sangha news 2006

E’cho returned from China for a few weeks in December and January. He came with his partner Bin and they celebrated their marriage on December 6th. It was also a time to renew personal connections and regain a tokudo person in the zendo. E’cho returns to China later in January until late spring

The Zen Centre had a surprise visit in late November from Janice. Janice first came to the Centre many years ago and now lives in Winnipeg. A work and family trip to the west coast gave her the opportunity for the visit.

The Prince George Zen Group held it's semi-annual weekend zazen-kai November 18 / 19, with Eshin and Judith attending the PG prison sitting group on the Friday. The weekend zazen-kai had a small but keen attendance.

David Stevenson had a heart attack in early September. After a week in hospital he is at home recovering with a good prognosis. His name is added to Chikako’s at our weekly dedicating of merit to ill sangha members.

Congratulations to Noah and Megan on becoming parents at 10:03pm September 7th. It’s a 7lb 4oz baby boy named Samuel. Noah had decided to miss the August sesshin as the baby was due but Sam hung on in there for a while. The birth was a little overdue but all went well  and Noah is now busy with father practice

More people that plan to do sesshin with Roshi: Eshin, Myorei and Glenda at Rinzai-ji in Sept/Oct; Myorei and Brent for all of Bodhi Manda ZC’s training period in October through November; Peggy at Bodhi Manda ZC in November; Glenda and Kumiko at MBZC in January.

Thanks to Hoben Kim Hansen for arranging a picnic for all Vancouver Zen groups at his house and garden on 20 August. It was an opportunity for Zen students from the differing traditions in Vancouver to meet each other and the local Zen teachers. The weather and potluck food also contributed to a wonderful afternoon.

People that have gone, or plan to go, to sesshin with Roshi: Eshin and Myorei at Rinzai-ji in June; Branko at Mt Baldy in July; Glenda and Stuart at Rinzai-ji in July, Stuart staying on at Mt Baldy for August; Judith, from the Prince George Group, for some of summer seichu; Brent and Myorei are planning to go to Bodhi Manda ZC for all the autumn training period.

Summer is a quieter time at the centre as sangha members take vacations, etc. However, July 23rd's samu day saw a crowd. It included Tei Taku who was visiting from the Olympic Penisula, Jo Perkov (in the picture) who has been at Bodhi Manda ZC for the last year and a half, Greg who was at Birken Monastery for summer, and Chris Reuten just back from Germany.

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.

Eshin led the semi-annual weekend zazen-kai in Prince George. Unfortunately a few had to cancel at the last moment as their children were in competitions. In this case family certainly comes first! The zazen-kai was the first in the new downtown zendo. A dozen people attended the orientation Friday evening and it's hoped they will join in the regular Tuesday evening meetings.

On the left are Edward, Judith and Larry, the core members. On the right is part of the new zendo.

Myorei is starting a floral art business after studying Japanese Ikebana, Western floral art, botanics, and taking business classes. Myorei intends to focus on special events arrangements from weddings to corporate events. She will soon offer exquisite arrangements for delivery in the Lower Mainland. Please mention her site at www.myorei.ca to anyone who may be interested.

E’cho will be leaving for China at the end of April for a visit of up to a year. He will be staying with his fiancé and plans to work and study the language there. The centre will miss one of its tokudo people during his leave of absence.

Congratulations to Chris Reuten for gaining his doctorate in atmospheric science.

Andre, from Switzerland, has been sitting at the centre while studying English in Vancouver. He returned home in February and no doubt continues his practise with his local sangha.

John, Michelle and their family are likely returning to Bowen Island by summer. They have been living on Mt Baldy for a year studying with Roshi. It was a large undertaking with the three girls and the pets but there is only appreciation for the opportunity.

Jan Irwin found she had cancer at the end of last year. In mid-January she had surgery and started chemo-therapy. Jan is strongly supported by her husband Bill and daughter Selena, as well as the community in the Yalacom valley. Sincere and best wishes to her during these uncertain and difficult times.