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December 2017

Dear Sangha,

Long ago on Gradhrakuta Mountain, Buddha held up a flower before a vast assembly of followers. As the story goes, at that time, only Mahakashyapa smiled. This became known as the first mind-to-mind transmission.
 
But really, every day in our precious moment world, there is also a flower being held aloft in the midst of a vast assembly of sentient beings. What is that flower? Where is it? And, are we fully present to receive it?
 
Every year at the Blue Heron Zen Community, we celebrate Buddha’s Enlightenment Day with an opportunity for each one of us to hold up a flower and dedicate that beautiful, fleeting presence to those we love. Please join us; bring friends and family and share in our celebration of the potential for global transmission!
 
May we, continuously, give and receive peace and joy.

With deep appreciation,
 
Jeong Ji
Spring Flowers
photo by Eric Nord, JDPSN
December Events
Kong-An Interviews:

1st Tuesday with Zen Master Jeong Ji: December 5

2nd Sunday with Zen Master Jeong Ji or Eric Nord, JDPSN: canceled due to Buddha's Enlightenment Day

3rd Wednesday with Zen Master Jeong Ji: December 20

3rd Thursday with Eric Nord, JDPSN: December 21

Consulting Interviews:

Tuesday, December 12 with Senior Dharma Teacher Paul Gulick

Special Chanting:

1st Sunday: December 3

Tacoma Saturday Meditation:

Saturday, December 9

Please visit the  website calendar for complete and current details of these events and for the weekly practice schedule. 
Dharma Talk

Thursday, December 7: 7pm

Please join us for a public dharma talk. Dharma Teacher Jim Peacey will give the introductory talk titled "Attachment Theory", and Zen Master Jeong Ji will answer questions from the audience. Everyone is welcome.
Two Day Retreat with Zen Master Jeong Ji

Friday - Saturday, December 8-9
Fri: 6am - 8:30pm, Sat: 6am - 4pm

Retreats offer a rare opportunity to let go of the demands of our busy lives and recognize our inherent compassion and wisdom through dedicated Zen training. Each day includes chanting, sitting and walking meditation, work practice, a private kong-an interview and formal vegetarian meals. Here’s more detailed retreat information and retreat schedule.

Members: $30 plus dana* per day, Non-members: $40 plus dana* per day.
*dana is a voluntary gratitude to our teacher

Please register online by Tuesday, December 5th.
Buddha's Enlightenment Day

Sunday, December 10: 9:30am

Please join us in a celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment. Friends and family members are warmly welcome to attend. The ceremony begins at 9:30am, and will immediately be followed by a Vegetarian Potluck, Sangha Meeting and Board Meeting.
Residential Openings

The Blue Heron Zen Community will have two residential openings starting in January 2018 for students who are serious about their Zen training practice. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen one's meditation effort by living in our beautiful Zen Center.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested, please read the residential guidelines and send a note with your interest to Abbot Tom Campbell at [email protected] .
Looking Forward

Kyol Che Opening Ceremony: Tuesday, January 23

Three Day Retreat with Eric Nord, JDPSN: Friday-Sunday, January 26-28