Rev. Master Mugo White and Rev. Leon Kackman assisted Rev. Master Haryo Young, Head of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives in leading a retreat with seventeen lay ministers, October 18-22. The focus was on the Shushogi, a compilation of essential teachings of Great Master Dogen. In addition to the usual monastic daily schedule, the retreat schedule included time for personal practice of each participant’s choice such as Dharma study, meditation, working meditation, small group discussions, exercise and rest.

We celebrated the Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts retreat over the weekend of October 26-29.  Nearly 30 people attended the Feeding of the Hungry Ghosts Ceremony and the Segaki Toro Ceremony on Saturday and the Festival of the Founder on Sunday.

Rev. Helen and Rosemary Dyke went to perform the monthly Animal Shelter blessing at the Humane Society of Siskiyou County on Thursday, October 28. When they arrived, they found that the staff had just discovered that the Shelter had been robbed of all drugs, medical supplies, computer equipment, and much more; the building was trashed. The animals were all accounted for, though the cage doors and doors to the cat rooms had been left wide open. With a tip from a neighbor, the thief was caught and most of the equipment returned. Thankfully the Mount Shasta community responded with overwhelming generosity and support for the Shelter, the animals there, and the staff.   Rev. Helen and Rosemary came back on November 2 to do a combined blessing and purification ceremony.

Rev. Margaret Clyde visited the Chico Serene Reflection Meditation Group in early November for a talk and discussion on gratitude, especially on expressing gratitude for things we may find unpleasant. On the following day she spoke to Professor Daniel Veidlinger’s Asian Religions class at California State University, Chico about the history of our Order in this country, the monastic schedule and practice, and her personal experience with monasticism.

Rev. Helen Cummings blessed the new Interim HealthCare Home Health, Hospice and Personal Care facilty in Redding, California, on November 4, naming it Place of the Water of Compassion. Robert Seawright, RN and CEO of Interim HealthCare, a long-time friend and generous benefactor of Shasta Abbey, acted as chaplain for the ceremony which was attended by Interim HealthCare staff and friends.

Rev. Vivian visited Sierra College in Rocklin, California, on 6 November and gave a talk on “Women in Buddhism” for Christine Vona’s Women, Gender and Religion class.　 She was accompanied by three members of the Bear River Meditation Group.　 She attended the group’s regular Monday evening meeting, and led a discussion entitled, “Why Don’t We Like Meditation?”

We’ve made several monastic office changes. Rev. Master Meiko, Rev. Master Astor and Rev. Master Jisho are now the Guest Masters. Rev. Dilys and Rev. Vera are also part of the Guest Office staff. Rev. Master Ando is now the Sacristan, assisted by Tori. In the kitchen, Rev. Valora is Chief Cook and Rev. Trahearn Assistant Cook.