Dear Friends, It is now October, and Kern County, site of the Jizo Peace Center, is experiencing the 6th heat wave of the year with many city temperatures over 100 degrees. In the mountains, the weather is in the 90's every day! We remain grateful for the opportunity to live in nature and for friendships with our mountain neighbors. The Goddess festivals of Hinduism, including Durga Puja that lasts for several days, are this month. October 14 is Indigenous People's Day, formerly Columbus Day; and, of course, Halloween on October 31. Prayers and wishes for healing go out to the survivors of the tragic Hurricane Helene in the eastern U.S. The Center continues to fervently pray for peace in the world despite escalating violence, particularly in the Middle East.   CENTER ACTIVITIES The Center offers regular Meditations on Saturday at 11:00 am. The beautiful downstairs meditation space is dedicated to peace and to the unity of world religions. The focus on Jizo Bodhisattva helps people to remember those who are suffering, lost or who may not have been reached by traditional helping agencies. Preparations continue for the Jizo Peace Center's annual Thanksgiving Food and Blanket Drive. (One bedroom is stacked with canned goods and blankets donated thus far!) A canning workshop is in the planning stage for early November!       PINE MOUNTAIN MEDITATION CLUB Meditations at noon on Mondays in the Pine Mountain Clubhouse continue. All are welcome! October leaders are: October 7 - SunJay October 14 - Ruth October 21 - Izumi October 28 - Chris     ANANDA ASHRAMA The beautiful Temple on this historic 100+ acres hosts public services on Sunday morning at 11:00 am and Thursday evening at 7:00 pm, except this month for October 10 and October 13. Ruth will give the class on October 17.     The Jizo Peace Center wishes blessing and peace to all!