Rochester Zen Center

Queen of the Prairie blooms along the creek at Chapin Mill

There’s still time to register for Uprooting Racism’s free book discussion group, a 3-session Zoom event unpacking and discussing ‘Black and Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us About Race, Resilience, Transformation and Freedom.’ This absorbing book is made up of 8 chapters, each written by one of a wide range of seasoned Black Buddhist practitioners, speaking to their own experiences with race and practice. The first meeting is on the evening of Wednesday, July 7. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uprooting-racism-book-discussi.

Flowers fall with our attachment. Weeds spring up with our aversion.

There’s an election in Rochester this Tuesday that will determine the next mayor of our city. Although sometimes ignored, non-November elections can be very important. Here’s a helpful resource for learning about elections in your area: https://www.vote411.org.

Forgetting oneself is opening oneself. Dogen

The RZC is a supporter of Rochester’s Police Accountability Board Alliance, and this latest incident involving police response to a 9-year-old girl’s mental health crisis shows why. https://www.scribd.com//PAB-Letter-to-RPD-Chief-Herriott-S

Rochester Area Interfaith Climate Action is co-sponsoring a webinar on practical solutions for preventing food waste, scheduled for Feb. 10. For details, see https://www.raica.net//february-ways-of-action-food-waste-.

The basement at Arnold Park is undergoing a major renovation!

None is traveling Here along this way but I, This autumn evening. Basho [Photo by Margaret Miyake]

This weekend 20 saplings were planted in Chapin Mill’s tree nursery. Provided by the regional Sierra Club as part of a climate change project, they’ll be transplanted to an optimum location when they grow a bit larger. A big thanks to Sangha member Notch Miyake for coordinating this activity!

Gorgeous day at Arnold Park!

This week we commemorated the completion of the Courtyard at Chapin Mill. Deep gratitude to designer and sculptor, Todd McGrain, and his collaborator, Andy Stern!

Rochester Area Interfaith Climate Action is offering a new program to help local RZC members living in Monroe County reduce CO2 emissions, improve comfort, and save money in their homes. A kickoff webinar on October 21, 2020 will provide information and connect you with resources. The program includes a free energy audit by a NYSERDA-certified energy auditor. After the audit, there will be support to answer questions and connect you with incentives and rebates. Find out more and sign up as part of the RZC team at https://www.raica.net/energy-efficiency-2020-challenge.

Tree trimming at Chapin Mill

Fall fungi of Chapin Mill

Whether you’re new to Zen meditation or in need of a refresher, you’re welcome to join us on Saturday, October 10 for our online workshop.

A 5-day online sesshin begins this evening, led by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. 65 people will be participating from their homes, across multiple time zones: 10 U.S. states plus Canada, Dominican Republic, Israel, Mexico, and Sweden.