NLZC and COVID-19 suspension

(originally posted March 16th 2020)

Dear Friends,

How are you? In response to the risks of COVID-19 transmission, Northern Light Zen Center will be suspending all programs, effective immediately. We expect this suspension to last four-six weeks, possibly longer.

In making this decision, our Zen center joins many other centers around the country to take steps important to the safety of the sangha. Beginning today, the suspension affects the following programs: – Wednesday evening practices – last Saturday extended practice – if further extended, the one day retreat in April.

During this suspension, we encourage you to practice meditation regularly. Terry PSN will continue to offer interviews by appointment, through Zoom or by phone, in which you can discuss practice, daily life and also do kong-ans. Please contact him at tcronin1956@gmail.com if you would like to schedule time.

We will also attempt to keep in regular contact with readings, quotes and information. If anyone has any suggestions in this regard, please contact us. Please also let the sangha know if you are ill so we can give whatever support is possible. We have always sought to make the Zen center a safe place for practice and self-investigation, and it never occurred to us that public health concerns would enter into this. But here we are and we must follow the best available recommendations. Thank you for your support.

In the Dharma, Bill

Our End of Year December One Day Retreat.

On the 28th of December 2019 12 of us came together and sat a Northern Light Zen Center one day retreat. We hold these one day retreats on every even numbered month of the year. This month we had a nice large group. Strong practice and good teaching. Thank you to everyone and happy new year!

retreat
back row l-r Darren Brown, Patrick Clancy, Carol Hedgepeth, Terry Cronin JPDSN, Jennifer Mancini, John Schooley, Judith Simpson, Steve Bulloch, Robin Capwell
front row l-r Mary-Ellen Cimino, Marilynn Petit, Stephanie Harp, Jay Seiler

Buddha’s Enlightenment Day

Buddha’s Enlightenment Day will be celebrated at the Providence Zen Center on December 14. There are overnight accommodations for those wanting to go down on Friday. There will be a children’s program if people with kids register (indicate that your kiddos will attend). There are likely to be carpool opportunities on Friday and perhaps Saturday if you are interested. Contact Abbot Bill Robitzek if you’re interested in carpooling.

Here is the link to register: https://dwt.suran.com/tool/event_registration_v2/attendees?guid=04bee77c3ed511e68b356ff236c94191

Upcoming One day Retreat Oct 26th!

Please join us for an upcoming one day retreat on Saturday October 26th with Terry Cronin, JDPSN, guiding teacher of the NLZC.

Please arrive at 6:50 for orientation if this is your first retreat at NLZC. Formal meal will be included. The practice will involve alternating periods of sitting and walking meditation. Kong-An practice is available with the Guiding Teacher during the day.

RSVP required by the Wednesday before the retreat so we can plan on sufficient food.

We hope to see you there! Come practice with us!

We had a retreat this Saturday!

The 31st was our retreat day and what a beautiful day it was! Gorgeous sun and temperature. A good day to practice! We sat all day in our lovely dharma room and afterward we had cookies and ice cream. Who could ask for more? Please join us for our next retreat in October!

L-R Nancy Hathaway, Jen Mancini, Shamai, Bill Robitzek, Terry Cronin JDPSN, Mary-Ellen Cimino, Steve Bulloch, Jay Seiler, Colin Fay (not pictured)

Upcoming retreat on August 31st!

Hey everyone! Just a reminder that our every other monthly day long retreat is coming right up! August 31st is the day, please come and sit with us. End your summer with some strong practice. If you’re worried about sitting on a cushion all day you can use a chair. Here is an article from Lion’s Roar about that very thing. Can I sit in a chair?