An Opportunity to “Pick and Choose”

The Sangha Programs Office needs your input on the kinds of activities and events you’d like to see offered. We’ve created a survey that invites you to indicate your preferences on a wide range of possibilities – cooking lessons, volunteering at a food pantry, guided nature walks, bike rides, musical performances, Dharma study, and more. There’s also space for you to make your own suggestions for both in-person and online events. Whether you live close to the Center or out of town, we’d love to hear your ideas for Sangha engagement!

If you haven’t yet taken the survey, please do so here. A few people have reported that taking it on a phone is somewhat clunky, so we recommend that you use a tablet, laptop, or computer. The survey is open until May 30.

Buddha’s Birthday and Annual Meeting

We are so happy to welcome friends and members back to the Center for Buddha’s Birthday! This year, the formal celebration will be pared way down, but, on the plus side, that means more time to catch up with one another. Please RSVP here so we can get an accurate head count.

Our celebration starts in the back garden at 11:30 am on Saturday, May 29, with the Sleeping Sage recounting the story of Buddha’s birth. That’s followed by lunch provided by the Center: veggie burgers, not-dogs, and some picnic sides. And of course there will be a cupcake tower! To be clear: our usual potluck format of delicious Sangha contributions will not happen this year due to COVID. The Center will be providing all beverages and desserts.

Masking update: All those who are unvaccinated need to wear masks unless appropriate social distancing is maintained. Check in with the people you are hanging out with if you are unsure what to do. Do wear your mask when entering the buildings if you need to use a bathroom.

A reminder: The Center’s annual corporate meeting of members will take place (mostly on Zoom) from 5:30 to 7:00 on Friday evening, May 28. More details to follow. Please remember to cast your vote in the trustee election before the meeting.

Coming to the Center

If you are fully vaccinated, you’re invited to join us in the zendo for formal sittings. You don’t need to RSVP; you can just show up. The first time you come, sign in and note the date of your final shot; the information sheet is on the small table under the bulletin board in the Link. The women’s, men’s, and all-gender changing rooms are now open, and support cushions are available again in the basement hallway on your left.

Remember to wear a mask when you come in, but you don’t need to wear it on your mat or in the dokusan room (although you should wear it in the dokusan waiting line). The general guideline is: when in motion, wear your mask. And about dokusan: don’t forget to close both doors as you enter the room. Sound travels.

Chapin Mill Work Retreat: It’s On! From Tuesday Evening June 29 to Saturday after Lunch on July 3

Our current refrain these days: more details will follow, so stay tuned. We just wanted to let you know now in case you want to block time off in your calendar to come out to Chapin Mill for all or any part. Here’s a link to the old webpage for the last Work Retreat, in 2019. The schedule this year should be the same.

“Tuesday Beginners’ Night” Resumes May 25

The Center will resume the regular Tuesday night schedule of three 25-minute rounds with kinhin in between. A full chanting service, it seems, is still a bit too risky, so we’ll end with just the Four Vows at 8:30. Private Instruction will also be offered during the second and third rounds of zazen. For now, the post-sitting “happy hour” of tea and desserts in the dining room is on hold.

I Am Rohingya Film Screening and Live Discussion, May 26

A reminder that Uprooting Racism is hosting a film screening of I Am Rohingya: A Genocide in Four Acts, culminating in a live discussion with director Yusuf Zine (and, we believe, some of the cast). You can screen the film at your convenience; the live discussion will be the evening of Wednesday, May 26, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm EDT, on Zoom.

To receive the unique Zoom meeting info as well as a link to view the film on your own, please register for a free “ticket” through this Eventbrite page.

Seeking Accommodations

Margaret and Notch Miyake write:

Our daughter and 11-year old son are moving here from Hong Kong in July with their golden retriever puppy and a miniature poodle. We are looking for a house, townhouse, or apartment for them to rent in the Brighton School District. Please contact us at 585-473-4451, miyake@yahoo.com