March Schedule
Monday Night Social Justice Connection & Sharing
Monday March 17th 7:05pm - 8:00pm
on Zen Zoom
Following evening zazen and the weekly Memorial Services for Carol O'Brien 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.
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Winter Study Time
Thursday, March 20th 7:15pm - 8:15pm
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham MA and Zen Zoom
Thursday Study Time has become a treasured time for sangha members. Study Hall follows evening zazen and the well-being ceremony. Come and join in this time of study and contemplation - a list of suggested books and materials can be viewed on the website and we also have hard copies available in person. If you're in school, it's a great time to get your homework done! Children are most welcome to come study with us.
Vernal Equinox Ceremony
Thursday March 20th, 7:00pm - 7:15pm
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham & Zen Zoom
After evening zazen please join us in celebrating the official start of the Spring season chanting the Harmony of Difference and Equality together and sharing poetic words of the season. Bring a poem!
Community Zen
Fridays March 21st, & 28th 11:30am - 1:00pm
Beverly Public Library, Barnet Gallery, 32 Essex Street, Beverly, MA
Every Friday a dedicated group of individuals comes together with guidingteacher Joan Amaral to connect with each other, learn the basics of meditation practice, and to 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.
Monthly Sangha Hike
Sunday March 30, 2pm - 4pm
Moraine Farm Trail, Beverly
Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts for a quiet hike enjoying the company and the sights and sounds of spring. Check out the website for details about the hike and the meeting location.
Chanting Practice
72 Grapevine Rd in Wenham
Sunday March 23rd @ 10:15am - 11:30am
Thursday March 20th @ 5:30pm - 6:15pm
For more information about any of these programs visit our website
http://zencenternorthshore.org
Winter/Spring Interim Rest
Monday March 24th - Monday March 31st
During Winter/Spring Interim Rest
Informal Zazen on Zen zoom Only
Tuesday March 25 - Friday March 28th @ 6am - 6:30am
Monday March 24 - Friday March 28th @ 6:30pm - 7pm
Sunday March 30 @ 7am-7:30am
Monday March 31st @ 6:30pm - 7pm
Regular daily schedule begins on Tuesday April 1st @ 6:00am
Responding To The Cries Of The World
Call to Action: Faith Communities - Adopt a Faith Resolution
A Call to Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere
Tuesday, March 25th, Noon to 1:00pm
Webinar on SPJE Faith Resolution Campaign
People of Faith: Take action on climate justice by opposing private jet expansion! Learn why and how faith communities can take action against an environmental injustice that encourages a small number of the ultra-wealthy to pollute our world in an unconstrained way that contributes disproportionately to the climate crisis.
SPJE and UU Mass Action are co-sponsoring this webinar
For more information, please email:
faith@stopprivatejetexpansion.org
Coming up this Spring and Summer
In April....
Way Seeking Mind Talks
Thursdays, 7:15pm - 8:30pm
In-person and on Zen zoom
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA
Every Thursday in April after zazen and the Well-Being Ceremony our regular class time will be devoted to Way Seeking Mind Talks. Each week two sangha members will discuss their journey to Zen practice and their engagement with the dharma and ZCNS.
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 or make a donation. Thank you for your continued generosity.