April Offerings...See What's New!
. . . It may sound counter productive but I have been delving into grief as a conduit for a deepening into a way of living that honors both grief and gratitude. In the words of Francis Weller in The Wild Edge of Sorrow:
"Through grief, we are initiated into a more inclusive conversation between our singular selves and the soul of the world. We are coming to understand that there is no isolated self stranded in the cosmos; we are participants in an entwined and entangled net of connections with a continuous exchange of light, air, gravity, thought, color, and sound, all coalescing in the elegant dance that is our shared life."
Can we celebrate the springtime renewal of the natural world in the midst of our overwhelm? Grief and gratitude accompany us throughout our lives. Again Francis Weller:
"Through meaningful rituals, a community of friends, some time in benevolent solitude, and effective practices that help us stretch into our bigger selves, we are offered the opportunity to develop a living relationship with loss."
Hope to see you soon in person or online at Zen Center North Shore.
In Gratitude,
Seiran
Thursday Evening Class Series
Way Seeking Mind Talks
Thursdays April 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, 7:15pm - 8:30pm
Mahasati Center, 72 grapevine Road, Wenham, MA and Zen Zoom
Each week after zazen and the Well Being Ceremony two sangha members will offer a way seeking mind talk about their way to Zen practice and Zen Center North Shore. The sharing of one's engagement with the teachings and the Zen community enriches both the speaker and the audience of listeners.
This is a free and accessible offering in collaboration with Montserrat College of Art, facilitated by Zen Center Queer-Identified practitioners. No prior experience with Zen is necessary.
For more information;
info@zencenternorthshore.org
Responding to the Cries of the World
Weekly Stand-Out in Beverly
Every Tuesday, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Odell Park, Beverly (across from the Post Office)
Every Tuesday will find guiding teacher Joan Amaral and sangha members sharing a blanket to sit zazen affirming truth, dignity, accountability and democracy. An increasingly communal space has been created as more people of the community join in this peaceful demonstration of commitment to a just world in the midst of change and loss.
Hands Off Massachusetts!
Rallies
Saturday April 5th
Boston: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Parkman Bandstand
39 Tremont St, Boston
or
Salem: 12:00-2:00pm
City Hall, 93 Washington St
Hands Off is a National Day of Action to stand up against those who believe they can take whatever they want - democracy, our future, our rights. Similar actions are being planned around the country.
April Schedule
Way Seeking Mind Talks (see above for more details)
Thursdays April 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 7:15pm - 8:30pm
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham & Zen zoom
Monday Night Social Justice Connection & Sharing
Mondays April 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 7:05pm - 8:00pm on Zen Zoom
Following evening zazen we make time dedicated to providing space to hold our grief, rage, love, and determination during this time of change and uncertainty. We process together to support one another toward well-being and strength, and we offer resources and actions to connect us with the realities of this moment.
Community Zen
Fridays April 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Beverly Public Library, Barnet Gallery, 32 Essex Street, Beverly, MA
Every Friday a dedicated group of individuals comes together with guiding teacher Joan Amaral to connect with each other, learn the basics of meditation practice, and be supported and encouraged. Through zazen, walking meditation, movement, teachings and sharing, participants are guided in making contact with their own stability. This is a precious time of connection and community where everyone is welcome.
Leadership Meeting
Tuesday April 8th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm on Zen zoom
This is an invitation to all sangha members and friends to join in the discussion and planning that guides our presence and programming as we continue to deepen and grow in the North Shore communities.
Queer Zen (see above for more details)
Wednesday April 9th, 7pm - 8:15pm
Montserrat College of Art, Paul M Scott Library, 23 Essex St, Beverly, MA
Monthly Sesshin
Saturday April 12th 7:00pm - Sunday April 13th 5:30 pm
Join in this gathering of sangha members for an evening and full day of zazen practice and the opportunity to drop more deeply into the body/mind. Held within silence, experience the support of community.
Bodhisattva Precepts Full Moon Ceremony
Sunday April 13th, 8:10am - 8:25am, Zen zoom
Every month close to the full moon we celebrate this ancient Buddhist ceremony to realign our intentions in how we conduct our lives. Through chanting and bowing we reassert our commitment to an ethical life through the 16 bodhisattva precepts.
Earth Day Resurrection Plunge
Sunday April 20th, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Abbott St. at Lothrop St in Beverly
This is the rescheduled plunge from New Year's Day, so jump into the still frigid water and welcome the experience of renewal as we navigate this unfolding spring season.
Intro to Zen at the Beverly Public Library
Wednesday April 23rd, 7:00pm - 8:15pm (In-Person Only)
Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly
A free Monthly class series on the basics of Zen for those curious or or for those wanting a refresher. Led by Joan Amaral and a senior ZCNS practitioner the class is an introduction to Zen practice and teachings.
Queer Zen
Saturday April 26th, 10am - 11:15am
Montserrat College of Art, Paul M Scott Library, 23 Essex Street, Beverly
Monthly Sangha Hike
Saturday April 26th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Long Hill, 572 Essex St, Beverly, MA
Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts for a quiet hike enjoying the company of others and the sights and sounds of spring. Check out the website for details about the hike and the meeting location.
Buddha's Birthday Ceremony
Sunday April 27th, 8:10am - 8:30qm
72 Grapevine Rd in Wenham and on Zen zoom
Chanting Practice
72 Grapevine Rd in Wenham
Sundays, 10:15am - 11:30am
Thursdays, 5:30pm - 6:15pm
For more information about any of these programs visit our website
http://zencenternorthshore.org
Coming up this Spring and Summer
In May......
As part of our Spring class series we welcome back Taigen Leighton for a 3-week Class Series on the Teachings of Dongshan. Week One includes illuminating teaching stories or koans about or related to Dongshan. Week Two is commentary on the Jewel Mirror Samadhi by Dongshan. And Week Three is a presentation on the Five Degrees or Ranks first presented by Dongshan. Read more about Taigen Leighton on our website.
In July - August
6-Week Summer Class Series: Cultivating the Body and Mind of Tranquility
with Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan
We are pleased and honored to welcome back Shokuchi as our guide and teacher into both the traditions of Buddhism and Yoga as practices that lead to the imperturbable composure of body and mind. Mindfulness of body and breath are important components of both traditions and offer a gateway into transforming our harried existence into a more centered, energetic, and creative expression in the world.
Check out our website to learn more about each class series and about the presenters
http://zencenternorthshore.org
Board Development
ZCNS is seeking to develop our Board of Directors
This is an exciting time for ZCNS - the search for a permanent home for ZCNS is ongoing and very active, the political and social climate is chaotic and we want to be ready to meet the challenges that may lie ahead. Our commitment to the North Shore communities continues to grow and we want to be ready to grow also. The current board of directors consists of Founder and Guiding Teacher Rev. Myozen Joan Amaral, President Clint Dalton, Treasurer Carol Spence, Secretary Kaijaku Henson, Rev. Dr. Andre Bennett, and Mark Green. Each member has brought their vision and talents to the support of the sangha and at this crucial time we would like to add other voices, strengths, and ideas. This is a commitment of a two-year term with quarterly meetings on Zoom and/or in-person, and a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic moment in Zen Center's history.
If you would like to know more or you know of someone you believe would be a good fit please email info@zencenternorthshore.org
Help Needed
Social Media Volunteer
ZCNS seeks a bodhisattva to manage our social media posts. We are currently looking at switching over to Bluesky and Substack. The posts can be photos from recent activities, announcements of upcoming events, or perhaps a colorful image with a quote. The posts are to be a quick snapshot representing who we are and our commitment to zazen and community.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the sangha and offer your expertise. Email us with your questions and interest. Thank you!
info@zencenternorthshore.org
Daily Practice Schedule
Daily practice continues as the foundation of who we are. Our regular daily practice schedule consists of periods of zazen (sitting meditation) and service (bowing and chanting).
Morning Program: Tuesday through Friday, 6 - 7:30 am ET
Sunday Morning Program (including dharma talk): 7 - 9:30 am ET
Evening Zazen: Monday through Friday, 6:30 - 7 pm ET
In-person Practice: Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm and Sundays, 7 - 9:30 am
Check out our website for more detailed information about our schedule and events
http://info@zencenternorthshore.org
Zen Center North Shore is looking for a Forever Home
As a 13-year-old Buddhist center and registered non-profit we are looking for a North Shore property to become our home. We are open to be long-term stewards of a dedicated property but would also consider a traditional rental or purchase for the right fit. Please contact us with any possible helpful leads. Thank you!
info@zencenternorthshore.org
ZCNS is funded solely by donations, in the spirit of the Buddha's teachings. Your support makes possible the continued presence of the Dharma in the world.
Please consider being a Zen Center member.
We know times are tough for many, and we hope you will see this as a way to be part of creating the kind of world in which you want to live.
Thank you for your continued generosity.