Sewing Retreat Coming Up!
Spring Sewing Retreat
with Guest Sewing Teacher Colleen Crivello
Saturday May 24th 9am - Monday May 26th 5pm
The practice of sewing Buddha's robe is a tradition that goes back to Shakyamuni Buddha, the design being a representation of rice fields. The tradition in this country dates back to the 1970s when Suzuki Roshi invited sewing teacher Yoshida Roshi to come from Japan to teach sewing. Sewing Buddha's robe is more than just piecing together fabric to make a rakusu or okesa, it is an expression of the bodhisattva vow and the commitment to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, each stitch a silent vow to plunge into buddha, to plunge into awakening. ZCNS follows the wholehearted sewing style of San Francisco Zen Center sewing teachers Joshin-san and Zenkei Blanche Hartman. This year we are honored to have Colleen Crivello from the Pittsburgh Zen Center here to lead our Spring Sewing Retreat, guiding our sangha member and Ino, Chisei, in sewing their okesa in preparation for priest ordination later this year. ZCNS will be bringing forth our first priest so this sewing weekend is particularly special as we celebrate and support Chisei who recently had the opportunity to sew with Colleen and other priest candidates at the Zen Center of Pittsburgh. I remember sewing my rakusu and experiencing the quiet concentration as well as the camaraderie and laughter of community.
ZCNS offers two weekend sewing retreats each year, one in the Spring and again in the Fall. What is different for our upcoming sewing retreat over Memorial Day weekend is that we will be focusing solely on completing Chisei's priest robes. This is a sangha event and sangha members are invited to come and be part of this rich lineage of devotion and celebration. Engage by offering stitches, bringing food, and supporting our guest sewing teacher in their generosity.
For more information and to sign up for food offerings for the sewing retreat please visit the website:
http://zencenternorthshore.org
More Coming Attractions
Responding to the Cries of the World
Weekly Hands Off Beverly
Every Saturday, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Odell Park, Beverly (across from the Post Office)
Every Saturday (this is a change from Tuesday) will find guiding teacher Joan Amaral and sangha members sharing a blanket to sit zazen affirming truth, dignity, accountability and democracy. Bring a sign, bring your sanity, stability, and solidarity!
Thursday Evening Class Series
Way Seeking Mind Talks
Thursdays April 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 give their way-seeking mind talk about their way to Zen practice and Zen Center North Shore. The sharing of one's engagement with Zen practice and community enriches both the speaker and the 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
April Reminders
Way-Seeking Mind Talks
Thursdays April 17th & 24th, 7:15pm - 8:30pm
72 Grapevine Road, Wenham & Zen zoom
Monday Night Social Justice Connection & Sharing
Monday April 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 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 Zen 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.
Earth Day Resurrection Plunge
Sunday April 20th, 11:00am (approximate time)
Abbott St. at Lothrop St in Beverly
This is the rescheduled plunge from New Year's Day, so jump into the ocean with us and welcome the experience of renewal as we navigate this unfolding spring season. Please let us know if you want to participate so we can coordinate the timing - the water is very cold right now and so this is quick!
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 for those wanting a refresher. Led by the guiding teacher 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 - 8:30am
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
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.