Chan 3 Retreat

I attended the three day retreat at Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. This was my third trip to Houston for a major event at the Zen Center. Pulling into the parking lot after the long drive and stressful navigation of the Houston traffic and toll roads, was like arriving at a welcoming oasis. Participating in a multi day retreat is not a trivial undertaking and I had some nervousness at the start. This was quickly dispelled once the retreat was underway. Even though I had only been there twice before I could remember seeing many of the fellow participants from the earlier trips. I may not have known their names or even have spoken to them, the familiar faces gave me a feeling that I was not alone, but of being with my Dharma brothers and sisters.

Five Precepts Ceremony

Exciting plans for this weekend. The Venerable Master Jian Deng, abbot of Chung Tai Monastery in Taiwan is conducting the Three Refuges and Five Precepts Transmission ceremony at the Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. There are quite a few people from Buddha Mind that are going down to Houston for the Ceremony. I am car pooling with three other guys from the monastery. We are leaving Friday morning, staying Friday and Saturday nights at the Zen center dormitory, and returning on Sunday.