Zen Columbus Sangha Invites You to a Special New Year's Day Celebration Gathering

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Erik Jul

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Dec 24, 2009, 1:47:02 PM12/24/09

to Zen Columbus, buddhismc...@googlegroups.com, ZCS Business, Emily Breder, Sarah Phillips, John Josephson, Don Brewer, Deb Lewis

Dear Members and Dharma Friends of the Zen Columbus Sangha:

Please join the Zen Columbus Sangha (ZCS) for a special New Year's Day Celebration Gathering on Friday evening, January 1, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH (see below for link to directions).

This event is free and all are welcome.

This message provides the schedule of events and other important information. Please read it carefully.

Schedule of Events

7:00 p.m.     Set-up and Gathering. Please plan to arrive between 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
                  Enter through the front doors of the Franklin Park Conservatory.
7:30 p.m.     Procession to the Palm House.
                  If you bring your own mat, cushion, or bench, please be prepared to carry it to the Palm House.
                  Assistance provided if needed.
7:40 p.m.     Zazen Session I--25 minutes
8:05 p.m.     Kinhin Session I through the Himalayan Cloud Forest Biome--15 minutes (approx.)
8:20 p.m.     Zazen Session II--25 minutes
8:45 p.m.     Kinhin Session II through Pacific Island Biome--15 minutes (approx.)
9:00 p.m.     Chanting and Recitation--10 minutes (approx.)
9:10 p.m.     Recession from Palm House to Conference Room D

Break           Light snacks and fellowship--10 minutes

9:20 p.m.     Sharing. An open period for you to share your thoughts, words, and actions with those assembled--whatever you are moved to share that expresses you awareness and intentions. Please bring whatever you need to support your sharing.

Closing Ceremony
Light Snacks and Fellowship
Clean-up and Departure

Additional Information

Meditation Cushions. Please bring your own meditation cushion or bench if possible. ZCS will provide a limited number of meditation cushions. Folding chairs will be available.

A Note on Kinhin. We will proceed at a brisk walk in a single-file line from the zendo in the Palm House to the designated biome within the conservatory. Once in the biome, at the strike of the clappers, each participant is invited to use the time in the biome for individual kinhin, contemplation, or other meditative practice. At the second strike of the clappers, we will reform a single-file line and return to the zendo.

Light Snacks. Please bring a simple snack item such as veggies, fruit, or a holiday treat that does not require preparation or re-heating. Plates and napkins will be provided.

Comfort. We will be sharing space with many plants that seem to be very happy with the ambient temperature, but because you are not a plant you may want to bring a sweater or wrap so that you can adjust your own temperature.

Directions. There are many paths, but right here is nirvana. For a map and driving instructions, please see http://www.fpconservatory.org/pop_map.htm

Parking. Parking is free in a lighted lot.

Accessibility. The building is wheelchair accessible.

Security. Security personnel will be in the building at all times.

Dana (generosity). There is no charge for this event. Please consider a generous gift to help defray expenses (room rental, supplies). Suggested donation: $5.00. Cash or checks payable to Zen Columbus Sangha are gratefully accepted.

Regular ZCS Schedule. The ZCS will hold the regularly scheduled sit on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 a.m. at the First Universalist Unitarian Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus, OH. For more information on ZCS, please see http://www.zencolumbus.com/index2.html

Questions? If you have any questions, need additional information, or have special needs, please contact Don Brewer at 614-236-9842 or calm...@aol.com.