Shundo David Haye

Just a couple of months ago, as part of my trip, I sat the morning schedule at Black Mountain Zen Centre. I have been there quite a few times over the years now, and have appreciated the solidity both of the building and of the sangha, steered by my good friend and dharma sister Djinn. It was a big shock, even at this distance, to learn that the building that housed the zendo (and no less importantly, the ante-room where all the tea and discussion took place) had burnt down the other night.

Over the years, we have had quite a few occasions when it seemed that we might lose Tassajara, and I was thinking particularly of the zendo fire in 1978, from which a new zendo was built – supposedly temporary, but still in use more than forty years on. Impermanence strikes; what follows is inevitably different, and still has the spirit of what was there before.

But to make that a reality, the Belfast sangha need funds, and they are fundraising for their future. If you feel moved to help, here is the GoFundMe page.