Kwan Um School of Zen
Congratulations to our new Ji Do Poep Sa Nim and two new Zen masters! They received inka or transmission on April 1, 2023 at Providence Zen Center, U.S.A.
Photo from left to right:
Marshall White JDPSN
Zen Master Tan Gong (José Ramírez)
Zen Master Hye Mun (Barry Briggs)
On the 21st of January, we had a retreat with Dyan Eagles, JDPSN. She teaches at the Cambridge Zen Center in Cambridge MA. It was a beautiful day, well attended with lots of strong practice. We had folks join us from the Cade Cod Zen Center, as well as the usual retinue from the Northern Light Zen Center. A wonderful day! Thank you to all who made it so.
Copyright (C) 2022 Kwan Um School of Zen. All rights reserved.
Kwan Um School of Zen
99 Pound Road
Cumberland, Rhode Island 02864
In case there are folks who are not in the Maine Buddhist Gathering email chain, I wanted to add this update.
Dear Maine Buddhist Gathering Community,
The Maine Buddhist Gathering was inspired by a desire to bring together different sanghas, meditation groups, individuals and Buddhist traditions to share resources, build community, and support practice. We maintained a listing of sanghas and meditation centers throughout the state, and served as a resource for individuals with established practices as well as those new to practice. Over the years we hosted Buddhist Movie Nights, potlucks, talks, and community meditation events. Thank you to everyone who supported these efforts.
We want to let you know that in the next couple of weeks, the Maine Buddhist Gathering’s website will no longer be available. There are many other on-line resources and ways for folks to find their way to practice, and, we don’t think the absence of our website will have a negative impact on the community. Some examples of these resources are: https://www.buddhanet.info, https://www.mainesanghas.org, or the sangha listings on our website that will be available for a couple more weeks.
In addition, Nancy Markowitz, a Maine Buddhist Gathering member, has expressed an interest in hosting some Buddhist themed events in the future. She invites you to join her mailing list and learn more about her plans.If you’re interested, email her directly at: nmark88@gmail.com
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Rest assured that your email address associated with the Maine Buddhist Gathering will not be shared.
Be well, and thank you for our continued practice,
The Maine Buddhist Gathering
On October 29th we had a one-day retreat at Northern Light Zen Center. A lot of sitting meditation! Strong practice. On zoom as well as live! We have a half-day retreat coming up in November on the 26th! All are welcome to join us!
On August 20th NLZC had a Sangha Picnic! Wonderful weather and wonderful friends! An excellent day. Thank you to our organizers, Jane Harter, Ron Turcotte and Darren Brown! Here are some pictures from the day.
Hello to Northern Light Zen Center’s Community Sangha!
We have been planning a ‘Sangha Back Yard Pot Luck Picnic’ at the Center and you and your family/ friends/ significant others are invited to join in.
Date: Saturday, August 20 (rain date August 21)
Time: 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Place: Northern Light Zen Center
202 Meadow Rd, Topsham, ME 04086
BYO:
–Pot Luck!!! (Summertime specials)
–Drinks (We will have iced chai tea on hand)
–We will have chairs but feel free to bring a lawn chair if you prefer
–Grillables We will have grills available. If you wish to grill, bring whatever you like.
–Lawn games – Such as bocci, badminton, checkers, or a game your children would like to play. Corn toss (got it covered) and chess (check)!
We look forward to being with our Sangha friends for a relaxing summer afternoon!
On May 28th at 1 O’Clock friends and family gathered at Northern Light for the Zen Center’s very first Precepts Ceremony. There were 3 preceptees taking 5 precepts and 1 person formally becoming a Dharma Teacher. It was an exciting day.
In the past, all ceremonies like precepts and such were done at the main zen center for the region. In the case of Maine and the Americas that would be Providence Zen Center. Those were always great ceremonies and a wonderful time for the larger Sangha to gather and see old friends and Teachers! Since COVID has been upon us this has cause the School to reconsider how we do ceremonies such as these. There are many reasons that we won’t list here but suffice it to say this led us to this special time.
During our ceremony, Kait Pressey, Jake Worth, and Edie Clemente took the 5 precepts, were given their Dharma Names, and got their robes and kasas. Jay Seiler formally received his bowls and became a Dharma Teacher. It was a very special time. Terry Cronin, JDPSN, and Bill Robitzek Senior Dharma Teacher led the ceremony as Preceptors.
Refreshments were served afterward and folks gathered to mingle and chat with one another. Wonderful together action. Thank you to all who attended in person and on zoom.
Hey, check it out! We won a ‘best of’ award. Not bad, eh? According to the Town of Topsham, “We are happy to announce that Northern Light Zen Center has been selected as the winner for 2022 Best of Topsham Awards in the category of Religious Organization.”
Come visit us and practice with us! We can share what it is that makes us special.