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Calendar Changes

Please note the following changes from the dates indicated in the BZC calendar: Practice Period opening sesshin is now May 5. All-Sangha Work Day is now June 3. All-Sangha Potluck and Board Nominations is now September 25.

Library News

The library has recently acquired the following books:

  • Robert Wright, Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment
  • Taisen Deshimaru, Mushotoku Mind: The Heart of the Heart Sutra
  • Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, The Way of Tenderness: Awakening through Race, Sexuality, and Gender
  • Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Sanctuary: A Meditation on Home, Homelessness, and Belonging
  • Sung-Bae Park, Buddhist Faith and Sudden Enlightenment
  • Dainin Katagiri, The Light That Shines through Infinity: Zen and the Energy of Life
  • Dainin Katagiri, Returning to Silence: Zen Practice in Daily Life
  • Mu Soeng, The Diamond Sutra: Transforming the Way We Perceive the World

They can all be found in the “New Books” section on the top shelf of the bookcase directly to the right of the card catalog.
If you have suggestions for our library, please email the BZC Librarian, Greg Smith, at gregorysmith2@gmail.com.

BZC Board Nominations

Every October the sangha elects three of six members-at-large to the BZC Board for two-year terms. There is a two-term limit. The next new term starts in January 2019. The Board will present its three nominees at the all-sangha membership meeting on Tuesday evening, September 25. Other nominations can be made from the floor.

Two current members-at-large, Mark Copithorne and Stan Dewey, are serving their second terms and will be leaving the Board at the end of this year, so these seats will be open. Jed Appelman has agreed to be a Board nominee for a second term. The Board will thus be considering whom to nominate to fill the two vacant member-at-large positions. We would like to receive suggestions from BZC members.

Among the skills that a nominee might add to the Board are: oral and written communication, organization, information technology, money management, fundraising, building maintenance and nonprofit law. Board members attend monthly morning meetings and an all-day retreat in February, and they serve on at least one working Board committee: finance, buildings, development, electronic communication, and nomination-elections.

If you have a suggested candidate for the Board or are yourself interested in being nominated, please contact the Board Nominations and Elections Committee chair, Stan Dewey, at standewey@comcast.net by June 9. Please include any relevant information about why you think the person you mention would be a good BZC Board member.

Zendo Fine Points

When leaving the zendo:

  • If Sojun is present to bow to you at the door, bow to him and then just exit the zendo. (There is no need to bow again before crossing the threshold onto the porch.)
  • If Sojun is not present, then shashu bow before crossing the threshold onto the porch.
  • If you’re exiting the zendo at non-zazen times or before the final bow out to the altar (such as to go to dokusan or to use the bathroom), please bow to the altar and then shashu bow before crossing the threshold onto the porch.

Oryoki Training

Are you ready to deepen your formal meal practice in the zendo before the five-day end-of-practice-period sesshin? Would you like to explore and learn how to use oryoki bowls with cloths? The next training will be June 2 (after Saturday program from 11:30 to 12:15). Check the courtyard bulletin board for the signup sheet or just drop in. Contact Sue Oehser ((510) 339-0243 or soehser@earthlink.net) if you have questions or want to pick another date.

Resident Changes

Longtime BZC residents Ken Powelson and Katy Guimond are starting an exciting new chapter in their lives. They have purchased a new home in the El Cerrito hills.

Ken and Katy have been stalwart residents for many years, Ken serving in many of BZC’s senior positions, including sesshin director and zendo manager, and Katy serving on the Board and rallying the neighbors to fight the ever-encroaching construction in our neighborhood. Although we are sad to see them go, we wish them our warm blessings in their future endeavors.

Please join us in welcoming our new resident to BZC, Mahin Mahdevi. Mahin has a long history of Zen practice from Tassajara to Green Gulch. She will be residing at the newly vacant apartment previously occupied by Ken and Katy, along with a suitable apartment mate (yet to be found).

Caregiving Meeting

Sangha Support is offering a gathering for helpers and caregivers on Sunday, May 13, at 4:00‒5:30pm in the Senauke home at 1933 Russell St.

For our gathering, there will be the usual (unusual!) guided meditation by Laurie Senauke, time for checking in, and space to share ideas for how this caregiving practice can be met with kindness for all, including self.

Thank you for helping another person with doing things that they used to do for them-selves; we recognize your courage in navigating this challenging practice.

For more information, please contact Debbie at DebbieResearcher@gmail.com or (503) 505-4282.

Mountains and Rivers Sesshin

When making your summer plans, please consider setting aside time to participate in our annual Mountains and Rivers Sesshin at Point Reyes National Seashore, Thursday, July 26, through Sunday, July 29. More details will follow in the July‒August newsletter. Mean-while, feel free to contact Zosie (Christy) at zosiec@zoho.com with any questions.

Family Campout

BZC’s annual Family Campout is happening Saturday and Sunday, June 30‒July 1. Join us for a night in Tilden Park! We have a potluck dinner, smores around the campfire, and BZC provides breakfast. Everyone is welcome, especially children. A signup sheet will be posted in June. For more info, contact Marie Hopper at marie_hopper@sbcglobal.net or (510) 559-8831.

Lay Ordination

This year’s Zaike Tokudo (Lay Ordination Ceremony) will take place on Saturday, June 9, at 3:00 p.m. in the zendo. Cheryl Gordon will receive lay ordination from Sojun Roshi. Rhiana Wiggins and Greg Smith will receive lay ordination from Hozan Sensei. Congratulations in advance to the ordinees, who have been studying and sewing diligently with our sewing teacher, Jean Selkirk. Everyone is encouraged to attend the ceremony and the reception afterwards. Check the zendo bulletin board for details and please sign up for assistance with preparation and cleanup.