The traditional practise of eating with traditional monk’s bowls is a wonderful part of sesshin . If you would like to incorporate oyoki into your home sesshin, Joko Claire Talbot and Nin-en Susan Elbe will guide you. If you would like to borrow an oyoki set from the Mountain Rain supply, you can pick up a set before or after Wednesday or Sunday practice, even if you are not signed up to attend in person. Please request on the form below.

Oryoki, the practise of “just enough”, is also an expression of the six paramitas. 

·        We experience the generosity of the natural elements, the farmers and the cooks that created the food.

·        We practise ethical conduct in considering the beings harmed in the production of our food or how it can become a substance for intoxication, clouding our awareness.

·        Patience is practised as we carefully perform all of the chants and steps of a ritual instead of diving into our meal.

·        With the food we consume, our body and mind are supported in the joyful effort of sesshin.

·        Slowing down to focus on the food before us and the effort that went into it, we cultivate meditative awareness.

·        Wisdom arises as we open our awareness, finding that food, eating and the oryoki ritual are all one undivided dharma. 

We invite you to enjoy another way to practise the paramitas as part of your sesshin experience.

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