December 24, 2007 UPAYA INSTITUTE | ZEN CENTER Santa Fe, New Mexico 505-986-8518 [email protected] www.upaya.org

“The voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks. See the line from a sufficient distance, and it straightens itself to the average tendency.” --- Ralph Waldo Emerson Happy Holidays to all of you from Upaya staff, residents, and Roshi Joan. We wish you peace, contentment, and wellbeing in this season of darkness and light and throughout the New Year! Please celebrate with us at two special HOLIDAY EVENTS : CHRISTMAS EVE POT-LUCK DINNER on Monday, December 24th. We will have meditation at 5:30pm in the Zendo and then a celebratory feast in the River House. Upaya provides the turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry relish (Roshi's recipe)and we ask you to bring a savory dish or dessert to share. Plan to sing carols/songs accompanied by guitar, and those wishing to go to Canyon Road or to the dances at the Pueblo will have time to do so. NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION. We will have meditation practice in the Zendo from 10-12pm, ending with 108 tollings of the bell, followed by chanting of the Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo. Afterwards, we proceed to the River House for refreshments and a fire, laughter and conviviality. Wednesday DHARMA TALKS --- will be given by Roshi Joan at 5:30 pm in the zendo for the next four weeks. Come for the talks and join us daily for 7am and 5:30pm meditation practice. Next week's talk, on Wednesday, December 26 is: Not One Single Atom Opposes Us!, an important theme for the New Year. Roshi and publications:

• Roshi has a new book: Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death. Pre-order from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/2ullul The book is a powerful exploration of nearly 40 years of contemplative work with dying people. • AND, you can now get many of Roshi Joan's talks and teachings on DVD including a new 6 CDs series on Being with Dying* published by Sounds True. Call 505-986-8518 for titles and ordering.*(also available from Sounds True Audio). • Also Upaya has in the bookstore, a number of DVD's of Roshi's talks, including one talk with Brother David. This is a wonderful series and we are happy to make them available to you. You can order by calling the office: 505 986 8518. Don't miss Gigi Coyle who is returning to Upaya February 21-24, 2008 after many years to do her Council Training! http://www.upaya.org/programs There is limited space in this training and we advise early registration. We highly recommend this training for those who are interested in using the council process in their organizations. We also welcome back Lynne Twist March 7-9, 2008 for her amazing training on fundraising. Lynne Twist's work is revolutionary. We are very grateful to a generous anonymous donor for making Lynne’s return possible. For further information, call 505-986-8518 or see http://www.upaya.org/programs . 2008 Being With Dying trainings: April 25 - May 2, July 10-13, October 15. Early registration is advised. One final note on Upaya's upcoming events: every year, Roshi does a special journey to Asia that sheds new light on Buddhism, culture, and history. This March 14-30, she feels particularly fortunate to be going to China and Japan with Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi to explore the life of Zen Master Dogen. We are deeply fortunate that Kaz is a so close to Upaya. He and Roshi have been hoping to do a journey like this for many years. Please consider joining them. For more information, call or email: [email protected]

Please remember Upaya in your end-of-the-year giving. Upaya serves

thousands of people every year through our programs and initiatives, and by creating a space of deep practice, and refuge for so many. Your donations make our work possible. You can donate through our website and Paypal (http://www.upaya.org/give) by phone, check or stock transfer. Your support of Upaya is deeply appreciated. ================ UPCOMING RETREATS January 4 – February 3, 2008 WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD: Exploring the Science and Art of Zen. Roshi Joan Halifax and James Austin M.D., Jason Buhle B.A., Alfred W. Kaszniak Ph.D., Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi, Neil D. Theise M.D. Since the time of the Buddha, practitioners have gathered in extended meditation retreats to explore and train the mind. Upaya carries on this tradition three times a year. This Winter Practice Period includes a meditation schedule focusing on Shikantaza, the study of the neuroscientific basis of Zen meditation, exploration of classical Buddhist philosophy and Zen koans, and the practice of Zen arts. There is meditation instruction for beginners, four to eight hours a day of meditation practice, private interviews with Roshi Joan and other teachers, dharma talks, and seminars. Appropriate for beginners and longtime practitioners. January 4-13: THE ESSENCE OF ZEN: Silent Illumination. Roshi Joan Halifax Shikantaza is the heart of Zen practice. What is it to “just sit” with things as they are, moment to moment: no adornments, no technique mediating our experience of the world and of the mind. We begin our Winter Practice Period in direct meditation practice in what Zen Master Dogen called “beyond thinking.” It will be a time for beginners and seasoned practitioners to nourish the characteristics of depth and resilience, stillness and spaciousness, and the capacity to sustain commitment and presence in the face of the unsolvable. The schedule includes interviews with Roshi and Seniors. There will be seven hours of meditation a day, seminars with Roshi, and a short period of daily samu. January 16-20: ZEN BRAIN, SELFLESS INSIGHT. James Austin M.D., Jason Buhle B.A., Roshi Joan Halifax, Alfred W. Kaszniak Ph.D., Neil D. Theise M.D.

Popular and scientific interest in the relationships between Buddhism and neuroscience has dramatically increased, accompanied by the publication of both theoretical proposals and new laboratory investigations relating Buddhist practice to the brain. In this retreat/seminar, Roshi and four scientists who have contributed to this growing field of research, and are each long-term Zazen practitioners, will interactively share with participants their perspectives on what has specifically been learned about Zen practice and the brain, how this research is relevant for practice, and how experienced practitioners can help sharpen the research questions being asked. During the retreat, discussion will be integrated with Zazen practice throughout each day. January 25-31: WINTER SESSHIN --- Invisible Awakening: Dogen’s Perspective on Enlightenment. Roshi Joan Halifax & Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi Sesshin, meaning to gather or touch the heart/mind, is an intensive meditation retreat done with others that deepens our relationship to our mind and to the world. In sesshin, the mind/body calms and settles, and the heart and mind become clear and open. The days are silent, doing deep sitting and walking meditation, eating formally (oriyoki), and working together. Roshi and Sensei will explore new translations of the writings of Zen Master Dogen on his profound insights regarding enlightenment. February 1-3: CALLIGRAPHY IN LIVING COLOR. Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi This unusual workshop offers training in classical and free Zen calligraphy in living color. Using black ink, organic watercolor, acrylic, and other color media, we nourish the process of creativity by reproducing ideograms from ancient Chinese and Japanese masterpieces in wild and vivid color. We interpret these works and witness joy while exploring creativity and how it works in our life. We also create original spontaneous works. For beginners and seasoned artists. Kazuaki Tanahashi is a master calligrapher, Dogen scholar, and social activist. February 21-24,2008: Te Nature of Council , Gigi Coyle. A training program for those who wish to become council facilitators, council spans diverse cultures and religions. It offers a way of communicating that encourages attentive listening and honest and compassionate expression. In this intensive training, we introduce a variety of council forms, exploring its use in schools, business, service

organizations, monasteries, communities and families. Gigi Coyle, co-author of “The Way of Council” is renowned for her work in schools and social teaching organizations. Cost $360 ================ March 7-9, 2008: FUNDRAISING FROM THE HEART. Lynne Twist This workshop, taught by one of the leading experts on philanthropy, equips non-profit leaders with the skills needed to transform fund development efforts. Tailor-made for small non-profits, it focuses on donor development, annual campaigns, and fundraising in general. We examine the sacred art and science of fundraising and develop a new ability to raise funds from and for the heart of your organization’s mission. Lynne Twist believes that fundraising is an opportunity to deepen one’s own principles and strengthen the integrity of one’s organization. Intended for executive directors and board members. There is time for dialogue and conviviality. Generously supported by an anonymous donor, Upaya offers this workshop at a reduced fee. Cost: $270; plus lodging. March 14-30, 2008 Pilgrimage to China and Japan: In the Footsteps of Dogen, Roshi Joan and Kazuaki Tanahashi Sensei This pilgrimage is to the holy sites in China and Japan associated with Zen Master Eihei Dogen.The journey includes Dogen studies led by renowned translator and calligrapher Kazuaki Tanahashi, practice with Roshi Joan, and exploration of the sacred sites associated with Zen Master Dogen. We travel in a simple style, and stay in monasteries and temple inns whenever possible. For further information and price, contact Upaya’s office. Registration limited. ================ ENGAGED BUDDHISM METTA COUNClL - Living with Illness Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12.00 noon--a weekly group for people who are ill, their partners, caregivers, hospice volunteers, nurses, and anyone interested in exploring issues around living, sickness aging and death. Beginning around 12:05 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. the group engages in contemplative writing. This is not a writing group per se but rather an

alternative way of exploring what is alive for people in the moment. No previous writing experience is needed, just a willingness to be fully present. Please call Jean at 505-986-8518 or email [email protected] for more information. PRISON OUTREACH PROJECT As many of you know, Upaya works in New Mexico's prisons. Many prison residents find themselves forgotten during the holidays. We ask that you consider sending cards to Upaya that our people will deliver to prisoners during the holidays. You can also send along recycled cards. Please write a note, so that these cards are personalized. You can bring or send them to the Upaya office, attention Roshi, and we will get them to prison residents before the end of the year. Volunteers in the Prison Outreach Project offer weekly mindfulness instruction classes in three correctional facilities: Central New Mexico Adult Correctional Facility, Santa Fe Youth Development Facility, and the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility. These classes provide inmates with a way to reduce the stress of their time in prison and to encourage a shift in thought and behavior patterns away from violence and harming. Studies show that this training reduces violent behavior among inmates as well as between inmates and corrections staff, preparing them to re-enter society without relapsing into addiction and ending back in prison. Persons interested in working “inside” with prison residents are warmly welcomed. Volunteers may choose to train and work in the Santa Fe County Youth Development Center or in the SF County Adult Detention Center. There is a defined training program, in which a volunteer works as a co-facilitator with a trainer at weekly group meetings. Volunteers who choose to work with youths are invited to contact Susan Benjamin at [email protected]; those who desire to work with groups of adult inmates should contact Ray Olson at [email protected]. A volunteer commitment of several months’ to one year’s services is requested. Since the first of this year, a number of inmates from around the country have written asking for information about meditation or Zen practice. Several of these inmates have requested participation in our Pen-Pal Program which provides information about spiritual practice, meditation and Zen practice, and assistance in setting up a Buddhist meditation group in

their prison. In the past eighteen months, 15 volunteer Sangha members have engaged in correspondence with prison residents. The hypermasculine ethos of prison life often makes sharing personal thoughts and feelings with another man taboo, so we are especially in need of female volunteers for the Pen-Pal Program as some inmates feel much more comfortable talking about their inner feelings of anger and isolated loneliness with a woman. If you would like to participate as a volunteer in the Pen-Pal program, please call Ray at 505/986-5835 or email him at [email protected]

================ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Upaya is always grateful for a helping hand. We have volunteer opportunities in the office, kitchen, and housekeeping, and there is the possibility of earning retreat credit (up to 80% of the total cost of a retreat) for hours volunteered. If you are interested, please call Roberta at 505-9868518 ext. 2 or email [email protected] ROSHI JOAN HALIFAX ON THE WEB Roshi Joan discusses dharma, offers koanic poetry, considers the works of Ken Wilber, William Irwin Thompson, and Francisco Varela, and brings us into her lifestream. To find out more, go to http://jhalifax.zaadz.com/blog. This complements her Flickr photo site, http://flickr.com/photos/upaya where she constantly adds new photos of current Upaya happenings, as well as some great archival photos of her life. ================ Looking for an Educational Speaker for your Next Staff Meeting, Volunteer Support or Team Activity? Now you can bring Naomi Tutu, Mary Raymer, and Joan Halifax directly to your staff for just $75 per speaker (or $169 for all three). All you need is a computer, LCD projector, and an audio sound system. Simply sign-up at the nhpco.org website: just pick the date and time that works best for you...it’s that easy! Take an NHPCO Webcast for a test drive and watch a 2-minute excerpt online. 2008 Being With Dying trainings: April 25 - May 2, July 10-13, October 1-5. Early registration is advised.

-If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, or if you are receiving duplicate copies of our newsletter, please click on this link to remove this email address from our mailing list