An Introduction to Zen Training Through Clay

Our style of Zen training is highly physical. We work hard to develop use of our breath and awareness of how our body responds to gravity. We pay particular attention to development of the hara, a Japanese word that refers to the sense of power and energy that rests in the lower abdomen for a body that is properly relaxed. We find that working with clay – the kneading, the centering on a wheel – is effective in this hara development and that development is the purpose of this workshop.

When

We’ll start with dinner at 6 pm on May 17 and we’ll finish after lunch on May 19.

Where

Spring Green Dojo, Spring Green, Wisconsin.

Cost

Food and lodging at the Dojo are covered by a donation. Meals are hearty but mostly vegetarian. Lodging at the Dojo is rustic, namely a sleeping bag on the floor or a cot, use of an outhouse, and bathing in an outdoor wood-fired bath. If you would like something more comfortable, we highly recommend the Silver Star Inn (www.silverstarinn.com) - four miles away from the Dojo.

There is an equipment/ supply fee of $55 to cover cost of clay and a hara belt.

IF you would like to fire your pieces in the Dojo’s wood-fired anagama kiln, there is a $20 fee per load in the electric kiln for a bisque firing. And there is an expectation of at least one 4-hour shift of labor during the anagama kiln firing.

Schedule

Our day starts with Zen meditation at 5:30 am and ends at 9:00 pm. In between will be a range of training activities, including lots of time with clay. And there will be time to relax. We expect that you are in reasonable physical condition.

Instructor

Scott Kiel

Contact

To reserve a space or for more information, email Gordon Greene: gmgreene@wisconsinzen.org.