No Breakfast with Poetry
Coming Back Home

MBZC’s 12th annual benefit goes virtual with returning poets
Elliot Ruchowitz Roberts and Alice Tao, and Flutist Elizabeth Todd.

Uncertain times. Fear. Ignorance. Wanting to get back to "normal". What is our refuge? Buddhists vow to take refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. To come back home to our true selves. A home that encompasses the universe.

The theme of this year's event readings will be “coming back home”. Our poets will take inspiration from Chinese Zen master Jui-Yen's story as presented by Zen teacher Robert Aitken in The Mind of Clover—

Taking refuge in the Three Treasures is like Jui-yen calling to his master:

Every day Jui-yen called to himself, “Master!”
And he replied, “Yes.”
“Be alert!”
“Yes, I will.”
“Don’t be deceived by others!”
“No, I won’t.”

Jui-yen is receiving, maintaining, and presenting the Three Treasures. He is saying, in three ways, “I come back home".

Due to the tremendous success of last year's event, we have invited Elliot Ruchowitz Roberts and Alice Tao to read from their work. Flutist Elizabeth Todd will interweave her musical interpretations. The effect will be magical for Monterey Bay Zen Center donors.

Given the coronavirus pandemic, MBZC is unable to hold what would have been our twelfth annual Breakfast with Poetry event at Earthbound Farm Stand. While eating breakfast together is a goal for the future, for now we have rescheduled (without the breakfast), sharing poetry and music via this online presentation.

Donation $25.00 per attendee. (Passwords will be emailed the day before.)
No one will be turned away, but reservations are necessary.
Contact Mark if you are unable to donate and would like to attend.

or CALL (831) 659-7138