In April, Shugen Sensei participated in the Woodstock-area Earth Day celebrations at St. Gregory’s Church with the Interfaith Council, and led the Ango Intensive at the Monastery (see related article). During the month he traveled to Yale University to meet with the Zen Buddhist student practice group run by two sangha members who are enrolled there. He visited the Ulster Correctional Facility with several senior students to lead a presentation on Buddhism for chaplains and administrators. In May Sensei participated in a panel discussion with Religions for Peace at the United Nations in New York City. Later in the month he traveled to Buffalo to lead a public program over two evenings, “Meditation as the Whole of Life,” which included zazen instruction, a presentation and discussion. He also offered a one-day zazenkai with the Monastery’s affiliate, the Buffalo Zen Dharma Community. This spring, Sensei also began a series of on-line sessions with students of the Order who live far from the Monastery to offer support for their practice at home.
Throughout the spring Hojin Osho has been frequently in residence at the Temple in Brooklyn, leading zazenkai and other retreats. Hogen is now coordinating residency training at the Temple and teaching in residence several times each month. Zuisei has also offered several workshops.