Jinzu - Sitting for Collective Care & Liberation

Honestly, I'm so proud of how Clouds in Water has shown up during these times of stacked trauma, liminality and crisis. 

This winter has been HARD in the Twin Cities--in ways that are inextricable from the violent forces of empire unfolding both here and abroad. 

We have a lot of work ahead of us, unbraiding the greed, hate and delusion in our own hearts, our temple and our sangha. Especially as it pertains to systemic oppressions. 

But I truly feel that this past winter has shown me the flowering of decades of Clouds' hard work. We hosted memorials for Renee and Alex, grief and loss ceremonies, and grief, rage and healing circles. We supported mutual aid efforts, supported sangha members engaging in protest, vigil, non-violent non-cooperation, and general strike. We co-sponsored an Interfaith Service of Trans Solidarity, and an Inter-sangha Silent March for Peace. We had Dharma talks, emails and blog posts offering ways that Zen teachings, practice and community can nourish us as we turn towards a world on fire. 

The Clouds sangha has shown me that it's possible for a Buddhist temple to materially and spiritually care for collective wellbeing during times of crisis--in ways that have an immediate, practical, and lasting impact. People found care and refuge at Clouds this winter. And the broader Twin Cities and MN communities were supported by our unwavering commitment to our bodhisattva vow to liberate all beings--through moral clarity, shared purpose and civic engagement. I think this is something worth supporting! And I hope you do too.

I will be sitting for two hours (in addition to volunteering) during the Sit-a-Thon. My goal is to raise $500, which will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a generous donor, adding up to $1,000 for Clouds! That means I must raise $250 per hour of sitting. 

Would you consider donating $50? If 10 people donate $50 each to my fundraiser, we've done it! Clouds will receive $1,000 from my two hours of sitting, thanks to a generous dollar-for-dollar match! 

Thank you so much for considering. 

With deep bows of gratitude,

Rev. Jinzu Minna Jain
Novice priest and teacher
Communications & Marketing Director