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Chapin Mill and the Community |
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From the Shakers' time to our own, Western New York's soil has sprouted and nourished
many spiritual movements. Roshi Kapleau decided to found his own center in Rochester in
part because of this area's tradition of support for such efforts. For its own part, the Zen
Center has become well-established both in its immediate neighborhood and in the larger
community. We are active members of our local neighborhood organizations as well as
supporting the Landmark Society, which works to preserve Rochester's historic architectural
heritage. Our members have also involved themselves in hospice work, Meals on Wheels,
and other charitable efforts, and our resident staff goes on regular forays into the urban streets
around the Center to pick up trash and beautify the neighborhood.We hope to continue this tradition among our new neighbors in the Batavia and Stafford areas. Chapin Industries - Ralph Chapin's company - has long been one of the area's largest employers and is now entering its fourth generation of family ownership with Ralph's daughter Andris at the helm. We plan to continue in the Chapins' tradition of local support by using local suppliers, craftsmen, and contractors in our building project. Caring for the community also means caring for the environment. An environmental audit was conducted when the property was first acquired, and every effort is being made to integrate the facility with Chapin Mill's natural ecosystems. Research continues to be done on the best ways to protect Chapin Mill's wetlands and encourage indigenous species to thrive. One of our first efforts has been to ensure that the land remains off-limits to hunting. Most important, though, is the Center's contribution to the spiritual and cultural life of our area - a contribution that extends far beyond the scope of its actual membership. In our thirty-four year history, over nine thousand people have attended our full-day introductory meditation workshops, which give practical training in living with more engagement and mindfulness. Our members include many of Rochester's teachers, artists, therapists, doctors and social workers, and their practice at the Center nourishes and shapes their lives of service to the larger community. Buddhism teaches care and compassion for others, and this ethic stretches out to affect our local and national culture on the most profound levels. By extending our community to Chapin Mill, we can offer still more people a chance to experience the benefits that a practice of awareness can bring. But the new retreat center will be not solely for the Center's use. We will also be making it available to other groups seeking an extraordinary setting for their own exploration and growth, thus providing an opportunity unparalleled in our area. |
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