Book Study, Summer, 2025
Every summer we have a group book study at ZCOC. The purpose is to read and discuss a book together, after our regular sitting schedule, with emphasis upon its relationship to our own lives and practice.
The Work of This Moment by Toni Packer
(Shambhala, either 1990 or 2007 edition)
- We will read about 25 pages per session.
- If you cannot read everything, try to read whichever topics are of interest to you in the section we are discussing that evening.
Reading & Discussion Schedule:
Sun., July 13: p. ix to 27
Sun. July 20: p. 28 to 52
Sun., July 27: p. 53 to 72
Sun. Aug. 3: p. 73 to 99
For Reflection and Discussion Questions, see: Book Study Discussion Questions 2025
Program Schedule
5:00 to 5:30…..Zazen/meditation
5:30 to 5:40…..Walking meditation
5:40 to 6:10…..Zazen/meditation
6:10 to 6:20…..Walking meditation*
6:20 to 7:00…..Book Study
7:00 to 7:30…..Optional tea & social
*Those who do not wish to stay for Book Study may leave
Suggestions for Participation in the Book Study
You may choose to participate in the book study in a number of ways. The summer book study is designed to be flexible, so practitioners may come to all or some of the sessions. The chapters can “stand alone” and do not have to be read sequentially. If you are participating, please bring your book and place it under your mat in the Zendo.
Full: Do all readings in advance, prepare discussion questions or comments and participate actively in the discussion.
Part: If you are not able to do all of the reading, read what what you wish. You may wish to prepare comments which pertain to the sections you read. If you have not been able to do any reading for a particular evening, you may attend as usual, listen and participate as you wish.
What if I don’t want to participate? Please come to sit!
Practitioners who choose not to participate in the book study are encouraged to continue their practice as usual. You are welcome to come for Zazen, work practice, and individual instruction. You may leave after Zazen. If you wish, you may also attend the book study sessions, listen to the discussion, and stay for optional tea and social
Book Studies from Past Years
- 2024 Seeing One Thing Through: The Life and Teachings of Sojun Mel Weitsman by Sojun Mel Weitsman
- 2023 Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life & Practice by Charlotte Joko Beck
- 2022 Moon Blossoms: Reflections on the Spiritual Path by Virgie Luchsinger
- 2021 When you Greet Me, I Bow by Norman Fischer
- 2021 Nothing Special by Charlotte Joko Beck (additional book study in Jan. due to Covid)
- 2020 Taking Our Places: The Buddhist Path to Truly Growing Up By Norman Fischer
- 2019 Refining your Life by Dogen/Uchiyama
- 2018 Opening the Hand of Thought by Kosho Uchiyama
- 2017 What’s Wrong with Mindfulness (and what isn’t): Zen Perspectives ed. by Rosenbaum & Magid
- 2016 Seeds for a Boundless Life: Zen Teachings from the Heart by Zenkei Blanche Hartman
- 2015 Zen Questions by Dan Leighton
- 2014 Most Intimate: A Zen Approach to Life’s Challenges by Pat Enkyo O’Hara
- 2013 Ending the Pursuit of Happiness: A Zen Guide by Barry Magid
- 2012 Warm Smiles from Cold Mountains: Dharma Talks on Zen Meditation by Reb Anderson
- 2011 On Zen Practice: Body, Breath and Mind by Taizan Maezumi & Bernie Glassman
- 2010 How to Raise an Ox: Zen Practice as Taught in Master Dogen’s Shobogenzo by Francis Dojun Cook
- 2009 You Have To Say Something: Manifesting Zen Insight by Dainin Katagiri
- 2008 The Art of Just Sitting: Essential Writings on the Zen Practice of Shikantaza by John Daido Loori
- 2007 Mindful Politics: A Buddhist Guide to Making the World a Better Place edited by Melvin McLeod
- 2006 The Mind of Clover: Essays in Zen Buddhist Ethics by Robert Aitken
Earlier Book Studies:
- Everyday Zen: Love & Work by Charlotte Joko Beck
- Zen Keys by Thich Nhat Hanh
- Taking the Path of Zen by Robert Aitken
- The Wonder of Presence by Toni Packer