May 21 – 6:30 am – Kathy Park JDPSN from Seoul South Korea and Rebe.cca Otte, JDPSN from Prairyerth will be giving an Introduction to Zen class through the Kwan Um Online Sangha. Membership in the Kwan Um School of Zen or the Online Sangha are not required. Here is your free link for this class.

May 22 – June 12 The Kwan Um Online Sangha is beginning their 21 day Zen challenge – a forum for encouraging us to practice daily.  If you are not a member of the Kwan Um School of Zen, you may become a part of the Kwan Um Online Sangha through this url: https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/kusz  You may need proof of membership.  During the 21 day challenge, Kwan Um teachers from around the world will be available for 1:1 consultations, kong-an interviews and every Sunday there will be a coffee hour with teachers and students from around the world.

May 28th – Prairyerth Sangha Meeting from 8:00am-10:00am at Cafe Quetzel 21st and Belle here in Topeka.  Come have breakfast, coffee and conversation as we talk a little bit about zen center administrative stuff.  But – it’s just nice to get together informally:)

June 3-4 – 2 day YMJJ Retreat – This retreat will begin with special chanting, reading of the Temple Rules and a short encouragement talk on Thursday evening June 2.  Orientation will be given on Thursday evening for those who have never sat a retreat before.  Then we will begin at 6am on Friday morning.  Late entry times are 9:00am and 1:00pm and 6:30pm. A dharma talk and answering questions will be at 1:00pm Friday afternoon.  The retreat goes until 9:00pm Friday evening and begins again at 6:00am Saturday morning.  The retreat ends with a precepts* ceremony at 3:00pm Saturday afternoon.  Fee for the retreat is $25 per day.  No one is turned away due to an inability to pay.

*Taking precepts is a way of showing your commitment to the Buddha Way.  In the Kwan Um School of Zen, those who’ve sat 4 days of a retreat are eligible to take precepts.  The June retreat will count toward those 4 days.  Here is a link to the Kwan Um School website that gives you information about taking precepts.

June 11th – Second Saturday Sitting – 6:30 – 8:30am – Kong-an interviews are given during this practice.

Announcements

Membership
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Kwan Um School of Zen?  Membership in the school helps to support the monks, nuns and administrative staff of the school.  Then half of your dues comes back to Prairyerth Zen Center to help with our costs.  We would so appreciate your support!

Dharma Room Access
Our wonderful dharma room is in the chapel of the First Congregational Church.  The entrance to the church can be accessed only with a code.  During our practice times, we put a sign out front with a phone number to text or call to get the code.  If you’d like to come for practice on a more regular basis, please let me know and I’ll send the code to you.

Chanting Requests
Every Thursday evening we do special chanting for those who are suffering in some way.  Is there someone you would like us to chant for?  Let us know by emailing prairyerthzentopeka@gmail.com.  You may also message us through our Facebook page.