SPECIAL EVENTS
December 20 - Chado: Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration
Please join Atsumi Soatsu Matsuda at Studio Hum from 2pm - 4pm for a Chado demonstration in the Urasenke tradition. For those who are new to meditation practice, tea ceremony can be a path to entering the larger universe of Zen and its arts by offering an incisive opportunity to express the mind of Zen in everyday activity. Matcha green tea will be served along with tea sweets.
A suggested donation of $5 - $20 is appreciated.
December 31 - New Year’s Sit & Fusatsu (Renewal of Vows Ceremony)
The zendo will be open for zazen starting at 7pm, and at 10pm we will participate in the Fusatsu (Renewal of Vows) Ceremony & Dharma Talk streamed from Zen Mountain Monastery. This is one of the most beautiful liturgy services we do in the MRO. We’ll sit till midnight and mark the new year with 108 strikes of our large sound bowl, followed by chanting the Metta Sutta as everyone is invited to offer incense.
Please feel welcome to drop in as you are able, and bring some snacks!
January 18 - Eye Opening Ceremony & Dharma Talk with Shugen Roshi
As we begin this new year, please join in an ancient Buddhist ceremony to consecrate our Budhha image in the Blue Plum Zendo at Studio Hum, followed by a Dharma Talk with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold Roshi.
Shugen Roshi is the Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery in the Catskill Mountains of NY, and is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order of Zen Buddhism. Shugen entered full-time residential training in 1986 after studying mathematics and receiving a degree in classical music. He received dharma transmission from John Daido Loori, Roshi in 1997. Originally from Atlanta, GA, he moved with his family to western NC when he was young. We are looking forward to this auspicious homecoming here in our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains.
A suggested donation of $5 - $20 is appreciated.
RECURRING PROGRAMS
Sunday Morning Zazen
Join us for tea, liturgy and 2 periods of zazen (meditation), followed by a dharma talk streamed live from Zen Mountain Monastery. Those attending for the first time will be given beginning instruction in zazen and a brief orientation to zen practice.
9:00 AM - Settle in and have some tea
9:30 AM - Liturgy service
9:45AM - Two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation)
11AM - noon - Dharma talk livestream from Zen Mountain Monastery
A suggested donation of $3-$5 is appreciated.
Registration is not required. Please double check out studio calendar before coming to verify there are no changes in the usual Sunday meeting schedule.
Weekday Zazen
Join us for 2 periods of zazen. Those attending for the first time will be given beginning instruction in zazen and a brief orientation to zen practice.
WEDNESDAYS
6:30pm - 7:30pm Two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation) followed by brief evening liturgy
THURSDAYS
8:30am - 9:45am Two periods of zazen (seated meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation) followed by morning liturgy.
A suggested donation of $3-$5 is appreciated.
Registration is not required. Please double check out studio calendar before coming to verify there are no changes in the usual weekday meeting schedule.
Tea Ceremony Practice
Tea Ceremony practice with Kiho in the Urasenke style. For those who are new to meditation practice, tea ceremony can be a path to entering the larger universe of Zen and its arts by offering an incisive opportunity to express the mind of Zen in everyday activity. Matcha green tea will be served along with tea sweets.
No experience necessary. Bring white socks!
Suggested donation $5-20
Registration encouraged but drop-ins welcome
Meraki Movement Studio Dance Classes
Meraki Movement is dedicated to bringing adults movement that inspires their inner child to feel freedom again. We believe that every BODY has a dance able body. Through various cultural art forms, we bring movement in a body positive environment that supports whatever your physical or mental goals are.
Offering Fitness, Fusion, and Belly dance classes, we have a various courses that we hope will fit your NEW movement adventures!
One Earth, One Refuge: Community Meditation at Founder’s Park
Join local individuals and organizations as we sit in harmony with each other and with nature in the midst of social and ecological crises, to transform our suffering and extend loving-kindness to all beings.
PLEASE NOTE: there are no more outdoor sessions this year - stay tuned for more nature based gatherings in 2026!
One Earth, One Refuge: Craftivism + Ecosattva Workshops at Studio Hum
Learn, create, and share as we create prayer flags to fly at our public meditations, and explore ways to act with wisdom and compassion for our earth and each other.
A suggested donation of $5-20 is appreciated. Donate here: square.link/u/8X2DYlpC
PLEASE NOTE: there are no more Craftivism sessions this year - stay tuned for more arts gatherings in 2026!
Community Acupuncture
Linda Tipton, L.Ac will be offering affordable community acupuncture services in the Zendo every other Sunday evening of each month.