Dear ones,

As I hope you know we’ve been reorganizing Boundless Way Zen (BoWZ) in order to support the growth of our sanghas. While we will continue to administer our smaller sanghas through our central organization we are asking sanghas that are of a size to be financially and administratively independent, to become so.

In part this allows for us to have a relationship with existing communities that wish to join in our mission, such as our dear friends in Toledo. And, it encourages the growth of communities focused on their own local needs. I find myself thinking of Worcester and the ongoing explorations around a similar temple in the Boston area.

In a few days, you will receive an invitation to become a member of the Boundless Way Temple. This is part of that process. If Boundless Way Temple is part of your practice, or you simply want to support the Temple’s mission, I hope you will join.

This in no way negates your membership in BoWZ writ large. If you’re not already a member of BoWZ, this is one way to become one. If you already are, this allows you to also provide direct support of this exciting growth in our larger sangha, a temple with resident teachers and a daily program.

Those of you who have visited or practiced at the Temple know what a jewel it is – a stately Victorian building on an acre of beautiful property.  Since the Temple began operation in October of 2009, we have held ten sesshin and a three-week ango there.  With an average attendance of nearly 40 people, we estimate over 1,000 person-days of sesshin.  The Temple has given us a consistent home and the freedom to schedule these retreats and other meetings and ceremonies as we choose.

As of January 1^st, the Temple has organized as an independent affiliate of our larger BoWZ organization.  The purpose of the new organization is to purchase, maintain, and enhance the Temple as a place for BoWZ sesshin, residential training, and regular meditation opportunities.  We feel strongly that this new organizational structure provides the clearest path for ensuring that the Temple is available not just for our current use, but for those who come after us.

If you are receiving this email, you are already a part of our larger project of awakening.  In supporting the Temple through joining as a member or in any other way, you support our dream of making the dharma available to more and more people, during our lifetimes and beyond.

Thank you,

James Ishmael Ford Roshi

Founding Abbot, Boundless Way Zen