Blooming Into May
Dear Sangha,
A little exploration of blooming to start out this newsletter! Zenkei Blanche Hartman goes on, in an essay called "Blooming into Ourselves," to ask the question "How do you let the flower of this life force bloom if there is nothing to gain from Zen practice?" Have you ever pondered a form of this question when confronted with teachings such as "This is it, there is nothing to attain, we practice for the sake of practice?" I know I have. Blanche goes on to question the role of effort in practice and likens it to the effort of a daffodil bulb deeply planted in the dark underground, something is happening within the bulb that brings forth the yellow bloom - that heartwarming signal that spring is at hand. "It just needs the conditions around it to help it bloom. In Zen, practice centers and teachers provide the conditions to help buddhas bloom. But really it's all there, it's all completely present with you right from the beginning. This is our faith. In faith we can bloom fully in the most appropriate way, we practice this practice."
I have been savoring Seeds for a Boundless Life for several years and return again and again to the many underlined passages throughout the essays and dharma talks. I bring forth Zenkei Roshi at this time for many reasons: First the daffodil and blooming message is timely for the season; next Joan Amaral, our guiding teacher, is a direct dharma heir of Blanche; also meaningful is the fact that on May 13th we will be holding a memorial ceremony marking 9 years since Blanche's death; and lastly she was a devoted sewing teacher and we will be holding our Spring Sewing Retreat later this month. All these connections to lineage enrich our individual practice intentions and add depth to our mission as a steadying and continuous presence on the North Shore of Boston.
There are plenty of opportunities to nurture your blooming this month at ZCNS: a 3-week seminar by Taigen Leighton on the teachings of Ancestor Dongshan, guest speaker Mmmingpha HruAhtm, a new program called Zen Men, an Intro to Zen at our local public library, Queer Zen, the Spring Sewing Retreat with guest teacher Colleen Crivello,and our regular schedule of monthly sesshin and daily zazen and service.
. May your blooming be bright and deeply rooted.
Deep Bows,
Seiran
May Offerings...
Thursday Class Series
Taigen Leighton: Teachings of Dongshan
Thursday May 1st, 8th and 15th, 7:15pm - 8:30pm
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham & Zen Zoom
Taigen Leighton returns to ZCNS for a 3-week series of talks on the teachings of Chan master Dongshan. Week one will consist of teaching stories about or related to Dongshan. Week 2 will be an exploration of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi by Dongshan. Week 3 with be a presentation of the Five Positions (Degrees or Ranks). This formulation first presented by Dongshan is the philosophical underpinnings of Soto Zen.
Guest Speaker
Mmmingpha HruAhtm
Thursday May 29th 7:15pm - 8:30pm
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham & Zen Zoom
Mmmingpha HruAhtm is an Unsui (Introductory Zen Monk) affiliated with the Rinzai Zen Mission in Pai'a, Maui. With his multi-ethnic background of African, Native American, and Caribbean heritages, his diverse experiences sharing the dharma with programs and peoples from South Dakota to Hawaii will offer a unique perspective on the unfolding of Zen in America.
Please go to our website for more information about each of our presenters and to register.
http://zencenternorthshore.org
New Program!
Zen Men
Tuesday May 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
monthly on the last Tuesday
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham (in-person only)
ZCNS is offering a space for men to come together in community, grounded in the teachings and practice of Zen, to reflect on and explore the unique challenges and experiences of being male in today’s world. In a society where men often struggle with isolation, disconnection, aging, and the weight of patriarchal conditioning, this group provides a supportive and courageous container for inquiry, conversation, and shared practice.
For more information please refer to our website:
http://zencenternorthshore.org
Spring Sewing Retreat
with Guest Sewing Teacher
Colleen Crivello
Saturday May 24th, 9:00am - Monday May 26th, 5:00pm
This is a special sewing weekend as we focus on the rakusu, okesa, and zagu of sangha member Chisei Majeau as they prepare for ordination later this year. Heartfelt thanks to our guest sewing teacher Colleen Crivello of the Zen Center of Pittsburgh. Sangha members are welcomed to join in to the weekend by sewing some stitches, bringing food, and through their quiet and steady presence.
Chisei and fellow priest candidates sewing their okesa at Zen Center of Pittsburgh under the guidance of Colleen Crivello
"Sewing is a gift of practice."
Colleen Crivello
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Colleen Crivello and asked her about the connection between Zen practice and sewing practice. She relates that sewing is a devotional practice deeply seated in faith and views the sewing and wearing of buddha's robe a profound honor. Colleen experiences the essence of the robe as protection. When interviewed about the sewing process, Colleen considers the act of sewing "zazen in motion." The space is held by honoring silence, lighting incense, and treating each stitch as an opportunity to take time for oneself. Stitching within this sacred atmosphere offers each participant a reflection of their practice and the opportunity to watch what comes up as they sew....self doubt? frustration? joy? We also spoke about how one could go about learning to become a sewing teacher. The Zen Buddhist Sewing Teachers, based in CA is an organization of sewing teachers located around the country. Colleen reports that there are not many teachers in the eastern part of the US. However, it is possible to access videos and one teacher in MN offers long distance sewing instruction and mentoring. Having Colleen here with us for the weekend affords sangha members a wonderful opportunity to learn about this ancient practice and appreciate the aliveness of it still in 2025. We would love to flush out a couple of potential sewing teachers!
One thing that Colleen is strict about is "no one should sew alone." The sewing retreat is a group endeavor. We stitch for the benefit of the community in honor of our lineage.
For more information about Colleen and to sign up to attend the sewing weekend, please visit our website:
http://zencenternorthshore.org
Responding to the Cries of the World
In response to the escalation of unconstitutional aggression toward our immigrant neighbors throughout the Commonwealth, the LUCE Hotline has been set-up. If you're in Massachusetts, call 617/370-5023 to verify ICE sightings, support yourself in exercising your rights, and share verified information to protect the community. Please save this number in your Contacts and be prepared to use it at any time.
May Schedule
Memorial for Jess Carson
Thursday May 1st, 7:30am - 7:40am on Zen Zoom following morning service
Class Series with Taigen Leighton
Thursdays May 1st, 8th, 15th, 7:15pm - 8:30pm
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham & Zen Zoom
Community Zen
Fridays May 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Beverly Public Library, Barnet Gallery, 32 Essex Street, Beverly, MA
(9th and 16th outside on Beverly Common, meet at the gazebo)
Monthly Sesshin
Saturday May 3rd, 7:30pm - Sunday May 4th, 5:30pm 72 Grapevine Rd, Wenham
Memorial for Catie Majeau
Monday May 5th, 7:00pm - 7:10pm following evening zazen on Zen Zoom
Monday Night Social Justice Connection & Sharing
Mondays May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, 7:05pm - 8:00pm
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.
Queer Zen
Wednesday May 7th, 7pm - 8:15pm
Montserrat College of Art, Paul M Scott Library, 23 Essex St, Beverly, MA
Bodhisattva Precepts Full Moon Ceremony
Sunday May 11th, 8:00am - 8:25am as part of Sunday morning program, 72 Grapevine Rd in Wenham
Memorial for Shunbo Zenkei Blanche Hartman
Tuesday May 13th, 7:30am - 7:40am following morning zazen and service
Leadership Meeting
Tuesday May 13th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm on Zen zoom
Monthly Sangha Hike
Sunday May 18th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Location TBD
Way-Seeking Mind Talks
Thursday May 22nd, 7:15pm - 8:30pm, 72 Grapevine and Zen Zoom
Spring Sewing Retreat
Saturday May 24th, Sunday May 25th and Monday May 26th 9am - 5pm at a sangha member's home
4-Year Memorial for Taihaku Priest
Saturday May 24th, 11:00am - 11:10 am, Zen Zoom
Zen Men
Tuesday May 27, 6:30pm - 8:00pm, In Person at 72 Grapevine Road, Wenham
Intro to Zen at the Beverly Public Library
Wednesday May 28th, 7:00pm - 8:15pm (In-Person Only)
Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly
Guest Speaker Mmmingpha HruAhtm
Thursday May 29th, 7:15pm - 8:30pm 72 Grapevine and Zen Zoom after our Thursday evening zazen and well-being ceremony
Queer Zen
Saturday May 31st, 10am - 11:15am
Montserrat College of Art, Paul M Scott Library, 23 Essex Street, Beverly
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 and to register please visit our website:
http://zencenternorthshore.org
Coming up this Summer
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 the class and Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan. Register as soon as you can!
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, 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.