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• Saturday Morning Practice

  • Start
    Saturday, October 01, 2022
  •  
    (PDT)
  • End
    Saturday, December 30, 2023
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    64 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  

  SATURDAY MORNING PROGRAM

  Every  Saturday morning we offer early morning mediation with a second period of zazen and a rich morning chanting and bowing service. Often the in-person group lingers for some social time.

  Starting in June: We will practicing in our Virtual Zendo only - our BUF Zendo will not be open!

  Saturday Morning Meditation Schedule

  7:00am zazen (opening with robe chant, early morning bells, and priest’s jundo)
  7:30am kinhin (slow walking meditation)
  7:40am zazen
  8:10am service (chanting and bowing - longer morning service)
  8:30am soji (temple cleaning)
  
  Followed by the opportunity for social time.

  Dokusan (private interviews) with Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim Burnett are offered during zazen periods.

  Printable chant book available here.
  

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• Thursday Evening Practice

  • Start
    Thursday, October 06, 2022
  •  
    (PDT)
  • End
    Thursday, December 28, 2023
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    63 sessions
  • Location
    Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham, and Online on Zoom

  THURSDAY EVENING PROGRAM

  This is our central weekly practice and community meeting. The usual pattern is:

  • 1st Thursday of the month: Precepts Ceremony.
  • 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursdays of the month: Regular Schedule (see below).
  • If there's a 5th Thursday of the month: Member Appreciation & Sangha Conversation. 

  The Winter Practice Period Schedule from mid January to early March each year, and our annual sesshin (usually in July) have their own Thursday evening schedules.
  

  Location: In-person at BUF and online via Zoom - see our Zendo page for details.

  Dokusan will be available in both places - an announcement will be made at the beginning of the program on how to request a session.
  

  Orientation: If you're new to Zen or our community, we're happy to give you an orientation to the program (when and how to do what). Just email orientation@redcedarzen.org. It's also perfectly fine to just show up, pick someone, and do what they do. 

  Regular Schedule:
  6:50pm han begins
  7:00pm zazen (sitting meditation)
  7:30pm kinhin (walking meditation)
  7:40pm service (chanting and bowing)
  8:00pm dharma talk by Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim Burnett and others
  8:40pm discussion
  8:55pm refuge chant
  9:00pm close

  Printable Chant Books covering all chants done at Red Cedar events are available here.

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• Friday Morning Practice

  • Start
    Friday, October 07, 2022
  •  
    (PDT)
  • End
    Friday, December 29, 2023
  •  
    (PST)
  • Schedule
    64 sessions
  • Location
    Online on Zoom Only.

  FRIDAY MORNING PROGRAM

  Fridays 7am - 7:30am a simpler morning sit: zazen, optionally followed by chanting the Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo.

  We also offer zazen practice with a service Mondays - Thursdays also at 7am. See more about Weekday Morning Practice at Red Cedar.

  
  

  
  

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• Reading Dogen (weekly on Tuesday)

  • Start
    Tuesday, April 25, 2023
  •  
  • End
    Tuesday, December 26, 2023
  •  
  • Schedule
    36 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual Zendo online via Zoom

  Register

  Reading Dogen

  The Red Cedar Zen Community is continuing the weekly "Reading Dogen" Study Group.

  The event is hosted on zoom by Sangha teacher and Tanto (head of practice) Kanho Chris Burkhart. For an hour we will read Dogen and discuss whatever comes up for us. There is no need to commit to the series, dropping in is fine. 

  We are using "Master Dogen's Shobogenzo" (Gudo Nishijima & Chodo Cross) and "Treasury of the True Dharma Eye" (Tanahashi) as the main translations.

  For questions or a copy of the fascicle we are currently reading, please contact Kanho Chris at cburkhart@gmail.com.

  Location: We are meeting online in our Virtual Zendo - please visit the Our Zendo page for connection information.

  Registration: There is no fee for this class but please register so we can send you updates.

  REGISTER

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• Zen Alive! Sunday Program

  • Start
    Sunday, June 04, 2023
  •  
  • End
    Sunday, November 05, 2023
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    Online in our Virtual Zoom Zendo

  Register

  
  

  Monthly Sunday Morning Program - 10am to Noon
  Next meeting June 4th

  
  

  

  Join us for our now monthly Sunday morning program with meditation, Zen chanting, and a Dharma talk with discussion by Red Cedar Zen and, once a month, visiting speakers. Whether you are an old hand at this or you are just Zen-curious and know nothing about Zen practice, please come! 

  The program will generally be offered on the first Sunday of the month but please check back here at the website for dates.

  About Zen Alive!

  We always ask questions. What is real and what is delusion? Living an examined life can be a pain in the neck. And then, there is the point where Zen practice, community, and our everyday lives meet. Life encountered directly! Before we have time to slap the good or bad label on it, we see it all: beautiful sunrises, bad service, political news, global warming, our fast-paced digital life, love, time with friends, sickness and aging and death... all happening at the same time. Issa said it so well in his haiku: 

  The world of dew
  Is the world of dew.
  And yet, and yet—

  —Kobayashi Issa (1763 - 1828)

  We explore this intersection of life, this world, and stories of awakening on Sundays during Zen Alive! Local and guest Zen Buddhist teachers will explore awakening, enlightenment, and practice-realization. 

  "Living an examined life in some ways is a pain in the neck." Maybe we think everything should be different from how it is, and at other times we believe everything should stay forever exactly like this! And yet, and yet... it changes. Always. Please come to help us explore this theme through the practice of sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), dharma talk, and  conversation.

  The event will be online in our virtual zendo.

  This event free of charge; however, if you are so moved, donations are gratefully accepted by the teachers and the Red Cedar Zen Community to cover ongoing expenses (make a donation here).
  
  To receive reminders and notices about guest speakers and other Sunday program news please REGISTER for Zen Alive!

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• Samish Island Sesshin 2023

  • Start
    Friday, June 23, 2023
  •  
    4:00 PM (PDT)
  • End
    Saturday, July 01, 2023
  •  
    12:00 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Samish Island Campground, 11565 Scott Rd Bow WA 98232
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration is open.

  Update 4/17/2023: Cancellations are happening occasionally please check which options are currently available. Do add yourself to the wait list of your preferred choice if it's full. 

  Join us for our annual 7-day (8 nights) silent Zen sesshin with Zoketsu Norman Fischer at this beautiful church camp on the water on Samish Island in the Skagit Valley. 

  The retreat includes dharma talks by Zoketsu Norman and Nomon Tim, dokusan and practice discussion, sitting and walking meditation, and delicious vegetarian meals. Sesshin is a deep time for practice and reflection with the support of sangha and teachers.

  Our Covid Safety policy at the time of the retreat will be required. Details will be sent by email closer to the time.

  Schedule:
  You may attend the entire retreat, or the first or second half. Second half attendance is only appropriate to those who have sat sesshin with us before. We are unable to offer other attendance choices. Signing up is making a commitment to be part of the retreat for the entire period you signed up for.

  Full Retreat - Friday 5pm to Saturday at noon

  First Half - Friday 5pm to Tuesday at 5pm

  Second Half - Tuesday at 5pm to Saturday at noon.

  View Full Schedule Here

  Prerequisites & Requirements
  This is a rigorous and structured experience. To benefit from being at Samish Sesshin please abide by the following requirements.

  • You should have attended at least one full day formal meditation retreat before attending this 7-day, 8-night, retreat. Please do not register if you have never sat a full day of formal meditation (in Zen or other traditions is fine).
    
    
  • If you have never attended Samish sesshin please start at the beginning by attending the full retreat or the first half, and do not attend just the second half. Orientation and instructions are offered at the beginning only.
    
    
  • No attendance options other than the three listed above can be accommodated. 
    
    
  • This is a silent retreat without talking, reading, writing, computer or cell phone use. Please be prepared to follow this guideline fully.
    
    
  • Following the full schedule is a core practice of Zen. Some alternate schedules can be arranged with the Ino in cases of health and other needs.
    
    
  • Plan on remaining at Samish Island camp during the entire time of your sesshin attendance, not leaving for errands or appointments, etc.

  Housing: Housing is provided with four options: E-Cabins, Rustic Cabins, RV Camping, and Tent Camping. 

  E-Cabins are more recently built with a full bath shared with one other room. E-Cabins are in short supply in this retreat. Please choose a rustic cabin if that is possible for you in order to leave the E-cabins for those with health challenges. Or consider sharing an E-cabin. 

  e-Cabin Exterior

  e-Cabin Interior

  Rustic Cabins - simple plywood cabins built in the 1950's. Camp style bathrooms in a separate building. Most rustic housing will be single (not shared), however if couples or friends are willing to share a cabin this can make a difference in accommodating everyone if the sesshin is full.

  Rustic Cabin, exterior

  Rustic cabin, interior

  RV Camping - if you would like to sleep in your own camper, van, or trailer use the RV Camping option. Full hook-ups are available, but there is no difference in charge whether you the hook-up or not. Please do not choose the tenting option if you are sleeping in a vehicle.

  Tent - you can bring a tent and camp on the lawn. A lower cost option.

  Notes on fees:
  

  1) Dana (teacher donations) is not included in these fees. Registration fees cover retreat costs with any extra to Red Cedar Zen Community for our ongoing expenses and costs. An opportunity to make teacher donation (dana) will be available at the site and is available at any time online.

  2) Paying higher on the sliding scale enables us to offer scholarships at this retreat. In the registration process you first pick your housing and stay length which adds the base fee. Then an additional sliding scale funds contribution may be added on the next screen.

  Dates and Cancellation

  • May 15 - Last day to cancel with full refund. Full payment due.
  • June 1 - Registration Closes. Last day to cancel with partial refund. Incomplete (unpaid) registrations will be cancelled at this time to make room for people on the waitlist.

  See also the Red Cedar Cancellation Policy

  Scholarships

  Scholarships are available in the Rustic Cabins. They cover one quarter or one half of retreat costs, on a first-come first-served basis. To apply, select registration type option (o) or (p).

  Samish Island Campground

  We have rented the Community of Christ's wonderful camp at the eastern end of Samish Island for over a twenty-five years for our residential retreats. A wonderful place where sea meets sky.

  11565 Scott Rd, Bow, WA 98232
  Map and Directions

  Getting to Samish

  There is no public transportation to Samish Island. We are not providing an airport shuttle this year. If you need a ride please contact the registrar at registrar@redcedarzen.org and we will do our best to help. We currently have at least one offer from a sangha member to pick people up at SeaTac.
  
  You can get yourself to Samish from SeaTac airport in this way: (1) take the BelAire Airporter Shuttle to Burlington, (2) take Uber or Lyft to Samish.

  REGISTER

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• Opening to Nature Walk: Stimpson Family Nature Reserve

  • When
    Sunday, July 02, 2023
  •  
    7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Stimpson Family Nature Preserve, Bellingham

  Register

  A mindful early morning silent hike through old-growth forest and thriving wetland ecosystem at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. 

  Two large trees, a Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, are wrapped in an embrace
  

  We'll walk slowly and silently as we circumambulate the 350 acre reserve, with a short detour around Geneva Pond. Total distance is 4.9 miles, and with our slow pace and occasional pauses is expected to take about 3 hours.

  The hiking is mostly flat on a well-established trail, with a few uphill portions (300 feet of total elevation gain). 

  The hike will be led by Terrill Thompson who lives nearby

  Directions: From Bellingham, take Lakeway Drive toward Lake Whatcom,  but turn right onto Lake Louise Road before you get to the lake. In about 2 miles, the well-signed trailhead parking lot is on your left.

  Timing: Meet at Stimpson Reserve Parking lot on Lake Louise Road at 9:30am. Expected return time from the hike is approximately 12:30pm. 

  What to Bring: Bring trail snacks, water, and walking shoes.

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to  a ride and we will try to assist.

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  
  

  Show details
• Opening the Mountains Hike

  • When
    Saturday, July 15, 2023
  •  
    8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Carpool from Cedarwood or Nugent's Corner

  Register

  Our full day mountain hike to open the mountains to practice.

  Join us for a meditation hike above the treeline by Mount Baker - our first mindful foray into the deep mountains to open the season.

  This popular local destination, a beautiful subalpine ridge partially covered in early season snowfields and avalanche lilies, will be our place of Opening the Mountains for the beginning of our ritual hiking season.   

  This hike, inspired by traditions on Tibetan sacred mountains where the first ritual circuit of the season was performed by priests waking up the mountain deities, will be a 6 mile round trip with about a 1500’ elevation gain.

  The trail can be muddy at this time of the year so, depending on the advance of the season, you may want to bring gaiters for snow in the forested upper portions.  But although there could be some hard snow it will also be mostly clear on the open ridge.

  What to Bring: Bring lunch, rain gear, good walking shoes or boots, and at least two liters of water.

  Directions: Meet at 2509 Cedarwood in Bellingham or the Nugent's Corner Market in Deming. You will specify your transportation plan during registration.

  Timing: Be ready to leave Cedarwood at 8:30am or to be met by the group at 9:30am at Nugent's Corner. We hope to be back to Cedarwood at about 5:30pm but hiking times vary.

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to  a ride and we will try to assist. Carpooling is an indoor "event" please consult our current Covid Policy.

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Sangha Picnic & Wedding Reception

  • When
    Saturday, July 29, 2023
  •  
    3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Location
    Lake Padden Picnic Area, East Entrance Playground (Lakeshore Dr.)

  Register

  A Sangha Picnic Gathering to Celebrate Tim & Raizelah's WeddingTim and Raizelah will have been married the week before. Come celebrate their commitment and enjoy sangha social time by the lake on a summer's day.

  Please bring a potluck dinner/snack/dessert item of your choice. Outdoor games welcome too.

  Lake Padden East Entrance (Lakeshore Drive) picnic area by the playground.

  Drop in: 3pm to 7pm.

  Let's celebrate!! Please RSVP with the registration so we know how many people to expect.

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• Opening To Nature Walk: Old Growth Ceremony

  • When
    Saturday, August 05, 2023
  •  
    9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Carpool from the Cedarwood Zendo or Nugent's Corner

  Register

  Sitting with the Old Ones

  

  Join the sangha for a Zen experience in the Old Growth forest remnant off of Mount Baker Highway. This spot is the home to the oldest living beings of our local area.  We make this visit annually to connect with the wisdom and peace of the grove.

  After our easy walk, meditation and ritual in the Old Growth grove, we'll stop at Nooksack Falls with a sack lunch at the largest waterfall in our watershed. We'll return to Bellingham by about 3:30pm. 

  What to Bring: Bring lunch, rain gear, good walking shoes or boots, and at least two liters of water.

  Directions: Meet at 2509 Cedarwood in Bellingham or the Nugent's Corner Market in Deming. Carpooling is required, there is no extra parking at the trailhead.You will specify your transportation plan during registration. Carpooling is an indoor "event" please consult our current Covid Policy.

  Timing: Be ready to leave Cedarwood at 9:30am or to be met by the group at 10:30am at Nugent's Corner. We hope to be back to Cedarwood at about 3:30pm but hiking times vary. 

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• One Day Sit: Grounding in Practice

  • When
    Saturday, August 12, 2023
  •  
    7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham and Online on Zoom

  Register

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• Opening to Nature Walk: Cedarwood Pilgrimage

  • When
    Thursday, August 17, 2023
  •  
    4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
  • Location
    Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship

  Register

  A mindful afternoon walk up along Squalicum Creek to our new home on Cedarwood and over to our temporary home at Bellingham Unitarian.

  

  Join us for a local pilgrimage on urban nature trails that ties together our building on Cedarwood Avenue with the salt water, the stream course headed into the interior, the upland forests, and the beginning point of the original Nooksack trail to the river and Mt. Baker.

  Our walk ends at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship (in future years it will end at our building on Cedarwood), in time to join in our regular Thursday evening practice.

  The pilgrimage also serves to give opportunity for the community to ritually send off our team of pilgrims to the high country for our Mountains and Rivers Backpack, beginning the following day.

  The hike is about 4 miles long, with only a very small amount of elevation rise. We will meet at BUF to get into a reduced number of cars. We will then drive to the trailhead at Little Squalicum Park, walk to the beach, and then back up onto the creek canyon rim and then upstream to our Cedarwood building on city park trails, for a brief offering at the altar.

  Then we will proceed walking to Cornwall Park, following the undeveloped railroad easement and crossing the inflow of Baker Creek. At Cornwall we will perform a ceremony at the bedrock crossing of Squalicum Creek, which marks the beginning of the old Nooksack Trail. From there we will saunter through the deep forests of Cornwall Park (Beliingham's first city park), and proceed through the Lettered Streets neighborhood to BUF, arriving about 6:30pm, with some time before evening practice begins at 7pm.

  Dress for the weather and bring a little water. Rides will be arranged to bring carpool drivers back to their cars left at the trailhead at the end of the evening at BUF.

  Program begins at BUF at 4pm.

  What to Bring: Water and a light trail snack; and perhaps snack dinner if staying for the evening zazen program at BUF.

  Timing: We'll begin our walk at 4:00pm and expect to be back to the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship by 6:30pm with time before our 7pm zazen.

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Mountains and Rivers Hiking Retreat

  • Start
    Friday, August 18, 2023
  •  
    10:00 AM (PDT)
  • End
    Wednesday, August 23, 2023
  •  
    7:00 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Hawk Meadow Farm 1102 E. Kelly Rd, Bellingham and Mount Baker Wilderness
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Nature Awareness, Backcountry Zen practice, and Exchanging Water 

  

  Inspired by Eihei Dogen's 1240AD text the Mountains and Rivers Sutra (Sansuikyo), this retreat includes a day of guided nature awareness and meditation in the frontcountry followed by four days and three nights of silent backpacking through a beautiful old growth hemlock forest to a seldom-visited base camp at Mazama Park, just south of Mount Baker at the foot of Park Butte. Our days will be interspersed with some social and free time.

  Activities include traditional Zen practice, a solo wilderness exercise, a day of Zen meditation, and opportunities for day hiking. The retreat is appropriate for new meditators and beginning backpackers.

  The retreat begins at Hawk Meadow Farm with a day of meditation, preparation, and nature awareness activities.  The ritual form of the backpack is a pilgrimage to our home mountain, "sutra mapping" the Sansuikyo on the upper watersheds of the South and Middle Forks of the Nooksack River.

  Led by Reizan Bob Penny & Nomon Tim Burnett - see our Practice Leaders page for more about them.

  Schedule:
  

  Friday: Arrive in the late afternoon for dinner, a bit of meditation, and settling in two nights of camping on the farm.

  Saturday: shift gears with nature awareness practices, packing up the group gear, and end with an evening of Zen meditation practice.

  Sunday: we’ll start early with meditation, drive to the trailhead, and hike in to our backcountry zendo at Mazama Meadows just below Mount Baker. We hike in silence with regular stops to chant the Sansuikyo.

  Monday & Tuesday: in the backcountry with a mix of formal Zen practice, day hiking, and relaxed camp life.

  Wednesday: we’ll hike back out from the backcountry returning to Hawk Meadow Farm to close the program by about 7pm.

  Hike Difficulty:
  This is a moderately challenging backpack. The hike in is 2.9 miles long and gains 1,800 feet. The hike out (with lighter packs) is about 9 miles and mostly downhill. We'll have two in-camp days with moderate day hiking as well.

  Pre-hike interview required:  A telephone interview with Bob to assess questions around hiking gear and fitness is required before registration is completed.

  More information: Please contact Wilderness Programs Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org with questions and see our Wilderness Dharma Program webpage for an overview of this program.
  

  Timing: Meet at Hawk Meadow Farm (1102 E. Kelly Road, Bellingham) by 6pm on Friday. Plan to be back at Hawk Meadow between 6pm and 7pm on the following Wednesday.

  What to Bring: Full set of backpacking gear. All food is provided. Details will be provided.

  Donations to the Leaders: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. Unlike our "indoor" retreats dana (teacher donation) is not collected during the event, but dana given before or after the event is always welcome, and you can do so on our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program. 

  Show details
• Opening to Nature Walk: Lake Padden

  • When
    Saturday, September 02, 2023
  •  
    7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Lake Padden, Bellingham

  Register

  A mindful twilight walk at Lake Padden

  Join us for a twilight program of mindful walking through the change between day and night around the wooded shores of Lake Padden. Our Opening to Nature series explores the wide variety of connections we have with our world. Every day the drama of nightfall is recreated, and yet we rarely pause to notice the daily transition at the margins of light. In our engagement with mindfulness as a place-based dharma practice we take deeper notice of this world and it's everyday miracles. The fall of night is just one of these small celebrations that nature offers to us each day.

  This is an easy two and a half mile walk, with a slightly hilly portion, taken at a contemplative pace with several stops along the way to feel the unfolding of night, and hear the transition of diurnal sounds. We will gently invite the bell to ring once at each of our stops, to echo across the lake waters, allowing our music to blend with nature's sounds. If we are lucky we may hear the calling of owls, and call back, or hear the final stanzas of birds going to roost.

  We will meet at the main entrance parking lot to the park (towards the west end of the lake) where the bathrooms and swimming area are located, not far from the tennis courts.

  You will want to bring a headlamp in case we are faced with having lost the light completely. But we will attempt to not turn lights on, and let our eyes slowly adjust to the dark as we walk. Some water and a a little trail snack might be nice to have along as well.

  What to Bring: Water and a light trail snack; an extra layer to wear as it cools down; and a headlamp in case we need them at the end (a phone flashlight is ok).

  Directions: Take the West Entrance into Lake Padden City Park, directly off of Samish Way, to the parking area by the bathrooms just above the swimming area. (Don't take the East Entrance onto Lakeshore Drive which leads to the larger picnic area & golf course).

  Timing: We'll begin our walk at 7:30pm and expect to be back at the parking lot at 9:30pm (sunset will be at 7:50pm with full dark as we close).

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

  Show details
• Journey to the Source - hike to Nooksack Cirque

  • When
    Saturday, September 16, 2023
  •  
    5:00 AM - 7:00 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Carpool from the Cedarwood Zendo or Nugent's Corner

  Register

  An intensive long day hike to the source of the Nooksack River

  A journey to a magical place close to home. Few people venture to the very upper reaches of the North Fork of the Nooksack River: the Nooksack Cirque.

  It is a long and strenuous 12-mile hike in and out of the North Fork drainage, largely off-trail on rocky terrain, with numerous brief crossings of the reduced-flow late summer river channel. Plan on a very full day, hiking at a good pace, and wearing hiking boots with wool socks.

  At the Cirque we will perform the years final Exchanging Water ritual in the ice caves amid waterfalls, transferring water from the Salish Sea with mountain glacial water, which we annually perform at the headwaters of all three branches of the Nooksack.

  A Challenging Hike: If you are new to this hike a telephone or email exchange with program coordinator Bob Penny to determine your fitness for the journey will be required to complete your registration.

  Timing: Meet at our zendo at 2509 Cedarwood at 5am or at the Nugent's Corner Market in Deming at 6am. A very early start is essential to have sufficient daylight for this long day hike. We hope to return to Cedarwood by 7pm but return times can vary.

  What to Bring: Bring a lunch, generous snacks, at least two liters of water, and layers. Wearing hiking boots to protect your ankles with wool socks which we expect to get wet are recommended. Spare/dry clothing to change into back at the vehicles is a good option.

  Carpooling: You will indicate during registration where you're meeting the group. Note that carpooling is an indoor "activity" to please be aware of our current Covid Policies.

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

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• One Day Sit: Perfect Just as You Are

  • When
    Saturday, September 23, 2023
  •  
    7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham and Online on Zoom

  Register

  
  

  One Day Sits are an opportunity for sustained quiet practice together in sangha and a great way to learn more about formal Zen practice.

  The day begins early, as is traditional in Zen training, and includes periods of sitting meditation (zazen), walking meditation (kinhin), the morning service ritual, a Dharma talk, opportunity for a private interview with the teacher (dokusan), and a question and answer time that’s especially helpful for newer sitters.

  Note that our One Day Sits are bit less formal and rigorous than our Zen Sesshin. One Day Sits include more instruction and the opportunity for quiet social connection during the meal breaks. 

   The day of practice is also available online via Zoom.

  Schedule: The One Day Sit schedule runs from 7:00am to 3:00pm with a vegetarian breakfast and lunch provided. The full schedule is available here.

  Registration: Registration is required. If you are attending in-person, for the safety of everyone you'll need to follow our current COVID protocols.

  Teacher TBA will offer a Dharma Talk, opportunity for private practice discussion, and a Question and Answer session about Zen practice.

  	Head of Pracitce Shudo Chris Burkhart
  	Lay Teacher Seishu John Wiley

  More options for Sits, Retreats, and Sesshin
  

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• Heart Lake Circumambulation/Heart Sutra

  • When
    Saturday, September 30, 2023
  •  
    10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Heart Lake, near Mt. Erie

  Register

  Chanting & Walking the Heart Sutra at Heart Lake

  Join Joden Bob Rose on a ritual circumambulation around Heart Lake, with ceremonies chanting the Heart Sutra: an experience of "Sutra Mapping", extending the words of a sutra across an area of landscape.
  

  Heart Lake, a State Park managed by the City of Anacortes, is both heart-shaped and the heart of the 3,000-acre Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL). The Lake is surrounded by a forest identified as the most intact Douglas-fir / cedar / hemlock ecosystem remaining in the state at sea level. Joden Bob was a key player in getting this area protected.

  We will walk in a clockwise direction, in silence, and stop at 6 points to ritually chant the Heart Sutra with mokugyo and incense, alternating between the English and Sino-Japanese versions.

  This is an easy, mostly flat walk of less than 3 miles on a well-used trial with one significant incline toward the end. There are outhouses at both the Mt. Erie parking lot and at the Heart Lake parking lot.

  Timing: Meet at the Sugarloaf Trailhead of the Anacortes Community Forest (Mt. Erie) to begin our walk at 10am. Or if carpooling from our zendo at Cedarwood, meet at 9am.

  Carpooling:  You can drive yourself to the trailhead (directions below), or you can carpool for this trip from the our 2509 Cedarwood zendo in Bellingham. You will indicate which during the registration process. Note that carpooling is an indoor "activity" - please be aware of our current Covid Policy.

  What to Bring: Bring a trail snack and water. Wear good walking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring water and snacks.

  Lunch Option: After the hike, if participants choose, there will be an opportunity to have lunch together very nearby in Anacortes at an outdoor seating restaurant.

  Directions to Mt. Erie, from Bellingham:

  • I-5 to Hwy 20

  • West on 20, over Swinomish Channel Bridge until roundabout for Whidbey Island (towards Oak Harbor).

  • TURN South on Hwy 20 towards Whidbey.

  • Road drops towards Campbell Lake (visible ahead).  Stay in right lane and turn right on Campbell Lake Road.

  • Drive Campbell Lake Road along base of Mount Erie.

  • Road will curve right at Lake Erie Grocery and becomes Heart Lake Road.

  • Drive Heart Lake road, past two prominent old growth fir, about a mile until signs for Mount Erie.

  • Veer right into parking area for Sugarloaf trailhead.

  Registration: We incur about $10 in program administration cost for each registration. In the registration process you are offered the opportunity to donate additional funds to help Red Cedar continue to be able to offer these programs if you choose. Everyone is welcome, and no one will be refused attendance for lack of funds. Requests for lower cost registrations may be made here. We are grateful for your continued support. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. You can include a donation to the hike leader during registration or at any time through our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program.

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• Closing the Mountains/Returning Waters Ceremony

  • When
    Saturday, October 14, 2023
  •  
    10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Carpool from the Cedarwood Zendo or meet at trailhead

  Register

  Returning Water and Ascending to the Oyster Dome

  

   A five mile day hike to close the mountains to practice.

  Join us for one or both of two connected Wilderness Dharma events.

  The Hike: 10am - 3pm - Chuckanut Drive to the Oyster Dome
  

  Join us for a meditation hike to the gem of the Chuckanuts: Oyster Dome.This popular local destination, a prominent rocky outcrop on the southwest face of Blanchard mountain, will be our place of Closing the Mountains for the ending of our ritual hiking season.   

  This hike, inspired by traditions on Tibetan sacred mountains where the last ritual circuit of the season was performed by priests putting the mountain to rest, will be a 5 mile round trip with about a 1,000’ elevation gain. On the dome we will perform a ritual combining water from the three headwater branches of the Nooksack River. At the end of the hike we will carpool to Larabee Beach for our seasons final ritual, returning water to the Salish Sea.

  Returning Water Ceremony: Approximately 3pm, Larrabee State Park.

  A returning water ritual completes our Wilderness Dharma Program hiking season and all are encouraged to attend to offer the water we have carried through out the season back to the Salish Sea. You are welcome attend this ritual even if you did not do the hike.

  Meeting up: You can meet us for the hike at the Chuckanut Drive Oyster Dome Trailhead (just south of Oyster Creek) by 10am or opt to carpool from the our Cedarwood Zendo in Bellingham, meeting at 9:30am for the drive to the trailhead.

  If you are joining us for the ritual at the end we will arrive there at approximately 3pm at the band shell area at Larrabee State Park. Take the main entrance and head south to the band shell and beach access parking area. Take the Larrabee main entrance and head south to the band shell and beach access parking area.

  Dress appropriately for the weather, with good footwear for the trail.  Bring a sack lunch and at least two liters of water. We will eat lunch on top of the dome.

  What to Bring: Trail snacks and sack lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, hiking poles if you use them, and two liters of water. Dress in layers.

  Carpooling: Please mention in a comment on your registration if you need to  a ride and we will try to assist. Carpooling is an indoor "activity" - please be aware of our current Covid Policy. 

  Donations to the Leader: As with all of our events, teachers/leaders are not compensated for their time. Unlike our "indoor" retreats dana (teacher donation) is not collected during the event, but dana given before or after the event is always welcome, and you can do so on our Donate to a Teacher page.

  Questions? Contact Wilderness Dharma Program Coordinator Bob Penny at wilderness@redcedarzen.org and see our Wilderness Dharma Program page for an overview of this program. 

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• Fall Sesshin at Samish

  • Start
    Thursday, November 02, 2023
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Sunday, November 05, 2023
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Samish Island Reterat Center, Bow, WA

  Register

  Join us for a new 3-day Residential Sesshin at Samish Island

  with Sokaku Kathie Fischer & Nomon Tim Burnett

  

  This 3-day residential sesshin will include all of our meals eaten oryoki style, alternating periods of zazen (sitting) and kinhin (walking) meditation, Dharma Talks, and a special sangha celebration.

  
  

  Schedule:

  Arrive Thursday afternoon to settle in, eat your own packed in dinner, and begin silence.

  Friday and Saturday will be full sesshin days 6am to 8:30pm with alterating zazen and kinhin, meals, Dharma Talks, opportunities for dokusan with the teachers, and a work period.

  Sunday will include a Lay Entrustment Ceremony in which Sokaku Kathie confers the Dharma on Seiu Hannah Sullivan qualifying her as a Lay Teacher in our lineage at 2pm. Sangha is invited to join this ceremony even if unable to attend sesshin.

  Meals:
  You will need a 3-bowl Oryoki set at this retreat. Instruction on Oryoki eating will be provided, no problem if you've never eaten oryoki before. You can purchase a set from our friends at Still Sitting (please order the Navy Blue cloths).

  Housing: Housing is provided with two options: E-Cabins and Rustic Cabins.

  E-Cabins are more recently built with a full bath shared with one other room. E-Cabins are in short supply in this retreat. Please choose a rustic cabin if that is possible for you in order to leave the E-cabins for those with health challenges. Or consider sharing an E-cabin. 

  e-Cabin Exterior

  e-Cabin Interior

  Rustic Cabins - simple plywood cabins built in the 1950's. Camp style bathrooms in a separate building. Most rustic housing will be single (not shared), however if couples or friends are willing to share a cabin this can make a difference in accommodating everyone if the sesshin is full.

  Rustic Cabin, exterior

  Rustic cabin, interior

  Dharma Talks:

  Everyone is welcome to come join us for Dharma Talks. Be aware of our current Covid policy if you come. No registration needed.

  Friday November 3rd, 10:30am Nomon Tim Burnett
  Saturday November 4th, 10:30am Sokaku Kathie Fischer

  Lay Entrustment Ceremony for Seiu Hannah Sullivan:

  Sunday November 5th, 11am. 

  Visiting Teacher Sokaku Kathie Fischer is Hannah Sullivan's teacher.	Nomon Tim Burnett is the Guiding Teacher of Red Cedar Zen Community

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• Japan Trip 2024

  • Start
    Thursday, April 04, 2024
  • End
    Thursday, April 18, 2024
  • Location
    Japan!

  The sangha trip of a lifetime: two weeks exploring sacred sites in Japan
  

  

  We are moving through the planning process for our exploration of Zen and Japanese culture in Japan in April 2024. Check back regularly here for updates.

  Cost: approx $2200 - $2400 / person, we hope to finalize this price soon.

  This cost includes pretty much everything during our two weeks together in Japan: lodging, most meals, in-country transportation, admissions fees, costs of special events we'll do together. '

  Note that your airfare to Japan is not included. We'll meet in Kyoto and recommend flying in and out of Osaka (not Tokyo).

  Deposit: a $500 deposit holds your spot. "Semi-refundable" - if you cancel and we are able to fill your spot we will refund your deposit. If we are unable to it cannot be refunded.  We will start accepting reservations soon.

  Dates: April 4 - 18, 2024

  Itinerary
  

  1) April 4- fly into Osaka and meet the group on Thursday April 4, 2024 in Kyoto (or arrive in country earlier and meet the group in Kyoto).

  2) April 5 - 9 - Explore Kyoto's many temples including a visit to Mount Hiei and a day with a "marathon monk" plus a possible visit to nearby Nara.

  3) April 9-10 - Visit Eihei-ji, Dogen's temple and one of the two headquarters temple of Soto Zen in Japan.

  4) April 10-12 - Visit Rinso-in, Suzuki roshi's temple in Yaizu, staying and meeting with Hoitsu and Shungo Suzuki, Shunryu Suzuki's son and grandson and their families.

  5) April 12-14 - Visit Koya-san, the mountain top headquarters temple of Shingon Buddhism. Where our friend Taijo Tanaka trained, we will be staying at his master's temple.

  6) April 14 - 17 - Kumano Kodo hiking pilgrimage - 3 days hiking this sacred pilgrimage route with Buddhist and Shinto sacred sites. 

  7) April 18 - fly out of Okaka (or stay longer for personal touring!)

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• Samish Island Sesshin 2024 - Save the Date!

  • Start
    Friday, June 14, 2024
  •  
    5:00 PM (PDT)
  • End
    Saturday, June 22, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM (PDT)
  • Location
    Samish Island Campground, 11565 Scott Rd Bow WA 98232
  • Spaces left

  Save the dates for the 2024 sesshin:
  June 14 - June 22, 2024

  Registration will be open early in the year.

  Our annual 7-day (8 nights) silent Zen sesshin with Zoketsu Norman Fischer with talks and interview also available with Nomon Tim Burnett and others, includes seven days and eight nights of silent practice of sitting and walking meditation in this beautiful church camp on the water on Samish Island in the Skagit Valley. Retreat includes dharma talks by Norman and other Northwest teachers, dokusan and practice discussion, sitting and walking meditation, and delicious vegetarian meals. A deep time for practice and reflection with the support of sangha and teachers.
  

  Many photos of Samish are available on our Photos page.

  The following information is from our 2022 retreat to give you an idea of what will happen and what's available - this page will be updated in early 2023. 

  To keep current on this and all our events, please join our email list!

  Schedule:
  You may attend the entire retreat, or the first or second half. Second half attendance is only appropriate to those who have sat sesshin with us before. We are unable to offer other attendance choices. Signing up is making a commitment to be part of the retreat for the entire period you signed up for.

  

  Full Retreat - Friday 5:00pm to Saturday  at noon

  First Half - Friday  5:00pm to Tuesday at 5pm

  Second Half - Tuesday at 5pm to Saturday at noon.

  Prerequisites & Requirements
  This is a rigorous and structured experience. To benefit from being at Samish Sesshin please abide by the following requirements.

  • You should have attended at least one full day formal meditation retreat before attending this 7-day, 8-night, retreat. Please do not register if you have never sat a full day of formal meditation (in Zen or other traditions is fine).
  • If you have never attended Samish sesshin please start at the beginning by attending the full retreat or the first half, and do not attend just the second half.
    Orientation and instructions are offered at the beginning only.
  • No attendance options other than the three listed above can be accommodated. 
  • This is a silent retreat without talking, reading, writing, computer or cell phone use. Please be prepared to follow this guideline fully.
  • Following the full schedule is a core practice of Zen. Some alternate schedules can be arranged with the Ino in cases of health and other needs.
  • Plan on remaining at Samish Island camp during the entire time of your sesshin attendance, not leaving for errands or appointments, etc., and remaining at the camp through final clean up at noon on Saturday unless illness or unavoidable travel arrangements prevent this.

  Housing:
  Housing is provided with three options:

  E-Cabins are recently built multi-room cabins with a bath shared with one other room. E-Cabins are in short supply in this retreat. Please choose a rustic cabin if that is possible for you in order to leave the e-cabins for those with health challenges. Or consider sharing an e-cabin. 

  e-Cabin Exterior

  e-Cabin Interior

  Rustic Cabins - simple plywood cabins built in the 1950's. Camp style bathrooms in a separate building. Most rustic housing will be private (not shared), however if couples or friends are willing to share a cabin this can make a difference in accommodating everyone if the sesshin is full.
  

  Rustic Cabin, exterior

  Rustic cabin, interior

  RV Site with Hook-Ups - are available.

  Tent - you can bring a tent and camp on the lawn. A lower cost option.

  Samish Island Campground

  We have rented the Community of Christ's wonderful camp at the eastern end of Samish Island for over a twenty-five years for our residential retreats. A wonderful place where sea meets sky.

  11565 Scott Rd, Bow, WA 98232
  Map and Directions

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