The ZGWA Newsletter - December 2019

Fundraising book stall - November 24
On November 24, volunteers from the sangha ran a book stall at the Growers' Green Farmers' Market in Beaconsfield. The day was a success, with over $200 raised. It was also a great opportunity to engage with the local community. Many thanks to all who volunteered. Thanks also goes to everyone who has assisted with other fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

The ZGWA's Christmas Celebrations - December 19
You are invited to join the ZGWA Sangha for our annual Christmas celebrations on Thursday December 19 at St Paul's, Beaconsfield. The evening will begin with two rounds of zazen at 7 pm. Following this, from 8 pm - 9 pm, we will join together informally for supper and a chance to socialise. Please bring along a small plate of finger food to share.

No meeting at St Paul's on December 26
There will be no sitting at St Paul's on December 26.

The ZGWA marks the New Year - January 2
On the first Thursday of 2020, the sangha will gather at St Paul's to mark the new year. Two rounds of zazen, from 7 pm, will be followed by words from Ross Bolleter Roshi and others. As has become our tradition, the jikkijitsu will offer 108 soundings of the shijo bell. This tradition is derived from Japanese custom. In Japan, community members gather at their local Zen temple on New Year's Eve to sound the temple bell 108 times.

Sit on Country with Michael Wright at Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park) - January 5
Michael Wright invites Sangha members to join him in sitting on Nyoongar Country on the first Sunday of each month. 2020 will be our fourth year of sitting on Country. Meet at Kaarta Gar-up (Kings Park), beneath the mari trees near the main war memorial, at 9.15 am. Zazen and kinhin will be followed by discussion, and those who wish to stay usually adjourn to a nearby coffee shop together. All are welcome.

Dokusan with Ross Bolleter Roshi - January 9 and January 23

Summer Sesshin with Ross Bolleter Roshi and Mari Rhydwen Roshi at A Place to Just Be - January 24-28
Our annual non-residential summer sesshin will be held at A Place to Just Be in East Fremantle from the 24th to the 28th of January. More information on this Zen training opportunity can be found on our website. The sesshin is currently fully booked out. You can contact the Coordinator, Andrea Donohue, to be added to a waiting list, in case a place becomes available. Andrea's email address is donohues@iinet.net.au

Calendar for 2020
Our calendar of events for 2020 is as follows:

Membership
Please consider becoming a member of the ZGWA. Members are entitled to discounted and prioritised places for Sesshin and Zazenkai, to borrow from our library, and a subscription to The Wobbly Pot. Funds raised through membership allow us to rent the venues we use, offer dana to our teachers, maintain our website and podcast, and hold all of our events. You can download a membership form by clicking here. You can also collect one from the dojo. Discounted memberships are available to concession holders, families and Sangha members from out of town. See the form for more information.

Welcoming Newcomers
Sangha members who come regularly to help set up on Thursday nights are encouraged to warmly welcome newcomers. Please introduce yourself and ensure the person receives an orientation session as well as a free copy of our Orientation Notes to take home (if they wish). Let newcomers know to check out our website (www.zgwa.org.au) where they can register for the newsletter online so as to receive all the ZGWA newsletters, The Wobbly Pot and occasional announcements.