Sanshin Zen Community redesign
  • Home
  • Hispanohablante
  • Francophone
  • Deutschsprachige
  • Contact

Sangha News for April 2022

4/15/2022

 

Spring crimson penetrating all minds

Shohaku Okumura
Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (52)
Spring Crimson Penetrating All Minds

In both arousing the mind and the ultimate stage,
how do we practice fully?
Engaging these two minds like this
is the style of buddha ancestors.
Forgetting self and freeing others
with the strength of merit and virtue,
My homeland’s spring color, peach blossom crimson.


​
It is difficult or almost impossible for us new and immature bodhisattvas to practice, if we think that we are the only bodhisattva and that all others are the beings we have to save. But if we think all others are also bodhisattvas, and others are also living in the same spirit, and I am one of the living beings for other bodhisattvas to help and support, then it is not such a difficult thing to live in such a spirit. This world becomes the world of helping and supporting each other. The basic teaching of Mahāyāna Buddhism is that we are living in the network of interconnectedness; we are all connected and supporting each other. 
​READ MORE
​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi: Spring crimson penetrating all minds
  • Practice recap: Standard morning schedule reinstated; Okumura Roshi's talk for Italy; spring opens with work day
  • Other news: Pilot residential program underway; opportunity for board service; preparations for 100th anniversary
  • Coming up: Buddha's birthday; Hoko on Dogen's three aspects of sangha;  virtual genzo-e, June sesshin with Shodo Spring, Shoji workshop with Issan Koyama
  • Sanshin Network: Ordination in Colombia; German language dharma discussion

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!
Picture
Picture

Practice recap

Standard morning schedule reinstated:  With the start of the ango (practice period) on April 4 we returned to the pre-pandemic morning schedule, which begins at 5 am and includes two periods of zazen, liturgy, a reading from the Shobogenzo Zuimonki and soji (cleanup).  We've also retired the Enmei Jukku Kannongyo and pandemic eko from the morning service.

Okumura Roshi's talk for Italy:  His talk on Dogen's poetry as an expression of his insight into the dharma was given as part of a larger virtual conference on "Zen as an idea of life and art."  A recording of the entire event is available here; Okumura Roshi's talk begins at 1:51:02.   The conference closed a cycle of three international meetings promoted in the city of Florence and sponsored by Buddhist Union Italy to discuss Zen and topics related to doctrine, literature, poetry, and art.
Picture

Spring opens with work day:  Following a few dharma words from Hosshin, practitioners went to work to cut bamboo, clean up the moss garden, thoroughly clean the zendo and kitchen and modify kitchen shelves.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Other news

PictureSawyer, Kikuko and Issan
Pilot residential program underway: Three residential practitioners are now in place and will engage in a full-day schedule for the duration of the ango.  The rented building next to Sanshin, formerly used for short term guest accommodations, is now devoted to residential practice.  Sawyer from Bloomington and Kikuko and Issan from New York have two areas of activity during this pilot; in addition to participating in all of the practice activities happening at Sanshin and undertaking their own projects, they're helping to create and develop the residential practice program by actually living that life on a trial basis, building systems and making suggestions for the future.  Issan is serving as shuso for the ango, Kikuko is training with Yuko as a dharma sewing teacher, and Sawyer is coordinating the residential practice committee of Sanshin's board that's determining policy and procedures for the program.  Sanshin is not yet taking applications for future residents and hasn't determined a timeline for establishing an intake process; that information will be posted as it becomes available.


Picture
Opportunity for board service:  Board president Mark Fraley is interested in talking with those considering becoming directors for the upcoming three-year term.  "Sanshin's board of directors continues to collaborate with clergy, staff, and practice leaders to make practice opportunities available to more and more people while doing our best to ensure the health and safety of our sangha.  With residents on site and more activity in our zendo, we're making steady progress in meeting our key strategic priorities.  However, we do need more people to be part of our efforts!  This July, we will be holding our annual board retreat in Bloomington where we welcome new directors.  If you have skills in outreach, communication, development, or management and want to offer your abilities in the service of the dharma, please email me."


Preparations for 100th anniversary:  Hoko made a road trip to Gyobutsuji in Arkansas to work with Sanshin network member Shoryu Bradley on preparations for the 100th anniversary events for Soto Zen in North America, set for next November in Los Angeles.  Okumura Roshi will be lecturing on the precepts, Hoko will serve as ino for the five days of ceremonies, and Shoryu will serve as fukuetsu (assistant ino).  Shoryu will make a visit to Sanshin later this month for several more days of work with Hoko on the event, and both will be in Los Angeles in June for rehearsals with the rest of the leadership team.
Picture
Hoko, Gyobutsuji resident practitioner Matthew, and Shoryu
Picture

Coming up

Picture
Buddha's birthday April 17: We've pushed our observance of Buddha's birthday back one week from the usual calendar to allow for a work day on April 10.  Following Issan's dharma talk, we'll hold a chanting service with a special eko followed by a potluck lunch.
Picture

Virtual genzo-e: Shobogenzo Bussho (part 1) with Shohaku Okumura (May 5 - 9):  Deep study of Dogen Zenji’s teachings as a means of truly understanding the practice of regular intensive shikantaza is one of the three elements of Sanshin's mission. It's an antidote to the "Zen sickness" described in the "Zazenshin" fascicle of his Shobogenzo. That danger can come with doing a lot of sitting with gaining mind—searching for a peak experience or some personal benefit. Thus dharma study is not an end in itself but assists our sitting practice. As our ancestor Kodo Sawaki Roshi often said, "All Buddhist scriptures are only footnotes to zazen."  Read more and register here.
Picture

Picture
June sesshin with Shodo Spring:  ​Sesshin at Sanshin is an opportunity to practice without distraction.  We set aside the usual activities -- or entertainments -- of temple life, like work periods, meetings with teachers and dharma talks, and focus completely on zazen.  We practice in complete silence following a 4 am to 8 pm daily schedule that consists simply of thirteen 50-minute periods of zazen with one-hour periods for meals and a bit of personal time.  This sesshin-without-toys style of practice was created by our founder's teacher, Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, and practiced at Antaji in Kyoto, Japan.  We carry on and offer this tradition of our lineage here at Sanshin. 

Shodo Spring is a dharma heir of Shohaku Okumura and is a member of Sanshin's board of directors.  She sits monthly Antaiji-style sesshins in the tradition of her lineage, leads an informal study group, and occasionally gives talks and retreats at other temples. She founded Mountains and Waters Alliance in Minnesota, a part of the Sanshin Network, to work together with all beings for the welfare of the whole earth. She lives on a farm, apprenticing herself to the plants, waters, animals and earth, learning to be human, and she spends time with her children and grandchildren.  Read more and register here.


Shoji (Life-Death) workshop with Issan Koyama (June 25): At this time of isolation, doubt, and grief, learning from Buddha’s and Dōgen’s teachings, we explore a way to connection, trust, and healing.  In this one-day workshop, we alternate supportive Buddhist texts readings, including Shōbōgenzō Shōji – Life-Death, and exercises to share our experiences.  Read more and register here.
Picture
Picture

Sanshin Network

Ordination in Colombia: Densho reports that he's ordained a new novice at Soto Zen Community of Colombia.  "We had a short sesshin and tokudo for one of our sangha members.  It is always a happy event to have a newborn monk."
Picture
Picture

Picture
German language dharma discussion group:  Kyoku Lutz of the Frühlingsmond Zendo in Hannover, Germany, is starting a monthly discussion group via Zoom to anyone interested in practicing the use of the German language.  "Whatever continent you live or practice on, please get in touch if you are interested in meeting other practitioners through the German language.  No one needs to be able to speak perfect German: If nothing else works, we simply switch temporarily to English!  We will introduce each other to our daily practice, get to know new books and much more.  One idea is also to read together the freshly published translation of The Wholehearted Way by Uchiyama Roshi and translated by Shohaku Okumura (in German, Bendowa - Weg ohne Wahl) and published by Lotus-Press Verlag, 2022.  Together we will find a fixed date and time that suits the needs of the participants!"

Deutschsprachiger Gesprächskreis rund um die Praxis unserer Tradition!
Rev. Kyoku B. Lutz vom Frühlingsmond Zendo Hannover, Deutschland, bietet allen
Interessierten, die sich im Gebrauch der deutschen Sprache üben wollen, einmal im Monat
eine Gesprächsrunde via Zoom an:
Auf welchem Kontinent ihr auch lebt/praktiziert: Bitte meldet euch, wenn ihr Interesse
daran habt, andere Praktizierende mittels der deutschen Sprache kennenzulernen! Niemand
muss perfekt Deutsch sprechen können: Wenn gar nichts mehr geht, wechseln wir einfach
vorübergehend ins Englische!
Wir werden uns gegenseitig unseren Praxisalltag vorstellen, neue Bücher kennenlernen und
vieles mehr.
Eine Idee ist es auch, gemeinsam die frisch erschienene Übersetzung von THE
WHOLEHEARTED WAY – A Translation of Eihei Dogen ́s Bendowa, With
Commentary by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi mit einer Einführung von Shohaku
Okumura Roshi
zu lesen, die auf Deutsch Bendowa – Weg ohne Wahl heißt und im
Lotus-Press Verlag, 2022 erschienen ist.
Wir werden gemeinsam einen festen Termin und eine Uhrzeit finden, die den Bedürfnissen
der Teilnehmenden gerecht wird!
Kontakt
Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.

Sangha News for March 2022

3/15/2022

 

The wheel of food and the wheel of dharma

Shohaku Okumura
Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (51)
A Wooden Ladle Striking in the Place We Cannot Avoid


Yunmen’s every-atom samādhi can turn into
both the wheel of food and the wheel of Dharma.
Bring a full container and fill the [monks’] bowls.
The World-Honored One’s confirmation [of the tenzo’s practice] has been employed, and yet is fresh.


“The wheel of food” is a translation of jikirin (食輪) and “the wheel of Dharma” is horin (法輪). Of course, “dharma wheel” is Buddha’s teachings as the expressions of the Dharma he awakened to. It seems the word jikirin was originally used in the Vinaya. When a monastery was established, two important aspects were how to turn the dharma wheel and how to maintain the monastic community as an administration. In the common usage of these terms, often the aspects of turning the dharma wheel and administration are considered to be two separate aspects of monastic life, which sometimes contradict each other. If the abbot is tough and the practice style is strict in order to keep the pure dharma wheel turning, not many monks stay at the monastery, and the monastery may also lose the support of lay people. In order to keep the wheel of food turning extensively, the abbot needs to be popular with lay society such as the emperor, aristocrats, high-class government officers, rich merchants, etc. To do so, the monastery may need to hold popular events or ceremonies for lay supporters; then sincere monks may leave the monastery.

But here, Dōgen is saying that in the tenzo’s work, both the wheel of food and the wheel of dharma are being turned simultaneously. These two wheels are not contradictory at all.  READ MORE
​​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi: The wheel of food and the wheel of dharma
  • Practice recap: March sesshin for Uchiyana Roshi
  • Coming up: Experiencing Zen, ango, morning practice schedule change, virtual genzo-e, June sesshin with Shodo Spring, Shoji workshop with Issan Koyama
  • Sanshin Network: German translation of The Wholehearted Way
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!
Picture

Practice recap

Picture
March sesshin in honor of Uchiyama Roshi:  Eight practitioners participated in person and several more joined the sesshin virtually.  Sesshin ended on Uchiyama Roshi's memorial day with a dharma talk from Okumura Roshi and a brief chanting service.  Uchiyama Roshi is one of the most important influences on Sanshin's practice today.  For links to works by and about him, go to this page. 

Picture

Coming up

Ango (practice period) set for April 4 - July 4:  Ango, or practice period, is an opportunity to focus a bit more intensively on our practice and perhaps to make a commitment to ourselves to stretch a little -- to sit a little more, attend a little more frequently, learn something new or take on a particular activity.  We invite you to consider how you might deepen your practice during this time.

During ango we have the additional leadership of a shuso, or head novice, who takes on various responsibilities in the sangha as an opportunity to develop clergy skills.  Our shuso for this ango is Issan Koyama from New York.  His theme for the ango is Two sides of reality in one action.  He will be supporting our practice and we will be supporting his growth as a leader.  Issan will be giving a series of 10 Sunday talks, leading a one-day workshop, serving as doshi for monthly World Peace ceremonies, serving as ino for monthly ryaku fusatsu ceremonies, assisting with sesshin and retreats, and serving the sangha in myriad other ways while he's in residence here.  In June, we will recognize the coming completion of his term as shuso with two ceremonies in which he will demonstrate his dharma mastery to the sangha and his readiness to teach and serve independently.  More information about the ango will be available shortly on our website.
Please note that as of April 4, the first day of the ango (practice period), we will return to our standard morning schedule:

5:10 am  Zazen
6:00 am  Kinhin
6:10 am  Zazen
7:00 am  Robe chant
7:05 am  Service
7:30 am  Reading from Shobogenzo Zuimonki, announcements, soji (cleanup)
​7:45 am  Bow out

Picture
Experiencing Zen: An Introduction to the Basics (begins April 4, 7 pm):  We'll explore what Zen Buddhism is really all about, beginning with the central ideas of Buddhism itself and moving on to the teachings and practices particular to its Zen form. Class will include instruction in sitting practice (zazen) and walking practice (kinhin), as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. Enthusiastic participants in this class from previous years went on to form a zazen/book discussion group that is still meeting today.  Class is taught by Doju Layton at Ivy Tech Community College.  Complete information is here.

Virtual genzo-e: Shobogenzo Bussho (part 1) with Shohaku Okumura (May 5 - 9):  Deep study of Dogen Zenji’s teachings as a means of truly understanding the practice of regular intensive shikantaza is one of the three elements of Sanshin's mission. It's an antidote to the "Zen sickness" described in the "Zazenshin" fascicle of his Shobogenzo. That danger can come with doing a lot of sitting with gaining mind—searching for a peak experience or some personal benefit. Thus dharma study is not an end in itself but assists our sitting practice. As our ancestor Kodo Sawaki Roshi often said, "All Buddhist scriptures are only footnotes to zazen."  Read more and register here.
Picture

Picture
June sesshin with Shodo Spring:  ​Sesshin at Sanshin is an opportunity to practice without distraction.  We set aside the usual activities -- or entertainments -- of temple life, like work periods, meetings with teachers and dharma talks, and focus completely on zazen.  We practice in complete silence following a 4 am to 8 pm daily schedule that consists simply of thirteen 50-minute periods of zazen with one-hour periods for meals and a bit of personal time.  This sesshin-without-toys style of practice was created by our founder's teacher, Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, and practiced at Antaji in Kyoto, Japan.  We carry on and offer this tradition of our lineage here at Sanshin. 

Shodo Spring is a dharma heir of Shohaku Okumura and is a member of Sanshin's board of directors.  She sits monthly Antaiji-style sesshins in the tradition of her lineage, leads an informal study group, and occasionally gives talks and retreats at other temples. She founded Mountains and Waters Alliance in Minnesota, a part of the Sanshin Network, to work together with all beings for the welfare of the whole earth. She lives on a farm, apprenticing herself to the plants, waters, animals and earth, learning to be human, and she spends time with her children and grandchildren.  Read more and register here.


Shoji (Life-Death) workshop with Issan Koyama (June 25): At this time of isolation, doubt, and grief, learning from Buddha’s and Dōgen’s teachings, we explore a way to connection, trust, and healing.  In this one-day workshop, we alternate supportive Buddhist texts readings, including Shōbōgenzō Shōji – Life-Death, and exercises to share our experiences.  Read more and register here.
Picture
Picture

Sanshin Network

Picture
A German translation of The Wholehearted Way is now available, produced by a team headed by Kyoku Lutz of the Fruhlingsmond Zendo in Hannover.  Eihei Dogen’s Bendowa, or A Talk on the Wholehearted Practice of the Way, was written in 1231 A.D. and expresses his teaching of the essential meaning of zazen (seated meditation).

Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.

Sangha News for February 2022

2/15/2022

 

Bathing with the baby Buddha

Shohaku Okumura
Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (50)
Bathing with the Baby Buddha 
Our Buddha Tathagata was born today,
and at once took seven steps in all ten directions.
Who knows that with each step he gave birth to many buddhas?
These buddhas are simply transmitting today’s voice.


Without Shakyamuni’s birth, leaving home, practice, awakening, turning the dharma wheel, and entering nirvāṇa, there would be no such tradition called Buddhism. Then it would not have been possible for us to study and practice today. The Buddha’s practice from his birth enables us to practice today. On the other hand, if no one had become his disciple and continued his practice and teaching, the Buddhist tradition would not exist. Without our practice here and now, the Buddha’s and ancestors’ practice and awakening are only records in the Buddhist scriptures. Even though our practice is incomplete, our practice is the only way Buddha’s life continues.   READ MORE

​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi: Bathing with the baby Buddha
  • Practice recap: Introduction to Dogen retreat; Nirvana Day observed
  • Other news:  Digital archive initiative announced; interview for website project
  • Coming up: March sesshin, Experiencing Zen, ango, morning practice schedule change
  • Sanshin Network: Gyobutsuji looks back on 10 years; books in translation; Densho in Buddhistdoor
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!
Picture

Practice recap

Picture
Introduction to Dogen retreat:  A winter storm covered Bloomington in dangerous ice and then topped it off with a layer of snow just as the retreat was set to begin, and those who had been planning to participate in person were told to stay home, stay safe and join the virtual participants online.  On that basis, the retreat went on as planned and Hoko gave four of her five talks from home, awaiting safer road conditions before returning to Sanshin for the final day.  More than two dozen practitioners heard the talks and a smaller number participated in zazen.  It was the first time the retreat had been given since the pandemic shutdown two years ago, and the first time it was led by Hoko, with the support of Hosshin and Doju.

Picture
Nirvana Day observed:  The sangha honored Shakyamuni's passage into Nirvana on a Sunday morning with zazen, a talk by Okumura Roshi, a chanting service that included the Heart Sutra and the Verse of Homage to Buddha's Relics, and a potluck lunch, the first since the pandemic shutdown.  Okumura Roshi's talk will shortly be available on our YouTube channel.

Picture

Other news

Picture
from the Dogen Institute:
Digital Archive Initiative announced
David Thompson, Director

 
How many of us have happily clicked on a link to one of Hojo-san’s or Hoko’s Sunday talks on YouTube, or clicked on a link to the DI website to read a poem and its commentary, or picked up one of Hojo-san’s many books that delve into Dōgen? I think the answer is – probably – all of us.

All of these works of practice, study, and scholarship have digital lives, and the files themselves, or their progenitors, reside on a number of different platforms within the digital universe. Dōgen Institute takes primary responsibility for these digital repositories, helping directly or indirectly with the upload, maintenance, and documentation of thousands of files.

We are acutely aware of the value of these files. They represent decades of concerted effort by Hojo-san, Hoko, and their dharma heirs.  As Hojo-san nears his transition to the Founding Teacher role, it is more than appropriate to spend time and effort to assure that these files can continue to be accessed on into the future.

To that end, we are forming a group to address the long-term challenges and opportunities of the digital archive. We are looking for a group of people who have skills and experience with digital archives, libraries, digital interfaces, technology, and library-like distribution systems. The group we gather will be taking a look at the following topics:
  • Determine how the archive will be preserved into the foreseeable future.
  • Determine how to preserve and protect digital rights for the archive.
  • Determine how and by whom the archive will be administered.
  • Determine how the archive will be accessed.
  • Determine needs and procure funding for the chosen solution.

During this engagement, we expect to be exploring possibilities such as partnering with a university, partnering with a company (either profit or not-for-profit), or continuing to tend to the archive ourselves.  While a physical archive is not yet included in scope for this initiative, the group will examine issues that may be in common with the digital archive. The possibility of a physical archive will be addressed in conjunction with our facilities and our development committees.  If you have experience in these areas as a librarian, an archivist, or as a technologist, I urge you to reach out to me.  These files represent a precious legacy to which Sanshin holds a digital key. If you have the skills, please consider offering them toward this wonderful initiative.


Picture
Interview for website project:  Okumura Roshi was interviewed for the final segments of a project produced by Interior Mythos Journeys.  He was previously interviewed several years ago about a variety of topics related to practice and spiritual life.  Videographer Maryellen May explained, "The cinematic art forms of Interior Mythos Journeys express the converging deep currents of East and West. Interior Mythos Journeys delivers timeless, universal, and changeless depth messages to inform contemporary personal practice. The Life Journeys series of Interior Mythos Journeys, in which segments from Abbot Okumura's interviews appear, is designed to support solitary depth inquiry and substantive group discussion using universal language and a quantum scientific worldview. Please access this material here or here."  We'll spread the word when the newest interview becomes available.   

Picture

Coming up

Picture
March sesshin in honor of Uchiyama Roshi (10 - 13):  Uchiyama Roshi's memorial day is March 13.  We will sit in recognition of  the very important role our founder's teacher has played in the development of the practice we carry out at Sanshin today.  The sesshin will end with a talk by Okumura Roshi about his teacher and a chanting service.  More information about in-personal participation for local practitioners and virtual participation for others is here.


Picture
Experiencing Zen: An Introduction to the Basics (begins April 4, 7 pm):  We'll explore what Zen Buddhism is really all about, beginning with the central ideas of Buddhism itself and moving on to the teachings and practices particular to its Zen form. Class will include instruction in sitting practice (zazen) and walking practice (kinhin), as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. Enthusiastic participants in this class from previous years went on to form a zazen/book discussion group that is still meeting today.  Class is taught by Doju Layton at Ivy Tech Community College.  Complete information is here.


Picture
Ango (practice period) set for April 4 - July 4:  Ango, or practice period, is an opportunity to focus a bit more intensively on our practice and perhaps to make a commitment to ourselves to stretch a little -- to sit a little more, attend a little more frequently, learn something new or take on a particular activity.  We invite you to consider how you might deepen your practice during this time.

During ango we have the additional leadership of a shuso, or head novice, who takes on various responsibilities in the sangha as an opportunity to develop clergy skills.  Our shuso for this ango is Issan Koyama from New York.  His theme for the ango is Two sides of reality in one action.  He will be supporting our practice and we will be supporting his growth as a leader.  Issan will be giving a series of 10 Sunday talks, leading a one-day workshop, serving as doshi for monthly World Peace ceremonies, serving as ino for monthly ryaku fusatsu ceremonies, assisting with sesshin and retreats, and serving the sangha in myriad other ways while he's in residence here.  In June, we will recognize the coming completion of his term as shuso with two ceremonies in which he will demonstrate his dharma mastery to the sangha and his readiness to teach and serve independently.  More information about the ango will be available shortly on our website.


Please note that as of April 4, the first day of the ango (practice period), we will return to our standard morning schedule:
Picture
5:10 am  Zazen
6:00 am  Kinhin
6:10 am  Zazen
7:00 am  Robe chant
7:05 am  Service
7:30 am  Reading from Shobogenzo Zuimonki, announcements, soji (cleanup)
​7:45 am  Bow out

Picture

Sanshin Network

Picture
Gyobutsuji looks back on 10 years
Shoryu Bradley
​

The other day as Monty, Gyobutsuji’s longtime canine resident, and I were taking our daily morning walk during a cold, snowy, cloudless morning, I thought of how our long, occasionally steep driveway, winding through the remote Ozark mountain woods of Northwest Arkansas, probably didn’t look much different than it had in on a similar icy morning back in in January 2012, soon after I had moved to my then new home. I’m pretty sure at that time I admired the sun as it sparkled through the ice-laden branches and glistened up from the fresh, pristine blanket of snow on the ground, just as I did as I walked on this January morning of 2022.

It almost seems like yesterday that I was struggling with a friend to unload, from my poor 1980 VW Rabbit, the 200 lb portable generator I had brought up from Texas to charge our solar electric system. This was during the winter previous to the one in which three different snowstorms left me stranded, since I didn’t yet have a four wheel drive vehicle to navigate the snow and ice on our steep drive. Needless to say, I was probably less able to enjoy the wintery beauty of our driveway that particular January, but I was so appreciative when my neighbors (who live several miles down the nearest county road) offered to take me along on a grocery run into town.

continue Reading about gyobutsuji's 10th anniversary
We haven’t had a large number of people come to Gobutsuji, but I’m actually amazed at the number who have, considering our remote location and the intensive style of our practice. I have enjoyed connecting with and getting to know each person who arrives, especially in that intimate way that only zazen practice can foster. I’ve also enjoyed living in this forest of tall old oaks, hickories, and many other species of trees. I feel so fortunate to fall asleep at night listening to the chirping of the spring peeper frogs in April and the call of the katydids in late September. At those times it almost feels as if I have lived here all my life. 

I remember first considering helping to establish a place to do sesshins back in the mid-2000’s while practicing at Sanshinji. It seemed like something I could do and enjoy, and perhaps it would be a way to make a truly wholesome offering to the world. I was developing a deep appreciation for the style of sesshin we do in Okumura Roshi’s lineage, and I wanted to help make it possible for others to participate in this practice. Although I used to jokingly speak of sesshin as “entering the black hole,” eventually I began to consider it a refuge and the foundation of stability in my life.

So Gyobutsuji was established with the intention of supporting others in the practice of zazen and sesshin. Often when we consider the development of a practice center, we use some kind of relative means to measure that development, such as the growth in numbers of those attending practice events and perhaps what sorts of improvements have been made to the physical practice space. Here at Gyobutsuji, we have seen some growth in these ways, and I am really grateful for that. Yet we are still a very small community, and in fact most of the practice I did here during my first six or seven years was solitary. But even during those times, I felt if even one or a few people were sitting zazen as a result of my effort here, things were OK. I felt my vow was being expressed and I was making an offering to the Dharma. 

But something happened here in 2019 that prompted me to deeply question that thinking. A person came to live at Gyobutsuji who, it seemed to me, was a person genuinely seeking to study the self and make an offering of sincere practice. But after living here for six weeks, she had a severe asthma attack triggered by the high pollen levels of our woodland location. Our only option at that moment was to make the 45-minute drive to the nearest hospital, since it would undoubtedly take much longer for an ambulance to get here. Yet tragically, she passed away before we arrived.

To be honest, for quite a while I thought I might never speak publicly about this event, because it just seemed so inappropriate to talk of such a thing in terms of how it affected me. Someone had lost her very life —what I felt and experienced around that event seemed so very minor in comparison. And I also thought I would never be able to “make sense of it” in a way that would
enable me to integrate it into my “life narrative” and speak about it sensibly.

But I did begin speaking about the event some months ago, because at some point it began feeling almost dishonest not to do so. At times when I was speaking of the dharma, I worried I might be hiding out or holding back by not talking about something that had such a profound impact on my life. So as I began to consider what I would write about in this article, at some point it became clear I would have to write about this event, even though I can find no way to clarify its meaning or present it in some positive or uplifting way.

So, I have to say that my faith in my life direction was severely shaken by this event. How could it be, that a person had come to Gyobusuji with an apparently sincere intention to practice, and that intention, along with the results of efforts I made to establish a practice place devoted to zazen, had resulted in her death? There was and is no way to make sense of this in terms of the narrative I had created about my life direction and bodhisattva vows.  

Honestly, all I could think to do after her death was to just keep going, just keep sitting and practicing the best I could. Somehow I think this is the only way I can honor my student’s memory and my own feelings of grief, loss and doubt. During many sesshins following her death, the emotions and thoughts arising around this event were very intense. I shed many tears and many doubts arose about myself and my practice. But somehow by the end of each sesshin, these difficult emotions had lost their grip on me, and I would feel peace and acceptance. But the feelings would always eventually return, and they continue to ebb and flow to this day. They have lessened in intensity and frequency, but I imagine they will always be with me to some degree, though I will continue to practice with them. I don’t expect or endeavor, really, to ever be free of them. I don’t aspire to be free of her memory. I know she will always be part of my life now, and I accept and welcome that.

As I considered how to write about this event, this line about zazen from Dogen Zenji’s Bendowa kept coming to mind:
The melodious sound continues to resonate as it echoes, not only during sitting practice, but before and after striking sunyata, which continues endlessly before and after a hammer hits it [Okumura Roshi's translation].  
Somehow this line made sense to me in a way it hadn’t before. It was as if all I could do to honor my dead student was to just keep sitting, so that the melodious sound of her practice would keep echoing through zazen. If I quit practicing or supporting practice for others, her death might be part of a set of conditions that inhibited practice and the relief of suffering in this world.

This understanding, however, frankly does not alleviate the doubt and grief I associate with this event. Yet it helps me to continue practicing with that doubt and grief, as the contents of my life.  By accepting them, honoring them, and practicing with them, we can mostly coexist peacefully; it’s as if I and the difficult thoughts and emotions have come to some sort of a “live and let live” agreement of mutual acceptance. At least that is how it feels for now.

So for the foreseeable future, I plan to continue sitting amidst the maples, oaks, and hickories, amidst the drumming of the woodpeckers calling out from hollow logs, amidst my sorrow and grief, and amidst my joy. I and Gyobutsuji’s fellow practitioners will continue gratefully, with so many of you who support our practice here, sitting within this Dharma Realm that dwells beyond our thoughts and heals beyond our understanding.​

Picture
Books in translation:  Practitioners in Italy will shortly be able to acquire Okumura Roshi's book on the Mountains and Waters Sutra in Italian.  The translation was done by Michel Gauvain in collaboration with Doryu Cappelli and Gyoetsu Epifania of Centro Zen Anshin in Rome.

Also, Boundless Vows, Endless Practice is now available in Spanish.  For the celebration of Sanshin's 15th anniversary, Okumura Roshi and ten of his dharma descendants from around the world presented a series of writings about taking the Bodhisattva vows and carrying them out in the 21st century.
Picture

Picture
Densho in Buddhistdoor:  The online manazine's Spanish edition features a two-part interview with Densho Quintero on Buddhism and social action.  "From the perspective of individual reality we are completely independent; but from the perspective of absolute reality we are completely interdependent. We cannot be outside of that reality, nothing exists outside of absolute reality. Thus, our individual actions, from the deep understanding of the practice, have repercussions on the entire universe and, through that awareness and that intention that we give to our actions, we can help to release the suffering of others. That is the profound meaning of the social action we are talking about."  Read the complete interview here.
Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.

Sangha News for January 2022

1/14/2022

 

Sitting with Eyes Open in the Flames of the World

Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (49)
Sitting with Eyes Open in the Flames of the World

Shohaku Okumura


The buddha ancestors transmit zazen facing the wall,

Which is not the same as the meditation of the two vehicles or those out-side the way.
The eye that sees before anything happens can open before anything happens,
Just like the lotus blossom in flames in the twelfth month.


Rujing said that because of their compassion, buddha-ancestors practice zazen within the world of desire. Dōgen expresses this same zazen as a lotus blossom in flames. “In flames” refers to the burning house of samsara, the world of desire. As a bodhisattva, we don’t escape from the burning house, but practice zazen right there. This is an expression of no-abiding nirvāṇa (mujūsho nehan, 無住処涅槃) of bodhisattvas, who do not stay in samsara because of wisdom but do not enter nirvāṇa because of compassion.

In our zazen we don’t negate our discriminative thinking. Samsara is still there, but we just let thoughts come and go without grasping, fighting against, or eliminating them. We don’t take any action based on them. The thoughts are not “my” thoughts as objects of my mind.   READ MORE


​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi: Sitting with eyes open in the flames of the world
  • Practice recap: January sesshin
  • Other news:  Event coordinator hired; secure storage space needed for valuable tapes; fund appeal -- it's not too late
  • Coming up: Introduction to Dogen retreat, March sesshin, Experiencing Zen
  • Sanshin Network: New Year greetings from Colombia

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!
Picture

Practice recap

Picture
January sesshin:  Eight people braved bitterly cold winter temperatures to participate in person in some or all of the year's first practice event.  Practitioners sat for three days in complete silence, shared communal meals, and were joined by the rest of the regular sangha on Sunday for Okumura Roshi's dharma talk. 
Picture

Other news

Picture
Event coordinator hired:  Doju Layton has become Sanshin's event coordinator, with responsibilities for providing logistical support for genzo-e and other practice events.  He will also be taking on some of the administrative work previously carried out by Hoko; she'll be redirecting that time to teaching and writing.  In addition to his new staff responsibilities, Doju will continue to carry out his activities related to groundskeeping and environmental sustainability, welcoming and orienting new practitioners, and his own training as a novice.  This spring he will also being teaching Sanshin's Experiencing Zen course within Ivy Tech Community College's continuous learning program.  Learn more about Doju here and here.


Picture
Secure storage space needed for valuable tapes:  One of the primary activities of the Dōgen Institute is looking after Sanshin's digital and physical archives.  Our digital archives are stored away safely on the cloud, but we're now looking for storage space for our physical archives.  These physical archives include one-of-a-kind recordings of lectures by Okumura Roshi on cassette tape as well as recordings of his teacher, Uchiyama Roshi.  Over the years, the Dōgen Institute has worked to raise money and convert these recordings from cassette to digital files in order to preserve them safely, but even after the conversion the original tapes still need to be stored somewhere.

Those who have visited Sanshin in person will already be aware that space is at a premium on the campus.  We're looking for a sangha member who would be willing to store these tapes in a safe, dry, controlled environment until such time as Sanshin Zen Community has a larger library and/or an agreement with a larger institution for their storage.  If you are willing to consider storing these 6 to 8 banker's boxes full of tapes, please contact David Thompson.

Picture
Picture

Fund appeal: it's not too late!  Sanshin's fund appeal will wrap up soon, but there's still time to make a gift of financial support, whether on a one-time or monthly basis.  With your generous support, we have maintained a robust virtual practice community while reopening our temple to local practitioners.  Gifts to our sangha have also enabled us to engage in study and practice through in-person and virtual retreats and to spread the dharma by supporting the works of clergy and friends. For complete information and to make your donation, please go here.  If you've already done so, thank you so much!
Picture
Picture

Coming up

Picture
Introduction to Dogen retreat with Hoko:  Dogen's writings are a lifetime study, and one introductory weekend isn't nearly enough to prepare participants to study the Shobogenzo on their own.  However, this retreat introduces basic elements of Dogen's teaching and provides some grounding in the major themes, the structure of his writing and awareness of the texts he found influential.  While this retreat is not a prerequisite for genzo-e participation, those aspiring to participate in such study may find it helpful.  More information about in-personal participation for local practitioners and virtual participation for others is here.

Picture
March sesshin in honor of Uchiyama Roshi (10 - 13):  Uchiyama Roshi's memorial day is March 13.  We will sit in recognition of  the very important role our founder's teacher has played in the development of the practice we carry out at Sanshin today.  More information about in-personal participation for local practitioners and virtual participation for others is here.

Experiencing Zen: An Introduction to the Basics (begins April 4, 7 pm):  We'll explore what Zen Buddhism is really all about, beginning with the central ideas of Buddhism itself and moving on to the teachings and practices particular to its Zen form. Class will include instruction in sitting practice (zazen) and walking practice (kinhin), as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. Enthusiastic participants in this class from previous years went on to form a zazen/book discussion group that is still meeting today.  Class is taught by Doju Layton at Ivy Tech Community College.  Complete information is here.
Picture
Picture

Sanshin Network

Picture
Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.

Sangha News for December 2021

12/15/2021

1 Comment

 

When will we meet the compassionate Buddha?

Shohaku Okumura
Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (48)
When Will We Meet the Compassionate Buddha?

In Crane Forest with the moon fallen, how could dawn appear?
In Kusi[nagara] flowers wither, and spring is not spring.
Amid love and yearning, what can this confused son do?
I wish to stop these red tears, and join in wholesome action.


“Crane Forest” is a translation of kakurin (鶴林). It is said that at the place of the Buddha’s passing away, there were four twin trees of sāla—together, eight trees surround the Buddha’s death bed. The flowers of those sāla trees suddenly bloom and change their color into white, as if white cranes are flying. Therefore, the place came to be called Crane Forest. In paintings of the Parinirvāna, half of the sāla trees are withered and the leaves have become brown; another half of the tees continue to flourish with green leaves. This shows the impermanence of rupa-body and the eternity of Dharma body. The Buddha’s mother Queen Maya is coming down from the heavens. She wants to offer some medicine, but it seems too late, so she throws the medicine down. But still, it is not in time. Monks, bodhisattvas, lay people, and heavenly beings come to see the Buddha’s passing away. Not only human and heavenly beings, but also all different kinds of living beings gather around the death bed to show their respect and sadness.  READ MORE
​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi: When will we meet the compassionate Buddha?
  • Practice recap: Rohatsu sesshin
  • Other news:  Techinology and facilities committees seeking members, gifts of calligraphy, Sanshin prepares for Sotoshu's 100th anniversary, Okumura Roshi podcast available
  • Coming up: January sesshin, Introduction to Dogen retreat, March sesshin, Experiencing Zen
  • Sanshin Network: Great Wind launches new publication, Austria COVID update, Kyoku helps lead Buddhist women in Germany

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!
Picture

Holiday closures

Please note that Sanshin will be closed for the following holidays and regular practice will not be held.
  • Christmas: Friday, December 24 through Sunday, December 26
  • New Year: Saturday, January 1 through Tuesday, January 4

Practice recap

Picture
Some of the participants in the Rohatsu sesshin, following the midnight service.
Rohatsu sesshin:  Local practitioners returned to the zendo for Rohatsu sesshin, the first relatively normal sesshin held at Sanshin since the pandemic shutdown nearly two years ago.  Participants sat for seven days and concluded by sitting until midnight on the last day and holding a brief chanting service.  Everyone remained masked in accordance with Monroe County mandates.  Since nearly all participants were commuters, returning home each night and arriving again in the morning, the daily schedule was shortened slightly to allow time for both driving and getting adequate sleep.  Virtual participants came and went during the seven days as their lives permitted.
Picture

Other news

PicturePractitioners participate in morning zazen, service and soji both in person and virtually.
Technology and facilities committees seeking members:  Sanshin needs your skills to help us spread the dharma.  We are in particular need of people with technological understanding to help  1) assess hardware and software needs 2) develop new technological tools and leverage existing ones to enhance our infrastructure and 3) store, archive, and maintain works created by Okumura Roshi.  If this meets your skillset, we encourage you to inquire about participating on our technology committee.
 
We also need people to help the sangha make best possible use of its facilities and assess possibilities for expanding our Bloomington campus.  If you have knowledge of architecture, construction, building trades or space planning, we encourage you to enquire about our facilities committee.  

All interested parties are encouraged to reach out to board chair Mark Fraley to find out more information.


Gifts of calligraphy:  Bloomington resident Woody McGee has given several pieces of calligraphy to Sanshin, items he acquired in Japan many years ago.  A large framed copy of the Hannya Shingyo now hangs in the stairway on the way to the zendo.  Additional pieces of cursive calligraphy have also been added to Sanshin's collection.

Sanshin prepares for Sotoshu's 100th anniversary:  Hoko was in Los Angeles for the annual conference of the Association of Soto Zen Buddhists, arriving several days early in order to work with staff there on the jukai ceremony scheduled for next November.  The 5-day event, at which 100 people will receive the precepts, will mark the 100th anniversary of Soto Zen in North America.  Hoko will serve as ino, leading chanting in both shomyo (melodic) and more everyday style.  Shoryu Bradley will serve as assistant ino, Okumura Roshi will give one of the dharma talks, and board members Mark Fraley and Gene Elias will be among those receiving the precepts.  Board member Zuiko Redding will participate, representing her sangha at Cedar Rapids Zen Center, as will Mark Myogen Ahlstrom who maintains dual citizenship, if you will, in both the Cedar Rapids and Sanshin sanghas.
Picture
Hoko serves as ino for the conference's closing ceremony, Photo by Gyokei Yokoyama.

Okumura Roshi podcast available:  Sanshin's founder talked informally with David Chadwick on this podcast in late November.
Picture

Coming up

Picture
January sesshin (6 - 9):  ​Sesshin at Sanshin is an opportunity to practice without distraction.  We set aside the usual activities -- or entertainments -- of temple life, like work periods, meetings with teachers and dharma talks, and focus completely on zazen.  We practice in complete silence following a 4 am to 8 pm daily schedule that consists simply of thirteen 50-minute periods of zazen with one-hour periods for meals and a bit of personal time.  This sesshin-without-toys style of practice was created by our founder's teacher, Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, and practiced at Antaji in Kyoto, Japan.  We carry on and offer this tradition of our lineage here at Sanshin.  More information about in-personal participation for local practitioners and virtual participation for others is here.

Introduction to Dogen retreat with Hoko:  Dogen's writings are a lifetime study, and one introductory weekend isn't nearly enough to prepare participants to study the Shobogenzo on their own.  However, this retreat introduces basic elements of Dogen's teaching and provides some grounding in the major themes, the structure of his writing and awareness of the texts he found influential.  While this retreat is not a prerequisite for genzo-e participation, those aspiring to participate in such study may find it helpful.  More information about in-personal participation for local practitioners and virtual participation for others is here.
Picture
Picture
March sesshin in honor of Uchiyama Roshi (10 - 13):  Uchiyama Roshi's memorial day is March 13.  We will sit in recognition of  the very important role our founder's teacher has played in the development of the practice we carry out at Sanshin today.  More information about in-personal participation for local practitioners and virtual participation for others is here.

Experiencing Zen: An Introduction to the Basics (begins April 4, 7 pm):  We'll explore what Zen Buddhism is really all about, beginning with the central ideas of Buddhism itself and moving on to the teachings and practices particular to its Zen form. Class will include instruction in sitting practice (zazen) and walking practice (kinhin), as well as plenty of time for questions and discussion. Enthusiastic participants in this class from previous years went on to form a zazen/book discussion group that is still meeting today.  Class is taught by Doju Layton at Ivy Tech Community College.  Complete information is here.
Picture
Picture

Sanshin Network

Great Wind launches new publication:  Mark Hotoku Howell reports that the first issue of Midwest Zen is now available online and on paper.  The small magazine was created by Great Wind Zendo in Danville, IN and includes material from Okumura Roshi and from Hoko in this inaugural issue, which also marks the center's seventh anniversary.  Mark observes, "While Zen is Zen, it moves and resides in individuals individually. The practice contains our beliefs, delusions, and actions and invites us to let them all go. That journey is unique for each person and Midwest Zen hopes to share the experiences of a variety of people."
Picture

Picture
Austria COVID update:  Shinko Hagn from Daijihi sends this report of life and practice in Vienna during a time of repeated lockdowns.

We are in the middle of the 5th full lockdown in Vienna for three weeks now, all shops are closed, with the exception of pharmacies and supermarkets. Hotels and restaurants are closed, too. There is a 24/7 curfew, leaving the apartment is allowed only for working, walking, and taking care of relatives. There are a lot of police patrols and high fines.  In addition, compulsory vaccination has been announced for everyone over the age of 14 from February on, the law has already been sent out for assessment.  There will be high fines and prison sentences for those who are not willing to vaccinate.  This 5th lockdown was decided practically overnight and is a real shock for many.   In addition, we have had the 3rd Chancellor (the highest political position) within two months and none of the last two were elected.

This harshness of the measures and the way all of this is communicated is difficult to understand for anybody who does not live in Austria.  This enormous pressure that is built up here does something to everyone, people feel more and more paralyzed, it’s a burden many cannot carry much longer.  I don't know how people can live their lives under these circumstances without practice.  We keep our zendo open, religious practice is allowed and a few courageous people come, too.  Our prison chaplaincy currently consists of phone calls and letter writing.  In addition, we support a constantly growing group of people with guided meditations, which is very helpful for many in this situation.  We try to help wherever we can.

 A time of great challenge, a tremendous practice. 


Kyoku helps lead Buddhist women in Germany:  At a recent meeting of Sakyadhita Germany, Kyoku Lutz of Frühlingsmond Zendo in Hannover was named a member of the advisory board, representing East Asian Chan/Zen.  She will serve with Ayya Phalanyani representing the Theravada tradition and Rev. Vajramala representing Tibetan Buddhism.  Sakyadhita (literally "Daughter of Buddha") aims to unite Buddhist women of various countries and traditions, to promote their welfare, and to facilitate their work for the benefit of humanity. Sakyadhita now has nearly 2,000 members in 45 countries around the world.

Kyoku also notes that during these times of COVID distress, her center is freely open on Tuesdays for silent use from 11 am till 5 pm for those who wish to sit, study and rest.
Picture
Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.
1 Comment

Sangha News for November, 2021

11/15/2021

0 Comments

 

Monkey-mind horse-will

Shohaku Okumura
Picture
​Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (47)
Like a lotus in flames

The sitting cushions of the seven buddhas are now about to be worn through;
The sleeping stick of my former teacher [Tiantong Rujing] has been transmitted.
Eyes and nose should be upright and straight,
Headtop reaching up to the blue sky, and ears aligned above the shoulders.


At Dōgen’s monastery Eiheiji, monks devoted themselves to zazen practice so much that their cushions are almost worn through. He says that their cushions (zafu) have been transmitted from Vipaśyin Buddha, who is the first of the seven buddhas of the past (before Shakyamuni Buddha) as we count back through all of the buddha-ancestors. Of course, it is not the cushion but zazen that has been transmitted. The phrase about sitting cushions being worn through comes from the expression “habuton (破蒲團),” literally, “breaking a cushion.”  READ MORE
Picture

Practice recap

Picture
​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi:  Monkey-mind horse-will
  • Practice recap: Virtual genzo-e, virtual talk on Ryokan
  • Coming up:  Rohatsu sesshin
  • Other news:  Squabbling Squashes reviewed in Lion's Roar, two new board members, hiring event coordinator
  • Sanshin Network: Updates from Colombia, Germany and Switzerland, Italy, Austria

Holiday closures

Please note that Sanshin will be closed for the following holidays and regular practice will not be held.
  • Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26
  • Christmas: Friday, December 24 through Sunday, December 26
  • New Year: Saturday, January 1 through Tuesday, January 4

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!
Virtual genzo-e:  More than fifty participants from around the world attended the virtual genzo-e held during the first week of this month.  Okumura Roshi gave nine lectures on Shobogenzo Baika over the course of five days.  The support team included David Thompson, Nate and Iris Cushman, Misaki Kido, Hoko Karnegis, Issan Koyama and Seigen Hartkemeyer.

Picture
Virtual talk on Ryokan:  Okumura Roshi gave a Saturday morning virtual talk on his latest book, Ryokan Interpreted, for Great Tree Women's Temple in Asheville, NC.  The book remains available from Amazon.

Picture

Coming up

Rohatsu sesshin, November 30 - December 8​
Picture
Rohatsu is one of the three important Buddha days in the annual calendar.  With this sesshin we honor Buddha's awakening under the bodhi tree.  Sesshin at Sanshin is an opportunity to practice without distraction.  We practice in complete silence following a 5 am to 8 pm daily schedule that consists simply of twelve 50-minute periods of zazen with one-hour breaks for meals.  This sesshin-without-toys style of practice was created by our dharma grandfather, Kosho Uchiyama Roshi and practiced at Antaji in Kyoto, Japan, and we carry on and offer this tradition of our lineage here at Sanshin.  Practitioners who live in Bloomington and have been fully vaccinated may register for full days with communal meals, or may drop in for one or more periods of zazen as they wish (no registration or fee).  A virtual look-in option is also available.  Complete information and registration is here. 

Picture

Other news

Squabbling Squashes reviewed in Lion’s Roar:  A review of Squabbling Squashes, the new children’s book from Wisdom Publications based on a story included in Kosho Uchiyama's Opening the Hand of Thought,  is scheduled to appear in the January issue of Lion’s Roar.  “Indiana-based Zen teacher Shohaku Okumura and Zen practitioner and editor Carol Lingman offer a retelling of a traditional Zen story… A gorgeous, colorful picture book illustrated by calligraphist Minette Mangahas, this read is equally light and profound.”  The book remains available for purchase here.
Picture
Picture

PictureCharan Manektala
Two new board members:  Charan Manektala is now serving as Sanshin's treasurer, taking over from Gene Elias.  Charan is a financial planner and a technology instructor at the college level as well as a Sanshin practitioner.  Also joining the board is Michael Kirbie, a student at Indiana University and president of IU’s Buddhist Studies Association.  Read profiles of all of Sanshin's directors here.

There are still opportunities to join Sanshin's committees on fundraising, facilities, technology and residential practice.  Those interested are invited to email Mark Fraley.


Hiring event coordinator:  The event coordinator organizes and supports practice events occurring in-person on campus and/or virtually through online technology (e.g., Zoom) as well as providing logistical support for two to three trips annually by practice leaders and tracking guest occupancy for the dorm.  See the complete posting here.  Deadline for applications is November 19.
Picture

Sanshin Network

Colombia:  Densho Quintero reports that he's just ordained five new novices at La Comunidad Soto Zen de Colombia in Bogota.  Sanshin welcomes the newest additions to the Network.
Picture
Picture
Picture

Picture
Picture
Germany and Switzerland: Two new lay-led sanghas practicing in the Sanshin style have been established as affiliates of Frühlingsmond Zendo in Hannover, Germany.  Kudo Jakob and Kyoshin Nadine have organized a group in the south of Germany near Tettnang or Friedrichshafen; for more information, email them here.  In Zurich, Switzerland, rooftop zazen is organized in the center of the city by Myoko; for more information, email her here.

Italy:  Gyoetsu and Doryu were part of an exhibition called "the Flower Room" during Rome Art Week.  They discussed the newly-released Italian translation of Aoyama Shundo's Hanoujo. The Flowers of Compassion.
Picture

Picture
Austria:  Daijihi Soto Zen Sangha has launched a new website for its 1000 Hands residential project.  The campus will include a temple, community center, housing and cafe, offering residential practice for individuals and families as well as reintegration opportunities for those who need support, such as homeless people or people newly released from prison.
Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.
0 Comments

Sangha News for October 2021

10/14/2021

 

The spring within a cold flower; a heron in the moonlight

Picture
Shohaku Okumura

​Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (46)

Verse on the Fifteenth Day
of the First Month:

The Spring within a Cold Flower

How can white reed flowers covered in snow be defiled by dust?
Who knows that there are many people on the pure earth?
A single plum flower in the cold, with fragrant heart blossoming,
Calls for the arising of spring in the emptiness of the pot of ages


The Fifteenth [Full Moon] Day of the First Month is called jōgen (上元). This is one of the three gen: (元, origin, foundation): jōgen (上元, upper gen–the 15th day of first month), chūgen (中元, middle gen–the 15th day of the 7th month), and kagen (下元, lower gen–the 15th day of the 10th month). In Daoism, these days were celebrated as the birthdays of the three deities. The 15th day of the 1st month has also been celebrated because it is the first full moon day of the year. On the same day in 1251, Dōgen Zenji gave a jōdō (dharma hall discourse) and mentioned that the origin of this day’s celebration is in the mundane world.  READ MORE

Picture

Practice recap

PictureDoryu participates in the seminar from Rome
Okumura Roshi speaks at European seminar:  Sotoshu's European office held its annual seminar this month, focusing on bodhisattva vows and precepts.  Okumura Roshi was one of the virtual speakers, along with Rev. Kenshu Sugawara, associate profession at Aichigakuin University, and Rev. Konjin Godwin, director of the Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Francisco.  Doju Layton provided technical assistance in Bloomington.

October work day:  Following zazen and a brief talk from Hosshin Shoaf, sangha members spent the entire day taking care of the grounds and building exterior.  The work was fueled by lunchtime pizzas donated by Avers Pizza.
Picture
Picture
Picture

Coming up

Virtual dharma talk from Sotoshu:  The denomination will host a talk in English by Rev. Kosai Ikeda on October 19 at 9 pm EDT.  Q&A will follow.  Rev. Ikeda is from Kenryuji in Yamagata and has visited Sanshin in the past to attend genzo-e.  Download the event flyer:
sotoshu_talk.pdf
File Size: 853 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Virtual genzo-e:  Registration is open for the virtual November 4 - 9 genzo-e, in which Okumura Roshi will take up the "Baika" fascicle of the Shobogenzo.  Complete information is here.  

Rohatsu sesshin:  Sanshin will return to a November 30 - December 8 Rohatsu sesshin this year.  Fully vaccinated local practitioners will have the opportunity to practice in the zendo, while out-of-town practitioners who want to follow along from their homes will be able to do so virtually.  Complete information is forthcoming.  Please note that we are not yet encouraging guests to travel to Sanshin.  Public health considerations continue to change, we have no accommodations available, and we have limited human resources to devote to taking care of guests. 
Picture

Other news

Picture
Picture
Two new publications available: 
In Ryokan Interpreted, Okumura Roshi newly translates poems by Ryōkan and provides commentary on Ryōkan’s life and works.  The book includes introductory material by Tonen O'Connor and David Thompson, photos by Hoko Karnegis and original art by Tomon Marr.

Also now available is the Japanese translation of Okumura Roshi's Realizing Genjokoan.  It's a 
comprehensive introduction to the teachings and approach of Dogen Zenji through his important essay, Shobogenzo Genjokoan. 

Video equipment updated:  A new camera and microphones have been installed in the zendo, funded by a grant to the Dogen Institute from the Lenz Foundation.  While the primary objective is to produce high quality recordings of Okumura Roshi's genzo-e talks, the new gear is also being used to make regular zendo practice such as morning zazen and liturgy and Sunday zazen and dharma talks available virtually.  The installation was done by Nate Cushman in consultation with Hosshin Shoaf, who built cabinetry to house the system.
Picture

Picture
From President Mark Fraley:  
This month Sanshin Zen Community’s Board of Directors officially adopted a strategic plan that will enable our sangha to adapt and flourish over the long-term.  The plan’s central elements include 1) the establishment of a residential practice program and 2) positioning Sanshin as a regional dharma center, serving practitioners from Bloomington and the surrounding area.  This plan is the culmination of more than 18 months of collaborative engagement with nonprofit management consultants at TDC in Boston.  The project was funded by a grant from the Still Water Foundation. 

Now comes the real heavy lifting!  We need to raise funds and carry out our work in a skillful, focused way. We are establishing several committees to help care for our sangha over the long-term. If you feel inclined to serve on a team that works on development, facilities, technology, or residential practice, please send me an e-mail. We deeply value your offering and appreciate your support.

Picture

Sanshin Network

Picture
Remembering Kaikyo Roby:  Kyoku Lutz of Frühlingsmond Zendo in Hannover, Germany. tells how Kaikyo's dharma work continues

This photo of the memorial monument at the Universidad de San Cristobal in Venezuela for Rev. Kaikyo Sara Roby, Dharma successor of Shohaku Okumura-Roshi, reached me recently by mail here in Hanover, Germany, from the hands of her former sangha in Venezuela. The story about that connection, in its short version, is as follows:

Kaikyo, whose mother was from Venezuela, was my beloved teacher before she entered the great transformation in November 2018 after a long illness. At that point in her life, she was living in Florida, USA, under the protection of her family. For about two years she had written texts as a Zen teacher for her German-speaking practitioners, which I published bilingually (German/English) in her memory as a book including an introduction (also available as an e-book): Crack the Wall - Texte der Zen-Meisterin Kaikyo Roby, BoD 2020.  The interest in the texts led to their now being translated into Spanish: Texto de la Maestra Zen Kaikyo Roby - QUIEBRA EL MURO (Traducido al castellano por Hannah L. Migliavacca, a partir del texto en inglés, tal como aparece en la edición bilingüe (inglés-alemán) a cargo de Kyoku Barbara Lutz).

This is a great joy, since many people in Venezuela cannot cope adequately with the
English language. This Spanish version has not been published yet, but can be requested as a file if you are interested. 

In the spirit of Kaikyo, I would like to point out something: Kaikyo wished not to become the cause of any kind of "attachment out of grief" after her entrance into the great transformation. If people remembered her, it would be because she, Kaikyo, had done her best to preserve and pass on the DHARMA with full devotion. It is to this DHARMA that all practitioners should be committed, not to the transient phenomenon of Kaikyo or to any other transient person.

When I look at the wonderful monument, this goes through my mind. What a joy to have experienced Kaikyo and her teachings live! In the SILENCE we can meet her, just as she taught us. I feel deeply connected to the sangha in Venezuela and hope that the contact never breaks off!

Picture
Visit to Rome:  Kenji Aoki from Chicago, a frequent participant in sesshin at Sanshin before the shutdown, made a visit to Centro Zen Anshin while in Rome.  He joined the sangha for zazen and Daruma-Ki, the anniversary of Bodhidharma's death


Densho reports from Colombia: "For the first time in the history of Zen practice in our country, our temple has been listed on the official page of Sotoshu, as a formal practice temple outside Japan. The effort of our Community's sangha to maintain rigorous and traditional practice throughout these years has come to fruition with this recognition. Thank you to everyone who has supported us to make it possible."

More on Spanish language practice:  Sanshin's Spanish-speaking sangha now has its own page on our website.  The page includes information on our network member temples in Colombia and Venezuela as well as dharma resources available in Spanish.

And on our Francophone page:  We've posted a French translation of Menzan's Jijuyu Zanmai from an original version in English by Okumura Roshi.  The French translation was done by Pascal Normandin.   

Doju to speak in Missouri:  Confluence Zen Center in St. Louis has invited Doju to share some teachings on the Shobogenzo Zuimonki.  For information on links to virtual practice, email the center.
Picture

Picture
Shoryu offers guest talks:  As part of this weekend's Zoom sesshin from Cedar Rapids (IA) Zen Center, Shoryu will be discussing "The Core Teaching of All Buddhas: Practicing with the Three Pure Precepts."  Shoryu is the founder of Gyobutsuji in Kingston, AR.  For information on attending, email Gyobutsuji.

Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.
​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi:  The spring within a cold flower; a heron in the moonlight
  • Practice recap: Okumura Roshi speaks at European seminar, October work day
  • Coming up:  Virtual dharma talk from Sotoshu, virtual November genzo-e, Rohatsu sesshin
  • Other news:  Two new publications available, video equipment updated, news from the board president
  • Sanshin Network: Remembering Kaikyo Roby, visit to Rome, Densho reports from Colombia, more on Spanish lanugage practice, French translation of Jijuyu Zammai, Doju to speak in Missouri, Shoryu offers guest talks 

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!

Sangha News for September, 2021

9/15/2021

0 Comments

 

The dharma drum

Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (45)

[Dōgen’s] Verses of Praise
on Portraits of Himself

自賛 Jisan 15


Bamboo splints and ox skins used for counting
Total more than eleven hundred.
Before, I placed this smelly skin-bag on the drumhead,
On the mountain of ignorance beating thundercloud.

​
According to commentaries, “bamboo splints” and “ox skins” are some kinds of devices used to count things, for example, the number of cattle. In this case, they are used to count the time, days, or years. In Monkaku’s version, it says, “total more than eleven hundred,” and in Manzan’s version, “total more than twenty-one hundred.”

Some commentaries on Manzan’s version say that this is the number of years after Shakyamuni Budddha’s death. In Shobogenzo Ango (Practice Period), Dogen Zenji mentions Shakyamuni Buddha’s example of the 90-day ango, and says, “It has been two thousand one hundred ninety-four years since then. Today is in the third year of the Kangen era [1245].”[2] His new monastery, Daibutsuji (later the temple name was changed to Eiheiji) was constructed in 1244, and he and his sangha moved into there in the autumn of the same year. Beginning the 4th month of 1245, he held the first summer 90-day ango (practice period) at the new monastery. If Dogen composed this jisan verse in that year, this number might be the year from Shakyamuni’s ango   READ MORE​
​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi:  The dharma drum
  • Practice recap: September at-home retreat; work morning; Getting Started
  • Coming up:  Joint practice with Minnesota Zen Center; European conference postponed; Work day; Ryaku fusatsu
  • Other news:  From the president; Hoko helps with Sotoshu's 100th
  • Sanshin Network: Centro Anshin video; Sharing across traditions
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!
Picture

Practice recap

September at-home retreat:  A few local sangha members dropped in for parts of the retreat as Hoko and Hosshin carried out the regular activities of Sanshin-style sesshin and virtual practitioners participated from home.  It was the first time since the pandemic shutdown that practitioners joined them in the zendo, and everyone was masked and brought and prepared his or her own meals.  It's another step toward fully resuming the practice we were holding before the pandemic.  The next sesshin will be held in honor of Rohatsu in December; the length and participation opportunities are as yet undecided as public health conditions continue to change.
Getting Started:  Our free introductory session, Getting Started in Zen Practice, has resumed.  Doju Layton and Mark Myogen Ahlstrom offer it in person on the first Tuesday evening of the month and virtually on the third.  The session covers the basics of zazen, some core teachings of Soto Zen, and the elements of Sanshin style.  ​
Work morning:  Second Sunday mornings are now devoted to communal work following a few dharma remarks by work leader Hosshin Shoaf.  This month the sangha took on overgrown planting beds and walking paths and in just a couple of hours made a lot of progress on cleaning things up under the direction of Doju Layton.  More photos are posted on our Facebook page.  
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Coming up

Joint practice with Minnesota Zen Center (Sep 19): Zazen (10:10 am) and dharma talk (11 am) by Okumura Roshi on Ryokan and his poems.  Note one-time-only change to Sunday schedule and link.  

European conference postponed:  The weekend conference set for early October in Belgium that would have brought together the European members of the Sanshin Network, the European Sokan and Okumura Roshi and Hoko has been postponed until travel conditions and public health considerations make that a safer and more manageable event.  Eighteen people from six countries had been set to attend.

Work day (Oct 10):  Following zazen and some brief dharma remarks, we'll spend the entire day working together to take care of our buildings and grounds.  Lunch will be provided.  Work is one of the key activities of our practice, the other two being zazen and dharma study.  Work takes our practice off the cushion and into the world.

​Ryaku Fusatsu: (Oct 18, 7 pm):  Everyone is welcome to participate in our ceremony of renewing our aspiration to follow the precepts, whether or not you've formally made vows.
Picture

Other news

Picture
From the President: Mark Fraley notes that diversity and inclusion are among the topics receiving the attention of Sanshin's board of directors, as well as the activation of a variety of committees dedicated to carrying out elements of the emerging strategic plan.

At Sanshin Zen Community, we remain committed to nurturing zazen, work, and study as the foundational elements of our practice.  Doing so requires careful collaboration on the part of practitioners, clergy, and sangha leadership.  Sanshin’s board of directors and practice leaders have initiated a coordinated effort to ensure that we carry out our mission in an inclusive and sustainable manner. 

A central aspect of our ongoing partnership is a meaningful reflection on the diversity of our sangha and a renewed commitment to break down any barriers to inclusion that affect our dharma community. We will continue to engage sangha friends on these important matters and welcome your input as we deepen our discernment.

We are also working to sustain our sangha over the long-term.  To do this, we are activating several working committees that will carry out different aspects of Sanshin’s strategic aims.  These committees include a Development Committee, Facilities Committee, Residential Program Committee, Technology Committee, and an Ethics and Reconciliation Committee.  We need as much help as we can get to strengthen our commitment to zazen, work, and study in a rapidly changing environment.  If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please send me an email.


Picture
Seeking the next treasurer:  Current treasurer Gene Elias has agreed to remain in office until his successor can be found, but that can't go on indefinitely.  If you or someone you know has business experience, can read basic financial documents and would be willing to join our board of directors to offer your services, please contact Mark Fraley  The treasurer is not responsible for day-to-day bookkeeping but does supervise the administrative assistant who carries out these functions.  The board meets virtually on the evening of the fourth Sunday of the month.


Picture
Hoko helps with Sotoshu's 100th:  Hoko will be serving as ino for the large jukai ceremony set to happen at Zenshuji in Los Angeles in 2022 as part of Sotoshu North America's 100-year anniversary.  She's assigned to the hatto kei (法堂系), the group leading activities in the dharma hall and will initially help to finalize the English versions of the fourteen ekos that will be chanted over the course of the five days of ceremonies.
Picture

Sanshin Network

Picture
Centro Anshin video:  Doryu and Gyoetsu are featured in a video produced by the Italian Buddhist Union.  See it here on Facebook.

Sharing across traditions:  Shinko and his sangha at Daijihi in Vienna were visited by bhikkhuni Santacitta, co-founder of Aloka Vihara Forest Monestary near Sacramento, California. She is a native Austrian and will remain in Austria until early next year.
Picture
Picture
For complete information about Sanshin and our style of practice, visit our homepage.
0 Comments

Sangha News for August, 2021

8/15/2021

 

The crown of a thousand sages

Shohaku Okumura
Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (44)

[Dōgen’s] Verses of Praise on Portraits of Himself
自賛 Jisan 8


Expressing the way, this body appears as the crown of a thousand sages.
The total function meeting my face is fresh in the ten thousand times.
Some other time, if you want to understand this mountain elder,
Entrusting the bones and entrusting the marrow are equally intimate.


“Expressing the way” is a translation of dōtoku (道得). In this case, dō (道) means “to speak,” “to say,” or “to express.” Toku (得) means “to be able to,” “to attain.” As a compound, dōtoku (道得) literally means “ability to speak.” Dōtoku is an important word in Dōgen’s teaching. He wrote a fascicle of Shōbōgenzo entitled “Dōtoku.” In that fascicle, Dōgen uses this word to include both verbal and wordless expressions. In the first sentence of this fascicle, he wrote that “All the Buddhas and ancestors are dōtoku.” Expression is itself the self of buddhas and ancestors. For us, Dōgen is what he wrote, said, or did as the expression of himself based on his lifelong practice and study of the Dharma.  READ MORE

In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi:  The crown of a thousand sages
  • Practice recap: Sanshin reopens for local practice
  • Coming up:  September at-home retreat
  • Other news: Board's annual retreat builds plans and relationships; financial position remains strong for now
  • Sanshin Network: Doju completes hossenshiki; Okumura Roshi's talks for Italy and New York; Mokusho teaches in France; Densho's new book
  • Author answers our questions on Squabbling Squashes
  • Resources from Sanshin
  • Giving to Sanshin

​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!
Picture

Practice recap

Picture
Sanshin is open for regular local practice.  Folks who live in town and have been fully vaccinated are welcome to attend morning zazen and service and Sunday zazen and dharma talk.  Masks are required in accordance with Monroe County public health policy; if you don't have a mask we can provide one for you.  Evening zazen and the Wednesday evening book group will remain virtual for now.

Those planning to attend Sunday practice in person are asked to register each week using the form on our homepage so we can monitor the number of people expected in the zendo.  If it seems we are reaching the limit of the number of people we can safely accommodate, we may close registration or create an overflow space somewhere on our campus.  The county's mask mandate is expected to last through the end of September, and after that time registration and capacity considerations may not be necessary.

We will not be offering guest practice for some time yet.  That includes sesshin, retreats, weekend workshops, etc. as well as individual practice visits.  Accommodations next door to Sanshin at 1708 are not available.  There are logistics unrelated to COVID that need to be worked out, and as of now we can't house you, feed you or provide you personal guidance and direction.  If you're outside of the Bloomington area, please continue to join us virtually.

Virtual practice continues.  Everything Sanshin offered virtually during the shutdown will continue to be available, though you may notice changes in these events as the focus returns to in-person practice.

Picture

Coming up:

At-home retreat, September 2 - 5:  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 stay for that talk if you choose.  READ MORE
Picture

Other news

Board 's annual retreat builds plans and relationships:  President Mark Fraley reports that "Sanshin’s board of directors sat down for a full weekend of productive discussions on Sanshin’s future during the days of August 6th though August 8th.  We met with our strategic consultants on finalizing a plan to establish a residential program as well as a regional dharma center.  Additionally, we established a new working relationship with Sanshin’s practice leaders so we can best work together to address the concerns of sangha members.   We were thrilled to welcome our newest board member Karla (Jigen) Passalacqua, whose skills and experience will add great value to our dharma community."  Read more about Karla on our About Sanshin page.

The weekend of the meeting coincided with Sanshin’s reopening to local sangha members.  Mark notes, "While we were delighted to sit together and enjoy each other’s company at our zendo, we remain vigilant about the current situation and are looking after the well-being of our practitioners. If you have any thoughts or ideas to convey to Sanshin’s board, don’t hesitate to reach out to me."    


Picture
Picture
Board secretary Karla Passalacqua

Financial position remains strong for now:  Treasurer Gene Elias provides these key points about Sanshin's financial resources.

•  In both 2019 and 2020, Sanshin generated positive cash flows, in 2019 more than $5,000 and in 2020 slightly less than $5,000. As a result of these surpluses, the board directed that $7,000 in 2019 and $10,000 in 2020 be invested in the Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan established for Okumura Roshi. This fund is basically a trust for his use when he leaves the employment of Sanshin. This is not a bank account, per se, but a restricted liability on our balance sheet; it currently stands at $41,000.

•  Year end cash positions for Sanshin between 2018 and the end of the 2nd Quarter of 2021 are as follows:
2018: $163,895
2019: $257,450
2020: $224,680
2021Q2:  $210,277

•  During the first two quarters of 2021, we have been running an operational deficit of about $14,000. This is mostly due to the loss of programs like sesshin, retreats and various other events due to the pandemic. This does not take into account our mid-year fund raising campaign or the proposed genzo-e in November.

•  Lodging revenue was nil in 2021 and for a good portion of 2020. Even without programming, the board elected to keep the lease at 1708 due to its proximity to the zendo. Historically, the “dorm” has operated at a loss, but with no revenues the loss was greater than normal. In 2021 through Q2 this loss was slightly more than $7,200.

•  Our balance sheet is healthy, but we don’t have the resources to support strategic plans and programs currently being contemplated.

Over the last three years, gifts have accounted for an average of 67% of Sanshin’s total revenue.  Donors now have the option to make one-time gifts, to become monthly autopay donors, to contribute to Okumura Roshi’s retirement fund mentioned above, and to contribute to Hojo-san directly (funds do not go through Sanshin).  Information and donation links are on our Giving page.
Picture

Sanshin Network

PictureBack row: Shoryu, dad Daniel Layton, mom Priscilla Layton, Alisyn and Shodo. Front row: Mark Myogen, Doju, Ryumonji abbot Shoken Winecoff, Hoko.
Doju Layton completed his hossenshiki as part of an official ango spent at Ryumonji in Dorchester, IA during which he served as shuso.  The hossenshiki is a demonstration of the shuso's ability to lead the sangha and teach the dharma, and is a milestone in the training of novices as they progress toward being fully authorized clergy.  Several members of the Sanshin family participated in the events, including Hoko, Shodo Spring, Shoryu Bradley,  Mark Myogen Ahlstrom, Allisyn Gillet and Doju's parents.  


Picture
Okumura Roshi gave a virtual talk from Sanshin's zendo as part of a three-day retreat organized in part by Doryu Cappelli and Gyoetsu Epifania with the Dharma Academy in Italy.  The retreat focused on zazen and included work, study and fellowship.

He also gave a series of five virtual talks for a retreat at Zen Mountain Monastery in New York as well as a Sunday public talk that introduced themes from the recent children's book Squabbling Squashes (see more below).  The recording of that talk is available here.


Mokusho DePreay of the Centre Shikantaza in Mons, Belgium, was invited to give some talks about the Heart Sutra during a retreat at Demeure sans Limites in France.
Picture

Picture
A new book by Densho Quintero of Soto Zen Columbia is now available: Dudar de la propia conprension: Indagaciones es el camino del zen  (Doubting Your Understanding: Inquiries on the Path of Zen).  “Certainty can be more of an obstacle than a help. When we are sure that we have understood, we stop investigating or we can fall into the arrogance of wanting to impose our points of view on others, thinking that if they do not think like us, they are wrong."  It's available here.
Picture

Author answers our questions about new children's book

Picture
Squabbling Squashes is a story for children of all ages about interconnection and learning to live with both harmony amid differences.  It's based on a parable from Kosho Uchiyama’s Opening the Hand of Thought and was written by sangha member Carol Lingman, with illustrations by Minette Mangahas.  Carol agreed to answer some questions about the book for this issue of our newsletter.

How is this book like and unlike other children’s books? What gap might it fill in the children’s literature now available?

The story of the Squabbling Squashes is a Zen teaching story that has been told by Zen masters since the Tokugawa era in Japan. It describes a key Buddhist idea of interconnectedness of all beings but does so in the simplest possible way—by showing how squashes in a garden discover that they are all connected by a vine.

It is part of a genre of children’s books that presents a serious message in a simple but meaningful way. As with most picture books for young children, the colorful and relatable illustrations embody the message in a way that supports the simple narrative and makes it possible for children to then repeat the story to themselves as if reading it. By repeating the simple story, the child begins “owning” the message and even telling the story in his or her own words.

What were the most important considerations in telling and showing this story?

Squabbling Squashes is kind of a unique story in that it has a message that is clearly conveyed to a young audience through the squash imagery, but the story also points to an important Buddhist idea that can be further explored by adults.

As Okumura Roshi said, ”We think we are independent and we compete with others and we argue. So there are many squabbling squashes in this world.”

The idea of squashes growing together in a garden offers many possibilities for presenting familiar and relatable images for young children to follow.  We tried to literally “put them in the picture” through our words and illustrations—for example when the squashes say that “the monks (or parents) like me better than you.”

What conversations could this story open up between children and their grownups?

There are three messages in the story that can be the basis for conversations between children and adults: (1) living together peacefully on the planet; (2) being interconnected with all beings; (3) learning a way to become quiet and calm in ordinary life.

As Okumura Roshi said, “We have so many squabbling squashes in this world today, so this teaching of finding something strange that connects ourselves with others, of finding that we are living together with all beings, is really a meaningful teaching.”

Grownups can use this story to discuss the idea of how we are all connected and living together. They can also talk about finding a way to calm down by sitting quietly. This is not an unfamiliar strategy for parents and children who often find the need for a “time out” for restoring calm. But this book is particularly useful as it offers specific steps (with pictures) that both adults and children can follow.

What responses to the illustrations and text have you received from children and adults?

There has been an immediate positive response to the colorful illustrations from both children and adults---before they even know what the story is about. Children are particularly attracted to the illustrations of the squashes in the garden

Adults who have children or grandchildren or who work with children know about the importance of finding a way for kids to be calm in a stressful situation, and they appreciate the descriptions and illustrations for learning how to sit quietly. One adult said she immediately sat with her granddaughter in this way, following the illustrations in the book. Others said it was helpful to have validation for their own messages about the importance of finding calm.

Parents and grandparents are also pleased to have a story with a message about being connected and living peacefully with others, particularly in this time of divisiveness. I heard, “It’s a good story for right now” many times.

The book has been very well-received by grandparents who really appreciate a story with a message that they can relate to and talk about with their grandchildren—about a healthy way to live peacefully in the world.

The garden setting and imagery seem to be something that audiences across generations can relate to.

How might this book be of interest to adults as well as to kids?

Squabbling Squashes presents a big idea at a basic level. The idea of interconnectedness can be studied in deeper ways and in many contexts, such social or environmental. Okumura Roshi described the book as “a kind of Zen version of Indra’s net.”

Squabbling Squashes is now available for purchase online.

Picture

Resources from Sanshin

Virtual morning and evening practice: Sanshin offers weekday morning zazen and liturgy via Zoom.  The complete schedule is here; please email us 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.
Picture

Sangha News for July, 2021

7/15/2021

0 Comments

 

Dōgen, on Dōgen

Shohaku Okumura
Picture
Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (43)

[Dōgen’s] Verses of Praise on Portraits of Himself


Having eaten the old fist of Taibai,
Bulging eyes see both North Star and cowherd.
Myself is deceived by myself, with nowhere to search.
For your sake, the old woman still moved gently.


The oldest and most well-known portrait of Dōgen is stored at Hōkyōji, established by Hōkyō Jakuen (1207–1299), one of Dōgen’s disciples. According to some scholars, the painting stored there was made while Dōgen was alive, and the calligraphy of the praising verse was written by Dōgen himself on fifteenth day of the eighth month in 1249. The fifteenth day of the eighth month is the full moon day, when Dōgen and his sangha often had a party to see the beautiful full moon and compose poems. This painting is called “Dōgen’s portrait watching the moon.” That is why in the painting his eyesight is going upward. Other scholars think the painting was made after Dōgen’s death and the calligraphy was made by someone else.
READ  MORE

​In This Issue:
  • Okumura Roshi:  Dōgen, on Dōgen
  • Practice recap: July at-home retreat
  • Other news: Local reopening to begin August 8; Zendo remodel nearly complete; New music from Ramón
  • Sanshin Network:​ Belgium returns to in-person intensive practice; Great Wind builds a (tiny) library; Zen arts in Armenia; Shoryu returns to his roots; Video from Vienna; Sesshin in Sicily
  • Resources from Sanshin
  • Giving to Sanshin

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!
Picture

Practice recap

July at-home retreat: ​Hosshin and Hoko were in the zendo for the three days of the retreat, with a few other practitioners participating from home over the course of the event.  Okumura Roshi gave the Sunday dharma talk at the end of the retreat; that recording is available here​. 
Picture

Other news

 Local reopening to begin August 8:  Sanshin will reopen for local practice concurrent with the annual meeting that will be held the weekend of August 6 - 8.  The board of directors will be meeting all weekend, as it does annually, to review the status of Sanshin's operations, make longer-term plans, and choose new directors and officers for the subsequent year. 

Regular in-person Sunday practice will happen on the 8th and Okumura Roshi will be giving the dharma talk.  Following the talk the board will host lunch for local sangha members, give an update on its weekend of work and take questions from the sangha.  There will be plenty of time for socializing and getting reacquainted after the year-and-a-half shutdown. 

Some important things to know about this reopening:
- Sanshin will be holding local regular practice only for now.  Folks who live in town and have been fully vaccinated will be welcome to attend morning zazen and service, evening zazen and Sunday zazen and dharma talk.  The Wednesday evening book group will remain virtual for the moment, until we can determine the best way to make that a hybrid activity.

- We will not be offering guest practice for some time yet.  That includes sesshin, retreats, weekend workshops, etc.  There are logistics unrelated to COVID that need to be worked out, and as of now we can't provide meals, housing or guidance and direction.  If you're outside of the Bloomington area, please continue to join us virtually.

- Virtual practice will continue after the local reopening.  However, the priority is likely to be on restarting local in-person practice rather than on developing specifically virtual activities and events.

Zendo remodel nearly complete:  Under Hosshin's direction (and largely due to his own pro bono work), the alcove altar has been completed, the walls painted and bamboo wainscoting installed.  At the foot of the zendo stairs, the walls have been patched and painted and the old wire coat rack replaced with a bespoke fixture for robes and clergy belongings.  While there are still some items left to complete, in general the lower level practice area has a fresh and updated look and is ready to welcome returning practitioners.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

New music from Ramón:  Former guest manager Ramón García-Tamaran has announced the release of a new CD of original piano music and poems dedicated to his late wife Rachael, who passed away in November, 2020.  "Music and Words for An Absence is a tribute to the memory of my loving wife.  It is my wish and hope that this project provides comfort and healing to those grieving the loss of a loved one and soothing peace and enjoyment to all."

Ramón is a native of Spain.  A member of the Bloomington Zen Group since its inception in the early 90s, he's been practicing Zen for more than 25 years and has studied with Rev. Myoyu Andersen and Rev. Teijo Munich.  In 1996 he became a student of Okumura Roshi and received the precepts from him in 2000, also serving as Sanshin's guest manager for nearly 15 years.

Ramón teaches Spanish language at a local high school and serves as the Bloomington area moderator for the international organization Contemplative Outreach  and facilitates weekly meetings of Christian contemplative practice (centering prayer and lectio divina).  He's an accomplished concert pianist, a composer, and an alumnus of IU's Bloomington School of Music. His previous piano CD, Reflections of Spain, echoes his Spanish classical music heritage, his personal spiritual journey and the years of zazen practice in a meditative, soothing, and introspective atmosphere.  ​
Picture
Picture

Picture
New book available:  Squabbling Squashes is a story for children of all ages about interconnection and learning to live in harmony amid differences, based on a parable from Kosho Uchiyama’s classic bestseller Opening the Hand of Thought.  Written by Carol Lingman and Okumura Roshi, it was illustrated by Minette Mangahas and published by Wisdom Publications.
Picture

Sanshin Network

Belgium returns to in-person intensive practice:  
​
Centre Shikantaza in Belgium reports that it's held its first weekend retreat in nearly two years.  "It took place in Dongelberg, a small village about 35 miles from Brussels. The retreat was organized by both Centre Shikantaza (Mons) and the Centre Bouddhiste Zen des Pagodes (Brussels).  Nineteen  practitioners from both centers joined in.  Centre Shikantaza's Mokusho Depreay gave the teachings (An Introduction to the Three Gates of Liberation), and Tenshin Crokaert of the Centre Bouddhiste Zen des Pagodes was the tenzo.  We had one meal using oryoki in the zendo."
Picture

Picture
Great Wind builds a (tiny) library:  Great Wind Zendo in Danville, IN is the caretaker for a Little Free Library located outside the Hendricks County Historical Museum.  Mark Howell took it down for maintenance and found the wood was rotten, so there's a temporary box in its place while he and Sabine Karner work on the next generation of the library.  "It's being constructed as a representation of the building which used to be the Sheriff's residence and county jail (until the 1970s!) and is now the Hendricks County Historical Museum," Mark explains.  "The library is prominently in front of that building. This temporary library was quickly assembled from scrap plywood and deployed.  Sabine painted on the Celtic patterns on door and side."

Zen arts in Armenia:  Armenia, South America, that is.  The Bodhidharma Cultural Zen Center is the headquarters of the Soto Zen Community of Colombia in Armenia, capital of the department of Quindío, one of the main cities of the Colombian coffee region.  Densho Quintero explains, "The term 'cultural' in the name of the Center is inscribed because through the artistic expressions associated with Zen, joy and openness towards life can be manifested in a natural way.  We are planning different workshops to introduce the practice of Arts related to Zen tradition.  Our practice is not a path of belief, but the liberation of everything that prevents us from expressing the best of ourselves and living life to the fullest.  Bodhidharma was the great ancestor who brought Zen from India to China in the sixth century C.E. and we wanted to pay tribute to this great ancestor while introducing the practice of Zen to this region of Colombia."  The Bodhidharma Cultural Center brings the authentic practice of a traditional Zen according to the Soto school of Japan, founded by Master Dogen in the thirteenth century and rooted in Densho's lineage and teachings.  His student, Joko Cortés, is the nun in charge of the practice at the Bodhidharma Center.
Picture

Coming soon: 
A page on Sanshin's website for our
​Spanish-speaking sangha across the world.
  

It will join the pages for our French- and German-speaking sanghas.

Picture
Shoryu returns to his roots:  Shoryu Bradley's recent talk for the Austin Zen Center, "Taking Refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha,"  is available here.  He discusses the meaning of taking refuge in our day to day, moment by moment practice, and how it relates to our zazen as the foundation of our lives.  Now leading practice at Gyobutsuji in Arkansas, he was originally ordained in 2002 by Seirin Barbara Kohn at the Austin Zen Center before coming to Sanshin and receiving transmission from Okumura Roshi.

Picture
Video from Vienna: Daijihi has posted its first talk online here, given by founder Shinko Hagn.  Daijihi was started in late 2019 and has also undertaken several beneficial action initiatives as part of its 1000 Hands project.

Picture
Sesshin in Sicily:  Centro Zen Anshin traveled south from its homebase in Rome to hold a sesshin in Corleone, Palermo.  Doryu Cappelli and Gyoetsu Epifania report, "It's a magical place: a huge golden valley surrounded by mountains of pink rock, crossed by a fresh wind that carries Dharma's breath. And then the harmony and enthusiasm of the Sangha, which nourishes our hearts."
Picture

Resources from Sanshin

Virtual morning and evening practice: Sanshin offers weekday morning zazen and liturgy via Zoom.  The complete schedule is here; please email us 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.
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Sangha News

    Our newsletter is posted once a month.  Sign up for our mailing list to get notifications of new issues.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Hispanohablante
  • Francophone
  • Deutschsprachige
  • Contact