Bunk beds were bought to increase sleeping places at the centre. They were needed as the November sesshin maxed out with fifteen people. Local people coming to the regular zazen were fitted in using a center row in the zendo. There were many comments on the zazen strength with this number of people. Work included adding plants to the garden and reducing the upstairs kitchen to a refreshment area - the stove and some counters were removed. Over the last fifteen months about a third of the participants come from out of Vancouver: Prince George, Kitimat, Montreal, Winnipeg, Comox and Powell River in Canada; and also England, Bosnia and the US.
The August sesshin saw ten people with newcomers Ned and Daniel who did very well. Work periods allowed winterizing the building. Procedures for smoothly holding sesshins at the Zen Centre have now been worked out.
Many have attended the monthly one day sits over the last few months. These shots show part of the zendo which is usually almost filled.
Future sesshins will be held at the Zen Centre, starting this autumn. This is a big step that will strengthen the new centre in so many ways. A deep gratitude is felt for Catherine and Ken who have warmly and kindly allowed us to use their property on Galiano Island the last fifteen years. One sesshin a year, in spring or summer, is planned on Galiano Island to help with garden maintenance.
The May sesshin had twelve participants, half from Vancouver and half from other towns - Prince George, Kitimat, Montreal and Powel River. The weather was cloudy with some sun and no rain: ideal for sesshin. Uta and Don from Prince George were at their first sesshin. The sesshin was steady and smooth running and the end seemed to come quickly.
27th April saw the first Buddha's Birthday ceremony and potluck lunch at the new centre. This is the largest gathering of the year. Thanks to Myorei, Risako and Minhee for arranging the flowers, and many others for setting up the ceremony space, weeding the garden, and thoroughly cleaning the building. Unfortunately the weather closed in causing lunch to be inside rather than in the garden.
About forty people attended. Besides the sangha there were several guests checking out the Opening Day that occurred concurrently. After the traditional ceremony everyone enjoyed a lively and delicious potluck lunch.
The zendo was painted late February. Much preparation was done during the work periods of sesshin. This included removing wallpaper and filling holes. Jon and Risako spent a whole evening applying the final coats. The zendo is now clear and bright.
The February sesshin was held at the new centre, a first. Eleven people started and eight finished after the part-timers left. A fair amount of renovation was done during the samu periods. The new indoor kaihan and twice daily chanting did not disturb the neighbours which is always a consideration for a city Zen Centre. Thanks to all that made it go smoothly. The ending informal breakfast on Saturday morning was very lively, witty, and loving - as the sesshin benefits surfaced as the transition to everyday life began.
The AGM was held on January 12 when the 2008 directors are elected. Eshin, Ian, Myorei and E'cho continue as directors. Brad resigns as he is moving to Powell River in spring. Jonathan was elected as a new director and will bring youthful energy to the administration meetings. The centre does not have a Board of Directors but the directors function through administration meetings that are open to all sangha members in good standing.
