MESSAGE FROM THE EHZC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In spring, the cherry blossoms In summer, the cuckoo's song, In autumn, the moon shining, In winter, the frozen snow How pure and clear are the seasons!

  ~Dogen (Text from The Zen Poetry of Dogen: Verses from the Mountain of Eternal Peace, by Steve Heine)  

March 28, 2024

Dear Sangha Members, Spring has arrived, though as of this writing, the temperature and cloudy skies don't fit our "image" of spring! We know of course that change is coming - the skies will clear, the air will warm, the flowers and trees will burst forth in spring colors ~ And as spring brings new life and color to our earth, we can look forward to events that bring new life to our sangha community. Please save the following dates:

Sunday, April 14 - we will hold our EHZC Annual Community Meeting; The meeting will include a review of our finances, membership, upcoming programs, and will invite questions, ideas/suggestions for our sangha; all in our community are welcome to attend (if there is an opportunity for voting, however, members only vote). The Board of Directors welcomes your presence and your input. We will have a shortened Sunday Service so that the meeting can begin by 10:45. Saturday, May 4 - Trip to the Japan Society. We will soon have a sign-up sheet in the zendo. Sunday, May 19 - Jukai Ceremony (and celebration to follow) - Please join us as three of our sangha members formally receive the 16 Bodhisattva Precepts (From the Village Zendo website: Jukai: Ju: to transmit; Kai: precepts. To transmit awareness of your own nature. Maezumi Roshi said, "the kai is to really be aware of your own nature. " Saturday, June 1 - Full day zazenkai (full day meditation retreat at EHZC). More information will follow closer to the date.

Notice to members: If you are interested in learning to serve in the position of kokyo (chant leader) and/or doan (bells), please email Meisho Paula to set up a time to learn and practice one or both of these service positions (paulaborsody@gmail.com).

Our Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Sunday morning programs as well as Wednesday morning meditation with Ryo (via zoom) continue. Friday evening heart-centered yoga, taught and sponsored by sangha member Chandni Rodriguez, also continues. Please see our website for details.

It is almost planting time! If anyone would like to contribute a plant to add color and vitality to the pots outside our zendo doors that contribution would be joyously appreciated!

With Gratitude and Best Wishes to All, The EHZC Board of Directors

JiZan Deborah, Priest   

Meisho Paula, President 

Kigyo Jeff, Chairman   

MyoShi Alexandra, Treasurer

GuDō Oscar 

JunSei Gallia