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July 2018

Dear Sangha,

Everything is given. However, because of the transient nature of all phenomena, nothing can ever belong to us. This is the insight of our meditation practice. It warrants a lifetime’s examination and celebration—in the midst of coming and going, everything is given.

What bounty is spilled out before our eyes, our hearts and minds. What unexpected potentiality and occurrences. 

It must be said that our teaching of letting go is not, by any means, a teaching of loss. Letting go means releasing our mind’s fixations so that we may participate, fully, in this wondrous parade of being. May it be for the benefit of all. 

Yours in the utmost, generous dharma,

Jeong Ji
photo by Eric Nord, JDPSN
July Events
Kong-An Interviews:

1st Tuesday with Zen Master Jeong Ji: July 3rd

2nd Sunday with Zen Master Jeong Ji or Eric Nord, JDPSN: July 8th

3rd Wednesday with Zen Master Jeong Ji: July 18th

3rd Thursday with Eric Nord, JDPSN: July 19th

Consulting Interviews: With Senior Dharma Teacher Paul Gulick: Thursday, July 26th

Special Chanting: Sunday, July 1st

Please visit the  website calendar for complete and current details of these events and for the weekly practice schedule. 
Join us for a farewell to Lisa Kaufman

Sunday, July 1st, 10-11am

Lisa Kaufman and her family are starting a new adventure in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While we are excited for her, we will also greatly miss her. Please join us at tea time this coming Sunday to celebrate Lisa and her many contributions to the sangha.
Welcome to Anna Shtelen

We are happy to announce that Anna has joined our sangha as the newest resident. Please introduce yourself to Anna and make her feel at home.
Fundamentals of Zen

Sunday, July 8th, 1-4pm

The Fundamentals of Zen workshop will give you detailed information about how to practice with the body, breath and mind, and introduce you to other practice forms such as chanting, walking meditation and bowing. There is ample opportunity to ask questions and try different techniques. All kinds of body types and physical conditions can access this ancient tradition of meditation. Working with one of our teachers, we help to make it as comfortable and practical as possible. Pre-registration is not necessary. 
Neighborhood Cleanup

Sunday, July 15th 10am

As a part of our involvement with our community, we would like to institute a regular cleanup of our neighborhood and Licton Springs Park 4 times each year, at 10 am on the 3rd Sunday of January, April, July and October.

Please join the sangha in the first of these cleanups on July 15. Blue Heron will supply garbage bags and pickers for trash. Please bring gloves if you have them
Zoom Gathering

Wednesday, July 18th 7-8pm

Connect with sangha near and far from the comfort of your own home. Jeff Tipp, JDPSN will lead a group video conference call using the free Zoom conferencing service. The conversation will focus on “The Bodhisattva Mind”. Please RSVP to John Craycraft for connection information and questions for contemplation before the call. All are welcome.
West Bank Zen

During a 2004 trip to the West Bank and Gaza, Zen Master Jeong Ji lived with a single imperative - to ask, who am I/what is this/who are you? Out of this experience, she wrote this recent article for Anchor Magazine.
Looking Forward

Nine Day Retreat, Sat-Sun, August 18-26