All-sans
In 2021, Mokuo Nancy Sherwood became Practice Leader of FSZS. Up until then I had done the majority of the front ground and background work of the FSZS since 2010. In 2024, Mokuo also became my senior student. As such she has taken on more responsibility.
A few words about responsibility. My model is rather simple, as we receive dana over time, we ask how we can help give thanks/back. Now, from the start anyone may donate time and money to FSZS. It is a personal decision as to how much. This doesn’t change as we continue our practice over the years. What may change is how we see the benefit of the Practice and Sangha and how we wish to help continue its work. And also, how does Sangha as a whole share the Dharma with more people who are asking to experience what we do? Sharing the Dharma is the responsibility of the Sangha.
We now have a Sangha (in-person+Zoom) and five active sitting groups, four in-person at various locations around Falmouth, as well as a dedicated group of daily morning “Z00M-Zazenors.” This means some 80-90 personal contacts per-week over a total of six groups, while conducting Dokusan, leading independent study, and being active in the Falmouth Clergy Group regarding community issues. Often I feel like a circuit-riding parish priest and find this a worthy mission in service to the Dharma, my teacher, our ancestors, and Shakyamuni Buddha.
On February 11, 2025, I will be 80 years old. I told the Sangha two years ago that I would be stepping back from many of my responsibilities at that time. This will take place in two phases. Beginning December 1, 2024. I will step down from my committee responsibilities in the Silent Thunder Order 501c3, no-profit organization. I am ordained in the Silent Thunder Order and as a member of the Order, I will uphold the Zen teachings of Taiun Michael Elliston and Soyu Matsuoka Roshi, and advise the Abbot in council along with fellow brown robe priests.
The Falmouth Soto Zen Sangha, has been my bliss since first making the decision to move to Falmouth in 2008, and arriving here in July 2010. It took four months to found the sangha on November 17 of that year. I was a senior disciple (student) of Taiun Elliston-roshi at the time.
On November 26, 2024, we are holding an All Sangha Meeting. It will be on Zoom only, and at our normal time of 7:00 PM/ET. I humbly ask all who care about this Sangha to please attend as Mokuo and I will lay out the changes that will be taking place between December 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025. Here is the working agenda:
Opening Verse,
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Why Changes Now
3. The thirty-eight (38) Different Tasks and Roles that make up the FSZS Operation
4. Who Does What and When: Stepping Up and Stepping Back
5. The Importance of Participation: You are Sangha
6. Questions and Responses\
Four Great Vows
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Sensei.
Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/7096899032?status=success#success password FSZS
One attachment: Sangha Responsibilities
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