We all found Jonathan Prescott's Dharma talk On Effort and Ease very clear and helpful in thinking about how to practice meditation and in life in general. Enjoy!

Dear Sangha,

I'd love your help putting our annual donor's letter and calligraphy thank you card. We're hosting a mailing party to stuff envelopes this Sunday January 29th at 1pm at our new building at 2509 Cedarwood. (It's not a zendo yet but it is an office building so let's use it for office work and enjoy being in our new space!). Depending on how many hands we have it'll take about an hour.

Warmly,

Nomon Tim

We received this from the Northwest Dharma Association:

Memorial for Genko Kathy Blackman 

January 28 from 2:00-3:30 pm

Puget Sound Zen Center - Vashon Island WA

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Genko Kathy Blackman on December 9, 2022. We will hold a memorial for Genko on January 28 at the Puget Sound Zen Center. It will streamed on Zoom, with the Zoom address on our homepage and the same password as we usually use.  If you need that password, email PSZC.

There will be a second memorial at Nalandabodhi in Seattle at a later date.

Genko Kathy Blackman taught regularly at the Puget Sound Zen Center from 2012 to 2022. Genko trained in the Rinzai Zen tradition and was ordained in 1997 and authorized to teach in 2007. She also practiced with Sharon Salzberg in the Insight Meditation tradition and at Nalandabodhi in Seattle with Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, a Kagyu and Nyingma Tibetan lineage holder.

All those participating in the Winter Practice Period are warmly invited to join Daishin Bob Andrews, my Benji, and me for a short, informal gathering where we get to know each other a bit more and have a chance to share our thoughts, our practice and any questions or comments about the classes during our winter practice period.

We've set aside several time slots where you can sign up for in-person or virtual Tea with the Shuso. Just click on the link below.

Sign up here

Shuso Ikushun Desiree Webster

The Heart of Buddha's Teaching

Please join Shuso Ikushun Desiree Webster as she guides us on a study of several of the fundamental teachings of the Buddha through the clear guidance and deep understanding of Thich Nhat Hanh and others. The classes will include a bit of flavor from the Plum Village Tradition including a few songs and gathas.

You can sign up HERE.

And don't overlook the list of Resources that will help you fully engage with the class and the teachings. Go to the Practice Period 2023 page and scroll down - it's in a box on the right.

Dear Sangha,

Effective immediately, we are requiring that anyone regardless of vaccination status - wear a mask (surgical, N95 or KN95) at our indoor events.

We will have masks available at the door for our Thursday Evening Practice tomorrow. And the Practice will be available, as always, via our Virtual Zendo - click HERE for connection information.

This policy change reflects Whatcom County's updated masking guidance in response to the ongoing triple respiratory virus threat.

Thank you for helping to keep our sangha members safe!

The Red Cedar Zen Community Health Committee

During the Open Walls Open House on December 10th, Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim Burnett led the attendees in a brief service - the first in our new building. You can find more pictures and videos here: New Zendo First service or scroll down:

During the Open Walls Open House on December 10th, 2022 Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim Burnett led the attendees in a brief service - the first in our new building. 

Here's a short video of the offering:

Here's a short video of Nomon Tim's and Joden Bob's remarks following the service

Note: You may need to turn up the volume!

At the November 29^th board meeting, Ginger Harris was welcomed as both a new board member and as board treasurer.  For the past 4 months, Ginger has volunteered, assisting treasurer John Wiley, learning our bookkeeping system and helping to develop a transparent system for tracking our capital campaign incomes and expenditures. As a further example of dana to support our sangha, John will continue serving on the board as an “at large” member.

Ginger brings a complex background of corporate industrial management experience, local non-profit organization oversight, and long and varied experience with various Zen sanghas.  We are truly grateful and excited to benefit from her dedication and experience as we enter this next phase of our sangha’s growth.      

– Bob Rose, Board President 

Learn more about Ginger and all of our board members on the Board of Directors page of our website.

Members helping members: we’re looking to revive a pool of folks who can offer things like

Members needing a hand:   If you are in need of assistance, sangha may be able to help.

Your privacy is respected.  Contact membership@redarzen.org’

Here's a wonderful short talk by Chân Huong Dien Tracey Pickup who is a member of Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing. Desiree invited her to Zen Alive! on November 27th.