Buddha’s Birthday Celebration will be held on Sunday morning, May 4, following regular zazen at 9 AM. At 10:30 there will be a short talk in the zendo directed to the children. The children will then have a procession to an outdoor altar where they will offer incense and bathe the Baby Buddha. Following the ceremony, there will be a vegetarian potluck picnic. Beverages and birthday cake will be provided.
Children, families, and friends are welcome!
At 9 AM the children will decorate the pagoda or “flower house” during zazen. Please bring balloons, bubbles, and banners for the procession, and flowers for decorating the pagoda for the Baby Buddha.
Work Morning
Saturday, May 3, 10 AM to noon
There will be a work period to clean the grounds and prepare for the outdoor celebration of Buddha’s Birthday. Everyone is welcome to come to the work period, either for the whole session or for any part of it. Please bring flowers on Saturday if you can, or by 9 AM on Sunday.
Zaike Tokudo Ceremony
After the Zaike Tokudo Ceremony, also called Jukai,
on March 2, 2025. Pictured, left to right:
Jill Kuhlberg Myoren Kogan — Radiant Lotus, Ancient Vow
Chris Censullo Daiki Hōetsu — Great Capacity or Instrument, Dharma Joy
Elvira VilchesShinshi Shuhō — Deep Intention, Protector of Dharma
and Josho Pat Phelan Roshi
Dharma Talks
Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM, following two periods of zazen at 9 and 9:50 AM. Everyone is warmly welcome to all or any part of Sunday morning's program.
During sesshin, the Dharma Talks by Josho Pat Phelan Roshi will be open to the public, Saturday through Tuesday mornings, May 31 – June 3 at 10:30 AM.
There will also be public Dharma Talks at 10:30 AM on the Sunday mornings of June 29, July 20, and August 24.
30th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, October 11
On October 1, 1995, the Chapel Hill Zen Group moved into its current location, occupying the gaitan and current zendo areas. This was and is our first dedicated space. Since then, the Zen Center’s activities have spread into the Community Room and Annex. We then created two additions — the current Entry Room, and then an extension and renovation of the Community Room and Annex to include ten additional feet toward the parking lot. The Sangha has grown and matured, slowly adding more programs and ceremonies to become what the Zen Center is today. We hope you will help us celebrate this happy event, which will include a Taiko Drum Performance!
Children’s Program
If you are interested in a Children’s Program at Zen Center on Sunday mornings, please contact Zenki at info@chzc.org.
Richmond Zen Group
Richmond Zen is affiliated with the Chapel Hill Zen Center, and Josho Roshi visits regularly. For information, contact Stan at (804) 833-1009 or visit www.richmondzen.org.
5-day Sesshin
Led by Josho Pat Phelan Roshi
Friday evening, May 30 through
Wednesday afternoon, June 4
Sesshin is an intimate way to practice with ourselves
and others. We begin sesshin together, we sit together,
walk together, eat together, and work together. Our practice is
supported by the entire universe and each of us
is supporting everyone else.
Sesshin will begin at 7 PM on Friday evening with orientation and job assignments. In order to help all of us settle into the schedule and our zazen practice, please arrive on time for orientation on Friday night. The zendo will be open by 5 PM on Friday. Following orientation, silence will be observed.
It is possible to sit part of the sesshin, but priority will be given to those sitting the whole sesshin. Please come to orientation on Friday night, and commit to sitting for at least two consecutive days. When registering, clearly explain what part of sesshin you would like to attend. The sesshin day will include zazen, beginning at 6 AM, kinhin, a Dharma talk, work period, formal oryoki meals in the zendo, and dokusan, an individual meeting with Josho Roshi, will be available. The day will end around 9:30 PM.
Fees are $50 per day for Participating Members, and $60 per day for others. However, if you are able to offer more, it would be very helpful; the additional funds can be considered a tax-exempt donation. There will also be an opportunity to offer a donation to the teacher. It is our intention that no one be turned away for financial reasons, and scholarships are available. If you would like to request a scholarship, please contact Danielle at Danielle.Bouchard@gmail.com. In the past, contributions received for scholarships were very helpful in allowing people to attend sesshin here and at the San Francisco Zen Center.
Please return your registration form by Wednesday, May 21, with a $50 deposit.
You are welcome to sleep at the Zen Center, and there may be some space available in members’ homes nearby. Please bring a portable bed or pad for the floor, a sleeping bag, pillow, a towel and washcloth, slip-on shoes, work clothes, and layered clothing. Opportunities for bathing are limited. Please contact Josho Roshi at info@chzc.org or more information.
The Zen Center emergency phone is (919) 933-0776.
All-day Sittings
June 29, July 20, and August 24
All-day Sittings begin on Saturday night at 7:30 PM, and continue Sunday, 6 AM until 5 PM. Orientation on Saturday includes instruction in the oryoki meal form and assignments. The day will include zazen, a Dharma Talk, Dokusan, and a work period, as well as breakfast and lunch. It is alright to sit half of the day, but please sign up in advance, and please speak to Josho or Zenki if this is your first All-day Sitting. The suggested donation is $15 for members, and $25 for others; however, if you are inclined to offer more, that would be very helpful in maintaining the Zen Center. Oryoki sets are available for use by those who do not have their own, and a $5 donation is appreciated. Please sign up by Wednesday at info@chzc.org. For more information on the oryoki meal form, see www.kannondo.org/getting-started/oryoki.
Outdoor Half-day Sitting
Saturday, June 14, 6 A.M. – 12:15 PM
Please bring a bag breakfast which you can either keep at your place or store in the Annex fridge. Coffee and tea will be available on the back deck. For more information or to sign up, please email info@chzc.org. If you would like to join us for only a portion of the morning, please let us know when signing up. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated.
The Zen Center will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, and on Independence Day, Friday, July 4.
In-Person Zazen
Sunday Mornings at 9 and 9:50 AM
Tuesday Evenings at 7 and 7:50 PM
Monday through Friday Mornings at 6 and 6:50 AM
You are welcome to join both periods of zazen or either one. Masks are now optional at Zen Center.
The Zen Center and Virtual Zendo will also be closed from Thursday, December 19 - Wednesday, January 1, except for the evening New Year’s Eve Program and Sundays, December 22 and 29. In-person zazen will resume on Thursday morning, January 2.
Zoom Zazen
Monday through Friday Mornings at 6 and 6:50 AM
The CHZC continues to offer zazen via Zoom. You are welcome to join both periods of zazen or either one. All times EST.
Joining Zoom zazen Via computer:www.zoom.us/j/85659804526 Via phone: (646) 558-8656 Meeting ID: 85659804526
Dress Guidelines for Zoom Zazen
Before joining the online zendo we ask that you please read the CHZC Online Zendo Guidelines to help create a settled and peaceful online space for our shared zazen experience.
In brief, to support our practice together during zazen and Dharma Talks, please wear respectful clothing. Pants and skirts that come below the knee are appropriate. If you are wearing Buddha’s robe, the rakusu, please wear long pants or skirts, rather than shorts. Please do not wear pajamas, bath robes, hoods, or bring refreshments, especially to Dharma Talks — please treat Zoom practice events with respect as you would in the Zendo.
Your presence and bearing in this way can support all of us in feeling connected and not slipping into a casual attitude toward our practice or the teaching efforts of others.
Orientation & Meditation Instruction
Sundays at 9 AM and Tuesdays at 7 PM
Orientation and Zen Meditation Instruction are offered at 9 AM on Sundays and 7 PM on Tuesdays. Please let us know before your first visit at info@chzc.org.
Instrucciones disponibles en español. Envíe un correo electrónico a info@chzc.org para obtener información.
Dokusan & Practice Discussion
If you would like to make an appointment, please write to info@chzc.org.
Individual meetings are available to discuss your meditation practice, as well as your zazen posture, practice in daily life, and questions you may have about Buddhist teaching. These are usually given during zazen and sometimes by special appointment. To support trust and openness, discussions in these meetings should be kept confidential.
Dokusan is a formal meeting with the Abbess or Vice Abbess to talk about your practice. You may schedule Dokusan by speaking to Josho Roshi, or Zenki in person, or by contacting them at info@chzc.org. When it’s time for you to have Dokusan, someone may come to the zendo and get you, or the bell in the Dokusan Room or Zazen Instruction Room will signal when it is time for you to come back. When it is your turn, enter and close the door. Do one floor bow toward the altar ending with a standing bow, then sidestep and bow to and away from the cushion. Sit down and turn clockwise to face the teacher, settle and begin talking. When Dokusan is over, turn clockwise, fluff your cushion, and do a standing bow. Leave the door slightly open as you leave.
Practice Discussion is a meeting to discuss your practice with a priest. Jakuko Mo Ferrell is available to meet with people for Practice Discussion. The form is to do a standing bow in front of the altar and to bow to and away from your cushion before sitting down, turn clockwise and begin. You may contact Jakuko at the zendo or by email at mositwear@gmail.com.
The Monday evening Study Group will continue studying the Yogacara sutra, the Samdhinirmocana Sutra, primarily the translation of John Powers, titled the Wisdom of Buddha, and Reb Anderson’s book, The Third Turning of the Wheel.
Saturday mornings, May 24 and June 21
from 10 AM to noon
You are invited to join us for Baikaryu Eisanka, the practice of singing Japanese Soto Zen Buddhist hymns with bell accompaniment. No experience necessary! Please contact Chris at ccensullo@yahoo.com, or sign up at the bulletin board if you are interested in attending.
For more information about Baikaryu Eisanka, see www.sotozen.com
Living with Impermanence
By Zoom About Once a Month
This is an informal discussion group that shares how we experience impermanence in our lives including life changes, illness, aging and death. We usually begin with participants sharing what they are currently thinking of or dealing with. Discussions then usually emerge spontaneously to raised concerns. Silence is frequently a response after someone shares and we trust in that silence. On occasion we’ve set an agenda in advance to study a topic of interest.
The small groups at the Zen Center came out of Zoom discussions that we had at Practice Intensive teas during the pandemic. People were hungry for that kind of interaction, and wanted to continue it after the Practice Intensive was over. So we formed small groups of six members maximum where people could get together and informally discuss their practice. Since practice includes all of life, we found ourselves discussing everything. These really act as support groups for people who are trying to live their lives according to Buddhist principles.
We meet once a month, both in person and by Zoom. All members have an equal opportunity to share. We don’t try to fix or correct each other, just to sit and listen. It’s a wonderful feeling to be heard, and to talk about practice in an informal setting. If you’re interested in joining a small group, or would like more information, contact Michael Hallquist at michael.hallquist@gmail.com or David Guy at davidguy@mindspring.com.
Virtual Peer Group
Wednesdays, May 14 and June 11 from 7 to 8 PM
Ananda knew that having good and encouraging friends was very important for the path. He even wondered whether having good friends is half the path.
"No, Ananda," the Buddha told him, "having good friends isn’t half of the Holy Life. Having good friends is the whole of the Holy Life." (Meghiya Sutta)
These online meetings give sangha members an opportunity to share their individual experiences, receive encouragement, and offer compassion in a safe, supportive environment. Our goal is to build a thriving virtual community based on Soto Zen principles and help one another deepen our practice in daily life.
The Peer Group meets monthly on the Second Wednesday of the month. For more information, please contact Al-Nisa Berry at alnisa.berry@gmail.com or Maura High at maurahigh@gmail.com.
Joining the Virtual Peer Group
Via computer: www.zoom.us/j/85185384652
Via phone: (301) 715-8592
Meeting ID: 85185384652
Eco-Dharma Update
The CHZC Eco-Dharma group began meeting in 2017 as a way for sangha members to express their concern for the more-than-human world. We now plan to fold all future activities into the main programming of CHZC. The greatest interest and momentum in the group revolves around tending to and ensuring the well-being of our shared Chapel Hill Zen Center environment, including care of the land at 5206 Hwy 86. These are some of our ongoing projects: Kris Garvin, as head of the flower-arranging team, continues to plant more native species at 5206, and garden volunteers are working to remove invasive species at the Zen Center. We have had work days focused on the trees we planted at 5206, and now regularly hold Half-day Outdoor Sittings as part of our general programming. Thanks to the efforts of Steve Magers and several volunteers, we have an outdoor pavilion to sit in if it rains. The efforts of the Eco-Dharma group have also influenced the CHZC Board which approved the purchase and installation of a new energy-efficient water heater, and continues to make a strong effort to consider environmental factors when making purchase decisions. As John Daido Loori said, “When you realize the whole universe as nothing but yourself, you have to take care of it.” Caring for the more-than-human world is a natural and logical extension of our practice of Zen Buddhism, so it will continue to manifest within our regular programming. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to participate.
On Thursday evening, July 24, Lama Rod will offer a Public Talk at the Eno River Unitarian Church. Registration required.
Lama Rod will also offer a Retreat, Friday, July 25 at 3 PM through Sunday, July 27 at 3 PM at the Avila Center for Community Leadership in Durham, NC. Applications are now open, and the deadline is May 15. Both residential and commuting options are available.
Lay Precepts
On Sunday afternoon, August 10, Tim Hinton will receive the precepts as a layman from Zenki Kathleen Batson.
December Sesshin
December Sesshin will be led by Zenki Kathleen Batson, December 5 – 12.
Sangha Net is a network of volunteers who offer short-term assistance to those in the sangha in need of help due to transitions in life such as illness, disability, or death of a loved one. Examples of tasks include shopping, arranging for meals, or transportation.
If you are interested in helping care for the altars of our temple, this would be a good time to begin, or return to, the practice of flower arranging or chidening. Traditionally, chidens are responsible for maintaining the altars of a temple which means cleaning the altars themselves, sifting and cleaning the incense burners, trimming candles, and replenishing needed items.
We also need volunteers to bring flowers and create flower arrangements for the altars.
Creating flower arrangements and chidening are wonderful ways of supporting the ongoing practice of our temple. A new schedule is being set up, and if you are interested in serving as a flower arranger about once a month, please contact Kris at krisgarvin@gmail.com. If you are interested in serving as a chiden about once a month, please contact John at john@jollyoso.com.
Grounds and Buildings Volunteers Needed
Would you like to help take care of the Chapel Hill Zen Center's grounds and buildings? We're updating our contact list of people who could come for organized work sessions or take on particular responsibilities on their own schedule.
Tasks would include such things as assisting with construction projects, yard work, windfall and brush removal, trail maintenance, hauling items to the Orange County landfill, tool cleaning and maintenance, and repair and maintenance work on siding and interior surfaces. Experience and equipment, such as power tools, pickup truck, or trailer, are useful but by no means necessary. This contact list complements the quarterly sign-up sheet for temple tasks, in the entryway in the main Zen Center building.
For more information, or to sign on to the contact list, please email Maura High (work leader) at maurahigh@gmail.com.
Prison Outreach
Members of the Chapel Hill Zen Center volunteer in both state prisons in North Carolina and the federal prison at Butner. We can always use more volunteers, and having volunteers present is usually a requirement in order for inmates to meet for religious services or to sit zazen. We are looking for people who have been sitting zazen at the Zen Center for a year or more. Orientation is required by each institution. If you would like more information, please contact Josho Roshi at (919) 967-0861 or info@chzc.org.
Prison Book Donation Program
The Prison Book Donation Program is grateful for the generous support of the Sangha. Donations of Buddhist books, particularly on Zen, are appreciated, and only paperbacks are accepted by the prison. Please leave prison book donations at the Zendo.
Inter-Faith Council Community
A group of Zen Center volunteers prepare and serve lunch at the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) Community Kitchen on the fourth Saturday of each month from 10 AM to 1 PM. More volunteers are needed, including a core group of committed people, so we can continue our presence. The IFC Community Kitchen is the only soup kitchen in Orange Country and is located in Carrboro. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Shawn at (919) 619-2243 or chzencooks@gmail.com.
Members of the CHZC also continue to collect items for the IFC Community Market which provides approximately 1,300 bags of groceries to those in need every month. Both produce and non-perishable food and items such as dish washing soap, shampoo, toilet paper are needed, as well as gently used brown paper bags used to send groceries home. Please leave items on the front deck of the ZC in the large plastic containers. They are picked up about once a week.
Inter-Faith Council for Social Services
The IFC is looking for volunteers including receptionists and Community Market (formerly known as the Food Pantry) staff (a 3-hour shift, flexible schedule), and volunteers to assist staff with linking people to options such as social services ("Community Navigation"). It is also hiring kitchen staff. More details on their website: www.ifcweb.org.
We also have an updated list of current needs since the IFC has seen quite an increase in numbers recently at both lunch and dinner times, 60-70 for lunch and up to 40 for dinner.
The Community Market most needed items are baked beans, dry or canned pinto beans, pork and beans, peanut and other nut butters, canned chicken, ramen, spaghetti, Mac and Cheese, other pastas, hearty soups such as Progresso, canned vegetables (except corn and green beans, which are in good supply), spaghetti sauce, canned tomato sauce & paste, canned diced & whole tomatoes, canned fruit, cooking oils & fats, butter, grits, oats—including instant packets, baking & cake mixes, cereals, juice both bottles & boxes, coffee, tea, canned milk, powdered milk packets, jelly and other condiments. Personal hygiene items are also need including soap, small tissue packs, toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, lotion and moisturizing creams, deodorant, razors, size 4 and 5 children’s diapers. For questions, please contact Tim West at Tim West at tmwst01@gmail.com or Maura High at maurahigh@gmail.com.
Organizing Against Racism
The local organization Organizing Against Racism is holding virtual workshops with Racial Equity Institute instructors. For more information, see www.oaralliance.org, and for workshop schedules see www.racialequityinstitute.com. Over several years, some of us have taken this two-day workshop and have found it very informative and beneficial.
Scholarships for Racial Equity Workshops
The Chapel Hill Zen Center has a scholarship fund to help those who would like to take this workshop and other workshops on race who can’t afford the full fee. For more information or to request a partial scholarship, please contact John Paredes at john@jollyoso.com. Donations to this fund are also welcome!
The Zen Center will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, and on Independence Day, Friday, July 4.
Zuise — Abbot for a Day
In May, Zenki Kathleen Batson will travel to Japan to participate in a day of ceremonies both at Eihei-ji, founded by Eihei Dogen Zenji in the 13th Century, and at Soji-ji, founded by Keizan Jokin Zenji in the 14th Century. These are the two Head Temples for Soto Zen. Zenki will be officially recognized by the Soto Zen Registry in Japan which qualifies her for further advancement as a teacher in the ranks of Soto Zen.
Adverse Weather Policy
The general rule about coming to the zendo is, if driving may be risky, don’t do it.
For example, when it is snowing or sleeting, or if snow or sleet are predicted to occur before or during zazen, you can assume that the zendo will be closed. This is particularly true for 6 AM zazen. The highway where the zendo is located is often not as well traveled or as well treated for snow as other highways in the area, and the temperature in the county is often a couple of degrees colder than in more populated areas.
2025 Board of Directors
We are pleased to announce that the Chapel Hill Zen Center Board of Directors for 2025 are: Danielle Bouchard, President; Chris Censullo, Vice President; Mike McKillip, Treasurer; Jill Kuhlberg, Secretary; Lance Ashdown and Daniel Rhodes, Members-at-Large; and Josho Pat Phelan Abbess, ex officio.
Library Acquisitions
Recent additions to the Chapel Hill Zen Center’s Member’s Library include:
Interdependence: Biology and Beyond by Kriti Sharma
Zen Comments on the Mumonkan by Zenkei Shibayama
Hakuin’s Song of Zazen commentary by Mumon Yamada
Entangling Vines: Zen Koans of the Shumon Kattoshu translated by Thomas Yuho Kirchner
Wait: A Love Letter to Those in Despair by Cuong Lu
Gardens of Awakening: A Guide to the Aesthetics, History by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Mitsuo Nagase
Spirituality of Kyoto’s Zen Landscapes by Kazuaki Tanahashi and Mitsuo Nagase
The Tale of Zen Master Bho Li by Barbara Verkuilen and Aaron Gilmore
The Book of Equanimity: Illuminating Classic Zen Koans by Hongzhi Zhengjue and translated by Gerry Shishin Wick
Daily Dogen is a Google Group that sends a short passage from Dogen every day by email. Over the course of 2023-2024, the plan is to email the entire Shobogenzo. If you would like to join, go to https://groups.google.com/g/daily-dogen and click: Ask to Join Group. Your email will not be shared or used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
CHZC Blog
The Chapel Hill Zen Center now has a blog with photographs from recent ceremonies and events. See: www.chapelhillzen.wordpress.com.
Practicing at Home: Ryaku Fusatsu —
The Bodhisattva Ceremony
Five Minute Talks
The Facebook page for Soto Zen Buddhism North America has a number of Five Minute Talks by Soto Zen Teachers from all over America. See: www.facebook.com/SotoZenBuddhismNorthAmerica. Look under the "Videos" section to find them.
If you prefer receiving an email with a link to the PDF file of the CHZC Newsletter which is mailed every two months in printed form, please send your request to info@chzc.org. The PDF version is always linked to at the top of the Events page.
To get the latest version of Adobe’s free PDF viewer, Acrobat Reader, click here.
Shopping Online?
The Chapel Hill Zen Center is now registered with the online company iGive.com. iGive.com is set up so that when you register with them to make a purchase, a percentage (about 2%-15%) will be given to the non-profit of your choice. iGive.com has 238 merchants registered with them, including LandsEnd, L.L. Bean, and Amazon.com. After logging on to iGive.com, to make a purchase, choose the merchant, place the order, and then designate the Chapel Hill Zen Center to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale. We are not advocating that you buy something you wouldn’t ordinarily, or that you buy online, but, if you already shop online, consider going through iGive.com to make your purchase.
Facebook and Instagram
The Chapel Hill Zen Center is on Facebook and Instagram! Please follow or like our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChapelHillZenCenter/ for announcements and invitations to events and special programs at the center. We also invite you to join our affiliated group, Chapel Hill Zen Center Members and Friends at www.facebook.com/groups/CHZCGroup/ to share news, articles, and other resources, ask questions, and interact with sangha members in a more informal way.
