I’m writing this just after the results of Election Day. It’s a challenging time, and a reminder that our practice is crucial. No matter how turbulent the circumstances, we must return to the source, experience for ourselves the truth of the Buddha’s teachings, and offer the all-encompassing embrace of the Bodhisattva Vow. Read more »
Well, it’s official: I have retired from being abbot of the Zen Studies Society, and am now able to give my singleminded (always heartfelt) attention to the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoenji. I was very happy that so many of you attended the October 1 retirement ceremony and 80th birthday celebration at Dai Bosatsu Zendo. It was truly an occasion of love and gratitude. Read more »
At our Fall Anniversary Sesshin, which was attended by Sangha members ranging in age from early 20s to mid-80s, we celebrated fifty years of consistent Zen practice. Who could have imagined, back in 1972, that a thriving Sangha would be sitting together in a beautiful, spacious carriage house zendo, chanting at the altars in the historic Joshua Forman House, doing kinhin on a woodland trail? Read more »
The ability to respond appropriately to circumstances as they arise is so important. Many of you have been struggling with emotionally fraught situations, with illness, loss, and family hardship, and have expressed your gratitude for the profound and minutely subtle practice of Zen—a lifeline in these difficult times, and for all times. We’ve been offering this at the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji for 25 years at our West Seneca Turnpike home, and for nearly 50 years since our beginnings on the Syracuse University campus. Read more »
Shinge Roshi is donating her birthday in order to raise funds for tables made from our own walnut tree that came down two years ago. These tables will be used for our retreat meals.
This autumn marks the 24th year since the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji moved into its home at the intersection of Onondaga Creek and Seneca Turnpike. It’s the 47th year since the dedication of our first small zendo on the Syracuse University campus. Read more »
