A Sangha Garden Work and Social Weekend is held in September—this year it will be earlier than usual. The objective is to work together on the grounds, enjoying the beauty of our land and the company of Dharma brothers and sisters. Sangha members and their families, including children of all ages, are invited. You are welcome to stay at the Center. There is no fee for this event.

Afternoon Activities

We will schedule the bulk of the work for the morning in order to leave most of the afternoon free for unstructured activity as well as mini-workshops offered by Sangha members. Over the years there have been workshops on flower arranging, massage, body expression, drawing, posture, salsa dancing, Aikido, and poetry, as well as a long afternoon hike.

Registration

It would be a big help to know who is coming for planning purposes, so please send a reservation to the Center by September 1, if at all possible.

Everyone can participate. No special skills are needed. We will sit a bit more than the regular schedule, and dokusan will be offered each day, but this is most definitely not a sesshin.

What to Bring

Plenty of work clothes, boots or other sturdy footwear, a hat, water bottle, sitting robe (bedding and a towel if staying overnight). If you are allergic to wasps or bees, remember to bring your medication.

Childcare

As there will be formal sittings each day, childcare will be need to be arranged by parents for those times. Also, children should not enter the fenced area around the fire pond. The sides are steep, slippery, and dangerous, which is why it’s fenced.

Meals

Meals will be provided, so there's no need to bring food unless you have special food requirements. In that case, you'll be responsible for your own meal preparation. Breakfast and lunch will be eaten together, and in the evening soup and leftovers will be available. If you must bring food, remember that no alcohol, meat, fish, or poultry are allowed on Center grounds.

2019 Schedule