Once again

Once again the moon is waxing and SPRING is officially around the bend, with the vernal equinox occurring this Saturday, March 20, at 12:32 PM (in case you were wondering).

Another mild and bustling Tuesday here at the Center, with all sorts of activity in the vegetable garden and in the newly created (and still very muddy) Bee Area on the very back hill of the property.

Rainer setting the hive frame

Work also continues on the basement office, with all sorts of new shelving and a gleaming wood counter in the brightly painted space. Soon we’ll be able to move the office functions (and that whole tangle of wires) out of the living/dining room, making it a more restful and welcoming area.

We’re so grateful for all the volunteer work going on here! It’s essential for our functioning now, and is the living expression of practice and community.

Around the Bend


Guest Resident Arriving

Soon we’ll be welcoming Vlastik Karlik as a new resident. Vlastik, who is from the Czech Republic, is a longtime member of the Polish sangha and a former staff member there. He will be with us from the end of March till June, and will then return to Europe to attend the summer (July) sesshin at the Polish center.


Windhorse Workshop on March 27

We encourage everyone who wants to participate in the practice at Windhorse to attend an introductory workshop at the Center. These workshops give a solid foundation in the basic teachings of Zen, as well as in-depth posture points that you may not get otherwise. And they’re cheap – only $25 if you pre-register – and that includes lunch!

This Week’s Schedule


Tuesday, March 16 (tonight)

This Tuesday we’ll have our usual evening schedule: 3 rounds of zazen with dokusan (with Sunya-sensei) and chanting; 7- 9 at Panther Branch.

Thursday evening, March 18

We’ll hold to our basic schedule this evening, with 3 full rounds of zazen with dokusan (with S), finishing with the Four Vows. 7:00 – 9:00

Friday, March 19

Join us if you can for our in-town sitting this Friday, at the zendo on 12 Von Ruck Court: 5:30 – 7:15, with 3 shorter rounds of zazen followed by chanting. Please remember to park in the driveway whenever possible.
(Lawson returns to Asheville this evening.)


Sunday Morning, March 21

On this first full day of SPRING, we’ll hold our usual Sunday morning program: zazen, chanting and teisho, 9:30–11:30, followed by a vegetarian potluck brunch.

At High Noon we’ll have an important Sangha Meeting, our first of 2010, and are hoping for a good turnout. Many matters to discuss; we’ll keep it as concise and delightful as possible.

primed hive boxes