ITP participants are required to be Zen Center of Syracuse members. If you are not already a member, please complete a sangha application form.

Mandatory Intensive Training Program meetings will be held on the following Tuesdays from 7:15-8:30 p.m.:

• September 8, Opening Meeting
• September 22, Talk by Shinge Roshi
• October 6, Dhammapada discussion
• October 20, Dhammapada discussion
• November 3, Dhammapada discussion
• November 17, Closing Discussion with Shinge Roshi

The Dhammapada will be discussed in sections.

All participants will work with mentors who are Shinge Roshi’s long-time students and have completed the Dharma Teacher Training program. Mentors who do not live in the Central New York area and who will be participating online will be matched with online ITP participants. Be sure to display your name and have your video ON.

The following commitments should be filled in and discussed with your mentor. These commitments can serve as a guide. Any issues or needs should be brought to your mentor’s attention. By participating in the Intensive Training Program, I understand that I am committing to the following mandatory commitments.

I will practice zazen at home (suggested: minimum 30 minutes per day, at least 5 times a week)

I will practice zazen at HoenJI (suggested: at least 3 times a week, including Sunday mornings). When in-person sitting is not possible, I will participate in HoenJi online sittings with video ON.

I will attend Dharma Study (check website calendar or ZCS e-mail announcements for the dates)

Additional suggested readings include:

• Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart (edited, with an Introduction, by Shinge Roshi Sherry Chayat)
• Opening to Oneness by Roshi Muho Nancy Baker
• The Path to Bodhidharma by Shodo Harada Roshi