Dear friends and members,

Thank you for your support of your Zen Center. This Zen Center is a refuge for all. It is a place of peace, open for deep practice of meditation, Zazen, sangha/community connection, and interconnection. Studying Zen, freeing the mind, benefits this world in more ways than can be consciously known. Our efforts help everyone in Houston, and reach far beyond our local neighborhoods.

These are beautiful days. The teachings that are offered and demonstrated at your Zen Center are more important than ever in this complex world. Thank you so much for all you do, known and unknown, to care for Houston Zen Center. Please help us care for this place of peace.

Trees for Shade: In the courtyard between the main temple and the Western Zendo, we would like to restore the shade that once graced the area. The original River Birch trees had to be removed because they were not able to thrive. With your help we can restore the shade by planting two Mexican Sycamore trees in the courtyard. These are hardy and love our Houston climate.

Quiet Air Handler for Auspicious Cloud Zendo: Please consider helping with the project at Auspicious Cloud Center. The old A/C unit is too loud for Dharma Talks. Also it is time to remove the gas tank next to the Zendo. This will allow us to install an efficient heat-pump system to heat and cool the Zendo much more quietly, much more efficiently. This will enhance the beauty of the prairie as well.

Visit the Woods: We are actively restoring the woods at Auspicious Cloud. Please visit to see the work we have accomplished.

Costs: The cost of the tree project, which includes two Mexican Sycamore trees and five new holly trees along the fence line where more River Birch trees were once planted*, is $10,000. Please donate toward one Sycamore, or one Holly tree, or toward any part of the project.

The removal of the gas tank and installation of the heat pump system is $20,000, but we will address it piece by piece. Whatever you can offer is very important. Please donate toward any part of this important project.

Together we are caring for the Center, and for the teachings of awareness and peace in our world.

With warm bows,
Abbot Gaelyn Godwin & President Royce Johnson

Did you know that we have already opened the Auspicious Cloud Retreat Center to many groups? After each group leaves, they ask when they can come again.
Houston Zen sangha has held several long retreats on the land, supporting the practice of many members and friends. In addition, our bookings to compatible groups has grown steadily, and the Auspicious Cloud Retreat Center will is well on the way to financial stability.

Did you know that thousands of people attend our classes and events in Houston at the Houston Zen Center urban campus? From our basic Introduction to Zen Series, to our advanced teachings on Karma, Zen Poetry, the Fundamental Teachings of the Middle Way; from our half-hour introduction, to our 7-day sessions, we provide a full range of entry points for seekers from all spiritual traditions.

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.

More images of Houston Zen Center and Auspicious Cloud Retreat Center