5 Thursdays from 6:45-8pm : Oct 22 - Nov 19, 2020
Taking refuge in the Triple Treasure of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha is a principal mainstay within all branches of Buddhism and Buddhist practice. Although this is reflected in our monthly full moon ceremonies as well as at the end of each day of practice when we chant the refuges in Pali, it is vital to reflect deeply on what it means for us: both as individuals as well as within the sangha.
What does Taking Refuge look like, what are we taking refuge in, why would we do it, and what does it mean for our practice in relation to our selves and all beings? What is it to *be* a refuge for others? Does one need to consider oneself a “Buddhist” to take refuge? What is the relationship between the refuges and the Bodhisattva precepts?We will be taking up these questions and more both within our Fall Practice Period in general, and in in greater depth during this 5-week online class with Rev. Mako Voelkel.
Program Fees: $75 members/$100 nonmembers
As always, AZC is committed to making the teachings available to everyone. To request financial assistance from our Scholarship Fund, or if you would like to donate to the Fund for others to be able to participate, please call AZC Administrator Julie Strahan at 512-452-5777.
Doshin Mako Voelkel began an early practice of transcendental meditation in 1986 but turned to Zen in 1997 when she began sitting at the San Francisco Zen Center. In 2002, she ended a Philosophy teaching position at City College of San Francisco to become a full-time monastic resident at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, where she lived and worked for ten years as a Zen student. Priest-ordained by Ryushin Paul Haller in 2004 and Shuso (Head Monk) in 2009, Mako served in many temple positions, including Work Leader, Head Cook, Fire Marshal, Head of the Meditation Hall and Director. In 2013 she came to the Austin Zen Center to serve as Head of Practice (Tanto), and became Head Teacher of Austin Zen Center in 2017. Mako received her Dharma Transmission from Ryushin Paul Haller in April 2019, establishing her as an independent Zen teacher and lineage holder.