November 2017

Dear Sangha,

The sky canvas fills with clouds, and we find ourselves entering the wet season. As practitioners of meditation we take up the seat of weather-watchers (not forecasters!), watching the storms within and without. We become the keen observers of a strong ridge of high pressure, or a looming dark mood, a northward bulge in the jet stream, accumulations of rain, or tears, or joys.
 
No matter how we might feel about our observations, our meditation practices calls on us to be in the weather, 100%. And also, at the same time, to take shelter in the underlying clarity, the blue sky that is always there, even if not within our momentary view. Herein is the crux of our practice challenge: how to be in the conditions we are experiencing now, whether pleasant or unpleasant, and how to take refuge in that exact spot?
 
Buddha, perhaps one of the greatest of meteorologists, made this astute and unequivocal observation: weather happens, and furthermore, it will change. Acknowledging that reality makes all the difference in whether we are controlled by passing storms or harnessing the energy of those storms so that we might sail, soar or otherwise transform our darkest seasons.
 
May we, continuously, harvest peace and joy and give it away at every turning word.
 
Jeong Ji
photo by Eric Nord, JDPSN
November Events
Kong-An Interviews :

1st Tuesdays with Zen Master Jeong Ji: November 7

2nd Sunday with Zen Master Jeong Ji or Eric Nord, JDPSN: November 12

3rd Wednesday with Zen Master Jeong Ji: November 15

3rd Thursdays with Eric Nord, JDPSN: November 16

Consulting Interviews :

Thursday, November 2 with Abbot and Senior Dharma Teacher Tom Campbell

Special Chanting :

1st Sunday: November 5 (Daylight Savings Ends)

Tacoma Saturday Meditation :

Saturday, November 11 with Zen Master Jeong Ji

No Group Practice on Thanksgiving Day: November 23
 
Please visit the  website calendar for complete and current details of these events and for the weekly practice schedule. 
Fundamentals of Zen

Sunday, November 12: 1pm to 4pm

Discover the true nature of reality. Engage with the deepest questions about who we are and how we might be of service to this troubled world. Blue Heron Zen Community invites you to take up the challenge of training a beautifully clear mind in this free, three-hour Fundamentals of Zen workshop. Pre-registration is not necessary.
Zoom Gathering with Jeff Tipp, JDPSN

Wednesday, November 15: 7pm - 8:30pm

Connect with sangha near and far from the comfort of your own home. Jeff Tipp, JDPSN will lead a 90-minute group video conference call using the free Zoom conferencing service. The conversation will begin with an inquiry into "What is effortless mindfulness?" Please RSVP to Lisa Kaufman for connection information and a poem for contemplation. All are welcome.
Whatever the Weather...

Two opportunities to join the sangha outdoors this month.

Saturday, November 4: Green Seattle Day Work Party

Saturday, November 11: Silent Meditation Hike

Follow the links for more details and sign-ups.
Tiny House Village Outreach

Cold Weather Clothing and Blanket Drive

Our Licton Springs neighborhood is host to a city-sanctioned encampment of tiny houses on Aurora Ave North. Please consider donating cold-weather clothing (coats, socks, boots) and blankets during the month of November to the Zen Center. You may leave your donations in the bowl room and we will deliver them to the Tiny House Village at the end of the month. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
New Preceptors

It was a warm, sunny October Sunday morning when five sangha members took Five Precepts and the sangha welcomed a new Dharma Teacher and Senior Dharma Teacher. Congratulations to Meg Guilland, Catherine Hogue, Don Lopez, Eric Weber, and Bob Werner who are in the Bon (meaning Original) family. And welcome to new DT Lisa Kaufman and SDT Denise Forest. We thank you for the gifts you bring to the sangha and for your commitment to the Zen practice!
photo by Paul Gulick, SDT.
Looking Forward

Dharma Talk, Thu, December 7

Two Day Retreat with Zen Master Jeong Ji, Fri-Sat, December 8-9: Registration is open

Buddha's Enlightenment Day, Sun, December 10 (ceremony, potluck, sangha & board meetings)