Dear members and friends,

Our new retreat center, 40 acres of green grasses surrounded by trees, is becoming ready for our first retreat in September. We are happy to report that the careful meticulous process of assuming ownership and stewardship has reached the stage of daily hands-on care, renovation, and maintenance of the grounds and buildings.

The buildings and grounds are inviting and serene. The land is a true dharma treasure, which will enhance our practice together, as well as the practice of other groups. As we undertake our care for the land, and our responsibilities for the buildings, we are turning our practice into action: cleaning, spackling, painting, repairing, and a great deal of investigation of what needs to be done, followed by setting priorities. The good news is that all the A/C units are working well, the plumbing is in excellent shape, and basic systems are reliable and accessible.

There is, however, much to be done. Some of it will need to be accomplished before our first retreat in September. Will you please consider donating to help with the work we are doing with our mostly volunteer efforts, led by the two of us, Abbot Gaelyn and Reverend Royce, with the inestimable help of many members?

1. Refrigerator: replacing the 2-door commercial refrigerator is a high priority. The unit in place is not working. It is almost 20 years old and, according to the repair person, will not be cost effective to repair. A new one will cost approximately $5,000, with delivery and installation. The local company will install and carry away the old one.

2. Decking around the Founder’s Building: the main building is surrounded by decking that has rotted through in places, and is somewhat hazardous. Carpenter Judith Keenan will rebuild the deck, but we need to supply the materials. We don’t yet have the materials estimate but we hope to order the materials to repair the deck in September. Guesstimate: $4,000.

3. Arbor Care: there are many beautiful trees around the buildings – and a virtual forest on the boundaries of our land. Two of the large mesquite trees near buildings have died and must be removed. A third Chinese tallow tree is encroaching on a building. Several trees need careful pruning. Estimate: $1,000. We will continue to care for the many magnificent tree beings on the land. We have found a local arborist in Chappell Hill and will continue to work with local connections.

4. Urban Zen Center care: the Western Zendo at our Houston location has had roofing repair to mitigate the damage caused by leaking around the gutter. Please consider helping with this project.

5. Bamboo Refreshment: Three groves of timber bamboo, including a few other varieties of bamboo, have matured on the land. They are in need of aerating and reëstablishing the border around each grove. A local bamboo expert can establish the barrier and nurture the groves so that they are once again a source of meditative calm and aesthetic delight. Estimate forthcoming. The groves are a treasure on the land, and need this simple restoration.

As we write this, we are also preparing for another Sangha Day at Margaret Austin Center / Auspicious Cloud West, tomorrow. A convoy of members will spend the day at the 40 acres, cleaning, painting and gardening. We are looking forward to it with enthusiasm and joy. The November retreat with Tenshin Reb Anderson Roshi will be held at our new center, November 2-7, 2021. We hope to see many of you there.

Please accept our thanks for all your help, gifts of time and treasure, that support your Zen Center in its mission to provide a refuge for peace and spiritual growth. Your good wishes and aspirations for ensuring the well-being of the visitors to Zen Center, including the many beings living on the land, are powerful forces for beneficence in the world.

With palms together in gratitude,

Abbot Gaelyn Godwin & President Royce Johnson

More images of Activities at Margaret Austin Center / Auspicious Cloud West

As work continues, we will keep you informed of the progress, and adventures, on the land.