We Make Zen Come Alive! 
Here is a fun little video showing some of the fun we had in the strategic planning meeting for the Victoria Zen Centre for 2012. We used the Business Model Canvas for the first time and found it really helpful!
Soshin Ruth McMurchy has one dilemma on her mind: can she get her robes sewn in time? McMurchy is not much for needlework or sewing, but she’ll have to get good — she’s about to become the Victoria Zen Centre’s first-ever ordained female monk, and crafting her own robes is the first order of business.
Read the full article on Monday Magazine.
Doshu Lars Rogers has a first-hand understanding of suffering and impermanence. In February 2002, he found himself in the intensive care unit of Vancouver General Hospital more dead than alive having been air lifted from his family’s homestead on Malcolm Island just off of Vancouver Island’s north coast. The diagnosis was acute leukemia, and the prognosis was not hopeful.
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.
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!
Phil Hoover, a friend of the Victoria Zen Centre, has become a new daddy! Jill gave birth at 11:21pm on Saturday, June 9th. Lily weighed 8lbs 3ozs and all three are doing fine. Congratulations from all the Sangha! :)
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!
