Fraternal Order of the Great Lights / Jizo-An Zen Community / The Zen Society

### Context Profile for Fraternal Order of the Great Lights / Jizo-An Zen Community / The Zen Society

#### 1. Organization Mission & Cause
The Jizo-An Zen Community, also known as the Fraternal Order of the Great Lights, is dedicated to promoting Zen Buddhism through practice, education, and community engagement. Their mission is to provide a space for individuals to explore and deepen their understanding of Zen teachings, emphasizing mindfulness, compassion, and the transformative power of meditation. The organization aims to create a supportive environment where practitioners can engage in Dharma discussions, meditation, and community service.

#### 2. Type of Activities
- **Zen Studies Program**: Monthly Dharma discussions that include silent meditation (Zazen), walking meditation (Kinhin), and chanting of Sutras. Each session features a Dharma talk by a senior monk on various Buddhist topics.
- **Community Engagement**: The organization encourages participation in community service and outreach, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility among members.
- **Workshops and Retreats**: They offer various workshops and retreats focused on Zen practice and teachings, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the practice.

#### 3. Tone of Voice
The tone of voice used by the Jizo-An Zen Community is **inspiring, reflective, and compassionate**. The language is accessible yet profound, aiming to resonate with both seasoned practitioners and newcomers. The content often encourages introspection and personal growth, using a calm and nurturing approach.

#### 4. Emoji Usage
The organization does not prominently use emojis in their communications. Their content is more focused on conveying serious and contemplative messages, aligning with the nature of Zen practice. Any informal communication, such as social media posts, may occasionally include emojis, but they are not a staple in their primary messaging.

#### 5. Key Facts
- **Founding Information**: Specific founding details are not explicitly mentioned on the website, but the organization has been active in promoting Zen practices for several years.
- **Scale**: The organization has a total of 64 forms and 49 email campaigns, indicating a structured approach to outreach and engagement.
- **Impact Metrics**: While specific metrics are not detailed, the organization emphasizes community participation and personal transformation through Zen practices.
- **Volunteer Information**: Opportunities for volunteering and community involvement are encouraged, although specific details on volunteer programs are not extensively outlined.

#### 6. Writing Guidelines
- **Clarity and Simplicity**: Use clear and straightforward language that is easy to understand, avoiding overly complex terminology unless necessary for the context.
- **Reflective and Thoughtful**: Encourage readers to reflect on their experiences and thoughts, using prompts that invite introspection.
- **Compassionate Messaging**: Maintain a tone that is warm and inviting, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
- **Focus on Practice**: Highlight the importance of meditation and mindfulness practices, integrating teachings and principles of Zen Buddhism into the content.
- **Engagement**: Encourage participation in events and community activities, making calls to action clear and inviting.

This context profile should serve as a foundational guide for creating personalized and effective content for the Jizo-An Zen Community, ensuring alignment with their mission, values, and communication style.

Jizo-an Zen Community Online Zendo is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. 

Time: Jan 15, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87834266121
Meeting ID: 878 3426 6121

General admission

Our monthly Dharma discussions are always preceded by silent meditation (Zazen) and walking meditation (Kinhin) as well as chanting of the Sutras. Student talks are occasionally offered on a wide variety of Buddhist topics.This week, students Barbara and Zach will present informal talks: <p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:12px;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"> <p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:12px;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Barbara: Shinto, Buddhism and Shinbutso-shugo in Japan Shinto is the indigenous faith of Japan with origins reaching back to the Paleolithic era. When Buddhism came to Japan, a blending of the two faiths began. This unique merger came to be called Shinbutso-shugo. All three practices still play important roles in Japanese culture today.<p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:12px;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)"> <p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:12px;line-height:normal;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;font-size-adjust:none;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Zach: Chado: Zen and the Art of Japanese Tea CeremonyTea was brought to Japan by a Buddhist monk returning from China, and was first used as a way to help monks stay awake during long hours of meditation. As it spread through wider Japanese society, it took on new meanings but retained its link to Zen. A 16th century Zen monk named Sen no Rikyū was largely responsible for elevating the tea ceremony into a formal art form, and to this day the Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea is traditionally trained to be a Zen monk as well.

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;-webkit-user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">First name <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{lastname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;-webkit-user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">Last name, Thank you from the Jizo-an Zen Community, ⌚   On <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{date-variable-f95c4308-7ed0-433e-b74d-ccd8f69c935f}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip " fr-original-style style="background-color:rgb(248, 248, 255);border:1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255);border-radius:4px;color:rgb(42, 42, 196);padding:1px 8px;font-size:11px;display:inline-block;margin:0px;overflow-wrap:anywhere;-webkit-user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit">Date As a reminder, …please arrive a few minutes early for any instructions/ announcements and find a comfortable place to sit, whether on a cushion or in a chair, we begin with Zazen. ────────── Jizo-an Zen Community Online Zendo is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87834266121 Meeting ID: 878 3426 6121 --- One tap mobile +13126266799,,87834266121# US (Chicago) +16465588656,,87834266121# US (New York) --- Dial by your location • +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) • +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) • +1 646 931 3860 US • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) • +1 305 224 1968 US • +1 309 205 3325 US • +1 360 209 5623 US • +1 386 347 5053 US • +1 507 473 4847 US • +1 564 217 2000 US • +1 669 444 9171 US • +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) • +1 689 278 1000 US • +1 719 359 4580 US • +1 253 205 0468 US • +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) • +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 878 3426 6121 Find your local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc4QuqbpzO ────────── Kind regards. Richard Smyklaops@thezensociety.org‭(856) 248-0776‬

Our monthly Dharma discussions are always preceded by silent meditation (Zazen) and walking meditation (Kinhin) as well as chanting of the Sutras. Student talks are occasionally offered on a wide variety of Buddhist topics.This week, students Barbara and Zach will present informal talks: <p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal"> <p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal">Barbara: Shinto, Buddhism and Shinbutso-shugo in Japan Shinto is the indigenous faith of Japan with origins reaching back to the Paleolithic era. When Buddhism came to Japan, a blending of the two faiths began. This unique merger came to be called Shinbutso-shugo. All three practices still play important roles in Japanese culture today.<p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal"> <p style="margin:0px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-position:normal;font-variant-emoji:normal;font-feature-settings:normal;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-variation-settings:normal">Zach: Chado: Zen and the Art of Japanese Tea CeremonyTea was brought to Japan by a Buddhist monk returning from China, and was first used as a way to help monks stay awake during long hours of meditation. As it spread through wider Japanese society, it took on new meanings but retained its link to Zen. A 16th century Zen monk named Sen no Rikyū was largely responsible for elevating the tea ceremony into a formal art form, and to this day the Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke School of Tea is traditionally trained to be a Zen monk as well.

Fraternal Order of the Great Lights / Jizo-An Zen Community / The Zen Society

Zen Studies Program - Barbara and Zach Student Presentations

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87834266121

General admission

$15

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