ASU ZEN SOCIETY
The ASU Zen Society is a small group of students at Appalachian State University who meet once a week to practice Zen Buddhist meditation, inspired but not limited by the Soto Zen tradition of Japanese and Californian fame. We face the wall and practice what is called "zazen" in Japanese, or "zuo chan" in Chinese; but this practice has not yet established a uniquely American name. When we sit, no money is involved whatsoever with any aspect of the practice. Neither are there special clothes to be worn, or foreign languages to chant.
The character above means "chan" in Chinese, or "zen" in Japanese. It has been selected as the main character in our fliers that are posted around campus, and now on our webpage, out of deference and homage to the long tradition of this unique tradition in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Although credit must be given to this long line of practitioners, we in the West must be on guard against idealizing these ancient cultures, or being caught up in what lies on the surface of the traditions. Although after sitting meditation, we may read short quotes from various sources, these quotes are not to be worshipped as answers to everything we face in life. The idea is not to solve the unfathomable, or to pretend as if we hold the answers to the mystery of existence. Instead, the task at hand is to be in the mystery fully, a path that heads nowhere and yet leads us right here, right now.
So please feel free to come and join us, every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00pm. We meet in front of the Rich Mountain Room in the Student Union, on the third floor. Anyone, regardless of race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or age is sincerely welcome to visit and attend. We only suggest that you may bring a small pillow for support during the meditation. Curious? Then come. Experience our meetings for yourself. The Way is right in front of you, and has no fees or requirements. Taking the first step is entirely up to you.
If there are any questions, please call Daniel at (828) 265-3028, or email at [email protected]. May all beings travel the Way to freedom from suffering, realizing their inherent wisdom.
Still curious? Here are some suggested readings, free of charge, brought by the miracle of the Internet. Please explore and enjoy.
