IJI | Inner Justice Intensive is a 7 day residential intensive offered in the Summer season that is modeled after the traditional Zen ‘sesshin.’ The rigorous IJI schedule (5am-10pm) is an amalgam of all of our core practices integrated with transformative practice, periods of study, work practice, and daily newDharma talks given by guiding Teacher, rev. angel Kyodo williams.
IJI Guidelines
At IJI, we separate ourselves from our daily affairs and sink deeply into the question, “What is my essential nature?” In these special training circumstances we are free to devote ourselves entirely to the practice of Presence, being in relationship to one’s life, moment-to-moment, as it unfolds.
At IJI, we are free to be true to our hearts. We are free to transcend the background chatter of our busy, superficial minds, and to see into our own nature. After we have made this realization, IJI offers us the chance to make great progress in growing up so that we may offer up our gifts in service towards a more just, sustainable, and equitable world, on behalf of all Beings.
The forms and procedures which follow are designed to establish an optimum setting for deep practice for everyone attending the IJI, a structure which supports each of us in giving full attention to the matter at hand. At the same time, internalizing the guidelines, and practicing them mindfully, creates an environment for the entire group which fosters and expresses our deepest aspirations.
There is a lot to remember. It is all right to make mistakes. You will find that you will pick it up as the IJI continues. Just practice with sincerity. If you have heard all this before, please listen carefully again with beginner’s mind.
The three essentials of social silence observed during IJI:
l. Don’t talk or whisper.
2. Don’t look around.
3. Don’t greet people or make gestures.
These guidelines are designed to free you of everyday concerns and make it easier to keep your practice-attention and awareness in everything that you do.