This will be a Zen Pratice session devoted to the sewing and repairing of kesas and rakusus to be led by Zen Nun Françoise Kosen Laurent .

Rakusus are garments which are presented to people when they receive Bodhisattva ordination (also known as jukai or receiving the precepts) as well as monk or nun ordination (a rakusu is a 5-band kesa worn around the neck).  Additionally, monks and nuns are presented with a 7 band kesa  at their ordination.  In our tradition, we usually make these garments ourselves

On Friday and Saturday there will be zazen before breakfast and after supper with 2 periods of sewing in between. On Sunday we will have a half day of zazen, lunch and then samu before going home.

Led by:  Zen Nun Françoise Kosen Laurent. Françoise has been sewing kesas since 1976, the year that she received nun ordination from Master Taisen Deshimaru.  She regularly leads kesa sewing sesshins at our head temple, La Gendronniere and at various dojos in Europe.  Françoise will help those who want to repair, continue to sew, or start a new kesa or rakusu.

Start:

Thursday, 26th September at about 6pm to eat at about 8pm

Finish:

Sunday 30th September after lunch and samu (around 2.30pm)

Location:

Bilberry Hill Centre, Rose Hill, Birmingham, B45 8RT

The Bilberry Hill Centre is located on the outskirts of Birmingham, within walking distance of the delightful 500 acre Lickey Hills country park.  Being close (but not too close) to Britain’s central city makes it easily accessible for everyone.  There is a variety of accommodation at the centre, including some single rooms.

How to get there: The nearest train stations are Barnt Green and Longbridge.  Bus number 63 leaves every 15 to 30 minutes from Birmingham city centre stopping at Rednal, Local taxis are Roundabout Cars 0121 453 1313 and Gold’n’Black Taxis 0121 453 4949.

Bring:

Everything you need for zazen and your personal needs.  Also bring your sewing things if you have any.  If you are repairing a kesa/rakusu try to bring thread of the colour already used and if there is a tear, matching cloth.  thread, needles and cloth will be available to buy.  If you are bringing your own cloth to make a rakusu or kesa for ordination, please bring black, unless told otherwise by the godo who is ordaining you.  It’s best if you wash the cloth before hand.

Cost:

Friends of IZAUK:  recommended £125, low-waged £100, unwaged £80
Non-members:  recommended £140, low-waged £115, unwaged £90

You will receive a £5 discount if you send a £25 deposit with your booking slip which should be returned BEFORE the 15th September.

To Register:

Please return the booking slip to:  Alan Smith, Manchester Zen Dojo, Mill Street Venture Centre, 491 Mill Street, Manchester, M11 2AD

Enquiries: Maddie Parisio.  01603 743 911  Or E-Mail Maddie Here