We hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday. We had a few friends over at the Sodo, had lots of food that couldn’t be beat, lots of laughter and conversation, music, games, etc.

Now that the holidays have officially arrived, here are some upcoming events to keep in mind. Rohatsu is coming up in a week. The end of Rohatsu is the end of fall Ango.

A week of light schedule – Wednesday evening and Sunday morning programs only – is followed by the temple closing for two weeks. Refuge Recovery continues meetings through the holidays, however.

On New Year’s Eve, our annual celebration with Heart of Wisdom is held here this year. It’s a great evening, beginning with a potluck, followed by sacred dancing, then Fusatsu ceremony, zazen, a New Year’s ceremony, and finally sparkling cider served formal tea-ceremony style at midnight. All are welcome to join us.

Beginning January 2, we start classes about the Precepts, in preparation for Jukai Sesshin in February. If you are interested in taking the Precepts, let the Center know about your interest (email staff at dharma-rain.org), and prepare to take the Wednesday night classes studying these.

Wednesday Work Parties
Dharma Rain hosts regular Wednesday work parties from around 9am to 3:30pm. There is plenty of work for people to do, inside and outside, light and heavy. Come for as much or as little of the time as you wish. We have tools and gloves, but if you have your own, feel free to bring them. There is an open sitting meditation period from 11:30am to 12:30pm in the zendo. If you are around at 12:30pm, we feed you lunch.