zcpHeadWinter

FEBRUARY 2009, Vol. 1 No.1
WELCOME:
Welcome to Zen Center of Pittsburgh's first e-Newsletter, a monthly communication of upcoming and ongoing activities at Deep Spring Temple, Zen Friends and Mattress Factory. This reaches hundreds of Sangha members, friends, and supporters as far away as Alaska and as near as our next-door neighbors. As we move into 2009, check your calendar and commit to any of the activities listed below. Please join us in our efforts to realize the Buddha way.

More information and last minute updates can be found at Zen Center of Pittsburgh. If you are new to Zen Center or just curious, please check the Just for Beginners page.
ADVERSE WEATHER:
As a general rule, if driving may be risky, don't do it. When it is snowing or sleeting, or if either snow or sleet is predicted to occur before or during zazen, you can assume that the zendo will be closed, particularly for 5:30am zazen.
WEEKLY ZAZEN SCHEDULE:
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before starting time.

ZCP Weekly Schedule
DEEP SPRING TEMPLE:
  • World Peace Ceremony: February 1; 10:00am-12:30pm
    • This first Sunday of the month ceremony dedicates our practice to bringing about a more peaceful world.
  • Intro to Zen: February 5; 6:00pm
    • These will provide basic instruction in Zen Meditation for the beginner, including instruction in sitting and walking meditation. Please wear appropriate, comfortable clothing for sitting.
    • For more information, call the Zen Center at 412-741-1262.
    • Please register in advance kyoki@prairiewindzen.org.
    • Suggested donation: $15.
  • Precept Renewal (Ryaku Fusatsu): February 10; 6:00-7:00pm
    • Participation in Ryaku Fusatsu (Precept Renewal) offers us an opportunity to acknowledge all past actions (karma), to receive the precepts, and to re-dedicate ourselves to the practice of the Bodhisattva's way.
    • Read more about Ryaku Fusatsu here.
  • Parinirvana Ceremony: February 15; 10:00am
    • Morning service in commemoration of the death of the Buddha.
  • February Sesshin: February 27; 7:00pm - March 1, Noon
    • In this sesshin we will engage in an intensive two-day period of practice consisting of sitting/walking meditation, service, work and an interview with Kyoki.
    • March 1 is Katagiri-roshi's Memorial day and Kyoki will give a dharma talk on one of his essays.
    • Please register in advance kyoki@prairiewindzen.org.
    • Suggested donation: $100.
ZEN FRIENDS:
  • Wednesday evening zazen; 6:00pm-7:15pm. Friends Meeting House (map).
MATTRESS FACTORY:
  • Tuesday morning zazen; 7:00am-7:40pm. Mattress Factory (map).
FROM THE EDITOR
 
DANA:
One of the six perfections in Buddhism is generosity or dana paramita. In our practice we strive to cultivate these perfections in all we do. We are very fortunate to have the Zen Center of Pittsburgh in our lives whether we practice together at Deep Spring Temple, the Mattress Factory, or with Zen Friends. Traditionally monks would receive donations of food and funds from the community in exchange for sharing the dharma (teachings) and their practice in support of all beings. Most Sanghas (Buddhist communities) like ours continue under this model to this day.

The perfection of generosity includes many things such as volunteering time for projects, sitting together as a Sangha and providing financial support for the upkeep of our property. The Zen Center of Pittsburgh is able to continue functioning with the generous support of our pledging members and our many friends who believe in the good of what we do and wish to nourish it.

Generosity, like our practice, is a very personal matter. For those who participate regularly, a monthly pledge can help ensure that our center and teacher are taken care of. Donations at any level are greatly appreciated. For more information on supporting our places of practice, please visit the Support section of our webpage. Remember that because we are a non-profit religious organization, all donations are tax deductible, and a receipt will be sent at year's end for those requesting it.

COMINGS AND GOINGS: Snapshot in Italy
January 1st saw Kyoki off to Italy for a much needed break. There she was joined by Lizz Hospodar, daughter of Hoetsu Leslie Hospodar, in honor of her college graduation. They toured Rome, Siena, Pisa, and Florence where they were joined by Krista Dittman, wife of Nebraska Zen Center member Doug Dittman.
 
Jisen has returned to Shasta Abbey where she is continuing her monastic training with Rev. Master Eko Little. She is serving as Shuso, head monk trainee, for the next three months. She will have her Shuso ceremony there on April 28th. Serving as Shuso is the culmination of the novice phase of priest training.

Please check out the latest edition of Prairie Wind Online, the quarterly newsletter offered by Abbot Rev. Nonin Chowaney.