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The Sangha has been enjoying Chapin Mill for many years. Most of our
local members are familiar with it as the long-time site of the annual
picnic, and nearly a generation of Sangha children has delighted in its
magic. And now, thanks to Ralph Chapin's glorious gift, Chapin Mill
is ours. As time goes by, our members have been exploring the land,
camping in the forest, and apple-picking in the old orchard. For the past three years, Youth Program members have celebrated
Halloween at Chapin Mill with a Hungry Ghost ceremony in the barn, a spirit boat ceremony on the pond, and activities outside and in the millhouse. And Chapin Mill is the perfect place for zazen.
On their own, many members have made use of the property for
individual and family retreats, either camping in the woods or retiring
to the secluded cabin overlooking the millpond. Regularly scheduled
workdays allow Sangha members to work and sit together, combining
needed maintenance work on the land with periods of zazen.
Although the Chapin Mill complex will at first be used primarily for
sesshin, the benefits of the project extend far beyond sesshin alone.
While we build at Chapin Mill, we're also building the strength of our
community. This project provides countless opportunities for Sangha
participation in planning, fundraising, upkeep, and construction. Even
before the ground has been broken, artists and carpenters, cooks and
lawyers, gardeners and advertising executives have all given freely of
their time, money, ideas, sweat and devotion. Having sesshins at
Chapin Mill will also help Sangha practice at the Rochester City
Center. Because we won't need to suspend daily sittings during
sesshin, local members and visitors will be able to come to the zendo
more often. Space at the Arnold Park buildings will open up, too,
allowing new Sangha projects to take shape and giving our community
the resources it needs to expand and grow.
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