Sangha Picnic, Tomorrow, Saturday, July 16

Our annual picnic at Chapin Mill begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday with fun and games from the “Buddha Bazaar.” Upon working up an appetite, we’ll enjoy a potluck lunch from 1 to 2 p.m. The Center will provide sweet corn, fruit, beverages, and ice cream. Please bring a vegetarian (no flesh food) main dish, salad, or dessert to share (enough for eight people); please drop it off in the Mill House kitchen upon your arrival.

Bring appropriate clothing if you’d like to play volleyball or go hiking. (Tom Kowal is leading a 30-minute easy hike in the woods, starting at 11 a.m. – meet in front of the Guest House). Also bring blankets or folding chairs, sunblock, insect repellent, and, for when you might be indoors, a face mask. If you’re hesitating to come because of concerns about deer ticks, poison ivy, or other manageable risks, know that at previous picnics (and at the recent work retreat) there were no reports of anyone experiencing such things. Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted, as we were unable to secure a certified lifeguard (this is an insurance requirement).

All are invited – including family, friends, children, and dogs! If you’re bringing along kids or dogs, it’s your responsibility to supervise them. Here are directions to Chapin Mill. Contact Keith Carpenter if you need a ride or can offer one.

Reminder: There is no formal in-person sitting on Saturday morning; however, the Zoom sitting will run from 7 – 8 a.m. as usual.

Finding Your Seat, Saturday at 11 a.m.

Finding Your Seat will meet on Zoom from 11 a.m. to noon (ET). FYS is an opportunity to get to know fellow practitioners, ask questions, receive advice and encouragement, and sit a short round of zazen.

Sunday, July 17: Teisho and Sangha Groups

On Sunday the sitting will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Arnold Park zendo with one extended round with a bell at the half-way point for posture change, followed by kinhin, a short chanting service, and then Roshi’s teisho. The Sunday sitting and teisho will be broadcast on Zoom.

Also on Zoom two popular, long-standing Sangha groups will meet: Zen of Living and Dying from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and Dharma Reflections from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m.

New Novice Priests

In a brief ceremony in the Arnold Park zendo this past Wednesday, Roshi inducted Donna Kowal and Desiree Jaeger-Fine into the novitiate period leading to priest ordination. This was actually just a formalization of the simple lifestyle of a Zen priest (staff service, short hair, and priest attire) they both already had adopted, years ago in Donna’s case, and months ago in Desiree’s. The ceremony started the clock running for the novitiate period – usually 1-2 years – that gives them the opportunity to try out what it means to live as a priest.

Kannon Committee: An Update

After nearly 10 years, Keith Carpenter has stepped down as the Kannon Committee contact person. Thank you, Keith! Both Scott Redding and Antoni Alvarez, two staff members, will be the new contacts for Sangha members needing extra support.

The Kannon Committee provides non-medical support for Sangha members going through tough times: e.g., hospital or home visits, walking dogs, providing meals, running errands, or completing household tasks. Don’t hesitate to contact Scott or Antoni if you’re in need of such help.

Did You Know?

The Center offers instructional talks and other guidance nearly every day of the week. This includes a teisho or Dharma talk on most Sundays and dokusan or Private Instruction on other days (both in-person and on Zoom). See the online calendar for a complete list of offerings in support of daily practice.

Free Community Event: Clarissa Uprooted – The Exhibit

If you live in the Rochester area, Uprooting Racism recommends Clarissa Uprooted: The Exhibit, a local history exhibit that continues through July 24 at RIT City Art Space. It expands on the story told by the 2021 award-winning short documentary film Clarissa Uprooted: Youth and Elders Uncover the Story of Black Rochester. In its heyday, the Clarissa Street neighborhood (now known as Corn Hill) was a thriving Black community where jazz music flourished.

Clarissa Uprooted was originally created by Teen Empowerment, an organization that was also involved in last weekend’s inaugural Dharma Camp for RZC kids sponsored by Uprooting Racism.

For exhibit details, please visit the exhibit’s website.