centre news 2003

The Centre will hold a fund-raising yard sale when the weather improves in early summer. Please set aside any donations of unused 'junk' for this and let the Centre know you have it ready. Thank you!

Nine people attended the first sesshin of the year in February. It was held, as usual, on Galiano Island and the weather remained fair. This sesshin had only experienced people and was strong, silent and beneficial. Next sesshin is May 25 to June 1. Interested? Then contact the Centre.

The end of the year was recognized in the traditional practise of a 'Grand Cleaning' of the Centre and grounds on December 31st. It was also a time to feel deep gratitude for the people that have helped the Centre grow this year through coming to practise, in donations, and in giving of their time in projects.

On New Years day a potluck noon lunch was a time for members and families to affirm the sangha at the start of a new year of practise.

The May sesshin was almost full with fourteen people. There was plenty of solid sitting in the pleasant spring air.

	Eleven people attended the summer sesshin. Tracey came from Calgary, Al and Matt from Victoria. Samu was busy with building a new deer fence in gratitude to Catherine and Ken who allow us to use thier property.

Here are the schedule changes over the holiday season. No evening zazen on December 25. Phone before coming to the 6am - 7:30am zazen between December 22 and January 2, some days may be cancelled. All other zazen meetings remain scheduled.

The last sesshin of the year on Galiano Island was in November. There was a small group of seven, all experienced sitters. The cold, wet weather made for a concentrated zazen.
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	Almost everyone had a new responsibilty to learn. Thanks to Chris as jiki, Adrian as shoji, Brent (on the left) and Carlo as tenzos, and Brad on the mugukyo. All did very well in their new functions.
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Samu, or work practise, was mainly clearing the autumn leaves, tidying plants and finishing the deer fence. It is one way we express gratitude for the use of Catherine and Ken's beautiful property.

This summer is a long, hot, clear-skied one. The vegetable garden was started late after a cold spring but is thriving now. Here's a view of green beans, potatoes, kale, beets and peas.

June 14 and 15 saw another sucessful yard sale as a fund raiser for the Zen Centre. Thanks to everyone who donated unused items for the sale.

Buddha's Birthday ceremony and potluck lunch was held on Sunday May 11. This was a time to appreciate the centre's practise and lineage that started from Shakyamuni. It was also a pleasant occasion for the sangha to enjoy a picnic lunch of widely varied and delicious food.

Eshu, at the Victoria Zen Centre, has revised the sitting schedule. Check it out in the Victoria section of this site.