Light in the Darkness: New Moon & Solstice Candlelight Meditation
In darkness it is most bright. While hidden all the more manifest. — Hongzhi
One Zen koan invites: Everyone has their own light. When you try to look for it, it appears dark or dim, what is everyone’s light?
On these darkest nights of the year, we will explore meditating in the dark and by candlelight as we open to the wisdom of both the darkness and the light, and how they contain each other.
New Year's Eve Gathering and Ceremony
Another trip around the sun. We made it! Mud Lotus acknowledges this threshold-moment with embodied practices of stillness, appreciation, and letting go. Come together for an hour of meditation – immersing in the constant flow of transition, moment by moment. Then a shared ritual of welcoming, honoring, and releasing – freeing accumulated blockages and burdens, individual and collective, so love can move through. Felt and recognized with genuine compassion, rigidified troubles dissolve into the mystery. Then the full mandala can be embraced – always new, alive in action.
Formal ceremony will end at 9pm. Afterwards, for those who want to stay, there will be opportunities for magical play, divination, and general conviviality. Tarot cards and delicious snacks will be involved.
Mountains and Waters Sesshin: A Five-Day Residential Meditation Retreat
Mountains are high and wide. The movement of clouds and the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains. —Dogen Zenji, Mountains and Waters Sutra
During this silent, Zen-style retreat we will practice with the mountains and waters, opening to our own mountain-stability and the flowing nature of all experience.
Meditation provides the opportunity for intimacy with self and world, recognizing the interconnectedness of this very life. Healing and transformation happen as we abide in the mystery of who we truly are.
Bodhi Day Retreat: A Day of Meditation and Mindfulness
I together with all beings and the great earth, awaken! —The Buddha
Join us for a day of silent meditation and mindfulness at Spring Hollow Lodge in Sharon Woods Metro Park. We will explore the wonder of simply sitting, breathing and attending to the present moment. The practice of meditation and mindfulness reveal the clarity and openness of our original nature, allowing us to come back to our basic wholeness.
Rohatsu City Refuge Retreat
I, together with all beings and the Great Earth—awaken! —The Buddha
Join us for an extended schedule of meditation for the week of Rohatsu! Rohatsu in the Zen Buddhist tradition is celebrated during the first week of December and commemorates the Buddha’s enlightenment. Zen practitioners all over the world usually sit sesshin during this week.
At Mud Lotus we are offering an extended meditation schedule to add some of the elements of retreat practice to our daily lives.
Join us for all or some of the meditations this week. The week will culminate in a daylong meditation retreat on Saturday December 6 at Spring Hollow Lodge in Sharon Woods Metro Park.
Meditation Times at ILLIO Studios. You are welcome to join for all or part of a meditation session.
Mornings Tuesday through Friday 6:30A - 8A (coffee and tea will be available)
Evening Wednesday through Friday 7P - 9P, Thursday begins at 7:30P
New Moon Sound Healing: An Evening of Toning and Energy Practice
The body is a microcosm of nature’s fractal geometry, a vibrant ecosystem of awakening powers and potentials. Buddhist and yogic traditions have developed methods for playing the body like an instrument, allowing its energies to be released as free-flowing compassion.
This new moon event is an immersive evening of “toning” – the simple yet potent practice of vocalizing a single syllable and feeling its resonance in the energy-centers of the body. After a brief practical introduction, we will spend our time alternating between periods of in-unison toning and periods of sitting in the silent vibratory wake.
No performative singing ability or musicianship required.
What is Faith in America?
Join us for a morning of silent sitting and dharma with Zen Teacher Myōbun Esther Tishman of Buddha Eye Zen Community Temple in Eugene, Oregon.
5 Precepts Ceremony
Tonight in addition to our regular meditation session, we will have a ceremony of the Five Bodhisattva Precepts.
Join us and reconnect with your own vows for living a wise and compassionate life. The Precepts aid us in awakening Bodhicitta and invite us to appreciate our lives, recognize interconnection and to practice mindfulness and understanding.
All are welcome to attend!
Intro to Meditation Class
Are you interested in learning more about meditation? Join us for this free, drop-in class. We will go over the foundations of posture and explore different methods of meditation practice.
Hungry Ghost Ceremony
Calling all you hungry hearts
All the lost and the left behind
Gather round and share this meal
Your joy and your sorrow, I make it mine. --Kanromon
Join us for an evening of meditation and a ceremony to connect with, embrace and transmute the energy of the hungry ghost in our own hearts and in the world.
100 Demons Night Parade: An Evening of Meditation and Creativity Exploring Our Inner Monsters
The 18th century Zen master, Hakuin Ekaku, created a series of paintings known as “100 Demons,” --a practice of connecting with and depicting his inner demons, delusions and challenges in vivid images as the Hyakki Yagyō or "Night Parade of 100 Demons/Monsters" of Japanese folklore.
In this session, we will practice turning towards and meeting our own inner "demons"-- struggles, fears, and delusions. We will begin with a period of guided meditation to support us in recognizing, personifying and listening to one of our inner demons, we will then have the opportunity to give creative expression to our demons, monsters, fears, struggles and challenges through paper, marker, pen, crayon or pencil.
New Moon Sound Healing: An Evening of Toning and Energy Practice
The body is a microcosm of nature’s fractal geometry, a vibrant ecosystem of awakening powers and potentials. Buddhist and yogic traditions have developed methods for playing the body like an instrument, allowing its energies to be released as free-flowing compassion.
This new moon event is an immersive evening of “toning” – the simple yet potent practice of vocalizing a single syllable and feeling its resonance in the energy-centers of the body. After a brief practical introduction, we will spend our time alternating between periods of in-unison toning and periods of sitting in the silent vibratory wake.
No performative singing ability or musicianship required.
Silent Illumination Retreat: A Day of Meditation and Mindfulness
Silent and serene, forgetting words—bright clarity appears before you
When we reflect it we become vast
Where we embody it, we are spiritually uplifted. —Hongzhi
Join us for a day of silent meditation and mindfulness at Spring Hollow Lodge in Sharon Woods Metro Park. We will explore the wonder of simply sitting, breathing and attending to the present moment. The practice of meditation and mindfulness reveal the clarity and openness of our original nature, allowing us to come back to our basic wholeness.
Autumn Ango Practice Period: Cultivating the Empty Field
Ango is a word that translates as “peaceful dwelling” and is a period of focused practice. Traditionally practiced in monasteries, this Autumn Ango period is an opportunity to reflect on your practice intentions. As the earth darkens this Autumn we come together and renew our commitments to awakening, to living compassionately, to the practice of presence.
During this period at Mud Lotus we will be studying Cultivating the Empty Field by Zen Master Hongzhi.
New Moon/Solar Eclipse Sound Healing: A Vocal Toning and Embodied Koan Exploration
A practitioner asks their teacher: How is your health?
The teacher replies: Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha — Zen Koan
The body is a microcosm of nature’s fractal geometry, a vibrant ecosystem of awakening powers and potentials. Buddhist and yogic traditions have developed methods for playing the body like an instrument, allowing its energies to be released as free-flowing compassion.
This New Moon/Solar Eclipse event is an immersive evening of vocal toning— the simple yet potent practice of vocalizing a single syllable and feeling its resonance in the body— and embodied explorations of the solar and lunar energies in our bodies.
A Life Worth Living: Half Day Meditation Retreat
What makes a life worth living? Where do we find joy? What gives us meaning? These are questions we must each answer for ourselves through exploration and self-examination. Ultimately, though, there is nothing we need to achieve in order to have a good life—nothing worth striving for that we don’t already hold in abundance. Every life, even an “unexamined” one, is still worth living. As Suzuki Roshi taught, to practice the Dharma and to touch enlightenment is to see that "just to be alive is enough."
Join us for a half-day of meditation and mindfulness practice. Seth will offer a dharma talk and weather permitting we will do some outdoor walking meditation. The majority of the time will be spent in silent meditation.
Offered by-donation. Feel free to attend some or all of the event.
Anticipated schedule:
12:45A — arrive/set-up
1P — introductions
1:15P — seated meditation with some guidance
1:40P — posture adjustment/seated meditation
2:05P — slow walking meditation
2:15P — seated meditation
2:40P — dharma talk
3:10P — prepare for outdoor walking meditation at Wallaha
4P — return to ILLIO / seated meditation
4:30P — closing chant/snacks/sharing circle
5P — end
New Moon Sound Healing: An Evening of Toning and Energy Practice
The body is a microcosm of nature’s fractal geometry, a vibrant ecosystem of awakening powers and potentials. Buddhist and yogic traditions have developed methods for playing the body like an instrument, allowing its energies to be released as free-flowing compassion.
This new moon event is an immersive evening of “toning” – the simple yet potent practice of vocalizing a single syllable and feeling its resonance in the energy-centers of the body. After a brief practical introduction, we will spend our time alternating between periods of in-unison toning and periods of sitting in the silent vibratory wake.
No performative singing ability or musicianship required.
Intro to Meditation Class
Are you interested in learning more about meditation? Join us for this free, drop-in class. We will go over the foundations of posture and explore different methods of meditation practice.
Full Moon Sound Healing: An Evening of Toning and Energy Practice
The body is a microcosm of nature’s fractal geometry, a vibrant ecosystem of awakening powers and potentials. Buddhist and yogic traditions have developed methods for playing the body like an instrument, allowing its energies to be released as free-flowing compassion.
This solstice event is an immersive evening of “toning” – the simple yet potent practice of vocalizing a single syllable and feeling its resonance in the energy-centers of the body. After a brief practical introduction, we will spend our time alternating between periods of in-unison toning and periods of sitting in the silent vibratory wake.
No performative singing ability or musicianship required.
Interdependence Sesshin: A Five-Day Residential Meditation Retreat
Everything is interdependent. When we open up to interbeing, we’re opening up to our true nature. It can’t be grasped and it can’t be lost. Our true nature is boundless compassion, and it’s no different from the Buddha’s. —Thich Nhat Hanh
During this silent meditation retreat we will explore our interdependence.
This retreat will include about 8 hours of silent seated meditation, walking meditation, a daily dharma talk, opportunities to walk in the forest and sit outside, mindful eating, a mindful temple care-taking period and daily opportunities to meet with the teachers. During some of the meditation periods we will offer optional outdoor meditation sessions.
Summer Solstice Sound Healing: An Evening of Toning and Energy Practice
The body is a microcosm of nature’s fractal geometry, a vibrant ecosystem of awakening powers and potentials. Buddhist and yogic traditions have developed methods for playing the body like an instrument, allowing its energies to be released as free-flowing compassion.
This solstice event is an immersive evening of “toning” – the simple yet potent practice of vocalizing a single syllable and feeling its resonance in the energy-centers of the body. After a brief practical introduction, we will spend our time alternating between periods of in-unison toning and periods of sitting in the silent vibratory wake.
No performative singing ability or musicianship required.
The Circle of the Drum: Rhythm & Mindfulness
Where I come from we say that rhythm is the soul of life, because the whole universe revolves around rhythm; and when we get out of rhythm, that’s when we get into trouble. —Babatunde Olatunji
Drumming in community is medicine. This Mud Lotus Sangha community event will explore expression and awareness in an informal drum circle. This is a participatory experience, not a performance. No prior drumming experience necessary and dancing is also welcome. All ages. Bring instruments! Hand drums, hoop drums played with soft mallets, shakers, flutes, etc. Seth “Fossils” Josephson is a musician, DJ, and has over 20 years of meditation and drum circle experience.
Offered for free / by-donation. Donations of (vegan) snacks or (non-alcoholic) refreshments to share with the group are also welcome!
Love+Spaciousness: A Day of Meditation and Mindfulness
Join us for a day of silent meditation and mindfulness at Spring Hollow Lodge in Sharon Woods Metro Park. We will explore the wonder of simply sitting, breathing and attending to the present moment. The practice of meditation and mindfulness reveal the clarity and openness of our original nature, allowing us to come back to our basic wholeness.
This is a Dream: An Evening of Meditation, Dreams and Zen
This is the dream expressed within a dream, prior to all dreams.–Dogen Zenji
The Dharma teachings remind us to regard experience as dream. Could it be that our thoughts, ideas and views of separation–are as insubstantial as a dream?
During this evening we will explore the nature of experience through the lens of dream. The evening will include a dharma talk and teachings on dreams, meditation and zen, as well as guided and silent meditation.
![[CANCELED] Community Event: Goddess Tara Posture Trance](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6552de3357aa9957fb15daa7/1743716592341-K37PIVVRPKMF76LDHHLP/IMG_7850.jpeg)
[CANCELED] Community Event: Goddess Tara Posture Trance
EVENT CANCELED (a new date will be posted)
Founding Sangha-member, Susan Josephson, will be offering a “Goddess Tara Posture Trance” on Sunday April 13, 5-7 PM at COTSU (2350 Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio). Offered by donation.
”Goddess Tara (green Tara) is a Tibetan Buddhist deity. She arises from the lotus blossom sitting in the lake that formed from Avalokitesvara’s tears of compassion when he first beheld the scope of suffering in the world. Avalokitesvara is the Bodhisattva who reincarnates as the Dalai Lama. Goddess Tara is Avalokitesvara in female form. She is a fierce goddess who overcomes obstacles and saves us from physical and spiritual danger. She is the embodiment of wisdom and compassion who works for the welfare of all beings. She loves all creatures like a mother. She gives boons, protection, and helps clear up illusion. Come with an issue or question for the Goddess.”
-------------------
Dr. Susan Josephson (a retired philosophy professor) will be leading the trance session. For forty years, Susan has been leading Posture Trance sessions based on the work of her mother, the anthropologist and spiritual teacher Felicitas D. Goodman. See Susan’s books CALLING SPIRITS WITH POSTURE TRANCE, and PROPHESY, SPIRITS, TRANCE, A SHAMAN GUIDEBOOK, (both available through Amazon) to learn more about these trances and shamanistic spirituality.
-------------------
✹ Please arrive on time. The doors will be closed when the event begins. Avoid alcohol throughout the day. Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid wearing metal that touches the body (silver and gold are Ok.)
Intro to Meditation Class
Are you interested in learning more about meditation? Join us for this free, drop-in class. We will go over the foundations of posture and explore different methods of meditation practice.
Spring Blossoms: A Day of Meditation and Mindfulness
flowers are silent
silence is silent
the mind is a silent flower
the silent flower of the world opens —Ikkyu
Join us for a day of silent meditation and mindfulness at Spring Hollow Lodge in Sharon Woods Metro Park. We will explore the wonder of simply sitting, breathing and attending to the present moment. The practice of meditation and mindfulness reveal the clarity and openness of our original nature, allowing us to come back to our basic wholeness.
Intro to Meditation Class
Are you interested in learning more about meditation? Join us for this free, drop-in class. We will go over the foundations of posture and explore different methods of meditation practice.
Awakening the Heart: Half Day Loving Kindness Meditation Retreat
May I be free of suffering, harm, and disturbance.
May I accept things just as they are.
May I experience the world accepting me just as I am.
May I serve whatever arises.
Join us for an afternoon of Loving Kindness practice. The day will begin with a dharma talk on loving kindness and the four immeasureables (loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity). We will then explore the Four Immeasureables through guided and silent periods of seated meditation and walking meditation. The afternoon will end with vegan snacks, tea and a dharma discussion.
New Year’s Sangha Potluck and Social Gathering
Join us for a Sangha Potluck and Social Gathering. We will be reflecting on the past year and envisioning what we would like to do in 2025.
Please bring a dish to share!
16 Bodhisattva Precepts Class
The 16 Bodhisattva Precepts are the ethical teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism. Far from being a set of rules, they are living inquiries to help us live a compassionate, wise life. As we attempt to navigate the complexities of our own mind and emotions, our interpersonal relationships and the ways we participate in larger societal and social systems, the precepts can offer guidance, encouragement and even a sense of refuge.
The precepts, along with meditation and insight, make up the foundational practices of Zen Buddhism. Join us for this series of study and practice as we explore the ways compassion can take shape in our own thoughts, speech and actions.
This class will be offered as part of our normal Wednesday night meditation. We will begin with meditation and walking meditation. During the Dharma Talk and Discussion we will explore the precept theme of the week, reflecting on how each precept functions in our own lives.
Bodhi Day : Potluck + Enlightenment Meditation Vigil
I, together with all beings and the great earth, awaken! — the Buddha
Bodhi Day, or Rohatsu, is celebrated every December 8 in the Zen tradition, marking the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. To honor this, it is customary to sit zazen late into the night, chanting the Heart Sutra at midnight.
Breath is the Bridge
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.”
—Thich Nhat Hanh (The Miracle of Mindfulness)
Awareness of breath is often taught as the starting point for learning meditation. It is also an essential, ongoing practice that connects mind to body and connects oneself to the world.
Dharma discussion will be led by Seth Josephson, Ph.D. Cushions and chairs will be available, but you may bring your favorite seat for meditation if you would like. There will be tea and vegan snacks. All Mud Lotus Sangha events offered for free (monetary or other donations are welcome). Please join us to share this rich mediation practice in community!