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Becoming a Friend of All Beings Zen Sangha this Spring 2020

In this turbulent moment, All Beings Zen Sangha seeks to create a place of refuge and open hearted practice for all who need it. During the shift from physical gathering to meeting in our cloud zendo, we have been deeply heartened by the presence of so many at our virtual services.  It is inspiring to witness our Sangha coming together to nurture our collective practice while also expressing the vow to save all beings by remaining physically apart.
 
Generosity is the practice of wholehearted giving and is the first paramita, a quality of mind of a Bodhisattva. To sustain our efforts, both now and beyond this crisis, we ask that you consider becoming a Friend of All Beings Zen Sangha through a monthly donation. Contributions provide a humble stipend for our guiding teacher, support our practice spaces at the urban zendo and at Woodburn Hill Farm,  and cover other operational expenses. A regular contribution is particularly valuable because it provides a broad base of dependable support for the Sangha by increasing our financial resilience and enabling us to plan for future expenses with a clear picture of our projected revenues. Please find details for how to contribute below this email, which include the ability to donate electronically via Venmo or PayPal, and know that any amount is deeply appreciated.
 
As the Dharma is a precious gift entrusted to us by countless generations of practitioners, it is always offered at ABZS freely to everyone without exception for the benefit of all beings. We ask that you donate only if you feel comfortable doing so at this time, and place your circumstances first when deciding whether to contribute.
 
If you have not yet had the opportunity to join us for our services, you are always welcome. Our Sangha’s events page contains our service schedule and details on how to participate via Zoom. If time allows, we hope you will join us.
 
Yours in the Dharma.  
 
Rev. Inryu Bobbi Ponce-Barger, Sensei,
& the All Beings Zen Sangha Board of Directors
 
Please find All Beings Zen Sangha Donation Page information here:   https://allbeingszen.org/contact/
 
Please direct questions regarding being a donor to:  Zenho Eric Jonas treasurer@allbeingszen.org
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FLASH EVENT – Friday night movie with ABZS starting at 7pm ET

Join us in our cloud Zendoplex tonight for our first Covid-19 ABZS movie night.    Apropos of the “shelter in place” we will enjoy reviewing “Groundhog Day” .

You can view the film on your own (many of us have a DVD or on many streaming services) or with us starting at 7pm by clicking here.  The film lasts one hour and forty-one minutes.  At approximately 8:45 pm  we’ll have a cloud  conversation about the film and the buddhist themes that are present here.

We’ll also view the 2019 advertisement used during the Super Bowl in which the groundhog makes an appearance again.  Bring your popcorn!

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Covid-19 response as of 3/26/2020

 

“We at All Beings Zen Sangha remain committed to the health and safety of our communities, including our Sangha and city. In this light, our urban zendo will be closed for in-person participation beginning today, March 26, in accordance with Mayor Bowser’s order for the closure of non-essential businesses.  We will resume in-person zendo activities when it is safe to do so.  
 
Despite the closure of the zendo, we still have many opportunities to practice together online and to support and be supported by each other. We will continue to offer our normal scheduled morning sits on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Thursday night service via Zoom. On-line participation has been high, perhaps reflecting appreciation for the benefits of practice and connection during these difficult times. You can find the zoom link on our home page to join our scheduled activity for each day. 
 
Inryū Sensei will be available for Dokusan by appointment via Zoom or Facetime.  You can email her at inryu@allbeingszen.org.   
 
Our practice leaders are also available for practice discussion by appointment.
Shinren Mark Stone  markstone1924@gmail.com
Seidō David Sarpal dakusaso@gmail.com
 
 
During these unprecedented times of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity we each have the opportunity to deepen our practice both individually and collectively – for the benefit of the whole world and all beings. Please let us know if there are other ways we can connect and support each other. 
 
We extend our heart-felt wishes for the health and safety of you and our loved ones.” 
 
Sensei Inryū Poncé-Barger, Guiding Teacher,  All Beings Zen Sangha
Shinren Mark Stone, President, All Beings Zen Sangha

 

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Shuso Hossen Ceremony in December 2019

All Beings Zen Sangha 2019 Shuso (head student) Seidō Clear Way David Sarpal during the final ceremony

All Beings Zen Sangha members, Shuso David Sarpal (center with gold fan) and friends and family following the final ceremony.

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2019 Jukai Ceremony with All Beings Zen Sangha

Congratulations to Robert Quinn YōShin EtsuDō Nourishing Heart, Joyful Way, Craig O’Brian KasenBan MyoGetsu Ten Thousand Rivers, Wondrous Moon and Chris Leader Tendō ShoRyū Unfolding Truth, Auspicious Dragon as they receive precepts and Dharma names during the Jukai ceremony December 2019.    Inryū Sensei is the preceptor.