The Order of
Clear Mind Zen

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Clear Mind Zen in Northern California

I was introduced to Zen meditation by my Karate teacher in 1975. He insisted that we learn to find a still point before beginning a lesson, and immediately after. He also told me to sit in a temple. In the temple I read the passage “Though in battle you may conquer thousands of enemies, he who conquers himself will be the greatest of warriors.” Later, I found out that nothing I could do would conquer myself, until I read Master Dogen’s words:

“To study the way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things of the universe. To be enlightened by all things is to transcend the distinction of self and other and to go on in ceaseless enlightenment forever”

Today, my practice is very simple - I sit in zazen, and bring this teaching to others.

The American River Sangha is part of the Order of Clear Mind Zen. ARS was started in 2009 by Rev. KoMyo Novotny, under the direction of Rev. Harvey Daiho Hilbert-roshi.

At present the ARS has no permanent zendo or temple, and is engaged in streetZen practice. We are sitting zazen on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am in Maidu Park, Roseville CA.

Rev. KoMyo also leads a Meditation for Martial Artists, which is currently held on Thursday evenings at Cirby Elementary School in Roseville, CA. Sitting starts at 8:30 pm. This is in cooperation with the Maidu Shotokan Dojo and is limited to active martial arts students only.

In 2010 we will add several more focuses to streetZen. Volunteer soup kitchen work at the Loaves and Fishes Shelter in Sacramento, and an Earth Witness vigil are soon to be scheduled. We may also participate with several other Martial Arts dojos, who wish to offer complete (technical and spiritual) training.

As the Sangha grows we will look for space to co-op with either a Yoga studio, or a Martial Arts Dojo.

Contact us:

Rev. KoMyo Novotny
PO Box 2506
Granite Bay, CA 95746
916-844-6919
komyo2008@yahoo.com