Upcoming Events (full list)


Upcoming events

    • Saturday, October 01, 2022
    • (PDT)
    • Saturday, December 30, 2023
    • (PST)
    • 64 sessions
    • 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.

    • Thursday, October 06, 2022
    • (PDT)
    • Thursday, December 28, 2023
    • (PST)
    • 63 sessions
    • 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.

    • Friday, October 07, 2022
    • (PDT)
    • Friday, December 29, 2023
    • (PST)
    • 64 sessions
    • 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.



    • Tuesday, April 25, 2023
    • Tuesday, December 26, 2023
    • 36 sessions
    • 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

    • Sunday, June 04, 2023
    • Sunday, November 05, 2023
    • 6 sessions
    • 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!

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

    • Sunday, July 02, 2023
    • 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
    • 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.


    • Saturday, July 15, 2023
    • 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (PDT)
    • 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.

    • Saturday, July 29, 2023
    • 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    • 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.

    • Saturday, August 05, 2023
    • 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (PDT)
    • 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.

    • Saturday, August 12, 2023
    • 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham and Online on Zoom
    Register
    • Thursday, August 17, 2023
    • 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
    • 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.

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

    • Saturday, September 02, 2023
    • 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
    • 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.

    • Saturday, September 16, 2023
    • 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM (PDT)
    • Carpool from the Cedarwood Zendo or Nugent's Corner
    Register
    An intensive long day hike to the source of the Nooksack RiverImage result for nooksack cirque

    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.

    • Saturday, September 23, 2023
    • 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 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

    • Saturday, September 30, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • 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.

    • Saturday, October 14, 2023
    • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (PDT)
    • 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. 

    • Thursday, November 02, 2023
    • 4:00 PM
    • Sunday, November 05, 2023
    • 5:00 PM
    • 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



    • Thursday, April 04, 2024
    • Thursday, April 18, 2024
    • 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!)

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

    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

Past events

Saturday, June 03, 2023 Opening to Nature Walk: 100 Acre Wood
Saturday, May 27, 2023 CANCELED - One Day Sit: No Gaining Idea
Thursday, May 18, 2023 Vasubandhu's Three Natures with visiting teacher Ben Connolly
Saturday, May 13, 2023 Zen Sewing Workshop
Saturday, May 06, 2023 CANCELLED: Opening to Nature Walk: Tennant Lake
Saturday, April 29, 2023 One Day Sit: Beginner's Mind
Sunday, April 16, 2023 Rescheduled: Mt. Erie Circumambulation
Saturday, April 08, 2023 Completion of Training Ceremony for Shuko Edie Norton
Saturday, March 25, 2023 Receiving Water Ritual & Hike
Thursday, March 09, 2023 2023 Practice Period Closing Sesshin
Sunday, March 05, 2023 Introduction to Zen Meditation
Monday, January 23, 2023 2023 Practice Period Shuso's Class
Thursday, January 12, 2023 2023 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Saturday, December 10, 2022 Zendo Open House (& Garden Work Party)
Thursday, December 01, 2022 Rohatsu sesshin - Celebrate Buddha's Enlightenment
Saturday, November 05, 2022 Jukai Sesshin and Ceremony
Friday, October 21, 2022 Sangha Arts Night
Saturday, October 15, 2022 Closing the Mountains/Returning Waters Ceremony
Wednesday, October 05, 2022 What is Zen? - A Study Group for New and Old Beginners
Monday, October 03, 2022 Weekday Morning Practice
Saturday, October 01, 2022 Heart Lake Circumambulation/Heart Sutra
Sunday, September 25, 2022 Journey to the Source/Exchanging Water Ritual - hike to Nooksack Cirque
Saturday, September 24, 2022 One Day Sit: No Gaining Idea
Saturday, September 10, 2022 CANCELLED Sauk Mountain Full Moonrise Hike
Saturday, September 03, 2022 Opening to Nature Walk: Lake Padden
Saturday, August 27, 2022 One Day Sit: Opening to Joy
Monday, August 22, 2022 Mountains and Rivers Hiking Retreat
Sunday, August 21, 2022 New Zendo Open House
Saturday, August 06, 2022 Opening To Nature Walk: Old Growth Ceremony
Sunday, July 31, 2022 Sacred Earth Fair
Saturday, July 30, 2022 One Day Sit: Beginner's Mind
Saturday, July 09, 2022 Opening the Mountains Hike - Excelsior Divide
Saturday, July 02, 2022 Opening to Nature Walk: 100 Acre Wood
Sunday, June 26, 2022 Ordination Ceremony for Daikan John Green
Monday, June 20, 2022 Samish Island Dharma Talks 2022
Sunday, June 19, 2022 Samish Island Sesshin 2022
Saturday, June 11, 2022 Moving Our Portable Dharma Hall to Samish
Thursday, June 09, 2022 Summer Study Series: Vasubandhu & Yogacara
Saturday, June 04, 2022 Opening to Nature Walk: Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
Saturday, May 28, 2022 One Day Sit
Saturday, May 21, 2022 Work Party - Moving Sangha Storage
Saturday, May 07, 2022 CANCELED: Opening to Nature Walk: Tennant Lake
Saturday, April 23, 2022 Re-Newing Retreat, a One Day Sit
Saturday, April 09, 2022 Mt. Erie Circumambulation
Monday, March 28, 2022 Reading Dogen (weekly on Monday)
Saturday, March 26, 2022 Hills and Streams Hike/Receiving Water Ritual
Thursday, March 10, 2022 Practice Period Closing Circle
Saturday, March 05, 2022 Shuso's Dharma Inquiry Ceremony
Thursday, March 03, 2022 Public Dharma Talks: Nomon Tim Burnett, Sokaku Kathie Fischer, Seiu Hannah Sullivan
Thursday, March 03, 2022 Practice Period Closing Sesshin
Saturday, February 05, 2022 Mid-Practice Period Check-in
Thursday, January 20, 2022 Exploring the Diamond Sutra - Shuso’s Practice Period Class
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 Introduction to Zen Meditation
Saturday, January 08, 2022 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Thursday, January 06, 2022 Practice Period Opening Ceremony
Thursday, January 06, 2022 Winter Practice Period 2022 (overall registration)
Saturday, December 11, 2021 Doan Training
Thursday, December 02, 2021 Rohatsu - In Person 3-day Sesshin (and online)
Wednesday, November 24, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Wednesday evening
Sunday, November 21, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Sunday morning
Sunday, November 07, 2021 Our Journey Home - Campaign Phone Drive
Saturday, November 06, 2021 2021 Precepts Sesshin and Lay Entrustment Ceremony
Saturday, October 23, 2021 Returning Water Ceremony
Saturday, October 23, 2021 Closing the Mountains Hike
Sunday, October 17, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Sunday morning
Saturday, October 16, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Saturday morning
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Wednesday evening
Monday, October 11, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Monday morning
Saturday, October 09, 2021 Heart Lake/Heart Sutra Circumambulation
Saturday, October 02, 2021 Sitting in the Park
Friday, October 01, 2021 Day of Mindfulness
Sunday, September 26, 2021 Journey to the Source - hike to Nooksack Cirque
Saturday, September 25, 2021 On Buddhist Fundraising
Thursday, September 23, 2021 On Buddhist Fundraising
Saturday, September 18, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Saturday morning
Friday, September 17, 2021 CANCELLED - Sitting in the Park
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Wednesday evening
Saturday, August 21, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Saturday morning
Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Wednesday evening
Saturday, July 31, 2021 Meditation in the Old Growth
Friday, July 30, 2021 Sitting in the Park
Saturday, July 17, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Saturday morning
Wednesday, July 14, 2021 Zen Practice Orientation on Wednesday evening
Saturday, July 10, 2021 Opening the Mountains Hike
Saturday, June 26, 2021 Silent Mindful Hike at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve
Thursday, June 17, 2021 Shantideva or bust! (weekly on Thursday)
Saturday, June 12, 2021 Public Dharma Talks with Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Nomon Tim Burnett, and Shudo Chris Burkhart
Friday, June 11, 2021 Online 7-day Sesshin with Zoketsu Norman Fischer ("Samish Online")
Saturday, May 22, 2021 Wetland Walking Meditation
Friday, May 21, 2021 Sitting in the Park
Saturday, May 01, 2021 Receiving Water Ceremony
Saturday, April 03, 2021 Mt. Erie Hiking Meditation
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 2021 Zen Precepts Studies - Finding Freedom Through Ethical Conduct
Monday, March 29, 2021 Family Promise (Informational Sessions)
Saturday, March 27, 2021 Annual Sangha Meeting with the Board
Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Wednesday Spring Lecture Series: Brains, Minds, and Buddhas
Wednesday, March 10, 2021 Practice Period Closing Circle
Sunday, March 07, 2021 Shuso's Dharma Inquiry Ceremony
Thursday, March 04, 2021 Practice Period Closing Sesshin
Saturday, January 23, 2021 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Living in the Grass Shack - Practice Period Class
Wednesday, January 06, 2021 Practice Period Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, January 06, 2021 Winter Practice Period 2021
Sunday, January 03, 2021 Zen Alive! Zen Ancestor Keizan and Awakening
Thursday, December 31, 2020 New Year's Eve Zen Ceremony
Wednesday, December 02, 2020 Public Dharma Talks: Nomon Tim Burnett, Shudo Chris Burkhart, and Kanshin Allison Tait
Tuesday, December 01, 2020 Rohatsu - Online 7-day Sesshin with Nomon Tim Burnett and friends
Monday, November 16, 2020 Autumn Light Reading with Shuko Edie Norton
Wednesday, November 04, 2020 Spirit Settling Ceremony: Sejiki
Tuesday, November 03, 2020 Chanting for the Nation
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 What is Zen? - a class for new and old beginners
Sunday, October 04, 2020 Zen Alive! Exploring the Jewel Mirror Samadhi
Thursday, September 24, 2020 Climate & Racial Justice: Sharing Stories of Activism Rooted in Love
Saturday, September 19, 2020 Closing the Hall: Ceremony and Procession
Monday, September 14, 2020 Morning Practice
Sunday, September 06, 2020 Zen Alive Online! September Sunday Program with Nomon Tim Burnett at Red Cedar Zen Community
Sunday, August 02, 2020 Zen Alive! August Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Sunday, July 26, 2020 OLD - Practice Period Class - IGNORE
Monday, July 20, 2020 Reading Dogen (offered online)
Sunday, July 05, 2020 Zen Alive! July Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Sunday, June 28, 2020 TO BE RESCHEDULED: Samish Island Work Sesshin with Nomon Tim Burnett
Friday, June 12, 2020 Online 5-day Sesshin with Zoketsu Norman Fischer ("Samish Online")
Friday, June 12, 2020 CANCELLED - Samish Island Sesshin 2020
Sunday, June 07, 2020 Zen Alive Online! June Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Saturday, May 16, 2020 CANCELLED - Hidden Mountain Spring Retreat
Wednesday, May 06, 2020 RCZC Board of Directors Meeting - visitors welcome
Sunday, May 03, 2020 Zen Alive Online! May Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Monday, April 27, 2020 Reading Dogen: Bendowa (offered online)
Sunday, April 12, 2020 CANCELLED - Circumambulation of Mt. Erie Hiking
Wednesday, April 08, 2020 Moved Online/Home: Buddha's Birthday - Potluck Dinner, Meditation, and Ceremony
Wednesday, April 08, 2020 RCZC Board of Directors Meeting - visitors welcome
Sunday, April 05, 2020 Moved Online - Zen Alive! April Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Saturday, April 04, 2020 Cancelled: Sangha Work Day
Sunday, March 29, 2020 Cancelled: Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: March
Wednesday, March 18, 2020 2020 Zen Precepts Study Group
Saturday, March 14, 2020 Hills and Streams Hike (Lost Lake Falls)
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Practice Period Closing Circle
Sunday, March 08, 2020 Shosan Dharma Questions Ceremony
Thursday, March 05, 2020 Public Dharma Talks: Nomon Tim Burnett and Shudo Chris Burkhart
Wednesday, March 04, 2020 Practice Period Closing Sesshin
Sunday, March 01, 2020 Zen Alive! March Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 Parinirvana Ceremony
Sunday, February 02, 2020 Zen Alive! February Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Saturday, February 01, 2020 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Practice Period Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 2020 Winter Practice Period - Key Dates
Wednesday, January 22, 2020 Winter Practice Period 2020
Sunday, January 05, 2020 Zen Alive! January Sunday Program at Red Cedar Zen Community
Friday, January 03, 2020 Friday Noon Practice
Tuesday, December 31, 2019 New Year's Eve Zen Ceremony
Friday, December 13, 2019 Doanryo Training: Ringing the Bells and Leading the Chants
Saturday, December 07, 2019 Buddha's Enlightenment: Night Sit, Morning Ceremony
Thursday, December 05, 2019 Public Dharma Talks by Nomon Tim Burnett and Kanshin Allison Tait
Wednesday, December 04, 2019 Rohatsu 2019 - Buddha's Enlightenment retreat
Wednesday, November 06, 2019 Spirit Settling Ceremony: Sejiki
Sunday, October 27, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning and Harvest Potluck: October
Saturday, October 26, 2019 Jukai Sesshin and Ceremony
Friday, October 18, 2019 Sangha Trip to Buddhist Seattle
Saturday, October 12, 2019 Closing the Mountains Hike
Sunday, September 29, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: September
Saturday, September 28, 2019 Journey to the Source - hike to Nooksack Cirque
Saturday, September 21, 2019 RESCHEDULED Sangha Work Day: September
Friday, September 13, 2019 Sauk Mt. Full Moonrise Hike
Saturday, September 07, 2019 Ordination of Ryushin Kate McKenna and Chikyo Ewan Magie
Sunday, August 25, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: August
Sunday, August 18, 2019 Mountains and Rivers Hiking Retreat
Saturday, August 17, 2019 Visual Journals: Expressing Our Spiritual Selves
Wednesday, August 07, 2019 RCZC Board of Directors Meeting
Sunday, August 04, 2019 Meditation in the Old Growth
Saturday, August 03, 2019 Sangha Work Day: August
Sunday, July 28, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: July
Saturday, July 20, 2019 RESCHEDULED Sangha Work Day: July
Saturday, July 13, 2019 Opening the Mountains Hike
Sunday, June 30, 2019 Samish Island Work Sesshin with Nomon Tim Burnett
Sunday, June 30, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: June
Wednesday, June 26, 2019 Dharma Songs with "Urban Monk" Marc Anderson
Saturday, June 22, 2019 Norman Fischer reading: The World Could Be Otherwise
Saturday, June 15, 2019 Samish Island Dharma Talks 2019
Friday, June 14, 2019 Samish Island Sesshin 2019
Friday, June 14, 2019 SeaTac to Samish Island Airporter Shuttle for 2019 Summer Sesshin
Sunday, June 09, 2019 What Do We Do When We Can No Longer Do What We Used to Do? An Exploration of the Bodhisattva Way
Saturday, June 08, 2019 Sangha Work Day: June
Friday, June 07, 2019 RCZC Practice Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 05, 2019 RCZC Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, May 29, 2019 Sangha Conversation
Sunday, May 26, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: May
Saturday, May 18, 2019 Mindfulness and Intimacy with visiting teacher Ben Connolly
Saturday, May 04, 2019 Sangha Work Day: May
Friday, May 03, 2019 Zen Sewing Weekend Retreat
Sunday, April 28, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: April
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Buddha's Birthday - Potluck Dinner, Meditation, and Ceremony
Saturday, April 06, 2019 Sangha Work Day: April
Monday, April 01, 2019 The Heart of Perfect Understanding (Online Class)
Saturday, March 30, 2019 Better Angels Workshop: How to Talk Across the Political Divide
Sunday, March 17, 2019 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice in March
Saturday, March 16, 2019 Annual Sangha Meeting with the Board
Wednesday, March 06, 2019 Practice Period Closing Circle
Sunday, March 03, 2019 Shuso's Dharma Inquiry Ceremony
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 Practice Period Closing Sesshin
Sunday, February 24, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: February
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Parinirvana Ceremony
Saturday, February 02, 2019 Shuso's Way Seeking Mind Talk.
Saturday, February 02, 2019 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Wednesday, January 23, 2019 Continuing our Maturity (Shuso's Class)
Sunday, January 20, 2019 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice in January
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Practice Period Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Winter Practice Period 2019 - overview & registration
Wednesday, January 16, 2019 2019 Winter Practice Period - Key Dates
Saturday, January 05, 2019 Hidden Mountain Zendo Star Gazing
Monday, December 31, 2018 New Year's Eve Zen Ceremony
Saturday, December 08, 2018 Buddha's Enlightenment: Night Sit, Morning Ceremony
Thursday, December 06, 2018 Public Dharma Talks by Nomon Tim Burnett and Eko Jeff Kelley
Wednesday, December 05, 2018 Rohatsu 2018 - Buddha's Enlightenment retreat
Saturday, December 01, 2018 Better Angels Skills Workshop: How to Talk Across the Political Divide with Revs. Edie Norton & Cara Tanis
Sunday, November 18, 2018 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice in November
Wednesday, November 07, 2018 Spirit Settling Ceremony
Saturday, November 03, 2018 Jukai Sesshin and Ceremony
Sunday, October 28, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning and Harvest Potluck: October
Friday, October 26, 2018 Sangha Arts Night
Monday, October 22, 2018 Compassion Cultivation Training with Nomon Tim Burnett
Saturday, October 13, 2018 Closing the Mountains Hike
Saturday, October 06, 2018 Sangha Work Day - October 6th
Sunday, September 30, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: September
Saturday, September 29, 2018 Zen Sewing - September 29th
Sunday, September 23, 2018 Jizo Ceremony - Remembering our Children
Sunday, September 23, 2018 Family Promise Volunteer Training
Saturday, September 22, 2018 Journey to the Source - hike to Nooksack Cirque
Saturday, September 15, 2018 Zen Sewing - September 15th
Friday, September 14, 2018 5-Day Sesshin with Seattle Soto Zen
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 Wednesday Practice with Special Guest Speaker Edward Brown
Tuesday, September 04, 2018 Circumambulation of Mt. Hood
Sunday, September 02, 2018 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice in September
Saturday, September 01, 2018 Zen Sewing - September 1st
Saturday, September 01, 2018 Sangha Work Day - September 1st
Sunday, August 26, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: August
Sunday, August 19, 2018 Sunday Simple Sit: The Compassion of No-Self and Impermanence
Thursday, August 16, 2018 Family Promise Volunteer Training
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Mountains and Rivers Hiking Retreat
Saturday, August 04, 2018 Zen Sewing - August 4th
Saturday, August 04, 2018 Meditation in the Old Growth
Monday, July 30, 2018 Samish Work Sesshin Dharma Talks
Sunday, July 29, 2018 The One Who's Not Busy, Samish Island Work Sesshin with Nomon Tim Burnett
Sunday, July 29, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: July
Saturday, July 14, 2018 Opening the Mountains Hike
Saturday, July 07, 2018 Sangha Work Day - July 7th
Monday, July 02, 2018 The Teachings of Suzuki Roshi
Sunday, June 24, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: June
Saturday, June 23, 2018 Samish Sangha Clean Up 2018
Saturday, June 16, 2018 Samish Island Dharma Talks 2018
Friday, June 15, 2018 Samish Island Sesshin 2018
Friday, June 15, 2018 SeaTac to Samish Island Airporter Shuttle for 2018 Summer Sesshin
Sunday, June 03, 2018 Sunday Simple Sit
Saturday, June 02, 2018 Sangha Work Day - June 2nd
Sunday, May 27, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: May
Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Dharma Songs with "Urban Monk" Marc Anderson
Saturday, May 19, 2018 Hidden Mountain Spring Retreat
Saturday, May 19, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Work Party/Ceremony/Potluck
Sunday, May 06, 2018 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice in May
Saturday, May 05, 2018 Sangha Work Day - May 5th
Sunday, April 29, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: April
Saturday, April 21, 2018 The Way of Flowers
Saturday, April 14, 2018 Mt. Erie Hiking Meditation
Saturday, April 07, 2018 Sangha Work Day - April 7th
Wednesday, April 04, 2018 Buddha's Birthday - Potluck Dinner, Meditation, and Ceremony
Friday, March 30, 2018 Zen Sewing Retreat
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 “A-I-U-E-O” Pronouncing Japanese!
Sunday, March 25, 2018 CANCELLED: Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: March
Sunday, March 25, 2018 Hills and Streams Hike (Lost Lake Falls)
Sunday, March 18, 2018 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice
Wednesday, March 07, 2018 Practice Period Closing Circle
Wednesday, March 07, 2018 Namu Kie Butsu: Learning the Zen Sewing Stitch
Sunday, March 04, 2018 Shuso's Dharma Inquiry Ceremony
Friday, March 02, 2018 Public Dharma Talks: Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Nomon Tim Burnett, and Nōgen Connie Martin
Sunday, February 25, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Morning: February
Wednesday, February 14, 2018 Mid-Practice Period Check-in & Parinirvana Ceremony
Saturday, February 03, 2018 Shuso's Way Seeking Mind Talk.
Saturday, February 03, 2018 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Sunday, January 28, 2018 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Mornings
Wednesday, January 24, 2018 The Dharma of Anger (Shuso's Class)
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 Practice Period Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 Winter Practice Period 2018 - overview & registration
Sunday, January 07, 2018 Zazenkai: CANCELED due to schedule conflict
Saturday, December 09, 2017 Buddha's Enlightenment: Night Sit, Morning Ceremony
Thursday, December 07, 2017 Public Dharma Talks by Nomon Tim Burnett and Eko Jeff Kelley
Wednesday, December 06, 2017 Rohatsu 2017 - Buddha's Enlightenment retreat
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 Dharma Talk with Koshin Cain
Sunday, November 19, 2017 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice
Saturday, November 04, 2017 Public Dharma Talk by Nomon Tim Burnett
Wednesday, November 01, 2017 Spirit Settling Ceremony
Sunday, October 22, 2017 CANCELLED: Sunday Simple Sit
Sunday, October 22, 2017 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Mornings
Sunday, October 15, 2017 On the Vimalakirti Sutra
Saturday, October 14, 2017 Closing the Mountains Hike
Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Movie: Walk With Me (instead of usual Red Cedar Wednesday Night)
Saturday, October 07, 2017 Sangha Work Day - October 7th
Saturday, September 30, 2017 Journey to the Source - hike to Nooksack Cirque
Friday, September 29, 2017 Movie: The Last Dalai Lama
Sunday, September 24, 2017 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Mornings
Sunday, September 17, 2017 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice
Friday, September 15, 2017 Five Day Zen Sesshin with Seattle Soto Zen
Wednesday, September 06, 2017 Genjo Koan Study Group
Saturday, September 02, 2017 Sangha Work Day - September 2nd
Friday, September 01, 2017 Sangha Campout on Mount Rainier
Sunday, August 27, 2017 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Mornings
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 Mountains and Rivers Hiking Retreat
Sunday, August 13, 2017 Jizo Ceremony - Remembering our Children
Saturday, August 05, 2017 Meditation in the Old Growth
Sunday, July 30, 2017 CANCELED: Sunday Simple Sit
Sunday, July 23, 2017 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Mornings
Saturday, July 22, 2017 The Way of Flowers
Saturday, July 15, 2017 Opening the Mountains Hike
Sunday, July 02, 2017 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice
Saturday, July 01, 2017 Sangha Work Day - July 1st
Sunday, June 25, 2017 Samish Sangha Clean Up 2017
Sunday, June 25, 2017 Hidden Mountain Zendo Meditation Mornings
Sunday, June 18, 2017 Samish Island Dharma Talks 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017 Samish Island Sesshin 2017
Friday, June 16, 2017 SeaTac to Samish Island Airporter Shuttle for 2017 Summer Sesshin
Friday, June 09, 2017 Hidden Mountain Zendo Opening
Saturday, June 03, 2017 Sangha Work Day - June 3rd
Saturday, May 20, 2017 Awakening in Everyday Life: A Zen Studies Retreat with Nomon Tim Burnett
Saturday, May 13, 2017 Contemplating Nature Workshop
Saturday, May 06, 2017 Sangha Work Day - May 6th
Sunday, April 30, 2017 Norman Fischer Poetry Reading
Thursday, April 20, 2017 Mt. Erie Hiking Meditation
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 Buddha's Birthday - Potluck Dinner, Meditation, and Ceremony
Monday, April 03, 2017 A Conversation About Death and Dying
Saturday, April 01, 2017 Sangha Work Day - April 1st
Sunday, March 19, 2017 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice
Wednesday, March 08, 2017 Practice Period Closing Circle
Sunday, March 05, 2017 Shuso's Dharma Inquiry Ceremony
Friday, March 03, 2017 Public Dharma Talks: Zoketsu Norman Fischer, Nomon Tim Burnett, and Ryushin Kate McKenna
Thursday, March 02, 2017 Three Day Sesshin with Zoketsu Norman Fischer & Nomon Tim Burnett
Saturday, February 25, 2017 Blanchard Mountain Meditation Hike and Meeting
Wednesday, February 08, 2017 Mid-Practice Period Check-in & Parinirvana Ceremony
Sunday, February 05, 2017 Zazen in Uncertain Times: Sitting with the Fire - Simple Sit with Chris Burkhart
Sunday, January 22, 2017 Shuso's Way Seeking Mind Talk.
Sunday, January 22, 2017 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 Intimacy at the Heart of Conflict (Shuso's Class)
Wednesday, January 11, 2017 Practice Period Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, January 11, 2017 Winter Practice Period 2017 - overview & registration
Saturday, January 07, 2017 Sangha Work Day
Sunday, January 01, 2017 Zazenkai: a morning of silent practice
Saturday, December 03, 2016 Buddha's Enlightenment: Night Sit, Morning Ceremony
Thursday, December 01, 2016 Public Dharma Talks by Nomon Tim Burnett and Eko Jeff Kelley
Wednesday, November 30, 2016 Rohatsu 2016 - Buddha's Enlightenment retreat
Tuesday, November 08, 2016 Election Day Sits
Monday, November 07, 2016 Let Love Be Our Legacy Interfaith Banner Display and Community Gathering
Saturday, October 22, 2016 Inter-Sangha Work Party
Sunday, October 16, 2016 Sunday Simple Sit with Chris Burkhart
Saturday, October 15, 2016 Sangha Work Day - CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Thursday, October 13, 2016 Cultivating the Seven Factors of Enlightenment
Saturday, October 08, 2016 Closing the Mountains Hike
Saturday, October 01, 2016 Understanding Consciousness: A Zen Studies Retreat with Nomon Tim Burnett
Saturday, September 24, 2016 CANCELED: Journey to the Source - hike to Nooksack Cirque
Friday, September 16, 2016 Five Day Zen Sesshin with Seattle Soto Zen
Saturday, September 10, 2016 Circumambulation of Mount Adams - Journey into Wildness
Sunday, September 04, 2016 Sunday Simple Sit with Chris Burkhart: Paramitas of Meditation and Wisdom
Saturday, September 03, 2016 Sangha Work Day
Monday, August 15, 2016 Zazen in the Cedar Grove
Monday, August 15, 2016 Mountains and Rivers Hiking Retreat
Sunday, August 07, 2016 Sunday Simple Sit with Chris Burkhart
Saturday, August 06, 2016 Meditation in the Old Growth
Sunday, July 17, 2016 Sunday Simple Sit with Chris Burkhart
Saturday, July 16, 2016 Opening the Mountains Hike
Saturday, July 02, 2016 Sangha Work Day
Saturday, June 25, 2016 Samish Sangha Clean Up
Saturday, June 18, 2016 Samish Island Dharma Talks 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016 Samish Island Sesshin 2016
Saturday, June 04, 2016 Sangha Work Day
Sunday, April 03, 2016 Mt. Erie Hiking Meditation
Saturday, April 02, 2016 Sangha Work Day
Sunday, March 13, 2016 Norman Fischer Reading at Village Books
Sunday, March 13, 2016 Norman Fischer reading at Village Books
Sunday, March 13, 2016 Practice Period Closing Ceremony
Friday, March 11, 2016 Public Dharma Talks: Zoketsu Norman Fischer & Nomon Tim Burnett
Thursday, March 10, 2016 Three Day Sesshin with Zoketsu Norman Fischer & Nomon Tim Burnett
Monday, March 07, 2016 Zen Precepts Study Group
Friday, March 04, 2016 Principles of Buddhism with Ruth Ozeki and Tim Burnett - Whatcom READS!
Friday, March 04, 2016 Introduction to Buddhist Meditation with Ruth Ozeki and Tim Burnett - Whatcom READS!
Friday, February 26, 2016 Buddhism in Bellingham panel - Whatcom READS!
Sunday, February 21, 2016 Sunday Simple Sit: Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Mid-Practice Period Check-in & Parinirvana Ceremony
Wednesday, February 03, 2016 Zen Pioneers Study Group
Saturday, January 30, 2016 Practice Period Opening Sesshin
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Practice Period Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Winter Practice Period 2016 - overview & registration
Sunday, January 17, 2016 Sunday Simple Sit
Saturday, January 02, 2016 Sangha Work Day
Saturday, December 05, 2015 Buddha's Enlightenment: Night Sit, Morning Ceremony
Saturday, December 05, 2015 Public Dharma Talk by Eko Jeff Kelley
Friday, December 04, 2015 Public Dharma Talk by Nomon Tim Burnett
Thursday, December 03, 2015 Rohatsu - Buddha's Enlightenment retreat
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 Visiting Dharma Talk with Eko Jeff Kelley
Saturday, October 31, 2015 A Day of Compassion with Nomon Tim Burnett
Saturday, September 26, 2015 Closing the Mountains Hike
Friday, September 18, 2015 Four Day Zen Sesshin with Seattle Soto Zen
Thursday, August 13, 2015 Mountains and Rivers Hiking Retreat
Saturday, August 01, 2015 Meditation in the Old Growth
Saturday, July 11, 2015 Opening the Mountains Hike
Sunday, June 28, 2015 Samish Sangha Clean Up
Saturday, June 20, 2015 Samish Dharma Talks
Friday, June 19, 2015 Samish Island Sesshin
Saturday, June 06, 2015 Sangha Work Party
Saturday, April 11, 2015 Sangha Work Party
Sunday, April 05, 2015 Mt. Erie Hiking Meditation
Sunday, April 05, 2015 Circumambulation of Mount Erie
Wednesday, April 01, 2015 Buddha's Birthday
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