Zoom Zazen at Earth+Sky Dublin Dojo 21 Aug 2020

Due to current circumstances we are making zazen available via zoom at the previously scheduled times:

For access: Morning Zazen, Monday through Thursday at 7:00 am (join about 5 or 10 minutes beforehand) URL: https://zoom.us/j/311126395

Evening Zazen, on Sundays & Wednesdays at 6:15 pm (join about 5 or 10 minutes beforehand) URL: https://zoom.us/j/161736844

If you would like to join and sit with us, please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com and we will send you the password.

Remember to turn off your microphone before you log on to avoid feedback noise.

Easter Weekend Arrangements at Earth+Sky 08 Aug 2020

Earth+Sky Zen Dojo Dublin will take a break from zooming zazen over the holiday weekend, which means no zoom zazen on Sunday evening and Monday morning. We’ll be back zooming for Tuesday morning zazen, and will see you then!

Temporary Closure at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin Dojo 05 Aug 2020

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, the dojo will close temporarily in the interests of ‘social distancing’. We want to act in solidarity with everyone in the effort to delay the transmission of the virus, so that vulnerable groups are protected as much as possible.

During this time of isolation you can join us for zazen through zoom, here are the links:

Morning Zazen, Monday through Thursday at 7:00 am (join about 10 minutes beforehand) URL: https://zoom.us/j/311126395

Evening Zazen, on Sundays & Wednesdays at 6:15 pm (join about 10 minutes beforehand) URL: https://zoom.us/j/161736844

Remember to turn off your microphone during zazen so that there is less feedback noise

Zazen Day, March 1st at Earth+Sky Zen, Dublin Dojo 01 Mar 2020

There will be a Zazen Day on Sunday, March 1st at the Dublin Dojo. It begins at 11am and ends at 7:30pm. As well as zazen practice there will be samu - cleaning the dojo -, a dharma talk (teisho) and some Tai Chi movements. Organic vegetarian lunch will be served. Suggested donation €25/€20. All welcome! Send an email to confirm your place.

Zazen Day in Dublin Dojo - Sunday February 2nd 27 Jan 2020

There will be Zazen Days at the Dublin Dojo on Sunday, February 2nd led by Mary Soshin Laheen.

It will begin at 11am and end around 7:30pm after Sunday evening zazen. Organic vegetarian lunch is provided. In the afternoon we clean the dojo, sometimes we do T’ai Chi exercises in between zazen. There is a short dharma talk / teisho. Daisan (a one to one meeting) is offered if people wish to participate.

We accept donations to help cover costs. €20 donation for the day is suggested. No one should stay away for lack of funds.

If you wish to attend, please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com

Zazen Days at Earth+Sky Zen Dublin 04 Jan 2020

There will be Zazen Days at the Dublin Dojo on Sunday, February 2nd, March 1st, March 29th, April 26th, May 24th, June 21st, and July 19th. The days are led by Mary Soshin Laheen.

Zazen Days begin at 11am and end around 7:30pm after Sunday evening zazen. Organic vegetarian lunch is provided. In the afternoon we clean the dojo, sometimes we do T’ai Chi exercises in between zazen. There is a short dharma talk / teisho. Daisan (a one to one meeting) is offered if people wish to participate.

We accept donations to help cover costs. €20 donation for the day is suggested. No one should stay away for lack of funds.

If you wish to attend, please send an email to zen.in.ireland@gmail.com

Solstice Zazen Day at Earth+Sky Zen, Dublin Dojo 22 Dec 2019

There will be a Zazen Day on Sunday, December 22nd, starting at 11am and finishing at 6: 45pm. The day will be led by Mary Soshin Laheen. Mary is a teacher in the White Plum (Maezumi) Lineage, she recently received dharma transmission from Robert Kennedy Roshi. Sensai Mary will offer Daisan (one to one meetings about zazen practice) in the afternoon.

Organic vegetarian lunch will be provided as usual. There will be a Christmas Get-together after the last zazen. Suggested donation €20 or €15 (unwaged). No one should stay away for lack of funds.

After the Zazen Day the dojo will close until January 6th, except for NEW YEAR’S EVE ZAZEN from 8pm til midnight.

Zazen Day - Dublin - November 24th 24 Nov 2019

There will be a Zazen Day at Earth+Sky Dojo on Sunday, November 24th.

Email zen.in.ireland@gmail.com to confirm your place.

Starts at 11am and ends at 7:30pm. Attending for part of the day is fine but please contact us first.

There will be 4 sessions of meditation, each consisting of 30 minutes of sitting meditation, 5 minutes of walking meditation and 30 minutes of sitting meditation.

Vegetarian and organic lunch provided at 1pm

Afternoon tea and informal discussion at 5pm.

Suggested donation €20, concession €15; no one should stay away for lack of funds.

A typical schedule for one of our Zazen days can been seen on this timetable

Sunday Oct. 20th & Tuesday Oct. 22nd - Zazen Cancelled 08 Oct 2019

There will no be zazen on Sunday evening October 20th, or Tuesday morning October 22nd, due to a Zen Ceremony taking place on Monday. Otherwise, the schedule is as normal.

Please note that, as usual, there will be no zazen on Sunday, October 27th or Monday 28th due to the Bank Holiday

Zazen Day - Dublin - September 29th 29 Sep 2019

There will be a Zazen Day at Earth+Sky Dojo, Dublin on Sunday, September 29.

Starts at 11am and ends at 7:30pm.

Vegetarian and organic lunch provided.

Suggested donation €20, concession €15; no one should stay away for lack of funds.

A typical schedule for one of our Zazen days can been seen on this timetable

Summer Holiday Schedule for the Dublin Dojo 01 Aug 2019

Morning Zazen will continue as normal, for the summer.

There will be no evening zazen on Wednesdays and Sundays for the month of August or the first week of September.

The next evening zazen will be on Sunday, September 8, at 6:15pm, when the normal schedule will resume.