Potrero Hill Zendo, Wind-in-Grass Sangha

Updated Zoom information for the group - for Wednesday night practices, please use: https://forcepoint.zoomgov.com/j/1608502698

May's Koan: Bodhidarma sat facing a wall. Huike, waiting in the freezing cold outside called in, "Your disciple's mind is not yet at peace. I beg you, Master, give it rest." Bodhidharma said, "Bring your mind to me; I will put it to rest."... Huike said, "I have searched for the mind but have never been able to find it." Bodhidharma said, "I have finished putting it to rest for you." See more

Practice continues online, Wednesdays starting at 7:00. https://zoom.us/j/4157063793

Hello fellow Sangha members. On a somber note, I am reaching out to notify everyone that in compliance with San Francisco's shelter-in-place order, Wind-in-Grass will shut its doors for the first time in over 10 years. Following these extreme measures is critical to minimize the risk for our city and our country during this outbreak. But we will not close. At 7 tomorrow night, WiG will live stream our program on the Wind-in-Grass Facebook page. And each Wednesday night until this crisis has passed. It is in the shadow of fear and uncertainty that our practice is most important, that the need for support and community is strongest. We will sit together, then have a short talk.

For those who have made the decision not to attend tonight due to Covid-19 risk, we will attempt a facebook live livecast. Check in here around 7 to see if it goes live. (I have managed to do this once successfully, but this will be my first time via phone)

As Buddhists we have a responsibility to consider the impact our weekly meetings might have on at-risk populations when crises such as Covid-19 arise. Tonight we will meet, but suspend physical contact and tea, set the cushions further apart, and require hand washing to minimize risk. We will review afterwards how we will move forward and look for guidance from the State. For updates - check www.safranciscozen.org. With that cheery note - tonight we will play a game based on an introductory Koan "silence the distant bell".

On a warm morning, Changsha went out wandering in the mountains above the monastery The director, who didn't see him leave, saw him returning and met him at the gate. He asked Where have you been? I’ve been strolling in the hills. Ah. Which way did you go? I went out following the scented grasses and returned chasing the falling flowers.... That’s exactly the feeling of spring, said the director. It’s better than autumn dew falling on the lotuses, said Changsha. In March, springtime returns - bringing new beginnings and a sense of the familiar. This month Wind-in-Grass picks up spring themes of renewal, starts and intention Wednesday, 7-8:30pm at 824B Carolina Street - 25 minutes of seated meditation and a talk about intention as a tool www.sanfranciscozen.org

This Wednesday is Community night - a relaxed program with encouragement to bring friends, loved ones, kids, whoever. There will be food and drink to share. 7-8:30 at 824B Carolina. See you there www.sanfranciscozen.org

Tomorrow night, 7-8:30, meditation practice followed by a loving kindness practice and discussion. See you there www.sanfranciscozen.org

Practice tomorrow night - 7:8:30. As is our habit on months with 5 Wednesdays, we will hold two periods of seated meditation, separated by a healthy break and chance to catch up over tea. Its like a mini-retreat and I find that the mind gets the hang of stillness as the evening settles in. See you tomorrow. www.sanfranciscozen.org.

Community night tonight. After meditation, we share some food and drink and catch up a bit. See you soon. www,sanfrnciscozen.org

Practice tomorrow evening 7-8:30. After the sit, a talk titled: "The last mistake you will ever make". See you there. for more information: www.sanfraciscozen.org