* At Jikoji*

The Dance of Presence: A Tango Zen Workshop

Led by Karn Verma

Saturday, May 20th – 10am - 2:30pm

As we sit zazen in the zendo, sometimes, the room seems to come alive. We hear the crackling of the fire, someone breathes a sigh, outside a bird sings, a car passes on the freeway somewhere far, a thought comes from nowhere, and then someone shifts in their seat. A dance of sorts happens until the bell rings. 

As we dance tango, at a milonga, with many other dancers, sometimes, we notice the beat of the music slow down, there is a space between figures as they emerge to meet the rhythm, we notice suddenly the person dancing with us, breathing in and out. There seems to be a stillness present throughout, in the music and the movements. A stillness in friendship with the dance floor. 

This workshop invites practitioners of zen to experience the stillness in movement, and the practitioners of tango, or dance of any kind, to experience the dance in stillness. Or maybe beginners in both, to experience both, as we attempt this Dance of Presence. 

 Program

 10:00 - Welcome Tea

 10:30 - Tango 

 11:15 - Zazen 

 11:45 - Tango 

 12:30 - Lunch 

 1:30  -  Social Dancing

 2:30  -  Close 

Note: Gentle tango movements, suitable for all ages, will be taught and done barefoot in the zendo. 

REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL! PLEASE FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM TO BE ADDED TO OUR WAIT LIST.

About the Instructor: 

Karn discovered Jikoji back in October of 2016, and found himself returning for most Sunday programs and Sesshins for the next seven years. He first heard about The Way one year earlier on the Wikipedia page about Shakyamuni Buddha, which immediately inspired a trip to Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar and Lumbini in December of 2015. Karn practices ceremonial tea, Chanoyu, with Gerow Reece, and strives to learn from all Jikoji teachers and Sangha members. Recently, he found his Beginner's Mind slipping into Calligraphy also thanks to Gerow. Learn about his dance background here: https://www.feelingflow.org/instructor

Please email or call (408-741-9562) for more information.