The Columbarium Survey Is Still Open

You still have a chance to express your interest (or not) in the columbarium that is planned for Chapin Mill. Even if you haven’t thought about your end-of-life preferences, the task force needs your feedback. The survey will close on April 9th.

Joining the 7-day Sesshin on Zoom (March 25 – April 1)

While sesshin is underway at Chapin Mill, you can still join the in-person sittings at Arnold Park. Refer to the weekly schedule here for the days and times (no chanting, dokusan, or Private Instruction at Arnold Park sittings during sesshin).

The regular schedule for morning and evening Zoom sittings is suspended during sesshin. However, even if you’re not signed up for sesshin, you’re welcome to join any block of sitting (though without dokusan) in our usual Zoom room. If you do join us, please log on before a block begins or during kinhin to minimize distraction. Likewise, if you cannot stay for an entire block, leave during one of the kinhins whenever possible. The sesshin schedule is posted here.

Inviting Self-Nominations for the RZC Board of Trustees

Do you have leadership experience in some aspect of organizational functioning, such as human resources, operations, financial planning, technology, marketing, fundraising, or legal affairs? If so, you may be a strong candidate for serving on the Center’s Board of Trustees. If you’re interested in this possibility, the first step is to submit a self-nomination, which is due on April 23.

Calling All Sports Fans!

Do you love watching sports? If so, you might be interested in joining us for “sports night” at Arnold Park. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow sports fans in our Sangha and enjoy watching a game together. Fill out this very short survey to let us know about your favorite sports. We’d love to hear from you.

Looking ahead – Chapin Mill Work Retreat, June 27 to July 1

For many years, we’ve held an annual work retreat in honor of Ralph Chapin, who donated his country estate to the Center back in 1996. The goal of the retreat is to work together on upkeep of the buildings and grounds – and at the same time intensify our meditation practice and enjoy the beauty of Chapin Mill.

During the Chapin Mill Work Retreat we sit a bit more than the regular Zen Center training schedule, and dokusan is offered daily. Since the bulk of our work is completed in the morning, most of the afternoon is free for unstructured activity – swimming, walking in the woods, visiting with friends, or more sitting in the zendo.

You’re welcome to come for all or part of the retreat, and there’s plenty of space for people to stay overnight if they wish. There’s no fee for the work retreat, although donations to cover the cost of meals are welcome. Simply complete the Chapin Mill Work Retreat Form. Click here for more information as well as the daily schedule.

Meeting Minutes Are Available for All Members

In order to foster transparency and accountability in the governance of the Center, complete minutes of trustees’ meetings and annual members’ meetings, including financial reports and budgets, are posted on the Center’s website at www.rzc.org/about/governance, along with other information about the Center’s governance.