This last Sunday the Daoren met in Uji, and were grateful not only for the electric lights but also for the heat! We still have some warm days ahead of us, but are beginning to experience colder days when we can enjoy a heated space. In addition, now the street lights are on at night, providing added safety and greater ease in getting around in the early morning and after dark (which comes earlier each night). Besides that, we find that the lights are beautiful, like stars, and fit right in with the property.

The Sodo needs more work done before we can have reliable heat and lights. A complex sequence of work and inspections is lined up, and we hope to have at least temporary heating and lights in there by Segaki (late October). See more specifics about the Sodo and how it impacts us here. We are working hard to get the Sodo completely done by March, using as much volunteer labor as possible in order to reduce costs. Work is in full swing, with great thanks to funds still coming in from all of you. The engawa (wraparound deck) continues to be worked on during work parties.

The street continues to progress, which will take several months. The property will be accessible evenings and weekends from 85th Avenue, though Siskiyou Street itself is closed. We will keep you updated on what is available.

We continue to have work parties most Wednesdays from about 9:30am to about 3:30pm. Park nearby, walk in by the path, and look for people out toward the Sodo. Most of those days we will also be doing zazen in Uji from 11:30am to 12:25pm, followed by lunch at 12:30pm at the 85th house (3155 NE 85th, a block from the main gate).