Victoria Zen Centre, British Columbia, Canada

On December 6, 2008 we completed our winter five-day intensive. Eight of us sat together through the wintery weather at the Lone Tree house on Saturna Island: (back row, left to right) Charles Rose, Doshu Rogers, Ruth McMurchy, Susanne Ledingham, (front row, left to right) Jaron Holder, Ven. Eshu, Tom Oak, Rivkah Moore. Tom and Jaron led us as Jikijitsu and Joko, Charles and Rivkah, who joined us from Nelson, BC served as Shoji and Shoshoji, Ruth and Tommi served as Densu and Shoden, and Susanne kept us all well fed as Tenzo. Our next intensive will be May 2-8, 2009.

From November 14th to 17th, we enjoyed a visit and weekend intensive with Kozan Gentei Osho, abbot of Sosenji, North Carolina Zen Centre. Gentei Osho was the first student that Joshu Sasaki Roshi authorized as a teacher in the west. Our weekend included an opportunity for a welcome potluck, at which members had the opportunity to meet and get to know Gentei Osho. Here he is sitting with the sangha kids enjoying some wonderful food.

Gentei Osho with the participants of the November weekend intensive. (back row l-r) Sean H, Eshu, Jaron H, Tom O, Charles R, Doshu R, (middle row l-r) Nori N, Jennifer W, Gentei, Tommi B, Michelle M, (front row l-r) Chris F, Pieta V, Monika W, Phil H.

On Sunday October 26, 2008 our community gathered together for an evening of food, community, fun, music and dancing as we held our annual Fall Harvest Potluck. This year we had so many in attendance we rented the Oaklands community centre for the event!

On Sunday May 25, 2008 we held out 4th annual Buddha’s Birthday event at the University of Victoria’s Interfaith Chapel. About 90 people attended to hear the story of the Buddha’s birth, and to chant and bathe the Buddha in sweet tea. Afterwards, Uminari Taiko took the celebration to a whole new level! There was a piñata for the kids, and birthday cupcakes for all. We hope to see you again in 2009!

On May 7th, 2008 the Victoria Zen Centre completed its spring five-day intensive. Nine people sat together through the beautiful May weather on Saturna Island: (back row, left to right) Ven. Eshu, Jaron Holder, Ben Morton, Tommi Boulter, Monika Winn; and, (bottom row, left to right) Charles Rose, Eric Jordan, Tom Oak and Ruth McMurchy. Ven. Eshu and Monika led the practice as Jikijitsu and Joko, Tom and Charles supported the group as Shoji and Shoshoji, Tommi and Eric took care of the ceremonial duties as Densu and Shoden, Ben and Ruth nourished the participants as Tenzo and Shoten. The next intensive will be November 29th - December 3rd, 2008.

North Carolina Zen Center: Spring 7-Day Zazenkai

In March, Ven. Eshu traveled to Pittsboro, NC to participate in the North Carolina Zen Center's Spring 7-Day Zazenkai with Ven. Kozan Gentei Osho. Ven. Gentei was one of Joshu Sasaki Roshi's first disciples in North America. No longer affiliated with Rinzai-ji, Ven. Gentei continues to offer the teachings of Tathagata Zen to seekers of the way. Ven. Eshu reported that for his first visit to the "South" Spring arrived with a chorus of songbirds. The group was warm and friendly, and the practice, inspiring!

On March 8th, Susanne Ledingham led an afternoon of inspired creativity for members of the Victoria Zen Centre Sangha. The group of Art Makers came together for a day of tea, cookies and creating. They created four pieces of art based on the theme of "Wakefulness" that will be exhibited at the Shambala Arts Festival which runs from April 19th to the 27th.