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Zen Center News

 

Congratulations and Bows of Gratitude to Karen Sokyo Swallow

 

The annual Shuso Hossen ceremony was held on Sunday, January 26. Karen Sokyo Swallow, head trainee for the past 11 months, presented her verse---several lines from Dogen's Fukanzazengi---and was tested on her understanding by the community and teachers. After responding to questions from almost everyone present in the packed zendo, Sokyo was "passed" by her teacher, Gyokuko. Then followed the congratulatory rounds, ending with Gyokuko's penetrating and heartfelt verse. Thank you, Sokyo, for a year of service as Shuso and for your encouraging example in both practice and leadership.

Getsushin Brox begins her duties as our next Shuso with the Spring Term Opening on Sunday, February 23.

Above : Karen Sokyo Swallow bows in front of her teacher, Gyokuo Calson, during her Shuso Sossen cemremony. In the front row, left to right, lay teachers Jill Bukkai Washburn and Sallie Jiko Tisdale witness with Kyogen Carlson and the previous Shuso, Jay Dosho VanSant.

Left: Gyokuko starts the ceremony.

 

Below: Sokyo bows to Kyogen and the lay teachers.

Above: Sokyo recites a verse from Fukanzenzengi, which will be used to test her understanding of the practice of Zen.

 

Right: Sokyo answers a question, then invites the next one with the thump of her stick.

 

Below Right: Processing from the meditation hall.


Kanzeon in the Kitchen

One hundred people enjoyed an absolutely delicious dinner prepared by Sangha volunteers and served by generous ZCO members and the Lewis & Clark and the Reed student sitting groups. Our annual fund-raising dinner on Sat. February 8 netted $1,365! The Zendo was once again transformed into an elegant dining room, bustling with conversation, live music, and a raffle. The food was the star, as tasty appetizers were followed by creative soups, exotic entrees and decadent desserts.

This annual event takes many, many, hours of volunteer labor for many days. Gassho to all those to helped, those who made donations or loaned linen and dishes, to Bridges Vocal Ensemble and Rene Berblinger. Extra bows to Kakumyo Lowe, who coordinated the whole shebang and created the recipes: his juggling skills once again astound us! Thank you all!


 

On-Line Purchases

DRZC now has the capability to accept payment for many goods and services on-line through our web site. You can sign up and pay for retreats, subscribe to Still Point, and purchase Zen Center publications. To purchase publications, point your browser to: http://www.dharma-rain.org/StillPoint/pp/pub.html.


 

Board Member Election Results

Dosho Van Sant was re-elected for a second term; Sylvan Rainwater and Kei'un Clardy were elected for first terms. Many thanks to all board members. Your efforts and time continue to guide the growth and stability of the Center. Special thanks to Nicole Ko'in Newsom and Jody Shintai Dungay, retiring from the board after years of service.




A Personal Thank You To The Zen Center

To all at Dharma Rain Zen Center:

The family of Jan C. Bolling and I, his partner, would humbly ask you to accept this small donation in the begging bowl for so many moments of kindness and service that the community shared with us during Jan's last days. Your constant caring, patience, humor and support helped in endless ways. (Thanks, Kakumyo, for washing the kitchen ceiling! Now, that's compassion!) I hope you will still let me come around and be one of the fringees I am working on taking bolder steps toward all of you more often.

Peace and deep Gassho,

Nancy Gonzales


Operations Corner

We are very close to beginning the changes the city building department is requiring that we make to the Dharma House. Domyo is finalizing a priority list for the Operations Committee, which will then solicit bids on the work that cannot be handled "in house" and will look for volunteers and time slots for those items that can be done by sangha members. Work on the zendo roof, windows and heating system has continued and is making good progress.

 


 

Newsletter Submissions

The newsletter is put together in the first week of every other month. Submissions are very welcome: short or long articles, which can be on any point of practice, including travel, research or personal experience; descriptions of events we've had; the occasional poem or drawing. We don't print anonymous articles. Please submit typed submissions if at all possible, and by e-mail if you can, to: newsletter@Dharma-rain.org. (This saves the newsletter staff from having to re-type the work.) If you have questions, contact Jiko, 239-9323.

Deadlines and possible topics:

January-February (New Year's eve, precepts study, Hossen): December 1
March-April (Jukai, spring term): February 1
May-June (Denkoe, end of term, summer): April 1
July-August (summer practice): June 1
September-October (fall term, term student program, Segaki): August 1
November-December (Founder's Day, Rohatsu, Christmas): October 1


 

 

Begging Bowl

The Center is looking for a jigsaw, 3/8" electric drill, sawhorses, 9 matching drawer handles, banquet tables, and outdoor benches and chairs. Also, we are looking for landscaping and garden plants (hostas, trillium, ferns, rhododendron and/or azalea bushes), and an Arbutus strawberry bush.


Thanks To:

Thank you to all who give and thereby ensure the stability and growth of the Center. Gassho to Gilda Taylor for apples and clothing; Ki'sei Martin for a holiday wreath; Anonymous for a fruit basket; Seido Martin for impeccable beets, onions, carrots and squash; Bruce and Anna Marie Lowe for pecans; Rebekah Elowyn for a box of home-grown citrus fruit; Russ Zachmeyer for 2 lbs. of coffee; Pat Osterman for a carpet shampooer/cleaner; Nancy Gonzales for tools, clothes and books; Ota Tofu for Soy Nectar; Oliver Young for a sturdy and beautiful, handmade walnut lectern; Marta and Sean Farris for baked goods from Grand Central and a box of fruit; Josh Rengert for use of platters and dishware for Kanzeon in the Kitchen.

 

Photo Left: Making music for Kanzeon in the Kitchen

 

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STILL POINT archive edit of 14 January 2003
Dharma Rain Zen Center Newsletter
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