Windhorse Zen Community

In 1745 the famous Rinzai master Takuan was dying. His disciples entreated him to write a death poem, but he refused. When they insisted, he wrote the character Yume, ‘Dream,’ and died.

Surely one of the loveliest dreams of all, especially here in these ancient, misty mountains. Last month, on the day and night of the April full moon, Windhorse residents and friends made a pilgrimage to Max Patch, a high point with a 360–degree view of the Appalachians. A powerful time and place to do zazen and silently watch the huge amber moon rising over the dark, greening hills . . .

On Sunday, May 15, we’ll gather at Panther Branch for Buddha’s Birthday. Each spring we hold this event on the Sunday closest to the Full Moon of May – the time when people in the Mahayana tradition typically honor the birth, some 2500 years ago, of Shakyamuni Buddha. And since ‘all beings are buddha,’ this is also the birthday of every one of us! All are welcome – sangha families and friends and definitely children. See details below.

Special Work Day: Saturday, May 14
Please lend a hand (or two) with preparing the Center for Sunday’s birthday celebration. If you can help, let us know in advance, if possible, so we can count you in for the meal that day.

Buddha’s Birthday Open House: Spring Celebration
Sunday, May 15, at Windhorse

Please join us at Panther Branch in Alexander for this Sangha celebration of Buddha’s Birthday, scheduled as usual on the Sunday in May closest to the Full Moon. All family and friends — especially children! — are welcome. Here’s the approximate schedule for the day:

9:30 – 10:20 – Formal zazen, with a posture-change bell at the halfway point (childcare may be available – please call ahead if you’re interested or could help)

10:20 – 10:35 – Chanting (children welcome)

11:10 – Afternoon – Drum begins the circumambulation, with noisemakers (bring some if you can)

Welcome; brief telling of story of Buddha’s birth

Pouring tea over Baby Buddha, chanting the Kannon Sutra

12:15-12:30 – Potluck Picnic

After Lunch – Sangha schmoozing, walking the property, and/or games: badminton, croquet, Giants-Elves-Wizards, etc.

Information & Suggestions:
*Please bring food (vegetarian) – something you enjoy and plenty to share with others. Also bring, if possible, dishes and eating utensils. Some sort of ground cover may be useful for sitting on the lawn, and hats may be needed for sun protection.

*As much as possible please limit plastic, foil and paper packaging. We have good filtered well water – no need to bring it in plastic bottles.

*Feel free to wear festive clothing, if you have any. On this particular morning, it’s also fine to wear it in the zendo for zazen.

*Bring instruments/noisemakers — for the circumambulation, and for making music.

Windhorse will provide cold & hot beverages. Bring your own favorite drinks if you wish.

Any questions or suggestions: Call 828-645-8001, or email us at windhorse@windhorsezen.org.