Our connection with the Japanese Zen origins of our lineage were renewed recently. The temple that Shuryu Suzuki roshi left in 1959 is a medium-sized community oriented temple in the coastal town of Yaizu called Rinso-in. The temple was originally founded in year 1472! 

We recently contributed the following message for their celebratory ceremonies to commemorate their 550th anniveray:

With gratitude for the continuous and generous practice of the Suzuki family. We wouldn't be here without you. Your friends at Red Cedar Zen Community in Bellingham, Washington.

(we were limited to a 28 word "telegram"!)

And then were honored to receive this message from Shungo Suzuki, Shuryu's grandson and himself a priest at Rinso-in:

Dear Red Cedar Zen Community Members,

We unexpectedly received a congratulatory telegram, from the Red Cedar Zen Community for the 550th anniversary ceremony of Rinso-in.

The heartwarming congratulatory telegram was read out at the beginning of the ceremony and offered in front of the Buddha and Shunryu roshi.

We, the members of Rinso-in, were very touched by your thoughtfulness.

We hope that Rinso-in Temple will be your spiritual home in Japan.

I'm really thankful to you.

Nine bows,

Shungo

And please note that Red Cedar Zen is in the early stages of planning a sangha visit to Japan in the first half of May, 2024, which we very much hope will include a visit to this our spiritual home in Japan.