I am happy to announce that Sensei Paul Genki Kahn has accepted the position of the Executive Director of the Maezumi Institute and of the Zen Peacemakers Sangha. We have studied together almost 40 years. I look forward to many new exciting programs to be developed here and hope you will enjoy and learn from them.
Genki will be sending this newsletter to you on a monthly basis. I hope you meet him here at the Maezumi Institute.
I am very happy to be finally joining the Zen Peacemakers' staff next month and formally taking on the work of the Maezumi Institute and the Zen Peacemakers Sangha. This is happening through the devotion and generosity of the many of you who raised my salary and funded the general operating expenses. This brings Roshi Bernie Glassman and my life back together in the synergy we enjoyed at the Zen Center of Los Angeles in the heady days of our youth. I am grateful for this chance for intimate study and practice with him again.
Roshi turns 70 this January, and so many of his pioneering efforts are coming to fruition - the transmission of authentic Zen realization, multifaith cooperation and social action as Zen practice. This fall we will begin our Residential Program in Socially Engaged Buddhism, and our first Zen Houses will open early in 2009. The Maezumi Institute is beginning full programming in all our four tracks - Zen, Multi-Faith, Social Action and Sacred Ways in the Arts.
There is so much we can accomplish together. We are currently planning a Young Buddhists' Festival (for those 16 - 35) with wonderful musicians, leaders and workshops, a Diversity Retreat and a host of other outstanding events.
I look forward to working with you, supporting your work and dedicating myself to the Zen Peacemakers.
The session will include instruction in Zen meditation (focusing on body, mind and breath), two brief meditation periods, and basic zendo etiquette. We will also have questions and answers, as well as a circle discussion of meditation practice, its benefits for everyday life and its role in helping us--and everyone--awaken.
This is a perfect way to wake up--literally--on a Sunday morning, and to learn about Zen.
No fee, but a donation is appreciated.
June 8
Boston Street Retreat
Faculty: Sensei Eve Myonen Marko & Dharmaholder James Ryudo Bastien
Street retreats have been a core practice of the Zen Peacemakers since 1991, when Roshi Bernie Glassman led the first one in the streets of the Bowery in New York City. They continue to be held annually in many cities around the world.
Participants go on the streets with no money and just the clothes on our backs. We eat in soup kitchens and beg for money or food. We don't claim to be homeless; we're simply living on the streets for 30 hours, relying on the generosity of the streets to take care of us.
June 28 - 29
Clowning your Zen
Roshi Bernie and Mister YooWho invite us to be silly and to explore our sense of humor in a safe heartfull environment. Bernie and YooWho are seniors in the Zen Peacemakers Order of Disorder.
This workshop includes humor, improvisation, together and solo, and gives our imaginations a good workout.
This retreat will comprise of sitting and walking meditation, oryoki meals, service, private study with Sensei Eve Myonen Marko, and talks. The talks will focus on the Zen Peacemakers Precepts as well as on the Third Tenet of the Zen Peacemakers, Loving Action.
Peter Matthiessen, famed environmentalist, explorer, and prize-winning writer, will lead a small group on a 15 day deluxe safari in Tanzania. Zen Master Bernie Glassman will accompany the tour and offer meditation and discussion. A once in a life time oppportunity. Not to be missed!
Only a few places left on this extraordinary event!
July 29-August 12
Resident Training Program in Socially Engaged Buddhism
Faculty includes Roshi Bernie Glassman, Sensei Eve Myonen Marko, Dharmaholder James Daikan Bastien, Sensei Paul Genki Kahn, seniors of the Zen Peacemakers Sangha and leaders in the peacemaking movement.
This Resident Training Program provides training to those who wish to practice in Zen Houses or in the area of peacemaking and social service. The trainees will study best means for transformation of individuals, neighborhoods, and society. There will be a residence training program, from Sept '08 to mid Jan '09, at the Maezumi Institute and a 6 month internship in a Zen House. Those with the appropriate qualifications will receive a Zen Peacemakers Minister Ordination.
The Maezumi Institute is receiving applications for those wishing to join the ten month program that provides a structure for practice, training, and hands-on internships.
September 15, 2008- July 15, 2009
WEEKLY EVENTS AT THE MAEZUMI INSTITUTE
The Montague Farm Zendo
Eve Myonen Marko
Regular Zen Sitting and Study practice
Kirtan
Shubalananda
Mondays at 7:30pm
Yoga
Jeanie Earlbaum
Thursdays at 8:00 am
Global Spirit
a multi-faith meditation and study circle
John Sprague
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
MONTHLY EVENTS AT THE MAEZUMI INSTITUTE
Dharma Talk- Roshi Bernie Glassman
Join Roshi Bernie Glassman as he presents his monthly Dharma Talk on one of his private collection of koans. He will also give Private Interviews to his students.
May 24, September 20, October 15, November 8
Private Interviews: 3:30 pm Dharma Talk: 4:30 pm
Christian Vespers and Meditation
Father Bruce Teague
Dhikrullah - The Dervish Ceremony of Divine Remembrance