Supporting the Center: Work as Spiritual Practice

Zen practitioners can support the Center in many ways by offering service, time, skills and energy. Through such work ties with sangha (community of like-minded individuals) are strengthened.

Work practice can include a one-time effort or regular and on-going work performed each week. IN considering what you can do for the Center, it is important that you balance your effort at the Center with your own personal and family needs. Only you can answer the question “what is the ‘right’ amount?

One way to support the Center is to show up! Participate in regularly held programs, including weeklong, weekend, or daily retreats in addition to weekly classes.

Be a volunteer coordinator: Work with Rein to make sure that volunteer tasks are identified and communicated to those who wish to help.

Help clean the Center: Weekly cleaning tasks are vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the bathroom and anything else associated with the main floor of the building.

Help with basic maintenance: The sidewalk may need sweeping or shoveling. Or windows need cleaning.

Make a few zafus & zabutons: The Center is in need of new meditation cushions. Sewing instrucions and materials are available on request.

Help prepare for special events: Retreats and other events also require much effort that is not always apparent. Tasks may include printing/collating sutras and other handouts, preparing a meal or transporting supplies to a special location.

Help with Sunday coffee hour: This would involve preparing coffee and tea, laying out cookies, helping dishes and clean-up afterwards.

Fill a position in the zendo. Such positions require some training and are great ways to become acclimated with age old zen traditions.

· Jikido – The jikido is responsible for all aspects of the zendo that affect people while they are sitting including the following:

Lighting the candle and incense

Keeping the time during meditation periods

Leading kinhin (walking meditation)

Making sure there is adequate light in the zendo, main floor and outdoor walkways

Adjusting the shades for temperature, sun, noise

Straightening up the zendo

· Chiden – responsible for maintenance of the alters including the following things:

Trimming the candle

Refreshing the flowers (trim old flowers or replace; water)

Replenishing the water in the water bowl

Setting out incense

· Doan – responsible for the bells during the ceremonies, e.g. atonement ceremony