centre news 2006

A Grand Cleaning on the last day of the year had the centre spotless for the new year. Thirteen people worked hard and thoroughly and then enjoyed refreshments at the end.
 
Work period on December 10th was to bandage and prop up the camellia tree that was bought down by the heavy snow. Thanks to Chris' expertise it should have a good chance of recovering.
 
The zendo had become discoloured from incense smoke and accidental 'scars'. Jon, Chris and Branko spent the weekend of November 18 /19 repainting it. Thanks guys!  
     
Thirteen people attended the October/November sesshin. Practise was strong with a growing sesshin sangha spirit. Most people were from Vancouver but particpants also came from Calgary, Montreal, Kitimat and Dawson Creek.
In September the Puget Sound ZC held it's third annual Seminar. Guest speaker was Prof Charles Johnson. In the afternoon was a panel discussion with teachers from various Buddhist traditions. Eshin was invited to participate. Many thanks to Koshin and members of the PSZC for a lively, informative, interactive, harmonious day. Even the weather co-operated. Myorei and Glenda from the ZCV were also in attendance.
 
The front of the ZC was repainted in August. Many thanks to Jon for doing the bulk of the work at a professional standard. Thanks to David for the ladder and pressure cleaning; and many others for helping.
 
The August sesshin was small with six people. Four - Jonathan, Lee, David and Emily in the picture below - were doing their first sesshin. All went very smoothly despite the lack of experience, a true case of beginners mind!

Joshu Roshi's 44th anniversay of arriving in the west was celebrated at Rinzai-ji on July 21st. Eshin, Glenda and Judith were local students present for the toast, monks breakfast, a long dharma talk and a courtyard lunch.

Eshin has been in Los Angeles most of June helping the head temple, Rinzai-ji, on behalf of Gentei, the vice-abbot. It was a busy time with a lot of work yet also time for developing stronger ties with the board of directors and other Rinzai-ji people. Deeper ties are also formed with other Rinzai-ji temples and the people that lead them at the Osho meetings that Eshin attends.

Eshin joined the Puget Sound Zen Center as guest teacher at their May spring retreat on Vashon Island. Koshin, the Rinzai-ji Osho that leads the group, and Eshin worked smoothly and effectively together. Below left is the group and on the right is the question and answer session at the end. Koshin has been invited as a guest teacher at a ZCV retreat but it may be a while as he presently has many commitments.
 
The May sesshin was nearly full with thirteen people with ideal pleasant, cool weather. Congratulations to Rod, Larry and Glenda on their first sesshin. Everyone sat solidly and expressed appreciation for the benefits. The sesshin was joined by Judith and Larry from Prince George and Carlo from Kitimat. The three tenzos have matured to working by themselves, taking turns each day. Five of the participants plan to do sesshin with Roshi this summer. Thanks to Catherine and Ken, once again, for the use of their beautiful rural island property. Our work practise each day helped keep up the grounds and is one of the ways we say thank you.
 
The centre has a new archway from the street. Eshin put up the frame and here's Ian finishing the lattice work. A climbing plant will start growing over it soon.
   
Buddha's Birthday ceremony and potluck lunch is the most popular gathering of the centre. This year saw four tokudo people which allowed for their chant before the other guests come to bathe the baby Buddha statue. As usual, there was an extensive and wonderful selection of food to have while everyone mixed and met with each other. Thanks again to Peter for providing the shakuhachi music.

There have been suggestions of robes for core members if they wish. These are the lay robes of kimono, hakama and collar. The suggestion was that it would contribute at sesshins and they could also be used at the city zendo. Also suggested was that the centre get a few sets for use at sesshins. Anyone interested in getting a set? Please let Eshin know and if there are enough people we can look at finding group prices.

The February sesshin was maxed out at seventeen people. The weather was generally cool and clear. In this sesshin Vancouver's core group were able to practise the helping responsibilities, and there were folks from Victoria, Prince George, Calgary and Montreal.
     
The work period was extended on January 15 so the path at the side of the ZC could be widened. The hard working crew of five enjoyed a good lunch afterwards.
 

The Zen Centre of Vancouver’s “Mortgage Retirement Fund Appeal” closed on December 31st 2005. The intent was to give flexibility for future growth of the centre. Without a mortgage it is easier to move to a larger place or to have the basement suite available for resident Zen students. These options are likely to be needed within a couple of years. The appeal has been highly successful. $22,890 was raised giving a total of $45,780 with the matching funds. This is almost exactly the remaining mortgage amount.

From Joshu Roshi’s first visit in 1970 the Zen Centre of Vancouver has taken a number of important steps, this being the latest. Now we are in a strong position to face the future. A sincere and deep appreciation for all that donated.
 
On New Years day a small group offered incense for a renewed practise of growing and blossoming. A potluck lunch followed.

The Zen Centre started because of a visit to Vancouver from Joshu Sasaki Roshi many, many years ago. Over the years many of our members have travelled south to do sesshin and/or training under his guidance. He is still going at ninety-eight years old. Schedules and details can be found at Mt Baldy Zen Center's web site.