A Change in Mask Policy (COVID)
The Center’s COVID Task Force recently met and made a change in mask-wearing policy at Arnold Park and Chapin Mill: masks are no longer required when in motion throughout the buildings (kinhin, dokusan waiting line, changing room, etc.). The only time we now require masks is during chanting and recitations in the zendo (e.g., The Three Refuges, The Four Vows, the Verse of the Rakusu).
Winter Term Intensive Begins Tonight, Thursday, January 19
It’s not too late to register: this Term Intensive (TI) runs from January 19 to February 16. The Term Intensive offers a supportive structure in which to extend our practice efforts for a set period of time – in this case, for four weeks. Participants pledge to follow a schedule of increased sitting and, if they wish, other aspects of discipline that relate directly or indirectly to their Zen practice. We meet each Thursday evening, both in person and via Zoom, for accountability, thus giving fiber to the program. This sharing of experience is one of the most rewarding parts of the TI, helping to create a real bond among participants. Click here for more information about Term Intensives and to register.
Cleaning of the Temple: Arnold Park, Saturday, January 21, 9:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
With the start of each New Year, we turn our attention to all the corners and crevices of the Arnold Park buildings with our annual “Cleaning of the Temple.” We begin with a brief chanting service at 9:45 and wind up with a pizza lunch (alternatives available) at 12:30. It’s your temple – join us if you can!
Mark your calendars: Cleaning of the Temple at Chapin Mill will be on Saturday, February 4.
Extended Sitting, Sunday, January 22, 6:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Besides the usual in-person and Zoom sitting at 8:30 a.m., there will be three other blocks of formal sitting scheduled. Private Instruction will be offered during block 3.
While it’s all right to come for only part of the day, we ask that participants commit to staying for all of the two or three rounds of sitting in any block.
For Zoom access or for questions about how to participate in Private Instruction, email Jissai. Here’s the extended sitting schedule:
· Block 1: 6:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m., Zazen
· Block 2: 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Zazen & chanting
· Block 3: 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Zazen & Private Instruction
· Block 4: 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Zazen
Other Upcoming Activities
Saturday, January 21, Finding Your Seat, 11 a.m.
Sunday, January 22:
· Youth Sunday, 8:20 a.m.
· Zen of Living & Dying, 11:15 a.m.
· Dharma Reflections, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 29, Sangha Hike at Mendon Ponds Park, details to follow.
You’re Invited! Sangha Winter Social, Saturday, February 11
It’s a bit too chilly out for an outdoor brunch, but we’d still love to see you! The Sangha Programs Office is organizing a free Sangha Winter Social on Saturday, February 11, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at Arnold Park. Feel free to dress up a little if that suits you, but there’s no official dress code. Join fellow Sangha members for games, mocktails, and finger foods. Please RSVP here to help the kitchen with a head count. Questions? Please email Lila.
House For Sale: A Stone’s Throw Away from Chapin Mill
The house (5301 Russell Road, Batavia) is located at the Seven Springs Country Club, our neighbors adjacent to Chapin Mill. Tom Kowal says that the owners are very motivated to sell, and that the property is one of the best bits of land overlooking Seven Springs Pond. Asking price is $95,000, but they are open to offers. Land is owned by the club. You can contact Tom for more details and for information about how the club operates.
High Falls State Park Community Input Survey
We are getting a New York State Park at High Falls right in the center of Rochester! The Genesee River Alliance is gathering community input regard what features folks would like to see in the park. You can complete the survey here.