WATERFALL

2004 fall newsletter

In late August there was a directors meeting along with Eshin as abbot. It was mainly a review of the centre’s current status and where it’s going. Eshin indicated there is a growing need to provide a space for more intensive practice. There was little demand for this in the past, but the situation is now changing. This led to a review of how the centre has grown over the years and how to keep it growing. It was decided to write in this newsletter a history of the centre, a vision article by Eshin, and a directors’ financial review. Here they are:

 History

Joshu Sasaki Roshi was invited to Vancouver in 1967 in response to a general interest in Buddhism. A zazen group developed as a result of this visit and called itself the Zen Centre of Vancouver. A non-profit society was formed in 1970 associated with Roshi’s main temple of Rinzai-ji in Los Angeles . Federal charitable status followed in 1972. Over the years the Zen group sat in a variety of places, sometimes people’s homes, sometimes a rented house, and sometimes a Buddhist temple. Roshi visited regularly offering sesshin practice and members traveled to practise in California . During this time the group fluctuated in size. It was large and enthusiastic in the 70’s but failed to form a strong centre with property. Size decreased as the 80’s started. This reflected a trend in North America where a large initial enthusiasm in Buddhism changed to a fewer number of people taking practice more seriously and deeply.

In the early 80’s a dozen members pledged five years of membership which provided the down payment on a small property, all that could be afforded at the time, in a run-down part of the inner city. The tiny property had room for four residents as well as the zendo. It was often difficult to get four Zen students to live there. The directors decided to invite a monk from Rinzai-ji to help and take responsibility. Eshin arrived in 1985 and continued the daily zazen and monthly one-day sits. He also visited and helped the Victoria Zen Centre and a few Zen sitting groups in B.C. In 1988 Eshin became an osho, a teacher recognized by Roshi. Longer retreats were started, first with a five-day one in Sooke in 1990, followed by two- or three-day retreats every four to six months. In late 1991 the use of Catherine and Ken’s place on Galiano Island was kindly offered for five-day sesshins--annually at first, then two in 1994.

A few students, some going back to the late 80’s, were forming a growing core group of practitioners. By 1995 zendo attendance had increased enough that a larger city property was considered. This was a project that drew the sangha together and heightened commitment to the centre. The mortgage had been deliberately paid down as quickly as possible in the preceding years, providing a large equity to go towards the new property. Late that year the present property on Brant Street was purchased. Also in 1995 the five-day sesshins grew to three per year. February 1998 saw the start of seven-day sesshins. Meanwhile, the core group continued expanding in size. The small zendo at Brant Street became too small and a renovation project was started in 1999 to double the size of the zendo and provide an apartment for Eshin. By 2001 the project was nearly complete, and members were doing the finishing work. It was another project that bought the sangha closer together and made it stronger. In 2002 four sesshins per year were needed in response to growing interest. The Zen Centre of Vancouver is now recognized as a full temple within Rinzai-ji due to it owning its own property and having a resident osho.

A large, dedicated core group of Zen practitioners serious -- about practice, that is, otherwise light-hearted -- has built up, committed to regularly attending sesshin and one-day sits as well as daily practice. Along the way New Years and Buddha’s Birthday ceremonies and celebrations were introduced, regular samu or work practice appeared, and the sangha gathered for events ranging from zafu making and community pot-lucks to yard sales and members’ weddings and family memorials. Out-reach to people with an interest in Zen was experimented with, but in the end it was found best for such groups to organize themselves first and then receive support with visits by Eshin.

This is a story of the gradual growth and maturing of a Zen centre. It takes a long time. The Zen Centre of Vancouver has come a long way yet still has some important steps to take. The present zendo is filling up, and a larger one will be needed within a very few years. More space is needed for storage, an interview room, and a dining room. There is also an increasing demand for students to live at the centre for a daily intensive practise and more access to Eshin's guidance. Some means of maintaining continuity for future generations must be found through dedicated people who take tokudo – ordination.

Sincere and deep gratitude must be given to the many committed, serious Zen students who have upheld the practice over thirty years; to the current directors who all have mature life and business experience to contribute to the administration; and to the presence and spirit of Eshin who is deepening as a teacher.

Vision – by Eshin

We continue a practise handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha. It is a practise to realize our true selves. Our true self has, mutually interwoven, the aspect of emptiness and the aspect of self. We all know we have a self but the Buddhist term shunyata or emptiness isn’t clear to us at first. When we sit and use the practise of giving ourselves to the breath cycle or to sounds we feel more at home with everything as well as the breath cycle or sounds. When we whole hearted engage in what we’re doing we find ourselves closer with the action and what/who we’re acting with. When we open to another person without judgements, habits, love or hate, attraction or aversion, good or bad, we feel a human intimacy and the stirring of true unconditioned love. As we continue practising embracing the present moment’s activity we find that at the same time we are embraced by this present moment’s activity. We also practise the other aspect of our true selves – our self. We find trust in ourselves by giving stronger or more certain expression of ourselves. Little by little our doubts, neuroses, pettiness, and resistances fall away. We become more strongly genuine, reflecting the moment with an acceptance and love.

Joshu Sasaki Roshi bought Zen practise to Vancouver . Many of us know his talk of plus and minus – the interaction of no-self and self – and other innumerable skilful guidances. He is the founder, original teacher and inspiration for the Zen Centre of Vancouver. The Zen Centre is a place where this practise can be learnt, done, realized and appreciated. Over the years so many people have gained benefit arising from this initial visit.

For some there is a time spent practising at the Zen Centre with the benefits appearing when later following their own way. After leaving the centre they find life appears a little less difficult and oneself is a little more at ease. For some the heartfelt appreciation of practise is expressed in strengthening and serving the sangha. There is an urge to mutually give and receive in a community of Zen friends. For some there is the assuming of the responsibility of continuing the Zen Centre in gratitude for what has been received. This may be as a director on the administration side or as a monk or nun on the practise side. All these ways are equal in that true self is practised and realized. All these ways are distinct in that each individual has their own expression of their true self.

Over time a pride in the Zen Centre has grown. No doubt it is a reflection of peoples own pride in their Zen practise. This isn’t a puffed up pride but the strong feeling that comes with appreciation. Practise has become important in life. The Zen Centre has become an important part of life. This pride in one’s own practise and in the Zen Centre is seen in the attendance of more activities than just zazen; of spontaneous gifts of tea, bells and other items for the centre; of friendship and concern with others. I hope people will also help others to the level of ones natural ability. Even just sitting sincerely in the zendo is a great inspiration to others. Even if we’ve been sitting only a few months we have enough experience to help newer people. We can all encourage and assist others. We can all share our deepening understanding towards Buddhist realization and practise. I feel it is time for the sangha to go beyond a social friendship to a practise supporting friendship.

The function of the Zen Centre of Vancouver is to build a suitable, stable place and practise for generations to come. The centre currently provides daily zazen, retreats and ceremonies to mark passages. There is an increasing need for people to be able to intensively practise by living at the centre and being in more frequent contact with Eshin. The opportunity for new monks and nuns must be provided. A larger place will be needed. Partly for residents but also for an interview room, more storage, and a dining room. New monks and nuns are needed to help others and to provide continuity over time.

Financial – by the Directors: Ian, Brad and Gareth

At its last meeting, the board of directors established a "Mortgage Retirement Fund" so that the centre's mortgage could be paid off faster, opening up new options for the future. All of the directors warmly supported a vision for the centre that sees its training aspect strengthened and the practice space enlarged. This would more effectively nurture a new generation of monks, nuns and dedicated practitioners, thereby helping to sustain a strong practice now and into the future.
At present, the centre relies on rental income from the basement suite, about one third of its total income, to almost cover the mortgage and utility bills. The original mortgage when the centre was purchased in 1995 was $110,000. As of September 1 of this year, it stood at approximately $64,000. We are allowed to pay down annually up to 10% of the mortgage – that’s up to $16,500 a year. If the "Mortgage Retirement Fund" can raise this amount the mortgage is eliminated within four years !!! Even a smaller amount will make a big difference. In fact, every dollar paid in addition to our regular payments directly reduces the principle and, in turn, reduces accumulating interest charges and significantly accelerates how quickly the mortgage will be retired.

Once we are free of mortgage payments altogether, instead of having to rent the basement suite out, the centre can have novice monks, nuns or other dedicated students live at the centre and take part more fully in its activities as well as receive more intensive training from our Eshin. In addition, when the timing is right, the full equity of the centre can be applied to purchase a larger facility to accommodate the centre's expansion. In other words, free of a mortgage, the centre will have far greater flexibility and stability. We also believe this step will, itself, boost the momentum for the centre to grow and evolve.
We invite everyone to make fully tax-deductible charitable contributions to the new Mortgage Retirement Fund, either on a monthly or annual basis, however they wish to support this vision. In the past, members and friends have contributed generously--both in money and work--to the centre's growth. Earlier initiatives--like the purchasing of our current centre and, later, its renovation--raised our spirits and pulled us together closer as a sangha. We are confident this new initiative will carry us another big step forward.

A good book on Buddhism - Eshin

In Zen we emphasize practise yet, naturally, many people read books on Zen and Buddhism. Often we read for inspiration. Sometimes we do not even know why we read but it just seems ‘good’ or ‘helpful’. Most of us have found that a particular book resonates with us. We often read for knowledge but Zen points out knowledge about things isn’t the same as direct knowing of things. Using basic Buddhist concepts of the self and emptiness can be useful, yet most books tend to just explain the theory of self and emptiness. The result is that we hold on to the Buddhist concepts and miss their application to our practise, that is, turning the theory into transforming ourselves and our practise. I’ve recently come across an excellent book that explains basic Buddhist theory in terms of our transformation. It is ‘The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching’ by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Zen master. It is continually showing how to apply Buddhist theories, perhaps explanations is a better word, to our everyday practise. In other words, how to practise basic Buddhist theories. Check it out and see if it’s helpful for you! 

Centre News

The centre has gone through three major growth transitions in the past. These transitions were initially obtaining property, moving to more suitable property, and renovating that property. We’re about to start on the fourth; to provide residential practise and training opportunities for students. It’s spelt out above so please read, digest and commit to the Mortgage RetirementFund !!!!!!

Next sesshin on Galiano Island is November 13 – 20. Let Eshin know soon if you’re interested

The dates for the 2005 sesshin dates have been worked out with the kind co-operation of Ken and Catherine who own DragonFly. The dates are February 12 th – 19 th, May 7 th – 14 th, August 13 th – 20 th, and November 19 th – 26 th.

Noah provided some legal advice so we can now make most of the payments for sesshin and one day sits tax deductible. You’ll see this in your 2004 charitable receipts.

Three dining tables have been made for sesshins at DragonFly. They are narrower than usual to be suitable for our style of formal meals where we have food servers. The lengths were also sized to neatly fit in the dining area of DragonFly.

The Zen Centre has some changes to the weekly schedule. These changes will start in November –

The present monthly samu or work day is on a Sunday towards the end of the month. It is to be changed. Samu will now be weekly each Sunday for half an hour to an hour. It will usually consist of inside cleaning, garden tidying, small repairs, and so on. This work period will be after the regular Sunday 9 - 11am zazen meeting. As usual we’ll have refreshments at the close of work periods.

A new sitting time is being introduced on Thursday from noon to 1:30pm . This can be helpful for people who are busy in the evenings and weekends. If there is a demand for this it may be introduced on other days. It’s being started as an experiment so please give any feedback if other days or times seem better.

People are asked to come for the full length of zazen meetings. An exception is being made for the Tuesday through Friday early morning sits. This is because some people have work or other fixed commitments that make the early morning full period unworkable. From now on, one can come later or leave earlier than the scheduled 6am – 7:30am times. Please time it for the walking kinhins at 6:30am and 7am .

As usual, it is best to check the web site, or phone or email, at least the day before about coming for some sits. Sometimes Eshin is away at sesshin or visiting another Zen group. The early morning zazen and Thursday mid-day are cancelled on these days. Core members look after the Tuesday and Thursday evening, and Saturday and Sunday morning, sits when Eshin is away.

The front entrance steps have been restained adding crushed walnut shells to make a non-slip surface. Yes, crushed walnut shells are often used for this! It’s planned to add a roof cover over the front door to provide shelter from the rain.

The Zen Centre has two types of incense available. Eiju is available for $15. Eiju is an excellent strong, pure sandalwood incense for home use. Morning Star Aloeswood for $7 is also available. Aloeswood has a strong ‘temple’ smell and can be very expensive when pure. This is a blended version which still gives an Aloeswood feel.

 Sangha News

The end of summer BBQ was kindly hosted by Brent. The day started with rain and we wondered about the roof-top setting. Fortunately it stopped a little before we got going. The grey day didn’t dampen the spirits of those that came. Thanks to everyone for making it so enjoyable, especially Brent for the place and Brad for BBQ’ing.

Alan Haskins from the Brooks Branch Zendo in North Carolina sat with us early August while on a visit to Vancouver with his wife. These visits are appreciated as they foster the sense of the larger Rinzai-ji sangha.

Steffi, while on a visit to Vancouver , learnt and started Zen here in August. She has been sitting with us several times a week and attended a one day sit. Steffi returned to Germany on October 8 th after a small ‘party’ for her at the end of her last sit with us. Best wishes for her continuing practise!

Peggy’s humour shone through in her feedback about changing the work day – ‘I don't mind either, longer work periods once a month or shorter ones throughout the month.  I've never been so conscious of cleaning before in my life!  It has even spread to my own home! Consciousness that is, not necessarily cleaning.’

The Prince George sangha had their weekend retreat with Eshin on October 16 th and 17 th. It was a smaller group than normal but all were experienced sitters. The group has a new gong, mokugyo and other things for the zendo reflecting a pride in their practise.

John and Michelle have cleared land for their new, larger Bowen Island Zendo. They have heard of a potential source for some free lumber. Let’s hope the chance for building will occur this winter.

Adrian went to Rinzai-ji in September to do a sesshin with Roshi and stay for another week of practise and sanzen. Eshin and Michelle went in October for a sesshin, Eshin staying for an osho meeting. John, Michelle and the girls will be going to Bodhi for all of November which includes two sesshins with Roshi.

Contributions

The Centre asks for a contribution from its friends. This is a way to support the Zen Centre itself and to repay benefits from the Centre’s practise. A contribution of $20 per month is expected and many contribute $35 or $50 per month as appreciation of the practise and centre grows.

A great thank you for all the donations since the last newsletter. Thanks to Adrian Dobre, Barbara Moyle, Branko Vrbic, Brent Eichler, Bryson Young, Chris Massey, Chris Reuten, Dennis Goebel, Georgia Carr, Gordon Davidson, Gordon Grdina, Greg Barkovich, Ian Hignell, Ivan Grabovac, Jeremy Dowling-Ryerson, Jerry Cyr, Judith Johnson, Keith Parson, Lorena Orozco, Louise Newman, Martina Vavra, Michael Wong, Michelle Meyrink, Mike Henley, Noah Quastel, Paul Albert, Peggy Scott, Peter and Rie, Pouyan Jafarizadeh, Ryan Shick, Steve Weiner, Stuart Slind, Zachery Brown and the many anonymous donors.

These donations keep the centre going. This autumn is seeing fewer people than usual and donations have been down. The major basement repairs bought the bank account to zero but we are scraping by. If you haven’t been able to attend recently you can still support financially. Just now it would be much appreciated. Thank you for your contributions!!

Thanks also to Dennis for teaspoons; Eshin for spoons and chopsticks; Myorei for twenty stools; Brad, Eshin, Jerry, Mike and Pouyan for finishing the basement; Brad, Brent and Eshin for making the sesshin dining tables. Your kind and hard working contributions have enhanced the centre.