a heartfelt and ethical example of practice, exploring how best to facilitate a living Zen that is intimate and engaged in this world of family, work and citizenship.<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
B.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Strategic Agenda<\/span><\/div>\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gradually alter the BoWZ institutional, membership and financial structures to emphasize the organic growth of local sanghas (in number, size and richness) and<\/i><\/b><\/span> unity among them<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/div>\nA.\u00a0\u00a0 Move toward a structure in which BoWZ is a school of Zen to which multiple Guiding Teachers belong and the local sanghas, or regional groups of local <\/span>sanghas, are able to become legally and financially independent.\u00a0 This would be a gradual transition requiring several intermediate steps since BoWZ currently holds the Section 501(c)(3) exemption and will continue to require an individual membership and officer structure to satisfy the exemption and state law.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Supporting existing local sanghas:\u00a0 Existing local sanghas, if they so choose, will be able to separately incorporate and obtain Section 501(c)(3) status. \u00a0It is expected that if local sanghas or regional groups of sanghas incorporate, they will become BoWZ Affiliate Practice Groups.\u00a0 (See below for more on BoWZ Affiliate Practice Groups.) The change in structure is intended to prepare for organic growth that we sense will occur \u2014 to create a trellis, or fertile bed, for natural growth. Those existing local sanghas that choose to become BoWZ Affiliate Practice Groups will raise funds independently, manage their own finances and may own their own real estate and other property. \u00a0Existing local sanghas that do not choose to become BoWZ Affiliate Practice Groups will continue to be supported financially and organizationally by BoWZ until they achieve a size that they consider to be appropriate for transitioning to BoWZ Affiliate Practice Group status.\u00a0\u00a0 BoWZ-wide fundraising campaigns and BoWZ support to local groups and projects will continue under this hybrid model that includes dependent local sanghas and independent BoWZ Affiliate Practice Groups.<\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Establishing new local sanghas: As new local sanghas wish to <\/span>affiliate with BoWZ, BoWZ may assist them in becoming BoWZ sanghas. \u00a0Each new local sangha will determine for itself when is the right time to transition to BoWZ Affiliate Practice Group status.<\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Requirements for Affiliate Practice Groups: <\/span>It is anticipated that <\/span>Affiliate Practice Groups will be self-governed according to their own membership and leadership structure and <\/span>that they <\/span>will meet certain requirements respecting their organization, such as complying with state law applicable to religious organizations, adopting forms that are in harmony with BoWZ\u2019s liturgical and practice guidelines, maintaining transparent financing and adhering to BoWZ\u2019s code of ethics.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Potential to create a type of BoWZ Organizational Membership: \u00a0BoWZ\u2019 membership structure may expand to allow for two classes of members:\u00a0 individual members as is the case under the current structure and BoWZ Affiliate Practice Group members, which could be represented on the BoWZ Leadership Council.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Continuation of BoWZ Leadership Council:\u00a0 The BoWZ Leadership Council will continue to include substantial lay representation but it is expected that its duties and responsibilities will decrease as the BoWZ Affiliate Practice Groups assume responsibility for the organizational, legal and financial aspects of their functioning.\u00a0 Any changes to the BoWZ Leadership Council will be accomplished through bylaws amendments requiring BoWZ member approval.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Continuing to train Dharma Teachers and Practice Leaders: The Guiding Teachers collectively will continue to authorize and provide training and guidance to Senior Dharma Teachers, Dharma Teachers and Practice Leaders.\u00a0 They will circulate among and support the ongoing development of each of the Affiliate Practice Groups and both new and existing local sanghas.<\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Financial support for our Guiding Teachers: <\/span>A BoWZ budget will include some level of financial <\/span>support from the local sanghas or regional groups of local <\/span>sanghas, and some suggested level of voluntary donation from Affiliate Practice Groups. \u00a0Contributions will provide support for the Guiding Teachers as well as fund activities that benefit all of BoWZ, including, for example, maintaining the BoWZ website and office support for complying with state and federal legal requirements.\u00a0 Guidelines will be developed for dana for teacher visits to local sanghas and Affiliate Practice Groups.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\n2. \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Support the creation of an entity to acquire and improve <\/span>Mugendo-ji Temple <\/b><\/span><\/div>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0A.\u00a0\u00a0 Anticipated purchase and development of Mugendo-ji Temple:\u00a0 The\u00a0 Mugendo-ji Temple is the administrative office and current sesshin location for BoWZ, and it is <\/span>also the site of annual membership meetings and transmission ceremonies. It is expected that a separate organization will be created to purchase the Mugendo-ji Temple, which will serve the entire BoWZ community, and to construct an addition to the Temple. <\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>A feasibility study for establishing an entity to acquire and improve Mugendo-ji Temple in Worcester, including the timeframe for its creation, its financing and ownership structure will be conducted.<\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>BoWZ support for establishing an entity to acquire and improve Mugendo-ji Temple in Worcester:\u00a0 BoWZ will give organizational assistance for establishing an entity to acquire and improve Mugendo-ji Temple in Worcester.<\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Consideration for additional Temples:\u00a0 Additional temples may come into being as we expand regionally.<\/span><\/div>\n3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Support the establishment of a BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 center in Boston<\/b><\/span> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>Feasibility of establishing a BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group center in Boston:\u00a0 The existing local and regional Boston sanghas will consider the feasibility of establishing a BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group center in Boston, including the timeframe for its creation, its financing and ownership structure.<\/span><\/div>\n\u0178\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>BoWZ support for establishing a BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group center in Boston:\u00a0 BoWZ will give organizational assistance for establishing a BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group center in Boston.<\/span><\/div>\n4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provide financial support for the BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 center in Boston, the Mugendo-ji Temple in Worcester and other \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Affiliate Practice Groups<\/b><\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>BoWZ <\/span>members will be free to contribute personally and financially to Boundless Way Zen, the Mugendo-ji Temple in Worcester,\u00a0 a BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group center in Boston <\/span>and other Affiliate Practice Groups regardless of where they reside.<\/span><\/div>\n5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Increase and enhance the opportunities for practice, training, and service to the organization and broader world<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Examples:<\/span><\/div>\no\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>More long and short sesshins<\/span><\/div>\no\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>More day-long and multi-day practice experiences in more locations<\/span><\/div>\no\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Teacher and leader development activities<\/span><\/div>\no\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Study programs<\/span><\/div>\no\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Interaction with other Zen communities<\/span><\/div>\no\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Social justice activities<\/span><\/div>\nIII.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Building on the Past<\/span><\/div>\nWe believe that this five-year strategic direction honors BoWZ\u2019s original and ongoing <\/span>mission to cultivate Zen in the West through:<\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Establishing and supporting local sanghas, <\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Training Dharma teachers and practice leaders, and <\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Providing sesshin and other intensive training opportunities. <\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
As we move forward, we are mindful of our obligation to build upon our past and express our gratitude to our many teachers along the Great Way.\u00a0 In that spirit, we offer a brief history to those who will follow us:<\/span><\/div>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\nA.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Origin and Evolution<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
In 2005, the Zen Community of Boston and the Worcester Zen Community joined together to create Boundless Way Zen, incorporating in Massachusetts, with James Myoun Ford, Melissa Myozen Blacker and David Dae An Rynick as the Guiding Teachers. <\/span><\/div>\nJames was ordained as a Soto Zen priest by and received Dharma Transmission from Jiyu Kennett Roshi. Kennett Roshi was the founder of Shasta Abbey and the Order of Buddhist<\/a> Contemplatives. James later studied and received Inka Shomei (full Dharma Transmission) from John Tarrant Roshi, founder of the Pacific Zen Institute. John is a Dharma heir of Robert Aitken Roshi, the founder of the Diamond Sangha. Aitken Roshi is a Dharma heir of Koun Yamada Roshi of the Sanbo Kyodan lineage.<\/span><\/div>\nMelissa is an ordained Soto Zen Priest, and has received Dharma Transmission and Inka Shomei from James Myoun Ford Roshi, with whom she has studied since 2001. <\/span><\/div>\nDavid has received Inga and full Dharma Transmission from Zen Master George Bo Mun Bowman, with whom he began studying in 1991. George is the founder of Single Flower Sangha, and has received full Dharma Transmission from the Korean Rinzai Master Seung Sahn Soen-sa, the founder of the Kwan Um School of Zen. Since 1977 George has been studying with the Japanese Rinzai master, Kyozan Joshu Sasaki Roshi, the Founder and Abbot of Rinzai-Ji.<\/span><\/div>\nBecause of their lineage histories and Zen training, James, Melissa and David combine traditional Soto and Rinzai traditions in innovative ways, teaching koan practice in the Sanbo Kyodan tradition, breath awareness, various mindfulness practices, inquiry into the moment and Shikantaza or choiceless awareness. <\/span><\/div>\nIn August 2009, David and Melissa purchased a building located at 1030 Pleasant St. in Worcester, MA to provide space for BoWZ sesshin and more frequent group meditation and training activities.<\/span><\/div>\nDuring the years prior to January, 2011, Boundless Way Zen established and supported nine <\/span>local sanghas; ordained three Soto Zen priests; trained nine Dharma Teachers and Practice Leaders; conducted 32 sesshin or meditation retreats; and provided opportunities for individuals to meet, train, and engage with others in the practice of Zen Buddhism<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\nB.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Existing Organization and Resources<\/span><\/div>\nAll activities of BoWZ presently occur under the umbrella of a single 501(c)(3) entity.\u00a0 Individuals may become members of the organization, and we currently have approximately 77 members.\u00a0 The number of people affiliated with the organization in some fashion is considerably higher.\u00a0 The BoWZ directory now contains contact information for 142 people.<\/span><\/div>\nOur Guiding Teachers, who comprise the organization\u2019s Teachers Council, work collaboratively to foster and guide our practice community.\u00a0 A Leadership Council, in collaboration with the Guiding Teachers, is responsible for establishing and maintaining BoWZ as an institution.\u00a0 It approves the budget, defines membership, and otherwise develops and governs the formal institutional structures of the community.<\/span><\/div>\nLocal sanghas make the practice of Zen available to people as part of their daily lives.\u00a0 There currently are eight local <\/span>sanghas spread across three states (Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts).\u00a0 We also have a close relationship with a sangha in Toledo, Ohio, that currently is not formally part of BoWZ.\u00a0 Our Guiding Teachers designate and train Practice Leaders, Dharma Teachers and Senior Dharma Teachers who lead the activities of the local sanghas.<\/span><\/div>\nBoWZ presently is supported primarily by sesshin fees and donations.\u00a0 Revenue for 2009 was approximately $59,000, and revenue for 2010 was approximately $84,000.\u00a0 BoWZ currently has liquid assets of approximately $28,000 and tangible assets valued at approximately $7,000.\u00a0 The 1030 Pleasant Street property in Worcester currently is owned by Guiding Teachers Melissa Blacker and David Rynick and is leased by the organization for use as the BoWZ Temple (Mugendo-ji).<\/span><\/div>\nIV.\u00a0 Concluding Summary<\/span><\/div>\nThe process for developing this strategic direction began in June, 2010. A Strategic Direction Committee interviewed the Guiding Teachers and developed a questionnaire that it circulated to the Leadership Council, Senior Dharma Teachers, Dharma Teachers and Practice Leaders for their input.\u00a0 The Committee distilled 40 pages of responses to that questionnaire, which included areas of broad consensus, to develop the specific proposals presented in this document. The Strategic Direction Committee provided multiple opportunities for the Guiding Teachers Council, the Leadership Council, Senior Dharma Teachers, Dharma Teachers and Practice Leaders to review, discuss and provide feedback on these proposals.\u00a0 It produced successive drafts of the strategic direction to respond to that feedback and further refine the proposals included in this document. The document will next be presented to the BoWZ members for their review and will be further refined in response to their comments before it is formally presented to the BoWZ membership for approval at the annual membership meeting.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\nIn summary, in order to advance our vision and mission, this Strategic Direction <\/span>addresses the organizational, financial, and operational challenges facing our community by directing that we pursue the following activities over a five-year period beginning with the fiscal year starting July 1, 2011:<\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Move toward a structure in which BoWZ is a school of Zen to which multiple Guiding Teachers belong;<\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Assist the local sanghas, or regional groups of sanghas, that desire legal and financial independence to become BoWZ Affiliate Practice Groups and continue to provide financial and organizational support to existing and new local sanghas;<\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Support the creation of a separate entity to<\/span> purchase the Mugendo-ji Temple and build an addition to make it more suitable than it already is for sesshins and other intensive practice experiences; <\/span><\/div>\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>Support the establishment a BoWZ (East) Affiliate Practice Group <\/span>center in Boston;<\/span><\/div>\n
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