April Update
The Spring retreat was well attended and gave ample opportunity to participate in all aspects of formal Zen practice. The retreat ended with the celebration of Buddha’s birthday, Hanamatsuri. For a good number of participants this was the first opportunity to experience extended practice.
 |
The Hanamatsuri ceremony includes the formal circumambulation of a Baby Budhha statue. The altar is covered with petals gathered from the magnolias and flowers in the CBA’s garden. The circumambulators participate in a responsive chant and stop to poor sweet tea over the statue. This wonderful celebration of community was a good opportunity to thank everybody who has been contributing to the Sangha and our practice of the Dharma. |
| Spring Weekend Retreat, April 21 – 23, 2006 |
|---|
| Friday 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday 6:00 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. (breakfast, lunch, dinner) |
| Sundays, 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. (breakfast) |
| Sunday 11:00 a.m. Hanamatsuri Celebration |
| Cost: full-time $80 ($60 members), Friday donation requested, Saturday $60 ($45 members), Sunday $25 ($20 members) |
The beginning of the month marks Joshu Roshi’s traditional birthday sesshin which is followed by the Hanamatsuri celebration of Buddha’s birthday. Joshu Roshi will celebrate his 99th birthday with this 7-day Dai-sesshin which is the fourth Dai-sesshin he leads this year. Just a few days before starting the April Dai-sesshin he returned from a weeklong retreat he led in Puerto Rico.
Shuko and Dokuro will be participating in the Dai-sesshin from April 1-7.