Sangha Mentors Program; Ongoing
New Year's Eve Zen Ceremony; Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 NOTE! This will be held at our Mountain and Waters Temple--2509 Cedarwood Dr!
January Construction Work Party; Saturday, January 18th, 2025; 9 am-4 pm
2025 Zen Precepts Studies; 8 monthly sessions on Zoom on Monday, Feburary 3rd.
Living as Vow; Retreat for Women and Femme Practitioners; Saturday, February 15th, 2025
February Contruction Work Party, Saturday, February 22, 2025
Samish Island Sesshin--2025 Our annual week long summer sesshin is now online with registration for members opening January 15th! June 13th - 21st.
Additional 2025 events will be added to the website soon.
Registration opens for Red Cedar sangha members January 15th; opens to all other interested sitters February 1st. Find details about the event.
Note that we did need to increase prices from last year due to increases in fees from Camp Samish. Happily they are still one of the most affordable venues in our area.
As the new year dawns I'm thinking, as I often do at points of turning, about the challenging and wonderful practice of "holding opposites." This is a deep practice that Zen's teachings of the non-dual and emptiness point to.
"Holding opposites" is feeling more deeply how things aren't this way or that way. They are actually both (and in some ways, neither as the very categories of our thinking have some real limitations to them).
Feeling into the co-arising of opposites can really help us make space in our heart-mind. Help us release from fear, and release from certainty.
In that space there is just so much more room. Room to breathe, room to be, room for curiosity, room for patience, room for wondering if we really do know what this-or-that is happening. Space to remember the impermanence and unknowable nature of the future.
To me the feeling of the practice of holding opposites has much in common with Suzuki Roshi's beginner's mind.
At the personal level: I am who I am and so often new year's resolutions come to nothing! And yet I'm also ever changing and full of potential. So why not set intentions and underline the choices I want to make in the new year? Even as I know I won't "succeed" in all of them? At that's okay.
At the societal level: I am quite uncomfortable about the incoming administration and the underlying forces that seem to have brought this about.
And I also have a lot of faith in people. That the vast majority of us on this crowded planet are kind, are generous, are ready to lend a hand.
That there will be problems, there will be suffering for sure. And there will also be much joy and progress (even if it doesn't make the headlines). And that our fellow citizens are beings just like me who want to be happy and don't want to suffer - that it will work out.
So...Happy New Year - which also means sad new year, wonderful new year, horrible new year!
I'm looking forward to joining you in simply doing my best in showing up in this life, trying to help, and seeing everyone, as best I can, as Buddha. And in remembering that every new day is a gift.
Below find a poem that speaks to me about all of this.
All best to you and yours - I hope to see you soon in practice,
Nomon Tim
William Stafford - The Way It Is
There's a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn't change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can't get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time's unfolding.
You don't ever let go of the thread.
Dear sangha and friends,
The zendo will be closed on Thursday, December 26th.
We will meet again on Thursday, January 2nd.
We wish everyone a joyous and restful season as we approach the solstice. May these dark evenings hold you. May the returning light bring you hope as we continue to love in the midst of great suffering. May suffering open for us the real path.
Red Cedar Zen Community
Well! Things are happening at Sansui-ji temple! Construction Update--New footings have been poured; new stem walls are in place and walls are coming soon!
We had a bit of a scare after discovering that we were sitting on top the remnants of a coal mine--actually on top of a distribution site, as it turns out. The contractor dug down to pour the foundation for our extended zendo and instead of finding soil, found tons of coal! It turns out that that whole part of the city is located on top of this extensive coal mine. We knew that was deep underground, but not that on our site it's also right at the surface.
The black stuff is all coal!
After careful investigation by many experts, including our builder, our architect, and, our structural engineer, it has been determined that this is not an overly concerning thing, given that the current building has been in this spot for 40 years, and there has been virtually no settling; it has been very stable.
Therefore, we are going to make just a minor adjustment to our plan by digging deeper and increasing the size of the footers for extra stability. A relatively minor adjustment. Whew!
Footing for the extension of the dokusan room - all poured and solid.
We have also received sangha feedback about our interior flooring options. Thank you to everyone who responded. The responses overwhelmingly favored Option A (Bamboo flooring in Zendo and slate tile in entry and other main areas) with 77.8% of response in this category. We also had 22.2% of responders choosing option C (Douglas Fir in Zendo...) and no responders choosing option B. (Please let us know if you'd like for us to forward the survey results including comments.)
These responses weighed heavily in the decision making of the building committee. Also, part of the final decision was needed due to logistical considerations.
So!--We are going with:
1) Bamboo flooring in the Zendo
2) Slate tile in entry ways - the "front stage"
3) Cork in Cloud Hall as it's flexible and warmer on the feet. (Marmoleum was not chosen in part due to it being a fire hazard, and in part, some unevenness in areas where we needed more flexibility than sheet material could handle).
4) For the bathrooms, kitchen, and back hallway, we will use a complimentary tile to give the sense of transition into different areas.
Again, thank you for your responses!
Getting to know this year's jukai participants
Jukai (literally "to receive precepts") is a ceremony we offer at Red Cedar Zen as the final event in our annual study group.
Students who have received permission from one of our teachers make a commitment to living by the ethical guidelines of Zen and to enter more deeply into the practice.
It's a process that's not required or essential for a fulfilling practice of Zen, but to those for whom it's the right step it can be a deeply meaningful process.
To learn more check out next year's study group: 2025 Zen Precepts Studies - True Freedom Through Ethical Conduct!
This year, at the conclusion of our Fall Sesshin at Samish Island on November 10th, 2024, 6 sangha members received Jukai, taking the Bodhisattva Precepts. They each sewed their own rakusu garments and received a new name as well as the documents showing our ancestral lineage.
This is always an emotional, heartfelt ceremony and this year's was no exception.
Below are participant responses to the question:
"How has this journey of studying the Precepts, sewing a Rakusu, and taking Jukai informed your life?"
“Practicing with the sewing, study and ceremony of the RCZC Jukai tradition over the past several months was both a deeply personal and a public affirmation of my commitment to this path. Effort, intentionality and the experience of helping hands as we moved together through this process has been nourishing and inspiring. Deep bows of gratitude to teachers and mentors for never-failing support.”
Catherine Jones; new dharma name: Tetsuren Gyokusan Iron Lotus, Jade Mountain
"My dharma journey with the precepts began many years (eons?) ago. I was introduced to the Bhagavad Gita, meditation and yoga practice in New York, 1971. Later in the San Francisco Bay Area, I began years of exploring the various Buddhist traditions. At long last, I was finally led home to the Red Cedar Zen Community and my teacher Kanho Chris Burkhart in Bellingham, WA. Studying the bodhisattva precepts with my teacher and precept cohorts, sewing my rakusu, taking vows with the rituals and ceremony of Soto Zen have been a life changing experience for me. I am honored with the sangha's support, love and compassion. I vow to firmly follow the compassionate path.
With love, gratitude and deep bows,
Pamelia"
New dharma name: Hoin Wado Dharma Seal, Harmonious Path
"I am finding that my practice has widened and deepened during precepts study; I noticed it especially during the chanting of the precepts at the jukai ceremony. I felt a deep sense of connection to the world and a gentle accountability for myself--it's time to grow up and start taking your life seriously, Kata! The rakusu is a reminder that we are all always navigating what it means to be in right relationship with each other and with ourselves, and that practice is not something we can do alone."
Katarina Gombocz; new dharma name: Sokuzō Kakuzan Present-Moment Treasury, Crane Mountain
"This was my third round of focused precepts study. I can see the ways I've grown and the places where I'm still working (always!). Sewing was much more enjoyable than I expected. It helped to have a teacher and cohort. I learned a lot about my mind.
When I first walked into the zendo (Red Cedar on N. Forest), even though the place was totally foreign, I felt a deep sense of home. I felt this way again during the jukai ceremony. Joy, relief, and wonder. Safety and belonging. Yes!
During this unstable time, I'm so grateful to have these ethical guidelines and to take refuge in Buddha, dharma, and sangha. May our practice be of benefit to all beings."
Carolyn McCarthy; name dharma name: Shokon Shinmon Bright Spirit, Deep Listening
"I asked to receive precepts as a deepening commitment to align my life more closely with the Mind of the Buddha. The precepts represent to me a path that I find and lose and find and lose again many times a day! The experience of studying with a cohort was enriching, supportive, and also warmed my relationships with my teacher and peers. I am so grateful for the generosity of so many on this journey!"
Mary Dubrow; new dharma name: Daijin Kanki Great Compassion, Complete Spirit
"I was deeply humbled and struck by the meaning of all that I had done. From two wonderful Precepts classes, sewing my Rakusu, working on incorporating the precepts into my daily life, practicing, sitting before my family, my teacher, and my Red Cedar family. Tears were flowing! I appreciate the wonderful changes this brings to my life every day. With bows."
Chris Blake; new dharma name: Shoko Myoho True Renewal, Luminous Release
Big smiles as teachers and jukai recipients share in the joy of practice.
Please see list below for ongoing and upcoming Red Cedar events.
Upcoming Events Note: Our offerings are a bit lighter than usual as we work to remodel our building at 2509 Cedarwood in Bellingham into Sansui-ji Mountains and Waters Temple, expected to open in the middle of 2025.
Note that our annual 8-week Practice Period will be in the Fall in 2025: from September 24 - November 23.
Recently, Raizelah and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Buddha Eye Zen Community Temple in Eugene, Oregon. I'd been hoping to visit for a while and now with Sansui-ji's opening around the corner, it felt especially helpful.
Founder and abbot Ejo McMullen is an American teacher who trained extensively in Japan, so I was very curious to see how he implemented what he learned there on American soil.
And, at the same time, I've been studying the official in-depth manual on Sōtō Zen ritual and thinking about areas where we might deepen our own ritual practice.
What I saw at Buddha Eye impressed me: a sangha of about our size offering a mix of very accessible public-facing programs and serious Zen training all under the same roof. And sure enough, the morning service was exactly true to the official Sōtō Zen specifications I'd just been reading about! (See p. 7-9 of the manual if you want to geek out on Zen ritual.)
Lots of food for thought as we look towards opening Sansui-ji next year.
I do highly recommend visiting other temples and centers as part of your exploration of Zen. They can be found in most of our western cities in Washington, British Columbia, Oregon and beyond. If you'd like recommendations, or for me to help get you connected to leaders at the places I know, don't hesitate to ask.
I feel like I learn so much about our own lineage traditions as well as theirs in every visit I make to a new place of practice. Plus, it's really a lot of fun to do!
Abbot Ejo McMullen officiating at Buddha Eye temple at Sunday service.
Front gate at Buddha Eye Temple, Eugene, Oregon.
An inviting corner of their property with seating which Ejo shared has really helped the neighbors feel invited and included.
In an effort to make dharma talks more accessible, Red Cedar will resume posting dharma talks on our YouTube channel. These videos will include subtitles.
You can find Nomon Tim's recent dharma talk series on Dōgen's Japan journals on our YouTube:
Talk one
Talk two
Talk three
Check back soon for more dharma offerings from Red Cedar teachers and practice leaders as well as Nomon Tim's dharma talks from Fall Samish sesshin.
We are always striving to make the dharma as widely accessible as possible. If you have suggestions for improving accessibility, please reach out to admin@redcedarzen.org.
Red Cedar wishes our sangha a peaceful Thanksgiving and deep gratitude for our shared practice.
Dear Supporter of the Red Cedar Zen Community:
As this year ends, our sangha looks forward to occupying our new sanctuary, Sansui-ji (Mountains and Rivers Temple) when daffodils bloom. I'm writing today on behalf of our Board of Directors to ask you to consider a modest increase in your already unstinting generosity (dana) to assist us in meeting this new obligation.
We are fond of the Book of Serenity story (#4) of Indra establishing a new temple by planting a blade of grass. “The sanctuary is established,” he says, and the Buddha smiles. In response, a commentator reminds us, “Repairs won’t be easy.” As in our personal practice, maintenance and repairs require constant attention and support. That’s where we trust you can lend a hand.
In 2022, following a successful capital campaign (Thank You!!), we purchased our new home at 2509 Cedarwood (see floor plan and external view, below). We have begun a remodel that will offer the community a welcoming zendo and a “Cloud Hall” space for gatherings, meals, classes, a library, and other activities. That’s the really good news. But, as always, there is another side. Owning and operating a building means increased operating expenses as well as higher administrative costs and supporting our teacher. We have traditionally met these needs through your membership and donations.
We have all benefited from another year of regular 7 am Zoom sits, Thursday evening services, Dharma talks at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, one-day and well-attended summer and late fall sesshins at Camp Samish and celebrating newly committed practitioners wearing hand-sewn rakusus. And we are truly blessed with the leadership of our Guiding Teacher Nomon Tim Burnett and from Practice Leader Kanhō Chris Burkhardt’s unwavering devotion to fostering continuing studies in Dōgen and other primary texts.
In this samsara world, there are so many ways we can work together and support each other, offering what we can, when we can, to polish the Three Treasures of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. As Master Hui-hai (“Great Pearl”) reminds us, “The gateway to our practice is dana and from that practice all the others are fulfilled.”
On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continuing partnership in our sangha household. As the days shorten and soon begin to lengthen, please consider the various ways you can support our Red Cedar Zen Community by your year-end dana:
To start a monthly or annual membership:
o https://www.redcedarzen.org/become-a-member
To increase your regular membership pledge:
o https://www.redcedarzen.org/techhelp/membership-change
To make a one-time donation:
o https://www.redcedarzen.org/donations
Other donation options include: Offering a portion of your IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) or transferring appreciated stock to Red Cedar’s Schwab account.
Finally, if you have any membership questions, just reach out to membership@redcedarzen.org
With gratitude and appreciation for your devotion to The Three Treasures and to the Red Cedar Zen Community:
Joden Bob Rose, Board President
Red Cedar Zen Community is a 501(c) non-profit organization.
