sangha news 2008

David Ashton moved to Victoria in September where his family is. He was working in Vancouver and returning home at weekends. He returns to his family and his first work as a biochemist.

Several people have attended sesshin with Roshi this summer: Fred was at Mt Baldy ZC this summer for a period that included two sesshins, Glenda attended the September / October sesshin at Rinzai-ji, Eshin attended the July Rinzai-ji sesshin and September MBZC sesshin, Myorei attended the July Rinzai-ji sesshin.

In early October Eshin again attended the NWDA teachers meeting in Seattle. This is an opportunity for Dharma teachers in the Pacific NW to meet, discuss and share resources. The two main discussion groups covered troubled students at centres and incorporating children in practice.
Eshin and Myorei were invited to the Sooke Mindfulness Centre run by Phil Rossner on Oct 1. This continued the bi-annual tradition set up by Phil.

Chris and Dawn were married on 2 August at Powell River. Many family members and friends turned out on a hot, sunny day for the outdoors ceremony and reception. Chris now lives and works in Powell River while Dawn plans to finish her work in Vancouver and later move up. Chris has been one of the most regular sesshin participants of the centre.

The centre has seen several new members and sitters since February. Welcome to Rory, Stephane, Dalip, Krista, Elsie, Kevin, Lina and others.

This year has seen some Rinzai-ji visitors. In mid-May Gido and Eko, two Rinzai-ji Oshos, visited Eshin and Myorei while on a one day personal visit to Vancouver. On 10 July Jeff Creek visited while on a business trip to Vancouver.

Louise passed away in the evening of Tuesday March 18th after her brain tumour had tragically returned. Condolences go to Fred, her husband, and Kaeridwyn and Leo, her children.
Louise's memorial was held on April 12th. Approximately two hundred and fifty people attended, testifying to how she had touched so many in the various circles she was involved in. The service included the Buddhist Memorial, music from Kaeridwyn and friends, a eulogy from Fred, and remembrances from her children and many, many family members and friends.

Jonathan and Risako moved to the Zen Centre on February 1st as the first residents. This marks a new step in the centre's evolution. The residential quarters of the centre are both for Vancouver people and also out-of-towners interested in short term centre practice. The residents will have daily access to Eshin and will share in the responsibilities of running the centre.

On January 27 three Vancouver Zen groups ran a booth at the Kenko (Health) Fair at the Japanese Cultural Center at Nikkei Place. Eshin responded to Japanese-Canadians interested in their Buddhist background. Thanks to Risako's translating for Eshin.