​September sesshin: Emerging from our simplified Quiet August practice schedule, four practitioners participated in a steady and settled 3-day sesshin at Sanshin from September 4 - 7. Several others dropped in for some portions, virtually and in-person. Local practitioners Doju and Eunyoung each contributed a meal.

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On Ethics at Sanshin
Gene Elias, EAR Committee Liaison

When we feel harmed
What is the process for us?
Ethics Policy

As a sangha, we are bound together by our practice and for some of us, our vow to keep the precepts.  However, a community is a group of humans – each of us is unique. We have natural likes and dislikes and to a certain extent, implicit bias. I like jazz and blues music. Others like classical music or maybe show tunes and opera. Still others enjoy more modern forms. We are all unique. Hypothetically, one afternoon as I sit enjoying a little Buddy Guy (blues) and another sound drifts into my enjoyment. Maybe it's rap or some other sound that is discordant to what I was enjoying. So what do I do? How do I restore harmony with whomever is playing the music that disrupts my afternoon musical enjoyment? And what has this to do with ethics?

In Buddhism, ethics and harmony are deeply intertwined concepts. Harmony is a dynamic state of balance and equilibrium, both with others and the natural world. Achieving this state often requires adherence to ethical principles and virtues. Hence, the Sanshin Ethics Policy, which provides a more concrete set of standards that sits alongside the precepts, and also provides a framework for
resolution processes and procedures via our Ethics and Restorative Justice Committee (EAR) when conflicts go beyond the trivial issue mentioned above.

The committee consists of three esteemed individuals, all outside of our immediate sangha: Sonia (Sunny) Leerkamp, a former prosecutor for Hamilton County and a former Special Counsel and a leading advocate for Restorative Justice; Shoryu Bradley, founder and teacher at Gyobutsuji in Arkansas, who received dharma transmission from Okumura Roshi; and Richard Nance a specialist in Tibetan Buddhist traditions and director of graduate religious studies at Indiana University. When an issue is brought to the committee, its role is to clearly understand the situation in question, establish facts and context and recommend a model of
Restorative Justice to help reestablish harmony within the sangha.

I encourage you to read our Ethics Policy, which is posted on this web site. It is the basis of our belief in what ethics means and indicates our intention to maintain and, if need be, restore harmony within our sangha.

Intro to Zen with Hoko winds up:  Eight local folks have been participating in Hoko's 6-week introduction to Soto Zen, offered in our zendo through Ivy Tech Community College's Center for Lifelong Learning.  Attendees received zazen instruction and now sit together for half an hour each week before engaging in an hour of presentation and discussion of Buddhist basics.  The series, which Hoko first offered nine years ago, wraps up next week.  

Hoko steps up for Soto Zen NA:  Hoko has been appointed president of the board of directors of Soto Zen North America, a fairly new organization that aims to partner with Sotoshu, the existing denomination, in serving temples, clergy and sanghas.  She had been serving as vice president and communications officer until the previous president stepped aside to take on other Soto Zen NA responsibilities.  Her main focus now is working with the board and the denominational council to finalize a mission statement and strategic plan as well as to prepare for the annual Sotoshu conference in October in Los Angeles.

Practice opportunities in Atlanta:  Three Mountains Zen, a lay Zen Buddhist community founded just last year, has established its practice schedule of in-person zazen periods and virtual practice with Sanshin, and held a one-day retreat this month.  The sangha is discussing Hoko's 108 Gates essays at its weekly gatherings as well as reviewing Buddhist Essentials.  Its next retreat is set for October 11.

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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!

Sanshin "mini-CSA" partnership with Seven Ridges Farm: Beginning with our recent June sesshin, and extending (if the growing season allows) through this year's Rohatsu sesshin, we've established a partnership with nearby Seven Ridges Farm, an "ecologically minded family farm in the hills of beautiful Brown County Indiana." In the spirit of CSA (community supported agriculture) arrangements, we've paid the farmers (Jon & Andrea) up front for the season, and will receive whatever is in abundance at their farm for four sesshins & retreats this year. Learn more about the farm here, and sign up for your own weekly summer and late summer Seven Ridges CSA share here if you like!

Precepts retreat with Hosshin -- register by June 24th
July 1 - 6 (concluding with a public jukai-e ceremony on Sunday, July 6th at 10 am)
 
Our annual precepts retreat focuses on the study of the sixteen bodhisattva precepts that Buddhists receive as guidelines for living a life of practice. 

Alongside the three kaitei who will receive precepts at the concluding jukai-e ceremony, additional practitioners are welcome and encouraged to register for all or a selection of retreat days, whether or not you've formally received the precepts previously. LEARN MORE & REGISTER BY JUNE 24TH

​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!

Thanks and farewell to departing directors: Due to other important obligations for their time and attention, Laura Miller and Zenki Batson recently stepped down from our board of directors. Laura served as vice chair for nearly two years, offering in-depth organizational knowledge and experience that will continue to positively impact our sangha and temple operations. Zenki, Vice-Abbess at Chapel Hill Zen Center, held our outside-lineage clergy seat for about a year and a half, offering an important perspective from the wider North American Zen community. We thank them both and wish them well in their ongoing endeavors!

​Garden opening ceremony & May work day: After regular zazen on Sunday May 11th, the sangha walked together from Sanshinji to our community garden plot ten minutes up the road and carried out a garden opening ceremony. We chanted the Heart Sutra and the Sho Sai Myo Kichijo Dharani as part of formally recognizing the 10 X 20 ft plot as a place of communal practice and asking the land, beings, and elements for their support and protection of our practice as temporary stewards of this ground. Most of the vegetables will end up in our oryoki bowls during sesshin and retreats.

After the ceremony, a few practitioners remained at the garden for weeding, watering, and sowing seeds. The rest walked back to Sanshinji and worked on electrical wiring in the zendo, edging around the parking lot, weeding the flower gardens, mowing the lawn, and setting new posts for our "dead hedge" brush fence. Our next work day is scheduled for Sunday, June 1st.

​June sesshin (register by Tuesday, May 27th): Space remains for participation in our upcoming 5-day sesshin. Sesshin at Sanshin is an opportunity to practice zazen 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. LEARN MORE & REGISTER BY MAY 27TH

A message from the Head Priest of Sotoshu in 2025: 
​Every year the head priest of Sotoshu gives an official message. The following is a translation offered by Sotoshu for English speakers.

The various problems facing the world today are complex and layered. It is not an exaggeration to say that the crisis threatening basic human rights, such as the right to live in peace and the dignity of life, is only growing.

As followers of Shakyamuni Buddha and two founders of Soto Zen Buddhism, we must know the sure path to follow.
Shakyamuni Buddha realized the law of dependent origination (the interconnectedness of all things) and, through his wisdom, observed everything correctly. He demonstrated with his own life that harmony with others is achieved through compassion. This way of life, free from self-interest and egoism, is what we should follow.

Dogen Zenji taught, “Learn the backward step that turns the light and shines it inwards.” This means to pause in our steps, adjust our breath, step back two or three paces, and humbly reflect on our actions in the light of the Buddhist path.
​
Keizan Zenji taught, “We must always generate thoughts of harmony and reconciliation.” The disturbance of harmony is, throughout all ages, caused by human self-interest and desire, namely greed. It is this greed that is the source of suffering and the root of conflict.

Since this world is impermanent and selfless, the sun and moon shine without personal attachment, illuminating everything. We too wish to engage with all things and all circumstances with the utmost sincerity.

The act of gassho (palms together in reverence) is to align oneself with the Buddha. By engaging in zazen (seated meditation), where we can awaken to the Buddha within ourselves, let us pray and wish for a peaceful life for all people across the world, ensuring that no one is left behind. Let us continue to practice the way of the Bodhisattva together.

Gassho
Homage to the Buddha Shakyamuni
Homage to Zen Master Dogen, Great Master Joyo, Eminent Ancestor
Homage to Zen Master Keizan, Great Master Josai, Great Ancestor
​
1 April 2025
Donin Minamisawa
Head Priest of the Sotoshu

New book featuring Okumura Roshi: When Thinking is a Problem is a collection of essays examining the activity of thinking and how it is a primary factor in suffering at the individual as well as at the collective level, while at the same time, a necessary function that is often taken for granted and misused.

​The collection includes a chapter and translation by Okumura Roshi. The book is edited by Charles Eigen, who practices at Milwaukee Zen Center, and is now available for pre-order.

​Buddha's birthday: The sangha marked Buddha's birthday on Sunday, April 6th with a dharma talk by Okumura Roshi and our brief annual ceremony. Buddha's birthday is one of the sanbukki, or three Buddha days, marking the important event's in Shakyamuni's life -- his birth, awakening, and death. Our Dogen Institute recently published an e-book (Plum Blossoms in the Snow) featuring teachings given on these three days over the years at Sanshin by Okumura Roshi and Hoko.

​Sewing retreat: This year's cohort of three lay precepts recipients spent the week of April 7 - 14 sewing their rakusu, which they will formally receive as part of the jukai-e ceremony at the end of this year's precepts retreat in July. Two others dropped in for parts of the retreat to sew robes along their paths to ordination and dharma transmission. Esho Morimoto led several hours of sewing instruction each day, Hoko and Yuko offered teachings and presentations related to the meaning of sewing and wearing nyoho-e, and Hoko and Hosshin (this year's preceptor) worked together to cook meals for the participants. Recordings of Hoko's and Yuko's presentations will be made available in relevant sections of Sanshin Source in the coming weeks.

​April work day:​ The sangha gathered at Sanshin for our monthly work day on Sunday April 13th. Inside the temple, practitioners worked on electrical wiring in and around the zendo while sewing retreat participants continued to sew their rakusu. In the breezy sunny weather outside, practitioners weeded the moss garden and native flower planting area, cleared the area where a new toolshed will be placed later this year, and screened our temple compost heap toward use in our sangha vegetable garden plot. Our next work day is scheduled for May 11th.

Tangible Thusness: Exploring ​nyoho food this May - August

Continuing our yearlong investigation of the teachings of nyoho (things done or made according to dharma), we'll shift our primary focus from clothing to food during the second third of the year, May - August. Clothing, food, and shelter are traditionally regarded as the "three faces" of nyoho. Look out for Sunday talks as well as regular opportunities to engage in communal food practice through oryoki meals, local farm partnerships, and participation in our sangha vegetable garden.

Ethics and Reconciliation (EAR) Committee appointees: As part of carrying out Sanshin's Ethics Policy, Sanshin's board of directors appointed three members to an Ethics and Reconciliation (EAR) Committee at its February board meeting. This is a standing committee tasked with implementing restorative justice principles to assist in resolving conflicts, clarifying ethical issues, and responding to allegations of misconduct, in the event that more informal attempts at conflict resolution and restoration of wholesome relations within the sangha are not sufficient. The appointees are Shoryu Bradley, a dharma heir of Okumura Roshi who leads practice at Gyobutsuji in Arkansas, Dennis McCarty, a retired Unitarian Universalist minister who lives in Bloomington, IN, and Sonia Leerkamp, who brings extensive experience and expertise in restorative justice, law, and public service and currently lives in Brown County, Indiana. You can find full bios and contact information of EAR Committee members, as well as the full text of our Ethics Policy (grounded in the sixteen bodhisattva precepts, with more specific guidance) HERE.

Tangible Thusness resources available: As part of our yearlong focus on nyoho teachings and practice throughout 2025 here at Sanshin, recorded clips from our nyoho workshop with Koun Franz in January are now available. From January through April, we're focusing primarily on nyoho teachings related to clothing, from traditional Buddhist robes to what we wear to work. More clips from Koun's workshop on nyoho in general will be released in the coming weeks and months, posted to relevant pages within the nyoho section of Sanshin Source:

​March work day: On Sunday, March 2nd, practitioners emerged from our Quiet February practice schedule with a full sangha work day. Much of the work practice was focused on "spring cleaning" inside the temple, with Hoko and Sawyer reorganizing our administrative office, Esho cleaning Okumura Roshi's office, Will updating our office computer setup, Reghan painting the zendo kitchen, and Hosshin and Clark working together on routing electrical wires in the zendo. Our next work day is scheduled for April 13th.

​Uchiyama Roshi memorial sesshin: Seven practitioners carried out sesshin at Sanshinji from March 6 - 9, with several others participating for a portion, in-person and virtually. Because this sesshin falls near the anniversary of Uchiyama Roshi's death each year, we dedicate it in his honor and carry out a memorial service for him with the sangha during Sunday practice immediately following sesshin. Even here at the end of winter, much of the produce for this sesshin was sourced locally, from Wilderlove Farm and public farmers' markets in Bloomington.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: Virtual dharma study intensive on Ejo's Komyozo-Zanmai
May 1 - 10, 2025, 10 - Noon with Okumura Roshi

Over the course of ten mornings this May, Okumura Roshi will offer ten lectures on his own new translation of Komyozo-Zanmai (The Samadhi of the Radiant Light Treasury​), attributed to Koun Ejo Zenji. Koun Ejo (1198 - 1282) was Dogen Zenji's close attendant, principle dharma heir, and the second abbot of Eiheiji following Dogen's death. He transcribed and compiled many of Dogen's writings and discourses, but Komyozo-zanmai is the only original writing attributed to Ejo. In it, Dogen's shikantaza ​(our practice of zazen) is discussed as the samadhi of the radiant light treasury. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

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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 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!

Buddhism grew out of the ancient Indian sramana (‘one who strives’) tradition, also sometimes called the ‘renouncer or ascetic tradition,’ and its continuity was dependent on the offerings of the wider society for material support. Siddhartha Gautama followed this tradition prior to his awakening as Buddha. And it has continued as a basis of our practice since the time when Rome was a small village. But what does that mean in these modern times?​

Just like there's no practice without practitioners, the dedicated financial support of our wide-ranging community also remains essential to Sanshin's part in carrying forward the Soto Zen tradition in the West. With your support and involvement, we strive together to create and offer a field of merit through teachings, research, practice resources, and numerous opportunities to gather and practice in community.

In January of last year, I provided the following breakdown: “Our largest expenses have been and will continue to be teaching, research and content generation – that is by far our primary mission.” And so it was in 2024, which also included growth in program-related income.

​For 2025, we have approved a budget that continues to focus on these priorities, while ensuring that our facilities are safe, inviting, and suitable for practice. Your gifts of financial support continue to be vital in enabling Sanshin to make Soto Zen practice available in our own particular style, grounded in the teachings of the Buddha, Dōgen Zenji, and Sawaki, Uchiyama and Okumura Roshis.

If you have questions about Sanshin's finances, please email me.  Thank you for your practice and support, and may your life be filled with kindness, joy and magnanimity.

Recent and upcoming publications connected to our lineage: Books featuring the work of Okumura Roshi, Hoko Karnegis, Uchiyama Roshi, and Shinshu Roberts will be published this year. Translators include Daitsu Tom Wright, Howard Lazzarini, and Okumura Roshi. You can click on the cover images below for more information.

Dharma offerings from 'Being Old' participants: Our three part virtual discussion series on ​The Zen Practice of Being Old, with Tonen O'Connor, was completed in January. A recap of some of the group's collaborative conclusions on being old, as well as examples of the yuige (death poems) written by participants, are now available on Sanshin Source.

​Buddhist essentials: Shakyamuni to Sanshin
Six Wednesday evenings, Mar 5 - Apr 9, 7 - 8:30 pm

Beginning in March, Hoko will lead a six-evening lecture and discussion series tracing the connections between foundational early Buddhist teachings, through the development of Mahayana teachings and practice, and into the history of the Soto Zen tradition and practice at Sanshin and beyond today. The material is intended to be accessible and useful for all practitioners, whether beginner or experienced. Those just establishing their practice are especially encouraged to attend in order to gain a firm foundation for zazen, work, study and ritual going forward as members of the sangha.

​Note that these sessions will replace our usual Wednesday evening dharma book discussions between March 5th and April 9th, and will allow extra time for Q&A, ending by 8:30 ET at the latest each evening. All are welcome to participate, virtually or in-person. There is no registration or fee, and donations are welcome and appreciated.

Save-the-date: Virtual dharma study intensive with Okumura Roshi on Koun Ejo's Komyozo-zanmai (The Samadhi of the Radiant Light Treasury​)
May 1 - 10, 2025 (10am - noon ET)

Over the course of ten mornings this May, Okumura Roshi will offer ten lectures on his own new translation of Komyozo-zanmai (The Samadhi of the Radiant Light Treasury​), attributed to Koun Ejo Zenji. Koun Ejo (1198 - 1282) was Dogen Zenji's close attendant, principle dharma heir, and the second abbot of Eiheiji following Dogen's death. He transcribed and compiled many of Dogen's writings and discourses, but Komyozo-zanmai is the only original writing attributed to Ejo. In it, Dogen's shikantaza ​(our practice of zazen) is discussed as the samadhi of the radiant light treasury.

Registration for this virtual-only event is not yet open; look out for further details in the coming weeks!

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 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!

Being Old discussion series underway: More than two dozen practitioners have come together online for the opening sessions of a three part discussion series on ​The Zen Practice of Being Old led by longtime friend of Sanshin and respected teacher in her own right, Tonen O'Connor. Discussions have revolved around new opportunities for practice and dharma insights available at 70 years of age and beyond that differ from the experience of our younger years. Participation has ranged from Bloomington to Vermont to Australia.

Nyoho: The Dharma of Just This 
​(registration closing Tuesday, Jan 21)
A one-day workshop led by Koun Franz
Saturday, January 25th from ​9 am - 5 pm

There is a tradition—within the Soto Zen tradition—called nyohō, a practice of exploring the dharma as it’s expressed through the material world around us. These teachings offer a way for us to touch, smell, taste, view, and hear the dharma—to hold it in our hands. They invite us not only to consider our practice in terms of the Buddha's original teachings but also to take creative responsibility for it in each moment.

Join Koun for a day which will frame our year of Tangible Thusness, exploring nyohō teachings and practice as a sangha throughout 2025. In-person and virtual participation is welcome.

Koun, who leads practice at Thousand Harbours Zen in Nova Scotia, has traveled to Bloomington to lead workshops at Sanshin a couple of times over the years, including one also focused on nyoho, and one examining Keizan Zenji's writing, Zazen Yojinki. Koun is also a member of the advisory committee for our Sawaki Nyoho-e Treasury.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER by Tues, Jan 21st

Quiet February simplified practice schedule: During February and August at Sanshin, the regular practice schedule becomes quieter, less busy, and more focused on zazen. We let go of chanting services and Shobogenzo Zuimonki readings on weekday mornings, most Sunday dharma talks (which are replaced by one more period of zazen), and all evening practice activities. Keep an eye on our Schedules & Calendars page to see how regular practice activities shift next month.

Save-the-dates for Buddhist Essentials with Hoko:
​From Shakyamuni to Sanshin
Six Wednesday evenings, March 5th - April 9th
​
This spring, Hoko will lead a six-part lecture and discussion series tracing the connections between foundational Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and three marks of existence, through the development of Mahayana teachings and practice, and into the history of the Soto Zen tradition. We'll see how all of this underpins our day to day practice at Sanshin and beyond. The material is intended to be accessible and useful for all practitioners, whether beginner or experienced.  Those just establishing their practice are especially encouraged to attend in order to gain a firm foundation for zazen, work, study and ritual going forward as members of the sangha.

​Note that these sessions will replace our usual Wednesday evening dharma book discussions between March 5th and April 9th, and will allow extra time for Q&A, ending by 8:30 ET at the latest each evening. Virtual and in-person participation is welcome and encouraged.

Uchiyama Roshi memorial sesshin (Mar 6 - 9): Sesshin at Sanshin is an opportunity to practice zazen without distraction. We dedicate our March sesshin each year to the memory of Kosho Uchiyama Roshi, the teacher of our founder, Shohaku Okumura and author of the foundational book Opening the Hand of Thought.  As he is one of the main shapers of our style of practice, we can't help but be grateful for his life and practice.  He died on March 13, 1998.  We will hold a brief memorial service following the usual Sunday morning zazen and dharma talk, given by Okumura Roshi himself.
​LEARN MORE & REGISTER

​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!

​Sanshin clergy at Sotoshu conference: Sanshin was well-represented at the 2024 Sotoshu conference at Zenshuji in Los Angeles.  Hoko, Myogen and Esho attended from Bloomington, Shoryu came in from Arkansas, as well as Eido and Onryu from Minnesota and Doshin from Iowa.  Attendees tended to general denominational business before hearing about and discussing several new translations of texts by Keizan Zenji.  Hoko is also the vice president and communications officer for Soto Zen North America, a newly forming organization being created to eventually take over some of the functions of the denomination in North America, and she delivered an update presentation at the conference.  ​

Students visit Sanshin: Members of DePauw University's Buddhist club traveled to Bloomington from Greencastle, IN to participate in regular Sunday practice at Sanshin on November 24th. After some brief instruction, the group of about 15 students participated in zazen, listened to Hoko's dharma talk, and met the sangha during informal tea afterwards.

​November work morning: The sangha gathered for monthly work practice on the morning of Sunday, November 17th, following zazen and our monthly World Peace Ceremony. Practitioners worked to rake leaves off the lawn and into a future native woodland area on the northeast corner of our grounds, planted bulbs and native wildflower seeds as part of an effort to supply our altars with season-long homegrown flowers next year, and repaired our limping electric lawnmower.

Rohatsu sesshin & ceremony: A close-knit group of five practitioners carried out this year's 7-day Rohatsu sesshin. Several others participated in extended portions of the sesshin, supplied ingredients and cooked meals, dropped in occasionally for periods of zazen, and/or joined the group for the formal tea and late night zazen periods leading up to the Rohatsu Heart Sutra service at midnight on December 8th. Since December 8th (the traditional date marking Shakyamuni Buddha's awakening) this year fell on a Sunday, local practitioners joined sesshin participants for a potluck breakfast that morning, followed by regular Sunday practice including a dharma talk from Okumura Roshi and a Rohatsu ceremony with the wider sangha.

Issan and European sanghas in Japan: Issan Koyama, a dharma heir of Okumura Roshi, coordinated with several European dharma heirs and organizations carrying out "sangha pilgrimage tours" in Japan between October and December this year. These travels included visits to Buddhist and historic sites in Tokyo, Kyōto, Fukui, Matsumoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Kamakura and Kōfu. Learn more at Issan's New York Zen Community for Dogen Study Facebook page.