Bamboo in the Wind is a Zen Practice Group led by Rev. Val Szymanski. 
On Sept.11, 2001 a formal sitting schedule started at the 
Congregational Community Church. In the face of terrorism on US soil 
(World Trade Center and Pentagon attacked) we meditated that reason 
and peace would prevail.

Our Sangha name was directly influenced by Sengai Gibon's (1750-1837) 
scroll, “Bamboos in the Wind” which contains the poem: 

  Tigers roar.
  Manshan Mountain

The scroll was viewed at the exhibit, 'Zen: Painting and Calligraphy 
17th-20th Centuries' at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, CA some 
years back.

The Sangha name incorporates one of the three treasured Chinese 
symbols, "bamboo", bringing good luck and good fortune. Equally 
important are other images of strength and flexibility, emptiness 
inside a rounded stalk outside, a Zen equivalent to the unseen 
experience of non-dualism, "emptiness".

Bamboo is a fast growing, renewable resource, a great inspiration for 
Students of the Way. Symbolically, when the element of wind is added 
the need for all its characteristics come into play and serves as a 
metaphor of our lives - responding to the momentary changes that 
interact in our lives. Just as the leaves and branches let 
go to wind and are tossed about, so the wind supports bamboo 
refreshing its leaves and stalks with oxygen to grow.

There are many varieties of bamboo, much like the many kinds of 
students, each having their own environmental requirements to grow to 
maturity. Likewise, a Bodhisattva's use of skillful means helps to 
nourish students to realize ultimate Truth, Suchness, and incorporate 
practice instructions into daily life. Under positive conditions a 
bamboo grove will develop and flourish. With practice and a teacher, 
students can become enlightened in this very lifetime, or the next, or 
after many kalpas. The important point is practice, being on the path.

In calligraphy, bamboo is considered to contain all the foundational 
strokes of this Zen art form. It is often included in sumei scrolls 
and Chinese screens communicating a poem.

Bamboo in the Wind embodies these values, welcomes new members, and 
integrates them into the Sangha. Come and experience the warmth and 
the compassion of Bodhisattavas on the path.