Cleaning of the Temple: Chapin Mill, Saturday, February 10

We’ll begin with a brief chanting service at 9:30 am at Chapin Mill before turning our attention to all the corners and crevices of the buildings. We’ll end with a pizza lunch (alternatives available) at 12:30. Contact Trueman to join us.

If you’ve never visited Chapin Mill, this is a great opportunity to get to know the place prior to your first sesshin. As a preview, check out these photos of the facilities and grounds.

DepreshZen now meets every Saturday at 3:30 pm

DepreshZen is an online support and advocacy group for Sangha members with depression and anxiety disorders. We provide a safe space to talk openly and educate ourselves and others about living with these conditions from the perspective of Zen practitioners. As the group’s playful name suggests, we hope to work toward reducing the social stigma associated with mental illness.

If you’re interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Tom Kowal.

Zazen, Teisho by John-sensei, and Zen Kids: Sunday, February 11

At 8:30 am in the zendo at Arnold Park, we’ll sit one long round with a bell at the half-way point for posture change, followed by kinhin, a short chanting service, and Sensei’s teisho. Afterwards, we’ll have brunch in the dining room. Join us in-person or on Zoom.

Our Youth and Family Program will also meet at 8:30 am. We welcome children of all ages, and families are invited to stay for brunch afterwards. Contact Chris Maley to participate.

Dhara-sensei Away Next Week

No dokusan at Chapin Mill next week. At Arnold Park, John-sensei will give dokusan Thursday evening, February 15, along with his usual Monday pm and Wednesday am dokusans. Dhara-sensei will return on Monday, February 19.

Brunch Cleanup Help Needed

The Center’s staff are grateful for all the ways volunteers support day-to-day operations at Arnold Park and Chapin Mill, and we know that there are more of you who would like to help in some small way. Right now, we’re looking for people who would be willing to help with Sunday brunch cleanup. If you’re interested, please fill out this form, and someone will get back to you about scheduling dates. Thank you so much for your support!

Room for Rent?

An outgoing staff member is seeking an affordable, short-term (approximately 2-4 months) room rental in Rochester starting March 2024. One parking space is needed, and street parking is fine. For confidentiality purposes, please send any leads to Lila Redding.

Update to Sangha Harm Reporting Process

The Rochester Zen Center is committed to keeping our Sangha a safe place for practice and community engagement. The Sangha harm reporting process has been updated, along with the webpage, to clarify that it may be used for different forms of harm, including racial and sexual. Check it out here.