Events & Announcements
For more information, call (919) 967-0861
Sengai Meditating Frog

View the CHZC Google Calendar of Events.
Download the March-April 2024 CHZC Newsletter in PDF format.
Sign up for email updates via the Chapel Hill Zen Center Email Announcement List.

Zen Center is open for in-person zazen on
Sunday mornings at 9 and 9:50 AM, on
Tuesday evenings at 7 and 7:50 PM, and on
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 6 and 6:50 AM.

Orientation and 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.

Zoom zazen is offered Monday through Friday mornings at 6 and 6:50 AM.

Baikaryu Eisanka

Saturday, May 25

Baikaryu Eisanka is the practice of singing Japanese Soto Zen Buddhist hymns. The singing is accompanied by beautiful bells. Inspired by the Baikaryu Eisanka Workshop given at the CHZC by Rev. Hoko Karnegis last July, sangha members inquired about how to acquire some instruments from Japan for our center. With the kind assis-tance of Reverend Zenki Nishimura of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Fran-cisco and Seiryu Paula Chiplis of All Beings Zen in Washington DC, the CHZC acquired three sets of instruments.

With the hopes of offering Baikaryu Eisanka practice, we plan to have an introductory session on Saturday, May 25. Please contact Chris at ccensullo@yahoo.com or Zenki at chzc.zenki@gmail.com if you are interested in attending. For more information about Baikaryu Eisanka, see: www.sotozen.com.

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.

Small Groups

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 Period 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 David Guy at davidguy@mindspring.com.

Living with Impermanence

by Zoom Once a Month
Living with Impermanence 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.

Please contact Carol Klein at carollyklein53@gmail.com, Kris Garvin at krisgarvin@gmail.com, or Senmyo Sherman at jeffsherman3333@gmail.com, if you would like more information. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age.

Eco-Dharma Group

The Zen Center Eco-Dharma Group explores Buddhist teachings on the natural world and caring for the natural world as an expression of the Bodhisattva Vow. Please contact Chris at ccensullo@yahoo.com or Zenki at chzc.zenki@gmail.com to be added to the CHZC Eco-Dharma mailing list.

Virtual Peer Group

Wednesday, April 10 at 7PM


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 at 7 PM. 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

Sangha Net

The 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. It is time to update our Volunteer List. Please contact us if you would like to stay on or be added to the list.

If you need assistance, please contact Kris Garvin at krisgarvin@gmail.com, Senmyo Jeff Sherman at jeffsherman3333@gmail.com, or Carol Klein at carollyklein53@gmail.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.

Daily Dogen

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.

Inter-faith Council Community

A group of Zen Center volunteers prepare and serve lunch at the Inter-faith Council 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 Chapel Hill. 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.

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.

2024 Board of Directors

We are pleased to announce that the Chapel Hill Zen Center Board of Directors for 2024 are: John Paredes, president; Chris Censullo, vice president; Mike McKillip, treasurer; Danielle Bouchard, secretary; Al-Nisa Berry and Lance Ashdown, members-at-large; and Josho Pat Phelan, ex officio.

We offer deep gratitude to Ken Wilson who has served as president, vice president and, most recently, treasurer.

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.

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.

Also, follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/chapelhillzencenter/.

Everyone is welcome to join.

CHZC Blog

The Chapel Hill Zen Center now has a blog with photographs from recent ceremonies and events. See: www.chapelhillzen.wordpress.com.

Altar Maintenance & Flower Arrangers

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 chidening and flower arranging. 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.

Chidening and creating flower arrangements 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 chiden about once a month, please contact John at john@jollyoso.com. If you are interested in serving as a flower arranger about once a month, please contact Jane at janeharwell12@gmail.com.



May Sesshin

Friday, May 17 - Wednesday, May 22

Josho Roshi will lead the May Sesshin, or Silent Zen Meditation Retreat, from Friday night, May 17, through Wednesday afternoon, May 22.

See below for more information and to register.

Outdoor Half-day Sitting

Saturday, March 30 from 6 AM to 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.

Dharma Talks

Zenki Kathleen Batson
Sunday morning, April 7 at 10:30 AM

All-Day Sittings

Sunday, April 7 from 6 AM until 5 PM

The day will include zazen, a Dharma Talk, dokusan and a work period, as well as breakfast and lunch. Orientation will be on Saturday night at 7:30 PM, and includes instruction in the meal form.

It is alright to sit half of the day, but please sign up in advance, and please speak to Josho Roshi or Zenki Sensei 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 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 the Wednesday before each sitting at info@chzc.org. For more information on the oryoki meal form see: www.kannondo.org. We encourage you to wear a mask indoors.

Buddha’s Birthday Celebration

Sunday morning, April 28

The celebration will be held following regular zazen, beginning at 9 AM. At 10:30 AM, 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” outside during zazen. Please bring balloons, bubbles, and banners for the procession and flowers for decorating the pagoda for the Baby Buddha.

Work Morning

Saturday, April 27 from 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 encouraged to join the work period, either for the whole session or for any part of it. Please bring flowers if you can, either on Saturday, or by 9 AM on Sunday.

Practice Intensive

June 2 to 30

We are planning to have a four-week Practice Intensive led by Zenki Kathleen Batson. The Intensive will include daily zazen, Way-seeeking Mind Talks, and Teas. More information to follow.

August Sesshin

Zenki Kathleen Batson will lead a 3-day sesshin, Friday, August 23 to Monday, August 26. More information to follow.

Study Groups via Zoom

NEW Sunday Afternoon Study Group

Precepts Study Group via Zoom

Most Sunday Afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30 PM

Jakuko Mo Ferrell will lead a Precepts study group 4:30-5:30 PM on most Sunday afternoons. We will be reading "Waking Up to What You Do: A Zen Practice for Meeting Every Situation with Intelligence and Compassion by Diane Eshin Rizzetto and also looking at supplemental materials.

Waking Up to What You Do can be purchased at the Zen Center book store, or online from Bookshop.org. Used copies are available at Alibris.org.

Contact Jakuko Mo Ferrell at MoSitWear@gmail.com for questions and updates.


NEW Thursday Evening Study Group

Master Dogen's Zazen Meditation Handbook
Study Group

Thursday nights, 7 to 8 PM — Beginning March 7

We will read and discuss together the book, Master Dogen's Zazen Meditation Handbook, A Translation of Eihei Dogen's Bendowa: a Discourse on the Practice of Zazen, written by Eihei Dogen with Kosho Uchiyama's Commentary. Translated by Shohaku Okumura and Taigen Dan Leighton. Copies are for sale at the Zen Center.


Monday Evening Study Group

Monday Evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 PM

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. We will begin with Chapter 6 in Wisdom of Buddha and Chapter 5 in The Third Turning of the Wheel.

Reb Anderson’s book, The Third Turning of the Wheel, discusses this sutra and refers to lines from it by page numbers. Thomas Cleary also has a translation, Buddhist Yoga, A Comprehensive Course.


Joining the Zoom Study Groups
Via computer: www.zoom.us/j/821378615
Via phone: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 821378615

Please log on 5-10 minutes before the study group begins so we can start on time. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge.

May Sesshin

Led by Josho Pat Phelan Roshi

Friday, May 17 - Wednesday, May 22

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 4 PM on Friday. Following orientation, silence will be observed.

It is possible to sit part of the sesshin, but please come to orientation on Friday night, and commit to sitting for at least two 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. 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 John at john@jollyoso.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.

Download the Sesshin Registration Form.
Please return your registration
by Wednesday, May 8 with a $50 deposit.

You are welcome to sleep at the ZC, 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 wash cloth, slip-on shoes, work clothes, and layered clothing. Opportunities for bathing are limited. For more information, please contact Zenki at info@chzc.org.

The Zen Center emergency phone is
(919) 933-0776.

Sesshin Guidelines

Follow the schedule completely
If you are unable to do so, please speak to Josho Roshi before signing up. If you become sick, or if a difficulty arises during sesshin, please speak with Josho, the Director, or the Ino at that time.

No reading or writing
This includes Buddhist studies. Of course, you may read the sesshin schedule,but any reading that is not essential to the sesshin should not be done.

No talking
Please maintain silence on breaks and during work time.

Meal Practice
Please take some of each food being served unless you have a bad allergy to aparticular food. Our meal practice is to accept what is offered. If you have a problem with, or allergy to, any food, please indicate that on the registration form.

Tea, coffee and water will be available during breaks and before zazen in the morning.

Please do not use deodorants, aftershave lotion, or other cosmetics that are perfumed.

No smoking in the building or on the decks.

Download the Sesshin Registration Form.
Please return your registration
by Wednesday, May 8 with a $50 deposit.

In-Person Zazen

Sunday Mornings at 9 and 9:50 AM
Tuesday Evenings at 7 and 7:50 PM
Monday, Wednesday and 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.

We will continue to post schedule updates via the CHZC email mailing list, here on the CHZC website, and on the CHZC Facebook page.

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.

We have discontinued the Monday and Friday 1 PM Zoom zazen sessions. Thank you to everyone who participated.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Zen Center Library

These books have been added to the Members’ Library:

  • Safe Harbor: Guidelines, Process, and Resources for Ethics and Right Conduct in Buddhist Communities
  • Wisdom of Buddha: The Samdhinirmocana Sutra, transl. from the Tibetan by John Powers
  • A Future We Can Love: How We Can Reverse the Climate Crisis with the Power of Our Hearts and Minds by Susan Bauer-Wu and Stephanie Higgs
  • Remembering Myogen Steve Stücky by Renshin Bunce
  • Manifestation of the Tathagata: Buddhahood According to the Avatamsaka Sutra by Bhikshu Chien Cheng
  • Illumination: A Guide to the Buddhist Method of No-Method by Rebecca Li
  • Seeing One Thing Through by Sojun Mel Weitsman
  • How Zen Became Zen: The Dispute over Enlightenment and the Formation of Chan Buddhism by Morten Schlütter

The library catalogue is online at www.tinyurl.com/chzclibrary.

CHZC Newsletter in PDF Format

Download the March-April 2024 CHZC Newsletter in PDF format.

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.