January 7, 2023, Retreat in Nature
Category Archives: News
A New Years Resolution
Sangha is a Sanskrit word used in many Indian languages that means association, assembly, company, or community. As we bring in the new year, I would like to take a moment to thank all those who have become part of our Ordinary Zen Sangha, in person, on Zoom, or by listening to our Podcasts. Thank you, for your generous contributions to OZS. May the New Year be meritious and all beings benefit. DEDICATION OF MERITS 回向偈 May the merits […]
The Darkest Day of the Year
The winter solstice occurs when either of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. In the Northern hemisphere, it is today. December Wednesday, December 21, 2022. This is called the Shortest Day; the Longest Night. Our original nature is the boundless light of wisdom that always shines, even on the darkest nights. I extend warm wishes to you on this Longest night. Darkness gives way to light and the […]
Covid Confusion
On Thursday, December 1, 2022. I received my Flu shot and Covid Booster. Over the next several days I felt what I thought were the normal side effects from one or both vaccinations. However, things were not getting better. On Wednesday, December 7, I tested positive for COVID. How confusing? When did it start? All I know now is I will have to wait it out until I get negative COVID tests. I feel better and seem to be on […]
Myakka River State Park Closed till further notice
As of this writing, I do not know if we will be able to have our Retreat on January 7, 2023. (Please sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.) Here is the latest from the park website: HURRICANE IAN UPDATE Myakka River State Park sustained extensive wind and water damage from Hurricane Ian and will be closed to the public until further notice. A reopening date is yet to be determined. All reservations are being canceled through Dec. 18, […]
January 2023 – All Day Retreat in Nature
Saturday, January 7, 2023! Bring in the New Year with Ordinary Zen Sangha All-day retreat at Myakka River State Park. The natural setting surrounded by the beauty of nature will help us to relax, reflect, and renew ourselves. We will start promptly at 9:00 am (arrive by 8:45 am). There will be several sitting and walking meditations during the day, Dharma Talks, and a vegetarian/vegan potluck lunch. The retreat will be over at 4:30 pm. RSVP is recommended. The retreat will […]
All-day retreat at Myakka River State Park – Registration Form
Register here for the all-day retreat at Myakka River State Park on Saturday, January 7, 2023. We will start promptly at 9:00 am (arrive by 8:45 am). There will be several sitting and walking meditations during the day, Dharma Talks, and a vegetarian/vegan potluck lunch. The retreat will be over at 5:00 pm. The retreat will be limited to 40 participants. ( as of 01/01/2023 we are filling up, please rsvp) There is a park entrance fee of $6.00 per […]
Ian has moved on and we are still cleaning up.
The session for Sunday, Oct. 2 has not been confirmed. As of this writing, power has not been restored at our home. We do have a generator and are fine otherwise. Like a lot of us around Sarasota, there is debris to clean up. We are being patient as things get back to something more normal. I have not decided whether we will have a practice session this Sunday. I would like to hear from those who would, or could, […]
OZS News for August – 2022
OZS News Once a month we invite those Sangha members present at the Sunday Morning Practice Session to join us for Brunch afterward. It is a way for us to have some together action and get to know each other better. Please let me know if you will be joining us for brunch on Sunday, August 7, 2022. We occasionally invite Sangha members to take the “High Seat” and experience leading a practice session at our Sangha. It is a wonderful experience […]
The Father of Mindfulness
You have probably heard of the passing of Thich Nhat Hahn. He was a Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet, teacher, and founder of the Plum Village Tradition, historically recognized as the main inspiration for engaged Buddhism. There are many quotes from him over the years that have resonated with me. Today in a newsletter from the director of the film “Walk With Me” – Marc J Francis, came these quotes that I would like to share with you: […]