Gensei’s departure
Gensei arrived in the summer of 2019. He immediately became a very useful member of the Great Vow Sangha. Not only as a skilled contractor, woodworker and maintenance person, he also jumped in as an activities coordinator on the weekends, leading kayaking trips and bike rides to the river to swim.
In 2021 when a Tenzo (head cook) was needed, Gensei openly let go of his maintenance position and building projects in order to serve in that very demanding role.
This year, 2022, he served as the Shuso, or head of the zendo, another role that is highly demanding and very public!
At the end of this year, Gensei will be departing the Monastery. He ordained one year ago, gave it his very best, and now feels that moving on to life outside the monastery is needed for his continued growth and spiritual training.
We are thankful for all of the work he has completed around the monastery during his short time here.
The following is an incomplete list of Gensei’s maintenance accomplishments:
spent a year has Tenzo (head cook)
build two new private rooms in the residents area
put in windows in the resident private rooms
re-built kayak storage rack and built two kayak portage carts
maintained our bicycles
helped remodel retreat hut with Soten
built Mountain Seat altar
insulated the central area of the guest area ceiling
installed new lighting in the guest area
put in a door for the bathroom in the office bedroom
built benches for in front of the gym
remodelled the stalls in 4 bathrooms
patched many leaks in the roof
basic maintenance (leaks, painting, repairs)
maintained roof and exterior siding on Lib Hall
rebuilt the zendo shoe racks
new LED lights in the cafeteria
updated the composting palace behind the kitchen
built and installed options for hang drying clothes
Installed a charging station for electric cars! (almost done!)