March 16, 2023
Seeking Trustee Self-Nominations – A New Process for 2023 Once again, as we have done for over 50 years, the Center is searching for volunteer leaders to join our board of trustees. However, this time around, factoring in emerging needs, we’re introducing a new nominations process that we hope will increase transparency, Sangha engagement, and…
March 8, 2023
Sangha Entertainment Night Postponed Sadly, we have too few acts ready to go for Saturday night, so we’re going to postpone until the “stars” align. In the meantime, if you have an idea for a skit or any other performance, let us know and we can help find collaborators. If we do round up a…
March 3, 2023
Teisho by Donna-sensei, Sunday, March 5 We’ll have one extended round of sitting with a bell at the half-way point for a posture change, followed by kinhin, a short chanting service, and then Donna-sensei’s teisho. All will be broadcast on Zoom. Unmasking the Zendo Our COVID committee met recently and have agreed to remove the…
February 28, 2023
Gisela Hellstern, July 19, 1957 – February 27, 2023 It is with sorrow that we report that Gisela Hellstern, a longtime member of our Sangha and a leader of the Berlin Zen Group, died on the morning of February 27. Gisela was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer some two years ago, but had been in…
February 17, 2023
Flooding at the Auckland Zen Centre A couple of weeks ago, one of our sister Centers, the Auckland Zen Centre, suffered heavy damages from flooding due to heavy rainfall in New Zealand. If you’d like to help through a monetary donation, you can send it to the Rochester Zen Center (make sure to write “Helping…
February 10, 2023
Sangha Winter Social, Tomorrow, Saturday, February 11: You’re Invited! Join us at Arnold Park on Saturday, February 11, from 4:30 to 6:00 for a relaxed and festive early-evening gathering with delicious food, mocktails “bartended” by one of our very own, fun games, and warm community. RSVP here to help kitchen staff with a headcount, but…
February 3, 2023
Cleaning of the Temple: Chapin Mill, Saturday, February 4 It’s time to turn our attention to all the corners and crevices of the Chapin Mill Retreat Center with our annual “Cleaning of the Temple.” We’ll begin at 9:30 a.m. with a chanting service in the zendo and finish with a pizza lunch (alternatives available) at…
January 27, 2023
Teisho, Coming-to-the-Path Talk, and Sangha Meeting This Sunday’s teisho (January 29) will be given by John-sensei. Next week, Sunday, February 5, Jonathan Hager will give a Coming-to-the-Path talk. After Jonathan’s talk, we’ll have a Sangha meeting during brunch. Sangha Hike, Sunday, January 29 at noon Either meet at the front entrance of the Rochester Zen…
January 19, 2023
A Change in Mask Policy (COVID) The Center’s COVID Task Force recently met and made a change in mask-wearing policy at Arnold Park and Chapin Mill: masks are no longer required when in motion throughout the buildings (kinhin, dokusan waiting line, changing room, etc.). The only time we now require masks is during chanting and…
January 7, 2023
Zen Bow, Autumn 2022 The latest issue of Zen Bow is available here. Sittings During the 7-day Rohatsu Sesshin (January 7-14) Though there will be a sesshin at Chapin Mill, you can still join the in-person sittings at Arnold Park. You can refer to the weekly schedule here for the days and times (no chanting,…