Dear Zen Center Sangha:

Appended below you will find Anraku's minutes of
our sangha meeting last week.  A WORD version
can be found at
<http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/Sangha-Meeting.doc>.

Also note that there will be an all-day retreat
(zazenkai) this coming

    Saturday, October 5, from 8 am through 4 pm.

Please let us know if you plan to come to all,
or part of, the day.  Feel free to contact us
with any questions you might have.
--
	 In gassho,
			 -- Volker.
--------------------------------------------------
Zen Center on Main Street
Minutes from Sangha Meeting
Wednesday September 25, 2002
7pm to 9pm

The meeting began just after 7pm, squash soup, bread, cheese and apple
sauce were offered and enjoyed.  Present were: Basia, Tanya, Gineen,
Volker, Margi/Teido, Maia, Maria, Catherine/Anraku.

The proposed agenda was introduced and approved.  We then went around
and checked in.  Gratitude was expressed to having a consistant
sitting place, it was reminded to all that the zendo was always open
for zazen to those who had keys, and for the general public whenever
The Life Center was open as well as regular sitting times.  Desire to
deepen our practice by introducing workshops, sangha activities and
guest teachers this next year was expressed.

The current schedule of Monday through Friday mornings 6 to 7 am and
Wednesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:45 pm and Thursday evenings from
6:30 to 7:45 pm seemed to work well.  Beginning Zazen Instruction
would be on Wednesdays at 5pm.  Zazenkais on the first Saturday of the
month also worked for those present and were scheduled for October 5,
November 2, December 7, and January 10 (2nd Sat).

The people in charge of opening the zendo are as follows:
     Monday morning: Flora and Rachel
     Tuesday morning: Maia
     Wednesday morning: Maria
     Thursday morning: Peter
     Friday morning: Gineen
     Wednesday evening: Catherine Anraku
     Thursday evening: Volker

If you cannot cover your day to open, please call Catherine Anraku at
527-4849 home or 586-8222 at work.

In addition the following people have a set of keys: Basia, Veerle,
Curtis, Margi, Jerry?   (**If you no longer are using your keys,
please return to Catherine Anraku.)

Volker will put together an updated contact list.

Other events discussed were: Sangha Fall Foliage Walk (date not set),
Halloween/Segaki Ceremony, Bodhi Day Zazenkai, Winter Solstice Party.

Possible workshops might include:  Intro to Zen,  Talks and or
Zazenkais with guest teachers:  Enkyo Sensei, Issho Sensei, Peter
Gregory on Sutra Study, Joshin Sensei on Intro to Inner Disarmament,
Eve Sensei on Council Practice, Elehiu Sensei for weekend retreat.
Invitations and dates to be decided on dependent upon availability,
etc.  It was also suggested that if we did an event in which we needed
a larger space, we could look into the Florence Community Center and
the Healing Arts Center on Hawley St. in Northampton.

Financial Report:  Fundraising letter by Curtis, brought an increase
in donations so that we exceeded our rent (400) for the first time
this month.  The increase was due to a couple of large donors.  It was
thought that some new visitors may not be aware of the dana bowl so
that it would be mentioned ie:  "Donations are not required for
practice, we gladly accept all donations to help pay our expenses", or
something like that.    The idea of "Inner Fundraising" was
introduced.  The idea was that members could put aside (for example)
one Latte a week and donate the $ saved to the zendo.

Introducing Services during the weekly sits was approved.  We will
begin with Wednesday evening service at 5:30pm and Friday morning at
6:50am.  We will begin chanting the Heart Sutra, alternating between
English one week and Japanese the next.  Consensus was that it was
important to allow people to understand what they were chanting while
at the same time there are those sangha members who just love the
Japanese.  There will be a rehearsal on Wed Oct 9th after zazen from
6:45 until 7:30  for all those who would like to learn the service
positions.  There may be other rehearsal times as well.  Let us know
if you are interested and can not make the 9th. (call 586-8222)

It was also suggested that we begin to learn and practice oryoki.
Discussion followed as to what we would need to put together oryoki
sets. Tanya and Gineen seemed interested in helping to get this
project going.

Discussions of Affiliate Status with Village Zendo and Zen Peacemaker
Order as well as discussion of our Mission Statement were tabled until
our next meeting.

Our next Sangha meeting was scheduled for October 16 at 7pm following
zazen.  Gineen will facilitate.  Please let us know if you would like
to come to a sangha meeting but need a different time to be able to
attend.

Other Community events were announced, the Letter writing Campaign
(here) etc.

The meeting came to a close with a couple of minutes of zazen.

Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Anraku Hondorp
September 28, 2002

Dear Main Street Sangha:

A conflict about the original plan (Oct 2) for our Sangha Meeting
has become apparent.

Rather than moving it back even further, we thought we'd go
ahead and have meeting next week:
			 Wednesday, Sept 25, 7 pm,
after the evening sitting.   According to a certain someone,
some food will be available.  Please join us in nourishing
the Sangha!

Also, Anraku has offered to start conducting weekly
services, one in the morning, one in the evening. This
would take place about 15 minutes before one of the
regular sitting times.  Wednesday evening usually sees
the greatest number of practitioners, so that might be a
good day to have it.  Tuesday or Friday for the mornings.
Any preferences?

If you can't make it to the Sangha Meeting, feel free to
communicate agenda items beforehand.
--
	 In gassho,
			  -- Volker.

Dear Zen Center on Main Street Sangha:

Thank you for joining us at the Memorial Service on
Wednesday, and at the All-day Zen Retreat (Zazenkai)
on Saturday!

A Sangha Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 2,
at 7 pm (after the regular evening sitting) at the Zen
Center.
--
	 In gassho,
				 -- Volker.

Thanks for the info, Volker.  A meeting would be good.  Sept. 18th is not
good for me, or the 25th. But maybe Oct. 2nd, if that's good for other
folks?
Also, on Sept. 11th, there is an interfaith prayer service at 8 am in front
of first churches, and anraku is offering a buddhist prayer.  flora and i
plan to go.

peace,
Rachel







> Dear Zen Center on Main Street Sangha:
>
> A hearty "Welcome back!" to Anraku!
>
> - Zazenkai:     Sept 14, _not_ Sept 7
> - Memorial service: Wednesday, Sept 11, 5pm
> - Schedule
> - Sangha Meeting
>
> This month's all-day sit (zazenkai) has been moved back
> by a week, to September 14; 8 am -- 4 pm, as usual.
> Please let us know if you plan on attending for all or
> part of the day.
>
> On Wednesday, September 11, we will have a memorial service
> at 5 pm, before our regular Wednesday sitting.  There will
> also be various interfaith memorial services on Wednesday
> morning and evening (details at the Zendo).
>
> The evening schedule continues as usual.  We are still
> putting the morning sitting schedule together.  I believe
> Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays are all set so far.
>
> It would be nice to have a Sangha Meeting very soon, one of
> these Wednesdays after the evening sitting, around 7 pm:
> Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9...?  Please let us know what
> dates would be good -or inconvient- for you.
>
> Topics might include the fall schedule, picking a day/time
> for weekly Service at the zendo, plans for the public "Intro
> to Zen Workshop" (in September/October!?), inviting ouside
> teachers to speak, and any topic that you might wish to bring
> up.  Check out the minutes of previous meetings on our web site
> to see what is planned (or remind you what organizing committees
> you are on).

Dear Zen Center on Main Street Sangha:

A hearty "Welcome back!" to Anraku!

- Zazenkai:     Sept 14, _not_ Sept 7
- Memorial service: Wednesday, Sept 11, 5pm
- Schedule
- Sangha Meeting

This month's all-day sit (zazenkai) has been moved back
by a week, to September 14; 8 am -- 4 pm, as usual.
Please let us know if you plan on attending for all or
part of the day.

On Wednesday, September 11, we will have a memorial service
at 5 pm, before our regular Wednesday sitting.  There will
also be various interfaith memorial services on Wednesday
morning and evening (details at the Zendo).

The evening schedule continues as usual.  We are still
putting the morning sitting schedule together.  I believe
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays are all set so far.

It would be nice to have a Sangha Meeting very soon, one of
these Wednesdays after the evening sitting, around 7 pm:
Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2, Oct 9...?  Please let us know what
dates would be good -or inconvient- for you.

Topics might include the fall schedule, picking a day/time
for weekly Service at the zendo, plans for the public "Intro
to Zen Workshop" (in September/October!?), inviting ouside
teachers to speak, and any topic that you might wish to bring
up.  Check out the minutes of previous meetings on our web site
to see what is planned (or remind you what organizing committees
you are on).
--
	 In gassho,
			 -- Volker.

Dear friends:

I wanted to wait until I got the good news officially.
But I also didn't want to leave you without news about
what's going on.

My advisor and the department sent out a request for
(yet) another extension, recognizing the tight time-
lime for the modifications and additions requested by
the committee, upon completion of the defense.

No word has been received so far, but my advisor assured
my that the department would put its full weight behind
the request should the Grad School choose to deny it.
An informal inquiry on the secretary level indicated under-
standing at their end, as well -- especially given that
the defense is passed.

I am therefore making arrangements at this point to stick
around a little longer, most likely until the end of the
year, at least.  In a way, that's probably the most ideal
way things could have gone, from my perspective.

So, I am looking forward to seeing you around a while longer.
--
	 Best,
		 -- Volker.

Dear Sangha:

Your good wishes have borne fruit!
The defense went very well, and was
well-received by the members of the
committee.  In fact, overall, things
seem to be working out in the best
possible way.
--
    Thank you,
			 -- Volker.

Dear Zen Center on Main Street Sangha:

A final reminder about the Zen Road-Trip to
Catherine's Dharma Combat Ceremony (Shuso
Hossenshiki) this Sunday, August 25 2002,
in Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY.

We should be there between 10 am and 10:30 am,
the drive takes 2:45 h to 3 h.

A sign-up sheet has been posted on the bulletin board at
the Zen Center.  Please indicate if you can offer a ride,
or if you need one, and how to best get in touch with you.
You can also send this information by email, of course.

I plan to send in the head count after the Thursday
evening sitting on August 22.

                      - = O = -

Also, I presume that there will be a morning sitting on
Tuesday, August 27, from 6 am to 7 am, after Catherine's
return to the Valley.

Looking towards September, an all-day sit is coming
up on the first Saturday of the month, Sept 7, so
you may want to mark your calendars.
--
	 Any other announcements?
					 Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Being streched a little too thinly at this point,
we have decided to suspend the regular morning
sittings for the next two weeks or so.
--
	 Sorry,
			 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Daiken has sent further details on Anraku's Shuso
Hossen Ceremony in Cornwall-on-Hudson on Sunday,
August 25:

	 The Shuso Hossenshiki is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
	 We sit at 5:00 a.m. and finish up around 7:00 a.m.,
	 so it may not work for you all to join us for sitting.

	 We ask that folks arrive between 10 & 10:30.

	 If you can let me know how many folks are coming
	 when you get the final count, that would be great.
	 We only need to know for food amount issues.

A sign-up sheet has been posted on the bulletin board at
the Zen Center.  Please indicate if you can offer a ride,
or if you need one, and how to best get in touch with you.
You can also send this information by email, of course.

I plan to send in the head count after the Thursday evening
sitting on August 22.

There will be a chance for dana, I expect.  You may also
communicate ideas about a little present for Anraku.
--
	 In gassho,
			 -- Volker.
---------------------------------------------------------
PS: The drive takes about 2h 45 min.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

The Village Zendo Ango is still in progress at
The Grail, including study periods on the precepts
and on Dogen's "One Bright Pearl;" a writing
work-shop with Joshin, and another week of sesshin
will follow.  Check out our web site [1] for details.

Anraku's Shuso Hossen at The Grail is coming up on
Sunday, August 25.  We may want to coordinate rides
to Cornwall-on-Hudson, and let the Tenzo know how
many people to expect.  Please let me know if you
need, or can offer, a ride.  Thank you.

A few pictures from the July Sangha Party at Catherine
and Lindsay's are now available online [2].  My thanks
go out to all of you, for your presence, for your kind
words and good wishes, for your giving hearts and for
coming together in celebration; to Basia for taking
the photos.

Sangha building comes from inside. From inside you.
--
	 In gassho,
			 -- Volker.
-----------------------------------------------------------
[1] <http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/ango-details.html>
[2] <http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/party/>

Dear friends:

Thank you very much for coming out to celebrate summer,
dance, us, you, me, and the time we have spent together
over the past months at the zendo and beyond.  It seemed
that a great time was had by all.  I certainly had a blast!

Thanks for the hugs; the kind (and amusing) words; a spin
or two or five on the dance floor; thoughtful presents.
--
      Thank you for sharing the gift of yourself,

					 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Appended are details about the party
this Saturday, July 13, 5 pm.

Come get your kicks on route sixty-six!

Directions:

   Take Rt. 66 West (past the Grotto in Northampton) towards
   Westhampton and keep going for quite a bit.  You will come
   past Outlook Farm on your left.  About 1.5 miles further on,
   between Edwards and Lyman Roads (both on left), you'll find
   the green mail-box for #263 (on Rt. 66).  That's Catherine's
   and Lindsay's house (phone: 413 527 4849).

   If you need a ride, or can offer one, that evening, please
   get in touch with me (ecke@..., 584-2627 (H),
   545-6033 (O)).

Please bring something to share, CDs with music you like
to dance to, and whatever else comes to mind.
--
     Hope to see you all there!
				 -- Volker.

--- Margi Gregory <gmargi@...> wrote:
> Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 20:40:50 -0400
> To: zen-on-main-owner@yahoogroups.com
> From: Margi Gregory <gmargi@...>
> Subject: Re: [zen-on-main] July Events
>
> Calling all peacemakers! Bernie Glassman and the
> Peacemaker Community families travelling with him
> from Santa Barbara arrived at the farm
> in Montague this week. The place is a mess and
> there's a tremendous amount of work to be done.
> If anyone would like to volunteer to help
> out, even for a couple of hours, I know they'd be
> very appreciative.
> Working together informally is a really nice way to
> get to know people and find out what plans are
> cooking, so it's a golden opportunity. A nice
> bunch to hang out with!
>
> To get there, take 91 to the Deerfield/Sunderland
> exit and follow signs to Sunderland and 116.
> Cross the river and take 47 North until
> you get to the sign for 63 and North Leverett.
> Turn right on North Leverett Road, cross 63
> and go on North Leverett road until you come
> to West Chestnut Hill Road (or maybe it's
> Chestnut Hill Road West).
> Take a left on it and then bear left (I think it's
> called Ripley).  Pretty soon it will become a dirt
> road. That's the driveway. Keep going till you get
> to a small parkinglot with a farmhouse at the end
> of the road on the right and a barn on the left.
> If you get lost ask for the old anti-nuke farm.
>
> For a few more days the phone number is
> 413-367-9505. Ask for Teiju or June or whoever
> is there and say I suggested you contact them.
> After that try a new listing for Jeanna and Andy
> Corbett or try Teiju@... (or just go).
>
> Have a nice summer!
> Margi


__________________________________________________
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Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Due to the Fourth of July holiday, there will be
no sitting this Thursday (morning or evening).
There *will* be sitting on Friday morning, 6 am.

The Zazenkai this Saturday will be the half-day
version only:  8 am -- 11 am, at which point
people may join the peace vigil and sit outside.
Please let us know if you plan on attending.
--
	 Gassho!
			 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Some people may say that it's not an accident
that I (really! truly!) forgot to mention another
event that is coming up in July.

    A party, no less!
    And in the honor of yours truly!
    A farewell celebration, in fact;
    on the occasion of my departure
    later this summer.

I hope you can come and join us in celebration!!

                    *P*A*R*T*Y*

               Saturday, July 13, 5pm

                   (Bar-B-Q'ish)

at Catherine's and Lindsay's house in Westhampton.
Directions and further details can be found at
the Zendo, or by contacting Catherine (527-4849 [H],
586-8222 [O]) or me (584-2627 [H], 545-6033 [O],
ecke@...).
--
	 Party-time!
			 Volker.

Dear Sangha of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Summer is upon us.  An occasion to let the ceiling
fans swirl in the zendo.  Come and enjoy the breeze!

As usual, the first Saturday of the month will see
our monthly day-long sit:

    ZAZENKAI, Saturday July 6, 8 am -- 4 pm.

Please let us know if you will be joining us for part
of the day, or for the entire period.

The Village Zendo Summer Ango ("ango" means "dwelling in
peace") will take place July 17 through August 25, with
our very own Anraku guiding the sangha as head monk.

Contact me if you're interested in a road trip in support
of her dharma talk and dharma combat ceremony ("shuso hossen")
on Sunday August 25 (also to arrange meals with the tenzo).

Because of the Ango, there will be no ZAZENKAI in August.

See our web site for full details on the Ango schedule,
including sesshins, study-periods and work-shops.  You
may also consider intensifying your practice right here
in Northampton: eg. by increasing your sitting practice,
training for service positions, bringing liturgy into
your daily life, etc.  See the commitment form on our
web site for other suggestions.

One concrete form of service might consist in sending out
these monthly email announcements in the future :-)
Volunteers?
--
	 May all beings be at peace,

					 -- Volker.

Dear friends:

The Zen Center on Main Street and the Zen Peacemaker
Order are co-sponsors of a talk this coming Monday:

          Bearing Witness in Iraq:
  A Talk and Slideshow by Joanne Comerford
     (American Friends Service Committee)

          Monday, June 24, 7 pm
             Edwards Church
    279 Main Street, Northampton, MA

           Free and open to all
Donations are welcome to cover the expenses
            of the evening
    and for the Campaign of Conscience

Joanne Comerford, of the AFSC Western Massachusetts
office in Northampton went on a journey to Iraq
with a delegation of six other Quakers, defying
U.S. restrictions on travel to that country.
Upon her return, she will share stories and images
about her interactions with the Iraqi people.
--
	 Thank you,
			 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

This year's Village Zendo Summer Ango (intensive practive period) will
take place in Cornwall, NY, July 17 through August 25.  Two week-long
sesshins, three interesting study periods, exciting workshops are on
offer.  See our web site for details.  A Zen road-trip to Anraku's
Dharma Combat (Shuso Hossen) ceremony on August 25 has been
suggested.

Our next Sangha Meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 19, 7 pm,
after our regular Wednesday evening sitting.  Minutes of the previous
meetings are available on our web site.

	        A Sangha Day of Reflection out-of-doors
		       Saturday, June 15, 9am-3pm
    Biking through the Green Hills and Valleys of Hampshire County
		     Families and Partners Welcome

   - Bring your bike, helmet, water and something to share.
   - Riding together in silence.
   - Outdoor sitting meditation (children may join us or play)
   - Chanting the Peacemaker Community liturgy
   - Picnic lunch at Child's Park
   - Informal Circle Discussion

Meet 9am at Margi's at 241 Crescent St, Northampton (first block off
Elm Street,  near the curving brick dorms of Smith College).

Those biking can leave their food at Margi's.
Those going directly to Child's Park meet us at noon at the stone
table and benches which are on the east side of the big open area,
accessible from both the Prospect St. entrance or from the Elm St.
entrance.  There are about 4 parking spaces near-by.

Please RSVP so we know how many people are coming.
[Margi: (585-8481), gmargi@...; or in person at the Zendo]

Looking forward to seeing you at any, or all, of these events!
--
      <gassho!>,
		 -- Volker.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
E-mail: ZenOnMain@...
Web: http://www/math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/

Zen Center on Main Street,
Minutes of Sangha Meeting, Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 7 PM

This was our second Sangha Meeting, a follow-up to our first held
April 16, 2002.  Present were:  Margi/Teido, Peter, Flora, Rachel,
Laura, Dan, Volker, Jerry, Basia, Curtis, Lindsay and
Catherine/Anraku.

1.Minutes of our first meeting were read, and approved.

2.Curtis wrote a letter asking people to commit to supporting
   financially the zendo, it was reviewed, suggestions made to include
   a list of regular expenses and to ask individuals to contribute a
   monthly amount, left up to their discretion, and then to send in their
   commitment to the zendo.  Copies of the finished version will be sent
   to all on e'mail or snail mail and copies left at the zendo.

3.It was decided to have available the Zen Center<92>s financial records
   for general overview.

4.It was agreed that we did not need a membership category at this point
   in time.

5.Coverage for weekly zazen are as follows:  Mornings: Monday, Peter and
   Teido, Tuesday, Anraku, Wed and Thurs, Peter and Teido, Friday,
Anraku.
   Evenings: Wednesday, beginning instruction and zazen, Anraku or
Teidos,
   Thursday, Volker.  If anyone has a conflict call one of the others who
   has a key:  Including; Peter and Teido, Anraku, Gineen, Basia,
Volker,
   Lindsay, (POST PHONE #S)

6.It was decided to hold an Intro to Zen  Workshop the 3rd or 4th
weekend
   in September.  On the planning group are Rachel, Flora, Dan, Margi,
   Curtis, and Anraku.  Jerry will do promotion and flyering for this.
   Prof. Marco can be alerted to announce in his Buddhism Class at
Smith.
   A meeting time will be decided on before July.

7.It was suggested that we begin to invite teachers or Seniors to give
   Dharma Talks and lead discussions on Thursday nights (once a month)
and
   also line up Zen teachers to lead Zazenkais for the fall.  Issho,
Enkyo,
   Genki, Shishin, David (from Ithaca ZC) were suggested as some teachers
   to consider.  It was suggested that Peter lead a series on Chanting
   Origins.

8.Sangha Day of Reflection was greeted emphatically and all present
   expressed desire to participate.  Margi/Teido is in charge of
   organizing this event for Sat, June 15 beginning at her home in
   Northampton at 9am.  For more information see web site or call Teido.

9.Form and Correction in form was brought up and discussed.  It was
   clarified that the monitor was the one who took care of the zendo
   during zazen and would help people with posture, would control
   temperature in the room and offer encouragement or correction
   verbally when needed.  A lively interchange occurred amongst the
group,
   which brought to light the importance of form and the importance
   amongst the group of also allowing room in the zendo  to those
   practicing in a different tradition.

10. Lindsay and Basia chose to work on the Mission Statement, they
     will set a time to meet and present at the next meeting.

11. It was agreed that the time for a newsletter, on line and paper
     is here.

12. Zendo roles were briefly discussed.  There will be a posted series
     of instruction/investigation of service positions on Wed or Thurs,
to
     be determined, next month.  Also a suggestion was to have people
sign
     up to take on a position for a month at a time. A list will be
posted
     for sign up next week in the zendo.

13. `Mountains Come and Go', or Sangha Field Trips, to other Dharma
     Centers was mentioned as a way to further build sangha and meet
     others practicing in this Dharma rich area.

14. The next Sangha Meeting was scheduled for Wednesday,
     June 19, at 7 pm following zazen.


  Submitted by, Catherine Anraku Hondorp

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

This Wednesday evening, May 22, we will have another
Sangha Meeting at the Zendo -- at 7 pm, after the
usual sitting.

The minutes of the last meeting are available via
our web site at <http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/>.

Please come, join us and bring together our ideas
about how the Zen Center can best support our
practice -- and in what ways the Zen Center may
connect with the wider community.

Looking towards June, we will offer a

ZAZENKAI,  Saturday June  1, 8 am -- 4 pm,
SANGHA DAY, Saturday June 15.

Sangha Day will see us taking our practice out of doors
into nature, biking a little to some picnic place
(accessible by other means, as well).  Share your
thoughts and suggestions...
--
	 Gassho!
			 -- Volker.
----------------------------------------------------
WEB:    http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/
Email:  ZenOnMain@...
List:   zen-on-main@yahoogroups.com

[Appended you'll find Anraku's minutes of the Sangha Meeting
  that was held Tuesday night.

  I'll just briefly point out some consequences for the schedule:

  * There will be another Sangha Meeting soon, on May 22, to
    continue work on the issues that were raised.
  * From next week on, morning sittings will start at 6:00 am
  * As on every first Saturday of the month, there will be
    a Zazenkai this Saturday, May 4, 8 am -- 4 pm.
  * "Many Flavors of the Dharma" on Sunday, May 5, 10:30am-4:40pm
  * The next Day of Reflection, or Sangha Day, will be on June 15.

  You're welcome to join us for any or all of those!   (ve)
]
=================================================================

Dear Zen Center on Main Street Sangha,

Last Tuesday, April 31, we had our first sangha meeting.  It has been
approximately one year since acquiring access to suite 209 and
beginning renovations for our zendo.  It seemed like a good time to
reassess our intentions and to plan for the future.  In attendance
were: Lindsay Rockwell, Margi Gregory, Volker Ecke, Gineen Cooper,
Basia Bolibok, Curtis Small and Catherine Hondorp.  Below are loose
minutes.

1. Mission of the Zen Center was discussed and some rough ideas came
    out.  It was recommended that we look at statements for Village
    Zendo and Zen Peacemaker Order so that there is some continuity to
    our affiliations.  It was suggested that Gineen put together
    something temporarily for the brochure and that we continue to work
    on what our mission and purpose statements will be.

2. Gineen will put together a brochure for distribution on Sunday's
    Dharma Day.

3. It was generally felt that the schedule was good.  The times for
    the morning sits were changed to  begin at 6 am  and go to 7 am to
    make it more possible for more sangha to attend.  Evening sits were
    kept the same.  Zazenkais were also kept at the first Saturday of
    the month, excluding August.  It was suggested that different
    people be responsible for different sits and that if they could not
    make it they make arrangements for coverage. (Veerle said by e'mail
    that she could be responsible for Thursday evenings)  A list of
    people covering what nights will be compiled and posted.

4. Some suggestions for connecting to the Village Zendo ango  during
    the summer, were brought up, perhaps joining ango for some parts
    or making ango practice agreements.  It was requested that Enkyo
    Sensei be asked to come back, perhaps in the fall.

5. Bringing in new folks. One thought was to hold Intro to Zen
    workshop open to the public, advertised and held on a weekend.
    Having Beginning Instruction every  Wednesday nights at 5pm will
    begin next week.  New people are recommended to come to this if
    they have not had Zen instruction before. Putting the word out
    that we are here and what we do was suggested.  Listing sitting
    times in the paper and flyers around town were mentioned.

6. Financial support of the zendo.  The financial report for the
    zendo is available to anyone interested, ask Catherine.
    Membership pledges were suggested as a means to offer financial
    support to cover rent, zafus, zabutons and seiza benches,
    instruments, supplies, donations to bring in teachers/ guest
    speakers, etc.  It was agreed that a letter would be sent out to
    our mailing list inviting people to become members of the zen
    center and pledging monthly support.  Putting out suggested
    donations was brought up but I can't remember what was decided?
    Offering the zendo space to other groups or workshops was
    suggested but not decided on.  Fundraisers?

7. A phone and email list of those present at the meeting was
    compiled and distributed.

8. How to grow our practice?   Bringing in guest teachers once a
    month, would they have to be in the zen tradition?

9. Discussion followed on Days of Reflection.  Are they working,
    consistency, format, what is the nature/essence of Day of
    Reflection.  Should we do Sangha Day events instead?  Ie, bike
    riding and sitting and picnicking.  We tabled this discussion til
    next meeting.

10. Listing zendo roles so that people knew what the Jikido, Doan,
     Chant Leader etc do.  Catherine will do this.

11. An interest in doing services was expressed.

12. Other items not fully discussed:  Tax exempt status as an
     affilitate is being brought up with Village Zendo board and is in
     process.

13. The next Sangha meeting will be Wednesday, May 22 following zazen
     at 7pm til 9pm.  We hope that all sangha members can come to help
     guide our Zen Center.

Sincerely,

Catherine Anraku Hondorp.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

You are all most welcome to join us at our Sangha
Gathering tomorrow,

	 Tuesday, April 30, 7 pm at the Zendo,

in order to get to know each other in a less formal
setting, to share our thoughts, ideas and visions
about the offerings of the Zen Center, to find out
how we can best support each other in our pratice.

If this time is not convenient for you to attend,
we would be grateful if you could share your thoughts
with us -- in person, via email, or by writing a
little note.  Thank you.

This coming Sunday, May 5, you have a chance to taste

  	     The Many Flavors of the Dharma.

     A Celebration of Buddhism in the Pioneer Valley

	              Sunday, May 5
                   10:30 am -- 4:30 pm
         Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
                     Smith College.

A day of talks, panels, videos, books, and demonstrations
by many of the Buddhist teachers in the Pioneer Valley.
Stop in and enjoy this unique opportunity to savor the
taste of the Buddha's many teachings.

The Zen Center on Main Street will offer a taste of zazen.

You can help publicize this event.  A colorful flyer is
available from our web site,
	 <http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/flavors.jpg>.

Please check with one of us for the details of the regular
monthly events, such as Zazenkai and Morning of Reflection.
--
	 Gassho!
			 -- Volker.
-----------------------------------------------------------
On a more technical note:  I plan to transfer the current
Zendo mailing list to a setup at Yahoo!Groups within the
next few days.  You can then manage your own subscription
very flexibly.  In the process, you will receive e-mail
from Yahoo informing you that you have been subscribed to
the "zen-on-main" group.  Please let me know if you do not
want me to transfer your email address to the "zen-on-main"
group based at Yahoo.  Thank you.

While I'm on the subject: please let me know if you have
an interest in continuing to maintain either the web site,
or the newsletter mailings, as I will have to relinquish
those responsibilities some time this summer.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

It is time for a sangha meeting, don't you think?

About a year ago we decided to have a dedicated
Zendo next to Catherine's office, and went to work
creating a sacred space for Zen meditation right
in the center of Northampton.

Our schedule has grown, regular day-long sittings and
days of reflection have been established, sangha members
have stepped forward to support our practice, and we have
opened our space and our hearts to welcome old and new
students of the Dharma.

So, it's time to have a sangha meeting.
To all come together to share where we've been,
to reflect upon where we are, and to imagine where
we might want to take the Zen Center.

Please come and join us on Tuesday, April 30, at 7 pm.
--
	 Looking forward to seeing you all!
					     -- Volker.
------------------------------------------------------
PS: Please be reminded that _tonight_, Friday April 19,
     there is an
	       Evening of Reflection
	       6 pm -- 8:30 pm
     in connection with the peace demonstrations taking
     place in Washington DC and Boston tomorrow, Saturday.
     There will be sitting, Council (speaking and listening
     from the heart) and time to get to know each other in
     a less formal setting.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

A few more details -and corrections- to the earlier message.

The Zazenkai tomorrow, Saturday April 6, will conclude with
a ceremony celebrating Buddha's birthday ('hanamatsuri',
Flower Festival in Japanese).  Please bring a flower as an
offering to the baby Buddha.

On Thursday evening, it was still unclear if Genro Gauntt
would in fact be speaking this Sunday at the Karuna Center.
So, come and find out :-)

Major Peace demonstrations in Washington DC and Boston are
planned for the Saturday when the Morning of Reflection was
to take place (April 20), so we decided to have an _Evening_
of Reflection on Friday night, 6pm -- 8:30 pm, instead.  If
you are interested in joining the Northampton Chapter of the
Buddhist Peace Fellowship on their trip to the peace
demonstration in Boston, you may want to contact Margi.
--
	 Gassho,
			 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Sorry that this is a little later than usual.  In short:

Sat, April  6, 8am - 4pm, Zazenkai, Zen Center.
Sun, April  7, 7pm - 9pm, Genro Gauntt, Karuna Center.
Thu, April 11, 4:30 pm,   Shugen Arnold, Smith College.
Sat, April 17, 8am - 1pm, Morning of Reflection, Zen Center.

In detail:
==========
Our monthly Zazenkai will take place this

	 Saturday, April 6,
	 8 am -- 4 pm.

You're welcome to join us for all, or part,
of this full day of sitting.

The Morning of Reflection is scheduled for

	 Saturday, April 17,
	 9 am -- 1 pm.

We continue to explore the precepts in our lives.

Please let us know if you're planning on
attending either of those events.  You
may want to bring a dish to share for lunch.

Further, a few talks that might be of interest
to you this month:

a) Grover Genro Gauntt from the Zen Peacemaker
    Order will be talking at the Northampton
    Insight Meditation Group Sitting, this
	 Sunday, April 7
	 at the Karuna Center, Fitzwilly's building:
    Sitting from 7 pm to 8 pm;
    talk from 8 pm to 9 pm.

b) Shugen Arnold of the Zen Mountain Monastery will
    be talking about the "Prison Sangha" in the Buddhist
    Lecture Series at Smith (Seeley [sp?] Hall), on
	 Thursday, April 11, at 4:30 pm.
    Full details can be found on the green flyer at the
    notice board in the Zen Center.

--
	 Gassho,
			 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street:

Due to the rich event schedule in February, we have
decided to combine this month's Zazenkai and Morning
of Reflection into one event:

	 Morning of Reflection and Zazenkai
	 Saturday, March 16, 8 am -- 4 pm.

In particular, there will be no Zazenkai tomorrow,
March 2, as previously announced.  We will, however,
sit for an hour from 9am - 10am tomorrow, March 2.

In other news, Thich Nhat Hanh will be in Boston this
weekend: see <http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/thay.html>.

Finally, we were contemplating moving the Thursday evening
sitting back by 15 minutes:  starting at 6:30 pm instead
of 6:15 pm.  Please share your comments or concerns.
--
	 Gassho!
			 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street!

The Eyes of the Buddha have been opened!
May our minds, too, see the world with the
eyes of compassion!

Our deep appreciation to Sensei for the
generosity of her teaching, and for leading
us in celebration on this special day.

A bow of gratitude to our guests who came from
near and far to offer their good wishes and
share our joy.

Many thanks to the many hands who have helped
preparing this event and making it flow with
strong and quiet energy.

A special "thank you!" to Anraku for encouraging
us to step off the cliff into peace and comfort
right here on Main Street, this very moment...

Thank you all for your practice.
--
	 *Gassho!*
		 	 -- Volker.

Dear friends of the Zendo on Main Street:
(hi Rachel :-)

1) We now offer daily morning sittings from
    Monday through Friday, 6:30 am -- 7:30 am.

2) The February "Morning of Reflection" will occur
    on Saturday February 23, 9 am -- 1 pm.  Join us
    in exploring the precepts at work in our lives.

3) Our Eye Opening Ceremony will take place
    Saturday, February 16 at 4 pm.  Sensei O'Hara
    will also join us for an all-day meditation
    (zazenkai) from 8am till 3pm, prior to the
    Ceremony.  If you are interested in attending
    the zazenkai, please call to reserve your space
    as it is limited.

--
	 Gassho,
			 -- Volker.
-----------------------------------------------
WEB:  http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/
Email: ZenOnMain@...
List: zen-on-main@yahoogroups.com

Dear friends of the Zen Center on Main Street!

Our best wishes for the New Year 2002!
May it be filled with peace and joy.

Following a few of the upcoming events
at the Zen Center on Main Street:

Z A Z E N K A I:
   This Saturday, January 5, we will hold the first
   zazenkai of the new year.  All are welcome.

   A zazenkai is an opportunity for extended practice in
   silence with others. The day begins at 8 am and ends at 4 pm.
   It includes zazen, kinhin, lunch and chanting. You may join
   in for a partial or the whole day. Please notify us that you
   will be attending (call Catherine at 413-586-8222). Suggested
   donation $20.


D A Y   O F   R E F L E C T I O N :
   A Morning of Reflection is scheduled for Saturday, January 26,
   starting at 9 am.  We gather for sitting and walking meditation,
   Council (an opportunity to investigate our lives together),
   engaged action (peace vigil, community clean-up, etc.), followed by
   chance to share experience. It concludes with a shared pot-luck lunch.


E Y E   O P E N I N G  C E R E M O N Y :
   We would like to invite you to celebrate the official initiation
   of our Zendo here on Main Street in Northampton.

   Please join us in opening up the Eye of the Buddha on

	 Saturday, February 16 at 4pm.

   Sensei Enkyo O'Hara of the Village Zendo will be leading us in
   the Ceremony.

   Sensei O'Hara will also join us for an all day meditation (zazenkai)
   from 8am till 3pm, prior to the Ceremony. If you are interested in
   attending the zazenkai, please call to reserve your space as it is
   limited. The suggested donation for the all day sit is $20.

   We hope you can join us for all, or part of the day.


N E W   E M A I L
   Please note our new email address:  zenonmain@....


N E W   O N L I N E   L I S T:
   News and events, as well as online discussions are possible at
   <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/zenonmain/>.


R E - D E S I G N E D   W E B  S I T E
   As always, up-to-date information for the next Zazenkai dates,
   planned Days of Reflection, our regular sitting schedule,
   special events and more details on our practice, can be found
   at our web page located at

            <http://www.math.umass.edu/~ecke/zen/>

   Feel free to share comments and suggestions about our web
   presence with us.
--
         Thank you,
                         -- Volker.