December 2021
Dear Friends,
Some of us might occasionally fall prey to the idea that Zen is orderly, quiet, and even “aesthetically pleasing.” We might even conjure up an image of a “Zen garden!” Let’s gently disengage from such foolishness, shall we? Instead, let’s open our minds and hearts a little wider. Allow space. Allow breathing room for thusness.
We already know (all too well!) that we live in the thorny jungle of multiple points of view, conflict, and dissatisfaction. But we also know that all of these conditions exist within the ground of stillness. These two kinds of knowing cancel each other out to create the perfect conditions for a Don’t Know Mind as it meets the newest moment world. And that is, indeed, beautiful!
Take care. Hold onto your hats as winter winds blow across the threshold.
Yours, in all kinds of weather,
Jeong Ji
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Photo by Eric Nord, JDPSN |
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Sunday Morning In-Person Practice Resumes
Every Sunday starting December 5 9am
We’re happy to report that our re-opening committee has recommended that we can extend our in-person practices by including a hybrid Sunday morning practice that is both in-person and streamed for online participants, starting on December 5.
Some important details:
- People attending in-person practice must provide proof of vaccination.
- All other previously established COVID safety protocols still apply (masks, ventilation, distance, etc).
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December Online Sessions
You are welcome to join in on any of these sessions. No sign up necessary. Just join the online group practice at the appropriate time for any of our group practices. If necessary, entering late is okay, as is leaving early. If it’s your first time trying this out, come early if you can. The Head Dharma Teacher will be available to help you get started.
Sessions:
- Sunday 9am
- Monday - Saturday 7am
- Tuesday 7pm
Sessions with Dharma Talks:
- Tuesday, December 21 7pm - Eric Nord, JDPSN
Sessions with Dharma Dialogues:
- Tuesday, December 7 7pm - Senior Dharma Teachers
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December In-Person Events
You are welcome to join any of these in-person events at the Blue Heron Zen Center.
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Sundays 9am - Indoor regular practice
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Fridays 10am - Half-hour sit, followed by (BYO) tea with Zen Master Jeong Ji
The Friday session may meet indoors if the weather is inclement. The walks are outside so please dress appropriately.
Not long ago we began scheduling biweekly silent meditation walks on Saturday afternoons. Due to low attendance and some difficulty scheduling walk leaders, we’ve decided to discontinue these scheduled walks at this time. Thanks for your understanding.
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2-Day Online Retreat with Eric Nord, JDPSN
Friday December 3 - Saturday December 4
On Friday, we'll gather our virtual community for a two-day long online-only immersion in group practice, Dharma talks and personal interviews. The schedule is available here. Please join us, to enliven the solitude we have each embraced for the safety and sake of all beings.
The fee for this retreat is $35/day for non-members, $25/day for members. Please register using this form by Wednesday, December 1. A voluntary gift of dana* to the teacher will be accepted with gratitude.
Join us for this online retreat using the Zoom teleconferencing platform.
If you join using the Zoom app:
Meeting ID: 228 228 1938
Password: 0 108 01
*dana is a voluntary donation to our teacher.
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Buddha's Enlightenment Day (Online and In-Person)
Sunday December 5 9am
Please mark your calendars for a Blue Heron double header on Sunday December 5. First on the program is our Buddha’s Enlightenment Day ceremony. Following the ceremony will be our December Sangha meeting, one of only two Blue Heron Sangha meetings held each year.
December 5th also marks a return to combined in-person and online Sunday practice. Yes, the ceremony will be conducted at the Zen center, and in-person attendance is an option, but the ceremony will also be streamed on Zoom. (Those attending in person should note the details in the announcement above.)
Please note that while the ceremony will include both in-person and Zoom options, the Sangha meeting will be held exclusively on Zoom, beginning at 10:30 AM. Those of us who attend the ceremony in-person are encouraged to return home afterword and log into the Sangha meeting. Included on the agenda for the Sangha meeting are nomination of two current Board members for another two-year term each, and nomination of a new member to the Board. Sangha members, please come and cast your votes!
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Dharma Dialogues
December 12 - 18
Zen Master Jeong Ji will offer online Zoom Dharma Dialogues from 2pm to 4pm the week of December 12. Kong-an training is available in these dialogues (but not required). These will be scheduled individually, separate from our regular practice times. Sign up for a Dharma Dialogue. You will receive an email with the Zoom video conference information before the date of your dialogue.
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Awakening to Whiteness Online Classes
January 22 - June 30, 2022
The Zen Community of Oregon is again offering the Awakening to Whiteness series of classes, January 22,2022 – June 30, 2022. Signup closes December 28, 2021. An orientation session will be held December 12, 2021.
Awakening to Whiteness is structured as an “affinity group” for white people to explore the elements that have contributed to this often unconscious identity. They explore in this way with an understanding that our own liberation/awakening is intimately bound to one another.
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Our senior dharma teachers are offering Online Dharma Dialogues if you would like to discuss your practice and any questions you may have. Please get in touch with them individually to schedule an appointment if you would like a one-on-one Zoom meeting.
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Our Online Altar
We invite you to register a name of a loved one who is currently suffering for our Kwan Seum Bosal Chanting, or for Ji Jang Bosal Chanting, for a loved one who has recently died. We will recite these names when we do special chanting. |
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Looking Forward
3-day retreat with Eric Nord, JDPSN: January 28-30
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