It is April 1st, and I apologize for not having been in contact for three months since the last entry.
The US war with Iran has occupied my attention, and my main activity has been creating a counter balance to the stress, sadness and despair felt by myself and sangha members.
We conducted a study of Eihei Dogen’s Genjokoan, the recordings of which are available on the website: https://mkzen.org/classes
Two students, Cornelia Beilke and Peter July, have been preparing for Jukai (Receiving the Precepts), sewing their rakusu and discussing the 16 Bodhisattva precepts. They each also demonstrate their practice in a Way-Seeking-Mind talk. (https://mkzen.org/sangha-members-talks)
We held the annual observation of Shakyamuni Buddha’s Entry into Parinirvana, a Tree Blessing, weekly River Walks, Sandokai and Half-Day Sittings, a Solstice Celebration, and hosted a concert of Maritza, Eastern European folk music.
The Dharma talks of the last weeks were designed to complement our Zen practice and support a larger perspective on the world situation. https://mkzen.org/reirins-dharma-talks-2026
In addition, I had many one-on-one talks with individuals, experienced students and beginning practitioners.
Silent Walk along Milwaukee River
A deep shock for many Zen students who have practiced at Tassajara Mountain Zen Center has been the recent fire that destroyed the zendo. Though it happened during the last sesshin at the end of the Winter Practice Period, nobody got hurt. Everyone helped to contain the blaze, so it would not spread to other structures.
Tassajara Zendo Before and After
The next two months will bring renewed energy for sangha activity, and all members and friends are invited to join in the events that are offered. Please check the website for information and fill out the survey for zazen times, so we can serve all your scheduling needs.
The long Wisconsin winter is slowly coming to an end and Nature will soon erupt in an outburst of green foliage and multi-colored flowers. May all beings find solace and peace in the comfort of community.
With a deep gassho,
Reirin