Embodied Zen: Meditation’s Missing Link with Meido Moore Roshi

Meditation these days most often focuses on the mind, not the body and not the subtle energies of the body. This prevents us from getting a full sense of our human potential, and can rob us of the clarity that comes when we’re in touch with the whole of our immediate experience. 

The ancient Rinzai lineage of Zen preserves this wholeness. Rinzai meditation involves the body, mind, breath, and subtle energies of the whole person. This allows for an extremely direct practice that can revolutionize your direct experience of yourself.  

In this talk and practice session, author and Rinzai Zen master Meido Moore  Roshi – also a master teacher of traditional martial  arts – reveals these methods of working with the senses, the breath, and the body. Drawing upon secret oral instructions  transmitted in the Rinzai Zen lineage he will explain how a spirituality engaging our whole being is ignored only at great peril. And he will explain how we can regain the power that comes with an embodied existence. This talk is experiential, and participants will learn several simple practices that they can use immediately to dissolve anxiety, calm overactive thinking, and experience our intrinsic clarity.

The Purchase College Contemplative Studies Minor Program, Dao Collective, the Westchester Meditation Center and The Aligned Center welcome you to meet Meido Moore Roshi.

This public talk takes place in person and will also be livestreamed. Please sign up in advance to receive the livestream link.

Date: November 3, 2021

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 pm ET 

Location: The Aligned Center, 1 Bridge Street, Foundry Building Suite 64, Irvington, New York 10533

*In-person attendees will be asked to show proof of vaccination.*

Cost: Name-your-price, from free to $50 suggested ($0/$25/$50).

ABOUT MEIDO MOORE ROSHI

Meido Moore Roshi is the abbot of Korinji, a monastery in Wisconsin, and guiding teacher of the Korinji Rinzai Zen Community. He is the author of The Rinzai Zen Way: A Guide to Practice and Hidden Zen: Practices for Sudden Awakening and Embodied Realization (both from Shambhala Publications).

Meido Roshi began Zen practice in 1988 and trained under three teachers in the line of the great 20th century Rinzai master Omori Sogen Roshi: the late Tenzan Toyoda Rokoji, in whose training hall he resided for seven years while also enduring a severe training in traditional martial arts; Dogen Hosokawa Roshi (Omori Roshi’s main dharma heir), with whom he trained for fifteen years; and So’zan Miller Roshi, with whom he trained for three years. He has completed the koan curriculum of this lineage, and in 2008 received inka shomei or “mind seal”: recognition as an 86th-generation Zen lineage holder empowered to transmit the full range of Rinzai Zen practices. 

Aside from Zen, Meido is also ordained in the Mt. Koshikidake tradition of Shugendo and works to establish Shugendo practice places within natural areas in North America. For many years he was a professional martial art teacher; he is certified as a shihan (master-level teacher) by the Aikido World H.Q. in Tokyo. He travels widely, conducting retreats and other events across the United States and Europe.

ABOUT THE CONTEMPLATIVE STUDIES MINOR AT PURCHASE COLLEGE, SUNY

The Contemplative Studies Minor at Purchase College, SUNY, is dedicated to integrating the art and science of contemplative practices into academic work in order for students to develop self-knowledge, resilience, critical awareness, and positive social engagement. This experiential approach complements a rigorous interdisciplinary academic investigation and discussion of contemplative practices in the sciences, humanities, and arts. The minor is composed of courses already offered at Purchase, as well as the framework for faculty to develop courses dedicated to the minor. In addition, students can design an internship/independent study under the supervision of a Contemplative Studies advisor.

ABOUT THE DAO COLLECTIVE

The Dao Collective was founded by Dody Chang, L.Ac., and Doctor of Chinese Medicine, to share her favorite teachers – experts in the fields of East Asian Medicine and spiritual practices – with colleagues and friends.  I invite anyone with a heartfelt dedication to healing, learning, and inspiring others to join us. 

ABOUT THE WESTCHESTER MEDITATION CENTER

Formed in 2009, the Westchester Meditation Center (WMC), formerly the Westchester Buddhist Center (WBC), presents the teachings and meditation practices as transmitted by Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche, to friends and neighbors in Westchester County, New York.

In addition to dharma talks and meditation sessions, WMC offers in-depth, text-based courses, and periodically hosts visiting Buddhist teachers and other noteworthy speakers, movies and other celebratory events.

Today, WMC is led by Jane and Derek Kolleeny, and Gene Bobker.  We emphasize an experiential Buddhism, one focused on ordinary, daily life. New and seasoned practitioners of all traditions are welcome.