At Jikyōji, every role is an expression of shared practice. Below are current ways to offer your time, skills, and presence in service of the temple and sangha.
Recovery Dharma Co-Facilitator
CRZC hosts an in-person Recovery Dharma meeting every Thursday evening from 6-7PM. Volunteer co-facilitators help to set up and guide the RD meetings. This role is best suited to someone who is in recovery themselves and has some experience with Recovery Dharma (though specialized training is not required.) Guidance in co-facilitating RD meetings is provided.
Volunteer Practice Positions
Several formal roles support our services and ceremonies, carried out by volunteer sangha members:
• Doan: Rings the bells during service or zazen.
• Greeter: Welcomes new arrivals before and during service.
• Kokyo: Announces and leads the chants during service.
Working Groups
We also have several working groups related to the upkeep and well-being of the center:
• Building and Grounds: Helps with routine upkeep and minor maintenance at the center.
• Communication: Helps manage the Center’s website and social media account; coordinates with the Board of Directors to send out regular email updates and with the Board and Guiding Teacher to publish the Center’s newsletter.
• Wisdom Storehouse: Helps inventory and archive the teachings of our founder, Zuiko, with the long-term goal of creating a digital, searchable archive of teachings available to the public.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight for the Center, supporting the Guiding Teacher, ensuring financial sustainability, and guiding long-term planning. Board members serve three-year terms and are expected to attend bi-monthly meetings, participate in working groups, and embody qualities such as generosity, patience, and joyful effort in service of the sangha. Directors need not be daily practitioners at the Center, but should have experience in Zen or another contemplative practice, a religious community, or organizational leadership. We currently have openings on the Board, including the Secretary positions and member at large.
Interested in any of these roles? Email us at crzc@cedarrapidszencenter.org, or stop by the temple on Sunday to learn more. We’d love to have you join us in tending this place of practice.