There are a number of small sitting groups within several hours of Sanshin, and we make resources available to them to help support their practice. Formal affiliation with Sanshin or Soto Zen is not necessary; we simply want to offer what we can to these small groups of wholehearted practitioners, which may be practicing without a teacher, a formal organization or a dedicated facility.
If your group would like to make use of any the resources listed below, please e-mail us.
Visits and dharma talks by Hoko or other ordained practitioners
Sanshin's vice abbot is available for dharma talks, classroom presentations, workshops, retreats/sesshin and more; please see this page. One of our other ordained practitioners can also visit your group, offer a dharma talk, have a discussion with group members and offer general guidance about practice issues.
One-day retreats at Sanshin just for your group
Pile your group into cars and head for Bloomington! We can arrange a day of practice just for you that includes your preferred activities on your own schedule, or we can suggest a plan for the day based on our experience with similar events. We can even put you up for the night in our dorm facility if you wish.
Workshops and resources on chanting services
If your group's activities include liturgy, or you would like to add it to your regular schedule, we'll be happy to provide training for those ringing bells and leading chanting. Whether you need a tune-up or a start-from-scratch session, we can help service leaders feel comfortable in their roles and provide information that will help your group understand and appreciate the liturgy. Assistance with short, basic Japanese services is available as well as services in English.
Other assistance by request
Is your group considering how to organize practice, planning a special practice event, or working on a new program initiative? Sanshin might be able to help you think through your options. Contact us with questions.
If your group would like to make use of any the resources listed below, please e-mail us.
Visits and dharma talks by Hoko or other ordained practitioners
Sanshin's vice abbot is available for dharma talks, classroom presentations, workshops, retreats/sesshin and more; please see this page. One of our other ordained practitioners can also visit your group, offer a dharma talk, have a discussion with group members and offer general guidance about practice issues.
One-day retreats at Sanshin just for your group
Pile your group into cars and head for Bloomington! We can arrange a day of practice just for you that includes your preferred activities on your own schedule, or we can suggest a plan for the day based on our experience with similar events. We can even put you up for the night in our dorm facility if you wish.
Workshops and resources on chanting services
If your group's activities include liturgy, or you would like to add it to your regular schedule, we'll be happy to provide training for those ringing bells and leading chanting. Whether you need a tune-up or a start-from-scratch session, we can help service leaders feel comfortable in their roles and provide information that will help your group understand and appreciate the liturgy. Assistance with short, basic Japanese services is available as well as services in English.
Other assistance by request
Is your group considering how to organize practice, planning a special practice event, or working on a new program initiative? Sanshin might be able to help you think through your options. Contact us with questions.