Where is Avalokitsevara?
Shohaku Okumura Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (36) Written on the Occasion of Visiting Mount Potalaka in Changguo [Guanyin is found] amid hearing, considering, practicing, and truly verifying the mind, Why seek appearances of her sacred face within a cave? I proclaim that pilgrims must themselves awaken. Guanyin does not abide on Potalaka Mountain. As a young monk, Dōgen Zenji went to China where he lived and practiced Zen about five years, from 1223 to 1227. He mainly practiced at Tiantong (Tendō, 天童) Monastery in Ningbo, near Shanghai. Not far from Ningbo there is a famous sacred place of Avalokiteśvara, on a small island named Putuoluo-shan (Jp. Fudaraku-san普陀洛山). Putuoluo is a transliteration of the Sanskrit name Potalaka, the island where Avalokiteśvara dwells, according to the Gaṇḍavyūha Sutra.[2] This place is, even today, a popular holy site which millions of pilgrims and sightseers visit every year to pay homage to Avalokiteśvara. In the 13th century, Dōgen visited this sacred place as a pilgrim. READ MORE |
IN THIS ISSUE:
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PRACTICE RECAP
Rohatsu retreat marks a milestone
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About a dozen people from around the world took virtual part in this year's Rohatsu retreat. Hosshin, Hoko and Okumura Roshi were in the zendo carrying out the usual sesshin activities while all other participants joined from home. Okumura Roshi sat half days, and all three leaders were careful to observe social distancing and other public health protocols.
While the typical Rohatsu sesshin is a week long, under shutdown conditions this year's retreat was only three days. Zazen ended at midnight on Rohatsu itself, December 8, with a brief chanting service. Virtual morning practice was held the next day as usual beginning at 6 am but participants conducted the Enlightenment Day ceremony in place of the regular morning service. Of particular note, December 8 marked the 50th anniversary of Okumura Roshi's ordination. After half a century in robes, he continues to practice, teach and publish. |
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Sanshin offers zazen partnerships
Sanshin is working in partnership with two other sanghas to make virtual evening zazen available to their practitioners. Members of the West Lafayette Zen Group (IN) and the Atlanta Soto Zen Center (GA) are joining the 6:30 pm zazen period hosted online by Doju Layton as a means of sitting together during the pandemic. The evening sits were already a partnership between Sanshin and the IU Buddhist Studies Association.
Sanshin recognized that it may be difficult for small sitting groups around the region to practice together during these times, particularly if there isn't a teacher or leader available to organize and carry out regular virtual practice, and reached out to them with an invitation to join us in our virtual zendo. Information about all of Sanshin's regular virtual practice is available on this page.
Sanshin recognized that it may be difficult for small sitting groups around the region to practice together during these times, particularly if there isn't a teacher or leader available to organize and carry out regular virtual practice, and reached out to them with an invitation to join us in our virtual zendo. Information about all of Sanshin's regular virtual practice is available on this page.
A last look at the November genzo-e
by David Thompson, Director of the Dogen Institute
by David Thompson, Director of the Dogen Institute
Sanshin's second virtual genzo-e built on lessons learned during the May event to offer 80 participants from around the world five days of lectures, zazen and at-home retreat practice.
The theme of Okumura Roshi's lectures was Dogen Zenji's Shobogenzo Bukkyo (Buddha Sutras). This was the second time that the genzo-e has been held virtually, and because of our previous experience, the event proceeded even more smoothly than the last. We had on average about 80 people attending the twice-daily lectures, and about 45 people attending the online zazen sessions on a regular basis. Many of the participants tried to follow the typical genzo-e schedule at home, with its emphasis on zazen supported by study. We enjoyed the virtual presence of practitioners from around the United States, from Austria, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan.
This time, we also welcomed third-generation Sanshin-lineage practice leaders from around the world, who joined in order to lead the online sessions of zazen. It was a pleasure to work with other members of the Sanshin Network, and we were assisted by a volunteer who facilitated English/Spanish translation for the practice leaders from South America.
We were able to use new equipment donated by a practitioner in order to stream the genzo-e. The new equipment allowed Okumura Roshi to see participants' faces more clearly during the lectures. Earlier in the year, our internal Sanshin Wi-Fi network was upgraded by volunteers, with assistance from a grant by the Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism. This upgrade stabilized our Wi-Fi network and provided the additional bandwidth necessary to stream a live event. Our event was also supported by volunteers who managed the technical support and communication needs of hosting a large event.
Covid protocols were observed within the confines of the zendo; besides Okumura Roshi, only Yuko and one volunteer were physically present to handle the doan and livestream duties.
We could not have conducted this event without the efforts of Hojo-san, all of these volunteers, and the many sincere participants – we offer our thanks.
The theme of Okumura Roshi's lectures was Dogen Zenji's Shobogenzo Bukkyo (Buddha Sutras). This was the second time that the genzo-e has been held virtually, and because of our previous experience, the event proceeded even more smoothly than the last. We had on average about 80 people attending the twice-daily lectures, and about 45 people attending the online zazen sessions on a regular basis. Many of the participants tried to follow the typical genzo-e schedule at home, with its emphasis on zazen supported by study. We enjoyed the virtual presence of practitioners from around the United States, from Austria, Germany, France, Italy, and Japan.
This time, we also welcomed third-generation Sanshin-lineage practice leaders from around the world, who joined in order to lead the online sessions of zazen. It was a pleasure to work with other members of the Sanshin Network, and we were assisted by a volunteer who facilitated English/Spanish translation for the practice leaders from South America.
We were able to use new equipment donated by a practitioner in order to stream the genzo-e. The new equipment allowed Okumura Roshi to see participants' faces more clearly during the lectures. Earlier in the year, our internal Sanshin Wi-Fi network was upgraded by volunteers, with assistance from a grant by the Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism. This upgrade stabilized our Wi-Fi network and provided the additional bandwidth necessary to stream a live event. Our event was also supported by volunteers who managed the technical support and communication needs of hosting a large event.
Covid protocols were observed within the confines of the zendo; besides Okumura Roshi, only Yuko and one volunteer were physically present to handle the doan and livestream duties.
We could not have conducted this event without the efforts of Hojo-san, all of these volunteers, and the many sincere participants – we offer our thanks.
OTHER NEWS
Sanshin Sustainers earn matching gift
Nearly two-dozen members of the Sanshin community pledged new or increased monthly amounts as part of the fall financial appeal, resulting in a matching gift of $2500 from an anonymous donor. The board of directors offers its sincere thanks to those who participated in this campaign, and to the donor who helped to make it a success.
In September the board announced a new program to open additional pathways for members of the community to bolster Sanshin’s long-term financial prospects. President Mark Fraley announced three ways to make gifts of financial support:
1. Sanshin Sustainer: Sign up for Sanshin's monthly giving program and make automatic donations from your PayPal account or credit card. Any amount of recurring donation is welcome.
2. Sanshin Sponsor: Pledge a dollar amount to support a specific event or activity, such as our prairie restoration, a book project or a guest teacher workshop. (Opportunities will be posted on the Sanshin website at a later date.)
3. Sanshin Donor: Make a one-time donation.
A generous funder stepped forward to pledge matching funds, encouraging members of the Sanshin community to become Sanshin Sustainers.
"It's more important than ever that we look towards building a stable and sustainable financial base for both the short and long-term health of our community," noted longtime board member David Thompson. "All elected board members have become Sanshin Sustainers themselves, and we encourage everyone to consider how they can support and sustain our community whether it is by becoming a Sanshin Sustainer, a Sanshin Sponsor, or a Sanshin Donor." Complete information on making financial gifts to Sanshin is here.
In September the board announced a new program to open additional pathways for members of the community to bolster Sanshin’s long-term financial prospects. President Mark Fraley announced three ways to make gifts of financial support:
1. Sanshin Sustainer: Sign up for Sanshin's monthly giving program and make automatic donations from your PayPal account or credit card. Any amount of recurring donation is welcome.
2. Sanshin Sponsor: Pledge a dollar amount to support a specific event or activity, such as our prairie restoration, a book project or a guest teacher workshop. (Opportunities will be posted on the Sanshin website at a later date.)
3. Sanshin Donor: Make a one-time donation.
A generous funder stepped forward to pledge matching funds, encouraging members of the Sanshin community to become Sanshin Sustainers.
"It's more important than ever that we look towards building a stable and sustainable financial base for both the short and long-term health of our community," noted longtime board member David Thompson. "All elected board members have become Sanshin Sustainers themselves, and we encourage everyone to consider how they can support and sustain our community whether it is by becoming a Sanshin Sustainer, a Sanshin Sponsor, or a Sanshin Donor." Complete information on making financial gifts to Sanshin is here.
Former board chair passes on
by David Thompson, Director of the Dogen Institute
by David Thompson, Director of the Dogen Institute
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In late November, the Sanshin board received the sad news of Don Dozan Orr's passing. Don served as a member of the board for many years. He was one of the guiding lights of Stillpoint, a Soto Zen practice community in Pittsburgh, PA. Through Don's offices, Okumura Roshi has visited this venue many times over the years, starting all the way back in 1995. Don held a deep admiration and respect for Okumura Roshi, and Don's own spirit responded to Sanshin's style of simplicity and emphasis on the practice of zazen. Don was one among the first group in the Stillpoint sangha to receive the precepts from Okumura Roshi.
After spending 40 years as an international studies professor at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh, he had been splitting his retirement time between the US and his home in Malta. Because his interest in study and learning was long-standing, it's no surprise that Don was one of those who were instrumental in conceiving of the Dogen Institute, Sanshin's umbrella for producing study materials. In his capacity as a director, Don introduced me personally, and others, to the idea of service through membership on the Sanshin board. Don made quite an impact while he was on this shore. The board of Sanshin Zen Community offers its sincere condolences to Don's many friends, family, students, colleagues, and fellow practitioners. |
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Holiday closure schedule remains unchanged
Under normal circumstances Sanshin closes for Christmas and New Year, and we'll stick to that plan in this year of virtual practice. There will be no communal practice December 24 - 26 (Thurs - Sat), or January 1 - 3 (Fri - Sun). Please enjoy safe and peaceful holidays with family and friends.
SANSHIN STYLE AND SPIRIT |
coming up
January 7 - 10, 2020
Join us virtually for three days of practice in the style of our sesshin, a retreat devoted simply to sitting zazen. Sanshin leaders will be in the zendo maintaining the schedule and carrying out the activities of a standard sesshin day at Sanshin. You are welcome to connect via Zoom and follow along at home for as much of the day as you like. The sangha will arrive for the final zazen period and the retreat will officially end just prior to the regular Sunday dharma talk; you are welcome to attend that talk if you choose. More information is here.
Join us virtually for three days of practice in the style of our sesshin, a retreat devoted simply to sitting zazen. Sanshin leaders will be in the zendo maintaining the schedule and carrying out the activities of a standard sesshin day at Sanshin. You are welcome to connect via Zoom and follow along at home for as much of the day as you like. The sangha will arrive for the final zazen period and the retreat will officially end just prior to the regular Sunday dharma talk; you are welcome to attend that talk if you choose. More information is here.
Resources from Sanshin
Virtual morning and evening practice: Sanshin offers weekday morning zazen and liturgy via Zoom. The zazen period begins at 6:10 EST and lasts 50 minutes; liturgy follows directly afterward. In the evenings, zazen begins at 6:30 and lasts 30 minutes. The complete schedule is here; please email our office if you're interested in participating.
Sanshin Solo: Recognizing that more folks than ever are now practicing in Sanshin's style by themselves, we've added a Sanshin Solo page to our website offering tips and information about practicing on your own.
Dharma study: Study materials remain available from our Dogen Institute and video recordings of dharma talks on our YouTube channel.
Virtual morning and evening practice: Sanshin offers weekday morning zazen and liturgy via Zoom. The zazen period begins at 6:10 EST and lasts 50 minutes; liturgy follows directly afterward. In the evenings, zazen begins at 6:30 and lasts 30 minutes. The complete schedule is here; please email our office if you're interested in participating.
Sanshin Solo: Recognizing that more folks than ever are now practicing in Sanshin's style by themselves, we've added a Sanshin Solo page to our website offering tips and information about practicing on your own.
Dharma study: Study materials remain available from our Dogen Institute and video recordings of dharma talks on our YouTube channel.
Resources from around the Sanshin Network
Centers and groups from around our global network are offering virtual practice in multiple languages and are willing to include practitioners from outside their immediate sanghas. Please see this page of our website for a complete listing.
Centers and groups from around our global network are offering virtual practice in multiple languages and are willing to include practitioners from outside their immediate sanghas. Please see this page of our website for a complete listing.
Are we reaching you?
Do we have the best and most current contact information for you? If you've changed your e-mail address or moved to a new place of residence, or if we've never had complete information about how to reach you, it's time to update your record. Please take a moment to go here to send us the contact information you'd like us to use. We'll check it against your current record and update as needed. Don't miss any of the upcoming communications from Sanshin -- update your info today!
Do we have the best and most current contact information for you? If you've changed your e-mail address or moved to a new place of residence, or if we've never had complete information about how to reach you, it's time to update your record. Please take a moment to go here to send us the contact information you'd like us to use. We'll check it against your current record and update as needed. Don't miss any of the upcoming communications from Sanshin -- update your info today!
Gifts of financial support
Whether as a practitioner, a financial supporter, a listener/reader or simply as an interested friend, Sanshin welcomes you to our international sangha. Like all nonprofit organizations, Sanshin depends on the generous offerings of those whose lives are helped by the work it does. Visit this page to set up a monthly donation or make a one-time gift online, or download a form to use when giving by check.
Community give-back programs
Designating Sanshin Zen Community as the recipient of give-back programs is a painless way to provide funding support simply by making your usual purchases!
Amazon Smile: Instead of going to Amazon's regular homepage, go to Amazon Smile and sign into your Amazon account. Choose Sanshin Zen Community as your charity, and .05% of what you spend will come to us. Remember, only purchases at smile.amazon.com (not www.amazon.com or the mobile app) support Sanshin.
CharityCharge: If you're in the market for a new Mastercard, consider getting it here and joining the friends of Sanshin who have designated us as their nonprofit beneficiary. One percent of what you spend will come to us.
Kroger: If you shop at Kroger with a Plus card, your regular purchases of groceries and household goods can provide financial support for Sanshin. Create or sign in to your Kroger account, enroll in Kroger Community Rewards® with your card, and choose Sanshin as your organization. Every time you shop and swipe your card, a percentage of what you spend will come to us. Fifteen households are already participating on Sanshin's behalf.
Employer giving programs
Friends of Sanshin who work at companies like Google and Adobe are providing regular financial support through payroll deduction and employer gift-matching programs. Check with your employer's human resources or community relations department to see whether giving opportunities like these are available at your workplace.
Whether as a practitioner, a financial supporter, a listener/reader or simply as an interested friend, Sanshin welcomes you to our international sangha. Like all nonprofit organizations, Sanshin depends on the generous offerings of those whose lives are helped by the work it does. Visit this page to set up a monthly donation or make a one-time gift online, or download a form to use when giving by check.
Community give-back programs
Designating Sanshin Zen Community as the recipient of give-back programs is a painless way to provide funding support simply by making your usual purchases!
Amazon Smile: Instead of going to Amazon's regular homepage, go to Amazon Smile and sign into your Amazon account. Choose Sanshin Zen Community as your charity, and .05% of what you spend will come to us. Remember, only purchases at smile.amazon.com (not www.amazon.com or the mobile app) support Sanshin.
CharityCharge: If you're in the market for a new Mastercard, consider getting it here and joining the friends of Sanshin who have designated us as their nonprofit beneficiary. One percent of what you spend will come to us.
Kroger: If you shop at Kroger with a Plus card, your regular purchases of groceries and household goods can provide financial support for Sanshin. Create or sign in to your Kroger account, enroll in Kroger Community Rewards® with your card, and choose Sanshin as your organization. Every time you shop and swipe your card, a percentage of what you spend will come to us. Fifteen households are already participating on Sanshin's behalf.
Employer giving programs
Friends of Sanshin who work at companies like Google and Adobe are providing regular financial support through payroll deduction and employer gift-matching programs. Check with your employer's human resources or community relations department to see whether giving opportunities like these are available at your workplace.