Had a great visit from the Harbor School sixth graders–Here they are mimicking the Buddha statue, with their teacher, Lauretta Hyde. They’re studying Ancient China, and got an introduction to Zen from me and a brief shakuhachi performance from Larry Lawson, who also served them tea. Quietest bunch of meditating 6th graders you’ll find anywhere.

Thanks to Renee Marceau and Kaj Wyn Berry for these images!

And thanks again to our officers: David Steel, Genro Karen Cole, Van Crozier, John Dumbrille, Christopher Ezzell, Elizabeth Fitterer, Berry Amason, and Beth Glennon

Hi Folks,

It is abundantly clear to me that Shana enjoys cleaning up the Zen Center.  And she is not alone.  About a dozen folks showed up to tidy, scrub, sweep, and wash and altogether deep clean our center last month.  Thanks to our rockin' Property Committee for sponsoring it.  

And one more – Jodo's public talk at the Vashon Library on Self and World, which I enjoyed very much.  He followed it up with the latest in our Dharma Teaching series at the Zen Center, which we've been holding three times a year.  Next up, Red Pine this summer. 

As for the near future, first of all we won't be holding our Saturday Half Day sit this coming Saturday.  Instead, we're directing you to sign up for the Weekend Retreat the following weekend. 

OK, here's what's coming up soon:

Family Zen happens this Sunday – Easter Sunday, from 9:30 to 11:30.  The younger kids will work on a Welcoming Song for our Buddha's Birthday celebration - which happens on Mother's Day, May 13, at Camp Sealth again this year.  The older kids will be working out how to host the Saltwater Unitarian Church's youth group next month. 

Our Zen Weekend Retreat is coming in a little over a week, April 13 to 15.  I'll speaking on that beloved layperson, Vimalakirti.  And here's David Steel leading Qi Gong as he'll do for during the weekend. It's getting late, but it's not too late to reserve a zafu.  Do so right here.  Whether you're coming for all or some or none, you can help us out by volunteering to make a soup or salad for the retreat.  Press the reply button to email me back or contact our Tenzo, Elizabeth Fitterer directly. 

We're three spots from full for our Family Retreat, May 11 to 13.  This year's theme is Zip Zen – plenty of movement to go with the still stuff.  You may still, just barely, sign up here.  Everyone in the sangha (and everyone else too) is invited to come to our Buddha's Birthday Celebration on May 13 at Camp Sealth.  More info about that soon. 

I'll leave you with Treasurer Jeremy Sappington burning some 8pm oil with me down at the Zen Center. You're invited to join us anytime.  I've been doing plenty of work down at the Zen Center rather than at home recently, thanks to the office the Property Committee set up for me.  See my hours here.  

That's it for this month.  Hope to see you soon at the center. 

One way or another, see you on down the path. 

Koshin
PSZC