by Nomon Tim Burnett
June 08, 2007
Dear Sangha,
Lately sangha life is on my mind. Both how amazing and beautiful it is to be ongoing practice relationships with some many people - each one of us truly a jewel in Indra's shimmering net - and also how hard it is to get along. How fragile we all are, how easily offended. What's so wondrous to me is the way the sangha is more and more sticking together. Sure people have to come and go, that is just the reality of our lives, but there is a real feeling now that I guess has built up gradually over time but it's suddenly so apparent to me, that we are growing into a really solid sangha. People have their issues and concerns but it feels like more and more we are talking to each other. Working it out. Growing up together. We struggle a little, especially with the mixed blessing of email, but it feels like communication is much improved and improving.
I feels like we are starting to understand more clearly that part of sangha life is feeling that joy of being connected through the practice, but that equally a part of sangha life are these difficulties. That we will inevitably get upset with each other about something. If we don't probably we aren't doing enough! And that getting upset or concerned about is just natural and human but what distinguishes a healthy sangha is how we respond to that. Do we slink away, do we harden and justify our view, or do we reach out. Do we communicate? Do we work it through? Do we see these difficulties as a teaching and an opportunity not just a problem?
I of course can't know your experience or the whole of our sangha life, no one can, but from where I sit that's how it's feeling for me and I am at times challenged by all of this (My little self is as quite attached to its own views and opinions!) but overall I feel so encouraged.
We are changing and there are more changes ahead. That is clear. This last year we overhauled our membership system, soon after that the Dharma Hall overhauled its membership system. The Dharma Hall almost moved, much came up about money and the 4 sanghas' relationships with each other, then it didn't. I have started organizing workshops and teaching classes. We have a second weekly sit (Fridays at noon) that is solid and ongoing. You all now generously provide me and my family with some ongoing support! Many changes, and certainly more to come.
And with change there is obvious friction and uncertainty and with that comes an increase in the challenges and joys of sangha life. I hope we can all study together with an eye on the practice and opportunity of sangha life as we move forward. And always we sit down, regularly, together and alone, to let it all go. To feel the incredible breadth of our true life beyond all of these relationships and concerns and issues and what-have-you. To breathe one breath together. Everything else is just an idea in a way if you think about it, really there's always just this. And we need each others' support to really feel and understand this.
Practice Discussion, our 3 local Dharma leaders, and our Teacher
As you all know I am available for practice discussion locally - just sign up on the sheet and we can talk during any zazen period - and also remotely. For long distance practice discussion over the phone just give me a call or an email and we'll set up an appointment for a talk. And remember that you can also call me any time at my new "dharma line" - I got a new line just for calls related to the sangha so you can speak to me directly or leave a private voice mail for me - call 360-223-0687. And if something comes up in sangha life and you just want to have a 5 minute chat without the fuss of setting up a practice discussion please just call me up. Some sangha members and I have found a short chat very helpful lately when the email starts getting tangled. Or do email me at tim@bellinghamzen.org any time.
But what you might not know is that we have two other local Dharma leaders who give practice discussion. Yuzan Nancy Welch and Seishu John Wiley each have been practicing for more than 10 years and completed their shuso (head student) training with sangha support under the guidance of our teacher, Zoketsu Norman Fischer. As they are lay teachers Norman has asked that they not hold practice discussion during zazen but they are available at other times to get together with you, or speak with you over the phone. We have added to the sign up sheet at the zendo a place to leave your name and number or email if you wish to have practice discussion with John or Nancy but you can also contact them directly:
Seishu John Wiley
millingwiley@comcast.net
671-6064
Yuzan Nancy Welch
yuzanjii@gmail.com
671-3992
Both John and Nancy have a real grounded wisdom and deep experience of practice. Having healthy relationships with dharma peers, elders, and teachers are all very important for us as we develop our sangha. John and Nancy also both happen to be therapists. Practice discussion is not therapy but their close work with the struggles and suffering of many people over years of therapy work also gives them a depth of experience that can really help all of us as we practice to understand our lives and direction.
I hope you'll consider speaking once in a while with John or with Nancy or with me about your practice life. Not that we will be able to come up with any brilliant answers for you, but rather to explore together, to bring up and make real the practice as a living an integral part of our lives.
And I also hope you will make it a priority to get to know the others in our sangha more closely. Having dharma buddies and peers is such a helpful thing, I can't say that strongly enough. Please consider the pleasant task of having coffee or taking a walk with another sangha member as part of your practice going forward.
And lastly it's also important and helpful to have some contact with our guiding teacher, Zoketsu Norman Fischer. The best way to see Norman is to attend dokusan (private interview) at one of the six retreats a year he leads in the Northwest. Students with an established relationship with Norman can also arrange to have dokusan with Norman by phone. Contact me for details there. So much of what were are doing stems from Norman's warm-hearted teachings and deep understanding of the Dharma. It is not necessary to be a "official" student of Norman's to be a full member of the sangha but I think everyone who practices with us should have some sense of who he is.
By the way, John and Nancy have also agreed to start giving more dharma talks at the zendo using our 4th Thursday of the month slot. John gave a very helpful talk a few weeks ago on remembering our real intentions in life.
Upcoming Events
Samish Sesshin: Public Events
As I write this registration has just closed on our annual Samish sesshin. We are excited to be hosting the largest group yet in our 12 (or is it 13?) years of holding this annual retreat. 50 people!
Please know that even if you aren't able to come there are some public events that the sangha and their friends and loved ones are very much invited to attend.
Dharma Talks at Samish - all are invited
You are welcome to come to Samish Island Camp (directions below) and attend the Dharma Talks by Norman and this year by several senior students. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the talk starts and wait just outside the door to the large gym/church we use as a zendo. The Ino (John Keith) will invite you in when it's time. In the case of bad weather wait just inside the door. Before and after the talk feel free to wander the grounds a bit - it's a beautiful site.
Norman's talks: daily Saturday June 16 - Friday June 22 at 10:20am
Talk by other priests: daily Sunday June 17 - Thursday June 21st at 7:40pm
Sunday - Nomon Tim Burnett
Monday - Kakushi Kate McCandless
Tuesday - Kisei Jeff Bickner
Wednesday - Onshin Michael Newton
Thursday - Kyoan Sandy Taylor
Priest Ordination at Samish - all are invited
Our old dharma friend Florence Caplow was an important leader and inspiration in the formation of the Bellingham sangha. She had to move away some years ago but was originally scheduled to ordain together with me in 2000. I am so happy that she is able to take this step this year at Samish. Whether you know Florence personally or not the priest ordination is an important ceremony in our lineage and worth seeing and supporting. This is a public ceremony and the whole sangha is invited.
Friday June 22nd at 7:00pm. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Also at the large gym/church we use as a zendo.
Directions to Samish Island Camp
DIRECTIONS from the South (Seattle):
North of Mt. Vernon and Burlington, take Exit 231
Chuckanut Drive (and to Bow/ Edison). As you exit and
are circling to the right up over the freeway, begin
counting mileage from on top of the freeway. Go 2.9
miles NW on SR11 (Chuckanut Drive) to Allen corner
(grocery & espresso stand). Turn left (west) onto
Allen West Rd. Go 3.15 miles to Farm To Market Rd.
Then right (north) 0.25 miles on Farm To Market Rd to
D'Arcy Rd. Left (W) 1.3 miles on D'Arcy to
Bayview-Edison Rd. Right (north) on Bayview-Edison Rd
for 2.0 miles to "T" (Samish Island Rd). Left (west)
onto Samish Island Rd around one 90 degree curve and
two 45 degree curves 2.2 miles to Scott Rd (as you
enter on the island, not separated by water, looks
like a hill). Right on Scott Rd 0.2 miles where you
will see the sign for the camp entrance on your left.
Turn into this driveway and park behind the small
cabins. Total distance from the freeway at Exit 231 to
the camp entrance is 12.0 miles.
DIRECTIONS from the North (Vancouver):
South of Bellingham, take Exit 236 Bow/Edison Road and
turn right (west) onto Bow Hill Road. Follow Bow Hill
down a steep curvy hill to it's intersection with
Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11) 3.7 miles from the
freeway. There are restaurants and a post office at
this corner. Go straight across Chuckanut into the
tiny town of Edison. Stay on the main road and wind
through Edison. As the road leaves Edison is turns
left (south) and becomes Farm to Market Road. Stay on
Farm to Market only 0.4 miles and turn right (west)
onto Bayview-Edison Road. There is a sign before this
turning for Samish Island. After 1.7 miles,
Bayview-Edison turns sharply to the right (south) at
the intersection with Samish Island Road. Go straight
onto Samish Island Road and continue on for 2.2. miles
until leaving the flats of the delta and climbing
slightly onto Samish Island (not separated by water,
looks like a hill). Turn right onto Scott Road, and
after 0.2 miles you will see the sign for the camp
entrance on your left. Turn into this driveway and
park behind the small cabins. Total distance from the
freeway at Exit 231 to the camp entrance is 9.3 miles.
more information here
http://www.cofchrist-gpnw.org/samish.htm
A Community Conversation - Toward Deeper Understanding
Tuesday June 19 7pm, Bellingham
A Community Conversation on the role of faith in working for peace and social justice in the world, co-sponsored by the Bellingham Buddhist Peace Fellowship and the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center will be held Tuesday, June 19, 7 - 9 pm at the Peace and Justice Center, 200 E. Maple Street (corner of Maple and Cornwall), Bellingham.
Speakers on the Interfaith Dialogue Panel will be John Robinson of the Bellingham Dharma Hall; the Rev. Jennifer Yokum, First Congregational Church; Rabbi Cindy Enger, Beth Israel Synagogue; and Nadeem Israr, Whatcom Islamic Society. Each will speak about the fundamental beliefs of their faith traditions and how they foster peace and justice in the world. Following the panel presentations, there will be a question and answer period.
Please join us in our effort to learn about faith traditions different from our own and the ways in which those traditions seek and support peace and justice. This is a free event; coffee and dessert will be served.
For more information, call Edie Norton at 527-9101.
BRUSH CREATIVITY WORKSHOP with Kazuaki Tanahashi
Saturday June 30: 9:30--5:30 and Sunday July 1: 9:30--3:30
$150 To register call Kate or Michael at 604-462-0604 Registration form on reverse and MRZC website.
This just in from our colleagues to the north. This is an amazing opportunity if you can make the time.
Brush lines are honest reflections of our body and mind. Drawing lines with awareness helps us to be fully attentive, decisive, and present. Brushwork has been an important part of meditation practice in East Asia. Brush creativity brings forth a mew dimension of insight, healing, and joy.
We will explore the learning and creative process of the four-thousand-year-old tradition of East Asian calligraphy. Brief Zen meditation, discussions, and demonstrations will help clarify deeper meanings of the brush movement. The tools and materials will be provided. No previous experience is necessary. Space is very limited. Please register early!
Peace Poems Reading and Calligraphy Demonstration
Friday June 29 7:00-9:00 Centre for Peace
A benefit for A World Without Armies . Kaz will read his peace poems and create calligraphy for purchase. Everybody is welcome. By donation.
Kazuaki Tanahashi is a painter, calligrapher, writer, and peace worker, born and trained in Japan and active in the United States since 1977. He has had solo exhibitions of brushwork and painting performances worldwide. His publications include Brush Mind, Hakuin’s Zen and Art, and Enlightenment Unfolds: The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Dogen. For more information: www.brushmind.net.
Both events at the Centre for Peace
1825 West 16th Ave, Vancouver
Zen and Yoga Events
Final details will be on our website in just a few days but I am excited to be teaming up with two different yoga teachers this summer on combined Zen and Yoga retreats.
Zen and Yoga with Amy Robinson and Nomon Tim Burnett
Saturday August 2nd, 10am - 4pm
Woodstock Farm
Registration fee and details to be determined soon.
Amy Robinson has developed her dynamic therapeutic style of Hatha Yoga over 10 years of practice of Forrest, Ashtanga, Sivananda, Iyengar and Kundalini yoga. She dove deep into the many waves of yoga living in an ashram in India and has completed Ana Forrest's teacher training: a rigorous process of finding hertrue inner voice and exploring yoga deeper her body. She teaches at the Yoga Room in Bellingham.
Zen and Yoga with Kate Potter and Nomon Tim Burnett
Friday August 31st 5pm - Monday September 3rd at noon
Samish Island Camp
$300 - $350 sliding scale, includes room board, all fees, and teacher donation, scholarships available
Registration will open in just a few days.
Kate Potter has been practicing yoga for over 30 years, is a certified Yoga instructor and Yoga therapist. She trains yoga teachers and recently completed the first season for her yoga television series “Namaste.” Kate lives and practices in Vancouver and teaches throughout the US and Canada. More about Kate is available at www.katepotteryoga.ca
Resident Priest Nomon Tim Burnett has been a student of Zoketsu Norman Fischer since 1987 when he was a resident at San Francisco Zen Center's Green Gulch Farm. After sitting practice periods at Green Gulch and Tassajara Zen Monastery, Tim helped found the Bellingham Zen Practice Group in 1991. Tim was ordained as a Zen Priest by Norman in June, 2000. Like his teacher, Tim is interested in the possibility of deep and complete practice by lay people.
A person of wide-ranging professional interests, Tim has been a botanist, elementary schoolteacher, writer, and computer programmer. In addition to his work at the Resident Priest of Red Cedar Zen Community, Tim works as a software developer.