the leaf

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO & TAIGU is MOVING to SHAMBHALA SUN

2010-03-16T12:06:00.007+09:00

All things are change, and our "Sit-a-Long with Jundo" (now with Rev. Taigu too!) is found at the website of Shambhala Sun / Buddhadharma magazines ...

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO & TAIGU

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Sit-a-Long with Jundo: Here and There

2008-12-30T17:22:00.000+09:00

Today, we are celebrating having a new home for our Zazen netcast, right here on Beliefnet!

For folks new to our sittings ... I'm Jundo, a Soto Zen Buddhist priest living in Japan. Our community, and these meditation sittings, are all meant especially for folks who wish to sit Zazen (Zen style meditation) together with others, but can't do so easily: maybe due to health concerns, living in remote areas, super busy work schedules, childcare and family needs and such.

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: A Season of Peace

2008-12-30T02:39:00.008+09:00

In this Season of Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all Mankind ...

... endless violence in the 'Holy Land' ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-12-28T00:19:00.001+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

We start with 3 floor prostrations (or deep Gassho), then chant the Heart Sutra in ENGLISH, then sit about 40 minutes of Zazen, then 10 minutes of Kinhin, closing with the chant of the "Verse of Atonement" and "Four Vows".

Please join in, one and all.

Gassho, Jundo

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.__________________

INO = CHANT LEADER ONLY
EVERYONE = ALL JOIN IN

AFTER 3x STANDING BOWS by EVERYONE:

INO ONLY =

The Heart of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra*
(Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo in English)

EVERYONE =

A/vo/lo/ki/tes/va/ra/ Bo/dhi/satt/va/, A/wa/kened/ One/ of/ Com/pas/sion/,

In/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/, the/Deep/ Prac/tice/ of/ Per/fect/ Wis/dom/*

Per/ceived/ the/ emp/ti/ness/ of /all /five /con/di/tions/,

And/ was/ free/ of/ suf/fer/ing/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, form/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ emp/ti/ness/,

Emp/ti/ness/ no/ o/ther/ than/ form/;

Form/ is/ pre/cise/ly/ emp/ti/ness/, emp/ti/ness/ pre/cise/ly/ form/.

Sen/sa/tions/, per/cep/tions/, for/ma/tions/ and/ con/scious/ness/ are/ al/so/ like/ this/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, all/ things/ are/ ex/pres/sions/ of/ emp/ti/ness/,

Not/ born/, not/ des/troyed/, not/ stained/, not/ pure/;

Nei/ther/ wax/ing/ nor/ wan/ing/.

Thus/ emp/ti/ness/ is/ not/ form/; not/ sen/sa/tion/ nor/ per/cep/tion/,

not/ for/ma/tion/ nor/ con/scious/ness/.

No/ eye/, ear/, nose/, tongue/, bo/dy/, mind/;

No/ sight/, sound/, smell/, taste/, touch/, nor/ ob/ject/ of/ mind/;

No/ realm/ of/ sight/, no/ realm/ of/ con/scious/ness/;

No/ ig/no/rance/, no/ end/ to/ ig/no/rance/;

No/ old/ age/ and/ death/,

No/ ces/sa/tion/ of/ old/ age/ and/ death/;

No/ suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/;

No/ path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bod/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

All/ past/, pre/sent/ and/ fu/ture/ Budd/has/

Live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

And/ re/al/ize/ su/preme/ and/ com/plete/ en/light/en/ment/.

There/fore/ know/ that/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/

Is/ the/ sac/red/ man/tra/, the/ lu/min/ous/ man/tra/,

the/ sup/reme/ man/tra/, the/ in/com/pa/ra/ble/ man/tra/

by/ which/ all/ suf/fe/ring/ is/ clear/.

This/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ Truth/.

There/fore/ set/ forth/ the/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/ man/tra/.

Set/ forth/ this/ man/tra/ and/ pro/claim/:*

(1x)
Gate! Gate! (Already Gone, Gone)
Paragate! (Already Gone Beyond)
Parasamgate! (Already Fully Beyond)
Bodhi! Svaha! * (Awakening, Rejoice)

BE SEATED AS INSTRUCTED BY JUNDO

________________________________________________________________

VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

FOUR VOWS:

To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless

To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible

To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless

To attain the Enlightened Way, a Way non-attainable

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Resolutions!

2008-12-27T12:36:00.004+09:00

How Zen folks handle our "New Years Resolutions" ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Silent Night Silent Sitting

2008-12-26T15:40:00.002+09:00

A silent night ... silent sitting ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Shakya Claus

2008-12-25T15:15:00.004+09:00

Oh, just another typical Buddhist Christmas morning at the Cohen house ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO & PIKACHU

2008-12-24T09:37:00.003+09:00

How do ya teach a 5 year old about inner contentment at this time of year, about "not being material", that it's better to "give than to receive" ...

... He can't even pronounce "non-attachment" ...

... maybe Pikachu can help?

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: hangover!

2008-12-23T10:05:00.002+09:00

My head feels as large as the whole universe (but not quite in the way the Buddha intended) ...

... What happens when the 'teacher' over does things at a family Holiday Party?

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: (more) Home for the Holidays

2008-12-22T00:05:00.000+09:00

THIS POSTING SEEMS TO BE WORKING NOW!

Let's continue chatting about being truly "at home" for the holidays ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-12-20T23:00:00.005+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Dharma Names

2008-12-18T01:05:00.009+09:00

IT APPEARS THE PRIOR TECHNICAL PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED!

In preparation for our upcoming Jukai. I've been working this week to choose Dharma Names and inscribe them on the back panels of Rakusu ...

What is a Dharma Name?

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Home for the Holidays

2008-12-17T22:57:00.005+09:00

At this time of year, meeting family and old friends ... how do you explain to them about "being a Buddhist"?

You may even start to feel a little guilty for not being part of the religion you were raised in.

How should we celebrate the holidays with friends and family?

My answer: Celebrate Peace & Joy!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO (Classic): The McBuddha

2008-12-16T00:21:00.000+09:00

A discussion of McDonalds on the Treeleaf Forum ... coupled with the fact that it is a 'Father & Son' weekend (mom is at an Ai-ki-do meet) ... has led Leon and I to the playground at the local Golden Arches in Tsukuba.

It is not the first time I have sat Zazen at McD's (one reason being that the stores in Japan have internet). However, there is another reason too ...

I believe that our sitting should, most times, be done in a quiet room, facing a blank wall. The calm and outer stillness is important to our learning to settle the mind. But our Zen Practice is also all about being out in the world, amid the chaos ... learning to touch, while in the rat race, the very same stillness of mind that we find on the Zafu. So, I encourage all Zazen sitters to do some of their 'sittings' in obnoxious places ... noisy, foul smelling, unpleasant or emotionally difficult places. That is why I do a portion of our sittiings on this blog next to the side of highways, in train stations, in downtown Tokyo and the like. Everyone should do 'mini-sittings' during their day too: in the postal line, when cut off by a crazy driver in traffic, when work and family become overwhelming ...

Furthermore, our usual Zazen is non-focused on open 'awareness' ... just sitting embracing of all, not focused on anything in particular or any one object, not imposing value judgments (good/bad, pleasant/unpleasant, etc.), dropping categorizations of the objects around us (chair, table, father, son, etc.), balanced in body and mind. It is "awareness" because we are not asleep, not in a stupor. We are present and awake and aware, with balanced mind. But meditating with a child at McDonalds adds simultaneously a bit of 'mindfulness' in the mix, as I must maintain care and attention to the situation, and my son's doings ... to prevent disaster.

You will witness two near disasters narrowly averted within the first minutes of today's talk!

So, this is not some fast-food 'McZen' shooting for 'McEnlightenment' ... this is the Real Thing!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Silent Sitting

2008-12-15T02:02:00.003+09:00

...

silent sitting ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Litmus Test

2008-12-14T00:44:00.007+09:00

People often ask me about "right" Zazen and "wrong" Zazen. They want to know if their Practice is doing alright, and whether there is some "litmus test" ...

Well, there is no simple answer ... but I have found that the following 'rule of thumb' might help one know if their Practice is moving in the right direction:

Of course, a key to our way is the dropping of all thought of "right and wrong" ... There is no way to do Zazen "wrong" ... even when you are doing it completely "wrong". However, that does not mean that there's not a wrong and right way to it! (Sound like a Koan)?

Thus, allowing things to just be the way they are, no judging, not resisting, being with the flow, allowing 'happy' days to be happy and 'sad' days to be sad, all while dropping all idea of 'happy' and 'sad', whether really enjoying or really not enjoying ... fully dropping away any and all thought of doing Zazen 'right' or doing it 'wrong' ... THIS IS DOING IT RIGHT. And when you are doing it right, it will usually feel like you are doing it right, for there is no resistance, and a great sense of balance.

Fighting things, wishing things were some other way than how they are, judging, resisting, going against the grain and the flow, wishing 'sad' days were happy or 'happy' days were happier ... filled with a sense of self bumping up against all the other 'selfs', with a mind held by thoughts of doing Zazen 'right' or doing it 'wrong' ... THIS IS DOING ZAZEN WRONG. And when you are doing it wrong, it will usually feel like you are doing it wrong, for there is resistance, and a sense of imbalance.

But as well, even at those times when Zazen feels 'wrong', when there is resistance or imbalance ... it is still 'right', still 'Zazen', still just what it is. IT CANNOT BE WRONG. This last point is vital to understanding. It's all a pretty good 'litmus test' too.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-12-13T23:19:00.004+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Retreat Reflections

2008-12-12T21:56:00.005+09:00

A few reflections on this past week's Rohatsu Retreat ...

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TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT

2008-12-06T00:32:00.035+09:00

WELCOME to the world's first totally online 'Treeleaf Two-Day Rohatsu Retreat', which was held by LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008.

HOWEVER, you may still join the Retreat and sit-a-long at ANY TIME 'ON DEMAND', by the real time recorded version below (no different from the original!). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

You may download the full sitting schedule HERE .

Recordings of each segment are posted below in time order ... and if we drop from mind all thought of 'now' 'then' 'here' and 'there' ... we will all be sitting together right when and where you are!

Please write and let me know how it goes. Gassho, Jundo

DAY 1 UNIT 1
(Live Netcast: Start = FRIDAY NY 4pm London 9pm / End = FRIDAY NY 6:55pm, London 11:55pm)
(ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

DAY 1
06:00-06:50 AM Entrance by Officiant (Jundo) & Zazen
06:50-07:00 Kinhin* (All Kinhin times can be bathroom break)
07:00-07:35 Zazen
07:35-07:45 Kinhin
07:45-08:25 Zazen + Kesa Verse
08:25-08:55 “Long” Service
08:55-09:20 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 2
(Live Netcast: Start=FRIDAY NY 7:20pm London SATURDAY 12:20am /End=FRIDAY NY 7:50pm, SATURDAY London 12:50am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

09:20-09:50 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
09:50-10:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 1 UNIT 3
(Live Netcast: Start=FRIDAY NY 8:30pm London SATURDAY 1:30am /End=FRIDAY NY 10:45pm, SATURDAY London 3:45am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

10:30-11:10 Zazen
11:10-11:20 Kinhin
11:20-12:00 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
12:00-12:10 Kinhin
12:10-12:45 Zazen
12:45-13:10 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 4
(Live Netcast: Start=FRIDAY NY 11:10pm London SATURDAY 4:10am /End=FRIDAY NY 11:40pm, SATURDAY London 4:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

13:10-13:40 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
13:40-14:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 1 UNIT 5
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 12:30am London 5:30am /End=SATURDAY NY 1:30am, London 6:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

14:30-15:30 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
15:30-16:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 6
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 2:00am London 7:00am /End=SATURDAY NY 4:25am, London 9:25am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

16:00-16:40 Zazen
16:40-16:50 Kinhin
16:50-17:40 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
17:40-17:50 Kinhin
17:50-18:25 Zazen
18:25-19:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 7
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 5:00am London 10:00am /End=SATURDAY NY 5:30am, London 10:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

19:00-19:30 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
19:30-20:10 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 1 UNIT 8
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 6:10am London 11:10am /End=SATURDAY NY 6:40am, London 11:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

20:10-20:40 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
20:40-21:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 9
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 7:00am London Noon /End=SATURDAY NY 9:30am, London 2:30pm)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

21:00-21:50 “Short” Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
21:50-22:00 Kinhin
22:00-22:40 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
22:40-22:50 Kinhin
22:50-23:30 Fukanzazengi & Zazen Close with Verse of Atonement & Four Vows

DAY 1 UNIT 10
( No Live Netcast from SATURDAY NY 9:30am London 2:30pm to NY 4:00pm, London 9:00pm)
PLEASE CATCH UP WITH MISSED OVERNIGHT UNITS!

(Optional: Waza = Tradition of ‘All Night Zazen’)

WATCH RECORDING HERE (information on 'Waza')

23:30 PM-
(Day 2)
05:30 AM
BATH & SLEEP

DAY 2 UNIT 1
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY NY 4pm London 9pm / End = SATURDAY NY 6:55pm, London 11:55pm)
(ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

06:00-06:40 AM Zazen Begin sitting without instruction. If you usually wear a Rakusu, DO NOT wear it yet (keep it in its bag) until Takkesage (Kesa Verse) later in morning.
06:40-07:00 Long (20 minute) Kinhin*
07:00-07:35 Zazen
07:35-07:45 Kinhin
07:45-08:25 Zazen + Kesa Verse When instructed, place on Kesa and recite Kesa Verse. All others, hands in Gassho.
08:25-08:55 “Long” Service Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
08:55-09:20 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 2
(Live Netcast:Start=SATURDAY NY 7:20pm London SUNDAY 12:20am/End=SATURDAY NY 7:50pm, SUNDAY London 12:50am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

09:20-09:50 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
09:50-10:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 2 UNIT 3
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 8:30pm London SUNDAY 1:30am/End=SATURDAY NY 10:45pm, SUNDAY London 3:45am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

10:30-11:10 Zazen
11:10-11:20 Kinhin
11:20-12:00 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
12:00-12:10 Kinhin
12:10-12:45 Zazen
12:45-13:10 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 4
(Live Netcast:Start=SATURDAY NY 11:10pm London SUNDAY 4:10am/End=SATURDAY NY 11:40pm, SUNDAY London 4:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

13:10-13:40 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
13:40-14:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 2 UNIT 5

(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 12:30am London 5:30am /End=SUNDAY NY 1:30am, London 6:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

SOUND VOLUME JUMPS UP AT START ... INCREASE VOLUME WITH CAUTION!

14:30-15:30 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
15:30-16:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 6
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 2:00am London 7:00am /End=SUNDAY NY 4:25am, London 9:25am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

16:00-16:40 Zazen
16:40-16:50 Kinhin
16:50-17:40 Zazen & Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
17:40-17:50 Kinhin
17:50-18:25 Zazen
18:25-19:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 7
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 5:00am London 10:00am /End=SUNDAY NY 5:30am, London 10:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

19:00-19:30 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
19:30-20:10 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 2 UNIT 8
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 6:10am London 11:10am /End=SUNDAY NY 6:40am, London 11:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

20:10-20:40 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
20:40-21:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 9
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 7:00am London Noon /End=SUNDAY NY 9:30am, London 2:30pm)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

21:00-21:50 “Short” Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
21:50-22:00 Kinhin
22:00-22:40 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
22:40-22:50 Kinhin
22:50-23:30 Metta Chant & Zazen
& CLOSING WORDS Close with Verse of Atonement & Four Vows

Nine Bows to All Who Sat This Retreat Together ...

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - (Overture)

2008-12-04T20:36:00.014+09:00

Our world's first totally online 'Treeleaf Two-Day Rohatsu Retreat' is scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

Hi Guys,

I am just going to leave everyone with a few closing words before our Retreat. (I am not going to post a new sitting today. If you want and have the time, please watch again some of the earlier 'sit-a-longs' on Oryoki, Bowing and such.). Just remember a few things ...

- Please down load and print out this short reading for my talk during the Retreat ...

FOR RETREAT TALK

- Whether this is a very rewarding and pleasant experience, or a tedious trial, is completely up to what you make of it ... in your own mind. That's one of the points! Make it difficult, and it will be. Relax and go with the flow, and you will!

- If the technology fails us (and it likely will at some point), we just sit with what is. If there is no netcast or recording for a time, we will be back (I hope). Just follow along on your own in the meantime. As the Beatles might sing, "There's nothing that's missed that can't be missed". Nothing ever missing even when missing. But loosely KEEP TRACK OF TIME in case our bells can't be heard.

- Although you should not give up and give in too easily, ours is not a way of self punishment. If sitting in one position too long is difficult, change position freely (e.g., move from Lotus, to Burmese to even a chair ... maybe not recline, as it is too easy to fall asleep). Walk lots of Kinhin, even if during a Zazen period. We will be sitting lots and lots of Zazen ... take it easy.

- If you would like to have an interview with me during the Retreat, or have questions come up, I am available. I will be checking e-mails during break times (check the schedule I provided for our live sitting in Japan). I am available to chat by insta-messaging on Skype (code name: keizandogen), or even video conference if someone wants. Just give me a couple of hours prior notice, and select a time for the meeting which is a Zazen time without other activity (e.g., not an Oryoki time or other ceremony or talk). I can chat with you by e-mail/messaging/video conference during such times. Just say, "Jundo, can you meet with me 5 minutes into the X:00 O'clock Zazen?" If I am unoccupied then, I will. (Again, your computer should not be used for web surfing, and only for purposes of this Retreat). My email remains jundotreeleaf[a]gmail.com

-Finally, Dirk, Jools, Daniel, Jim, Tina, Rowan ... so many others ... you will be sitting with us in the same room here, no matter where you are. Between not thinking, I will be thinking of you all.

Gassho and Thank You ... Let's Get Ready to Rohatsu Rumble!! ... Jundo

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VIII (Oryoki II NEW VERSION)

2008-12-03T02:57:00.006+09:00

I HAVE REPOSTED A BETTER VERSION OF THE DEMONSTRATION DUE TO TECHNICAL OBSTACLES YESTERDAY

We will 'be dancing' a simple Oryoki for our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

... Traditional Oryoki practice consists of scores of set movements for eating, each of which must be learned and mastered, much like a ballet. Here is a small sample, this merely for wiping and repacking the spoon, chopsticks and settsu (bowl washing stick) at the end of the meal ...

1) Pick up spoon in right hand with the handle pointing toward you. Put it in your left hand. Pick up setsu with right hand; put bowl of spoon into water in middle bowl and clean it with setsu. Do both sides. Hold spoon straight.

2) Put setsu in middle bowl, pointing straight out. Put spoon in right hand. With left hand, fold the exposed corner of the drying cloth over the bowl of the spoon without taking the cloth out of the Buddha bowl. Wipe bowl of spoon; turn spoon 180 degrees so bowl is pointing toward you and push it through cloth.

3) Spoon is now in your right hand, bowl down and pointing left. Without picking up utensil holder, slide spoon into it. (The opening in utensil holder should be on your right, with the fold on the left.)

4) Repeat steps 1) and 2) above with chopsticks.

5) In left hand pick up folded utensil holder that contains spoon. Slide sticks into utensil holder, toward you. Work utensils to bottom with right hand. Do not let utensils drop of their own weight.

6) Fold over the utensil holder and replace it in front of you, this time with the opening on the left. The pointed half is on top, with the opening down (not visible). Fold is now on the right.

We will be doing a simplified, sometimes improvised and creative version but, I hope, no less mindful. The attitude and spirit are the most important.

PLEASE PRESS ON BELOW PICTURE TO PLAY:

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VIII (Oryoki I NEW VERSION)

2008-12-02T00:44:00.016+09:00

I HAVE REPOSTED A BETTER VERSION OF THE DEMONSTRATION DUE TO TECHNICAL OBSTACLES YESTERDAY

We will be making a simple 'Oryoki set for our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

All you need is:

1 - Clean Pillow Case
2 - Bowls and 1 Tea Cup (that fit into each other)
1 - Jar Lid or Flat Small Dish
1 - Cloth Napkin (or Paper Napkin)
1 - Table Spoon
1 - Tea Spoon
1 - Small Cut Piece of a New Sponge
1 - Long Envelope

Tomorrow we will talk about how to use all that.

But I would like to mention food for the Retreat: We are each our own Tenzo (temple cook). I would prepare in advance simple yet nutritious foods (something that can be easily heated and served, as we do not have much time for cooking during the Retreat). Food is to be looked upon as medicine, support for our Zazen. All thought of luxury or poverty, good and bad, should be placed aside. We eat small, simple dishes ... in moderation. I would prepare a plain breakfast cereal, juice and perhaps tea for breakfast, and simple rice dishes, vegetable soups and steamed vegetables for lunch/dinner. Do not eat to fill oneself, and just what is healthful and necessary. Tea/Coffee and healthy snacks can be taken freely, in moderation, during break times.

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING PICTURE TO PLAY:

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VII (Samu)

2008-12-01T00:25:00.005+09:00

Working toward our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

(AND BY THE WAY ... CHANT BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!! HERE)

our topic today is Work Practice, Samu ...

I wrote this for a previous talk on Samu, and will just restate it due to laziness today (laziness is not a fitting attitude for Samu usually!) ...

While Zazen is at the heart of our Way, other aspects of traditional Zen Practice also should be introduced and encouraged. I have been meaning to do so more and more around Treeleaf. One of the most vital is the non-doing of 'Samu' (traditional work practice) ...

Samu is well described in this excerpt ...

Samu is manual work done with the same concentration as zazen. All masters of transmission, especially Master Hyakujo (720-814), have insisted on this. Even in his old age, Master Hyakujo worked every day in the field with his students. One day, they hid his tools, thinking that their master should spare himself. Hyakujo declared: “A day without working, a day without eating.” And he stopped eating until his disciples gave him back his tools.

In zen, work has great value, because it allows us to practise the Way in action. In the dojo and during retreats (sesshins), zazen is followed by samu, which is when we do the chores to ensure the smooth functioning of communal life. Samu also means putting our efforts at the service of the community, without expecting anything in return. French version of the texts from Zen, by Bovay, Kaltenbach and De Smedt, Albin Michel Publishing, 1993

Yes, Samu is just Zazen in action. It may not look like seated meditation, but it is to be done from the same state of mental balance. Couple this with an attitude of goalless, non-striving, 'just doing', also a hallmark of Zazen. As well, work is to be performed mindfully, as the only action in and of the whole universe : One engaged in Samu should devote to it all care and attention, never wishing for or thinking of anything else.

The result is a job performed diligently and patiently and with certain goals, but with no thought of anything to achieve (of course, not a contradiction in Zen). It may be a continuing job that just needs to be done without end, but we do it with all care moment by moment by moment for the time we have.

I encourage those Treeleaf folks with the time to give a few hours each week to volunteer activities in their community (please consult with me, if you wish, about an appropriate choice of work). However, those with heavy family or employment duties can make that part of that their 'Samu', approaching it with the mindset described above.

signal dropped during sitting.
please time if sitting-a-long

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RETREAT SITTING SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE!

2008-12-01T00:17:00.010+09:00

Hi Everyone,

The Retreat Sitting Schedule is now available for download (PDF) at this link ...

TREELEAF JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT SITTING SCHEDULE

Our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' shall be LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008! (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE

I need to explain how the schedule will work for all the people sitting in different time zones around the world ... and I believe all will be surprisingly easy once I do:

We will be sitting in Japan from 6AM to near midnight both Saturday and Sunday (Japan time) . That means that the live netcast will actually run FRIDAY evening to SUNDAY morning/afternoon in most of North America and Europe (I have included in the schedule equivalent times in New York and London). There is a blank column on the attached schedule for you to pencil in your equivalent local times.

So, here is how you can do the Retreat:

I - One way is to just sit from your morning to late night, in your time zone Saturday and Sunday, using the recorded versions only (recordings of each segment, e.g., Zazen, Samu Work Practice, Oryoki, will be posted by me on the Treeleaf Blog as soon as we finish live sitting). You will follow us in "real time", but just a few hours after us in Japan. (You do not need to begin at 6am as we do, but I ask that you begin your day in your local time zone no earlier than 4am, and no later than 7am, adjusting the schedule accordingly)

II- The other way is to sit, as much as you can, with live segments, and then sit with any missed segments via their recorded version by simply adding the missed segments right on the end of each day. You will need to figure out the schedule to see which activities you can join live, and which you will need to join later as a replay recording.

I DO NOT CARE IF YOU CHANGE THE ORDER OF SEGMENTS, SO LONG AS ... AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ... YOU DO ALL SEGMENTS, AND OVER A SOLID TWO DAYS.

I have designed the schedule, as much as possible, so that you can do this. So, for example, the activities you miss while you are asleep (like Samu Work Practice) can be easily moved to the end. Other activities (such as meals) were positioned by me in about the right times so folks in most time zones can join us 'live' (at least most of the time).

NOTE TO PARENTS: Please feel free to devote Samu work periods to family/child care, extend or move Samu work periods as necessary to do so, or convert some "Zazen" periods to additional Samu. If you miss any Zazen, it would be nice if you do "make-up" Zazen by adding it at a convenient time. REMEMBER: All parental activities should be done with an attitude of Samu, and as much as possible, in Silence. All will be part of the Retreat!

A parent wrote to ask whether ... if really really really necessary, a parent can divide the Retreat into 3 or 4 days to allow for childcare duties: Yes, if really really necessary. It would be better to do the Retreat as a solid two days, but if you need to break it up over 3 or 4 days (and sit the Retreat when the kids are in bed, in school etc.) ... NO PROBLEM, if you really need to do so! Just consider the 3 or 4 days a 3 or 4 days Retreat, and try to spend those days with that attitude. However, the foregoing does not mean that folks without a very very very very good excuse should divide up the Retreat over more than two days.

Finally, I am terrible with numbers. I have checked several times, but if there are any mistakes in my time calculations ... please forgive me, and we will correct them.

We will just have a silent sitting today ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-11-29T23:05:00.006+09:00

REMINDER: our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' is scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008! (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Tonight's sitting is especially dedicated to all victims of violence, war and terrorism ...

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VI (Nature Calls)

2008-11-28T23:28:00.007+09:00

We continue preparations for our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

Going to the toilet is nature, is life, is Practice, is Zazen. All the Buddhas and Ancestors had to pee and poo, and so do you. But how we do our duty makes all the difference!

Master Dogen devoted an entire chapter of Shobogenzo to latrine procedures ... and during our Retreat we should see going to the toilet as a sacred ritual. First, drop all thought of "clean" and "dirty" ... flush such discriminatory ideas away!

However, even as we drop all idea of "clean" and "dirty", we try to stay clean (we are always working on several levels in Zen) ... so, if wearing a Rakusu, remove it and hang it outside the toilet room before entering. Then Gassho 3x (or, if you wish, do full prostrations 3x) toward the door of the toilet room and recite the following

Adoration to all the Buddhas.
Adoration to all the limitless teaching.
Peace! Speak! Blaze! Up! Open!
To the glorious, peaceful one for whom
there is no disaster whilst upon the water-closet, Hail!

Of course, maintain silence in the bog. No reading material and, while one need not assume the Full Lotus Posture on the commode, one should do one's business with the sense of stillness-in-motion and non-attaining that is Zazen. Go with with Flow! Truly, peeing is only action in that moment, a perfect act complete unto itself ... it is not you peeing, or even the whole universe peeing in that instant (although it is that too) ... for 'tis Just Peeing.

On exiting, bow again 3x to the toilet door and recite ...

Using the toilet
I vow with all beings
To eliminate defilement
Removing greed, anger and ignorance.

Then be sure to wash you hands ...

By the way, a similar ritual should be performed prior to entering the bath or shower. In that case, please recite ...

Bathing the body,
may all living beings

be clean in body and mind,

pure and shining within and without.

And Ven. Thich Naht Hanh offers this for tooth brushing ...

Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth,
I vow to speak purely and lovingly.
When my mouth is fragrant with right speech,
A flower blooms in the garden of my heart.

PRINT THESE OUT AND POST THEM AROUND YOUR BATHROOM!!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - V (Kinhin)

2008-11-27T23:37:00.001+09:00

For our upcoming Retreat, I'd like to look again at ... Kinhin ...

When doing kinhin (walking meditation), walk clockwise around the room, holding your hands in shashu position (there are two versions, employed in different lineages - see photos at right and below). From the waist up, your posture should be the same as that in zazen. (Although exact procedures vary from place to place) take the first half step with your left foot at the peak of the first inhalation. Stand still while exhaling. At the peak of the next inhalation, take the next half step. This sequence is repeated for the whole of the kinhin period. Walk slowly and smoothly, without dragging your feet. Generally, keep up with the pace of the group, and maintain equal distance person to person. Do not drag your feet or make noise. At the end of kinhin, bow from the waste (some groups bow in Gassho, some in Shashu), walk quickly around the room until you return to your seat. Kinhin is usually for 5 or 10 minutes, between seated Zazen (today, we will walk a bit longer, about 20 minutes)

Shashu Hand Position.
Bring your left thumb to the middle of your left palm and close your fist around it. Hold your left fist in front of your chest and cover it with your right hand. Some lineages have the fingers of the right hand face forward (see photo above), some face upward (see photo below) Extend both elbows to the sides so that your forearms form a straight line.

REMEMBER: EVEN AS WE MOVE, THERE IS NO WHERE TO GO

(today's explanation runs a little long, about 15 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of walking)

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - IV

2008-11-26T23:22:00.007+09:00

At our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

... there will be times of prostrating (Raihai), done in a series or three (Sanpai) ...

I am often asked to whom or what we are bowing ... Is it to some thing, god, person or effigy?

I answer by saying that there is nothing that's true that is omitted from our bow. We might consider that we're simply bowing to the whole universe, and to ourself and the other people around us … after all, 'All is One'! The hands, palms upwards, are raised in a gesture traditionally symbolic of lifting the Buddha's feet over one's head, but that truly means lifting all things of the universe over one's head. It's appropriate to cultivate an attitude of emptying, letting go, receptivity and gratitude in our bows.

If there is some physical or personal reason not to prostrate, a simple Gassho can be substituted. However, there is greatness in the humility of the prostration.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - III

2008-11-25T22:50:00.006+09:00

It is traditional to have a Buddha Statue in the Zen Hall ... or, rather, a statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva astride a Lion, a symbol of Wisdom ...

But, really, any Buddha (or Bodhisattva) statue or picture will do.

In fact, where in these do you see or not see the 'True Buddha"?

NOTE: SIGNAL DROPPED DURING SITTING.
IF SITTING-A-LONG, PLEASE KEEP TIME

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - II

2008-11-24T17:01:00.016+09:00

Today we will look at how to enter, walk through and be seated in the ''Zendo' ( 'Sitting Hall' ) ...

For our Retreat, it is suggested that one find a quiet, isolated space at home, where one can be alone with just a Zafu (and one's computer too! Of course, your computer will be dedicated to our Retreat that weekend, not any other web surfing!). A bare or uncluttered room is suggested, but if that is not possible, remember that true "clutter" is found in the mind.

There should also be a single Buddha Statue (although a "Buddha Statue" need not be a "Statue of a Buddha", and can be a flower, stone, rubber ball, coke bottle or any item in the whole universe ... we will talk about that in a later 'sit-a-long'). Place the 'Buddha Statue' on a small, raised table, preferably in the center of the room ... not against the wall. We place the 'Buddha Statue' in the center of the room, not against the wall, as we wish to avoid passing in front, but always pass behind if we need to cross the room. (However, if one must pass in front, then that is alright ... but it is nice to offer a little apologetic bow when passing. :-) )

When entering the Zen Hall, hold your hands in Shashu position and step forward with your left foot at the left side of the entrance. When leaving the Zen Hall, step out with your left foot at the other side of the entrance. After entering the hall each time, bow in Gassho toward the Buddha Statue and go to your seat. DO NOT cross in a diagonal 'short cut' across the room if needing to cross, but walk the 'long way' following the length of the walls, crossing behind the Buddha Statue (if in the center of the room). At all times when walking, please keep one's hands in Shashu (see picture at left)

When you arrive at your seat, face the Zafu cushion and bow in Gassho. Fluff your Zafu while rotating it clockwise, then Gassho again to the Zafu. Next, turn around to the right (clockwise) until your seat is behind you, and Gassho to the open room. Sit down on your Zafu, spin around to the right (clockwise), and sit facing the wall. (If you cannot easily spin around, it is alright just to sit down facing the wall).

At the end of Zazen, the procedure is reversed ... Spin to the right (clockwise) until again facing the room, and carefully (especially after a long sitting) stand up. Turn again to the right (clockwise) to face the Zafu, fluff it again while rotating, and replace it (or for Kinhin, place it out of the way). Gassho toward the Zafu. turn again right (clockwise) to face the room, Gassho toward the room. If beginning Kinhin turn to the left. If leaving the Zen Hall, retrace your steps to enter. Bow in Gassho toward the Buddha Statue before exiting.

To the degree possible, we will maintain silence during our two day Retreat. Keep all talk to a minimum, and avoid to speak unless truly an emergency.

... Jundo will now demonstrate:

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-11-22T21:44:00.005+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - I

2008-11-21T23:43:00.008+09:00

.
We will have a few talks over the coming week or two, in preparation for our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat', scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008! (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand').

The Retreat is in celebration of our first all-online JUKAI (Undertaking the Precepts Ceremony, to be in early January) as well as ROHATSU (the celebreation of Shakyamuni's Moment of Realization under the Bodhi Tree some 2,500 years ago, traditionally celebrated in Japan during the week leading up to December 8th)

If you would like more information on the Retreat and Jukai (you can sit the retreat even if you are not participating in Jukai), please watch for information here and in our forum ...

JUKAI FORUM

Talks here in the coming days will cover such hot topics as "How to Chant" "How to Oryoki" "How to Bow" "How to Go To The Bathroom during a Retreat" (Really) and many others.

In the coming days, some additional materials (including the 'Chant Book' and various "Retreat Pointers") will be available for download. Watch for them here, on this "Sit-a-Long" blog.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Master Mantis

2008-11-20T00:48:00.002+09:00

We have another guest teacher today, a praying mantis that my son Leon caught in the garden. I think I'll try to persuade Leon to let him go tomorrow, but before then ... maybe Master Mantis can preach the Dharma today ...

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MORE Jundo Tackles the 'BIG' Questions

2008-11-19T23:33:00.007+09:00

We had some more 'BIG' questions that some folks asked about ...

Is the universe truly 'One'? HERE
Is reality random, unintended? HERE
Can Buddhist's love? HERE

Those followed previous 'BIG' questions! About Satori (HERE) and whether life has a purpose, and whether a 'Divine Plan' is unfolding (HERE)

But this song by the 10,000 Maniacs (and some others) might say it best after all ...

Please give a listen hear ... GREAT TUNE!

PLAY: 10,000 Maniacs Version

Everybody's wondering what and where they all came from

Everybody's worrying 'bout where they're gonna go

When the whole thing's done

Nobody knows for certain,

And so it's all the same to me

I Think I'll just let the mystery be

Some say once gone, you're gone forever

Some say you're gonna come back

Some say you rest in the arms of the Savior

if in sinful ways you lack

Some say that they're comin' back in a garden

Bunch of carrots and little sweet peas

I Think I'll just let the mystery be

Some say they're going to place called Glory

And I ain't sayin' it ain't a fact

But I've heard that I'm on the road to purgatory

And I don't like the sound of that

I believe in love and I live my life accordingly

But I choose to let the mystery be

Everybody's wondering what and where they all came from

Everybody's worrying 'bout where they're gonna go

When the whole thing's done

Nobody knows for certain,

And so it's all the same to me

I Think I'll just let the mystery be.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Too Heavy, Too Light

2008-11-18T23:13:00.011+09:00

I receive e-mails sometimes from folks who feel that my talks are 'too heavy' ... when I speak of dropping 'life' & 'death', time as a state of mind, our self as an illusion and the world just a dream ...

cause that's all HEAVY STUFF!

Other folks write to say that I'm 'too light', that I should be more traditional, take the Teachings more seriously, not water down the Buddha's message by making it more understandable ...

... cause that's all FLUFFY STUFF!

Well, I prefer to just drop the 'STUFF' ...

... heavy and light.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXXIII (Gone)

2008-11-17T00:12:00.003+09:00

Today, we finish our series of talks on 'The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra' ... finishing with no beginning or end ...

There/fore/ set/ forth/ the/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/ man/tra/.

Set/ forth/ this/ man/tra/ and/ pro/claim/:

Gate! Gate! (Already Gone, Gone)
Paragate! (Already Gone Beyond)
Parasamgate! (Already Fully Beyond)
Bodhi! Svaha! * (Awakening, Rejoice)

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-11-15T22:16:00.004+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXXII

2008-11-14T00:18:00.008+09:00

It's one handy dandy, nifty jifty, super duper Mantra!

There/fore/ know/ that/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/ Is/ the/ sac/red/ man/tra/, the/ lu/min/ous/ man/tra/, the/ sup/reme/ man/tra/, the/ in/com/pa/ra/ble/ man/tra/ by/ which/ all/ suf/fe/ring/ is/ clear/. This/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ Truth/.

Traditionally, a "mantra" is a religious or mystical syllable or syllables first arising in the Vedic religion of India, which (while uses varied according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra) was often said to have magical properties. Mantras were said to be spiritual conduits, words or vibration instilling sounds bringing one-pointed concentration in the devotee, but also to be used in ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies.

I do not put much stock in "magic"

Yet I know that the Perfection of Wisdom is more magical and powerful than mere magic.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXXI (Vimalakirti)

2008-11-13T22:30:00.004+09:00

A 'shout out' for my favorite of all Mahayana Sutras ... the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra.

The story is noteworthy for a couple of reasons:

First, in the tale, 'ol Vimalakirti is an unordained, married lay person (a father and businessman) who 'bests' all the Buddha's great disciples and Bodhisattvas in his understanding of the Dharma. It means that lay folks can stand head and shoulders with anyone in this practice!

Second, Vimalakirti speaks of Enlightenment within Samsara, that one can be in this world yet free of this world. That is found in passages such as the following (Robert Thurman trans.)

He lived at home, but remained aloof from the realm of desire... He had a son, a wife, and female attendants, yet always maintained continence. He appeared to be surrounded by servants, yet lived in solitude. ... He engaged in all sorts of businesses, yet had no interest in profit or possessions. To train living beings, he would appear at crossroads and on street corners, and to protect them he participated in government. ... To demonstrate the evils of desire, he even entered the brothels. To establish drunkards in correct mindfulness, he entered all the cabarets. ... He was honored as the businessman among businessmen because he demonstrated the priority of the Dharma. He was honored as the landlord among landlords because he renounced the aggressiveness of ownership.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

All/ past/, pre/sent/ and/ fu/ture/ Budd/has/

Live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

And/ re/al/ize/ su/preme/ and/ com/plete/ en/light/en/ment/.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: (CLASSIC) BUDDHAZILLA !

2008-11-12T23:57:00.000+09:00

... a classic sit-a-long ...

The very next town to Treeleaf, Tsukuba happens to have, according to Guinness World Records, THE WORLD'S TALLEST BUDDHA IN THE WHOLE WORLD!! (and maybe the world's tallest statue in the whole world!!), taller than the Statue of Liberty, the Obelisk in Trafalgar Square and even Godzilla (imagine what this 'Buddhzilla' would do stompin' on Tokyo if he were not so peaceful) !!

The image is of Amida Buddha, and the interior is a golden, laser lighted, fantastical recreation of the Buddha's Pure Land. And while I like my Buddhas 'beyond big or small', some folks sure like their Buddha's BIG! (you can read more about the statue HERE )

So, please have a look & sit-a-long with

THE GIANT BUDDHA!!

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(Sitting Time: About 25 minutes)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: No-Self Esteem (2of2)

2008-11-11T01:23:00.003+09:00

...Continuing our look at "low self-esteem" ...

Someone wrote to ask whether all the "self acceptance" and embracing ourselves "just as we are" which I described last time means that, for example, a wife beater or alcoholic or thief should just accept themselves like that, "just as they are", not seek to change or live any other way.

No!

Please recall that, in our Zen Way, we can live on several channels at once ... seemingly contradictory, yet not contradictory at all.

I want to reach for Jundo's handy-dandy "acceptance without acceptance" formula here, and apply it to our personal natures:

So, in our "Just Sitting" Shikantaza, we completely accept the universe, and all in it, just as it is.Thus, living our life is much like living in a house with a leaky roof, spiders and broken windows. In Master Dogen's way, we simply sit to drop all resistance to the house we have been living in all along, to realize that there is nowhere to 'go' in life, to cease all efforts to add to or take away from the structure, to let go of the ego's insisting on how things "should be" in order for the house to be "good" ... Then we find, in dropping that resistance, that the house we have always been in is "perfectly what it is", and we can be joyful right where we are. HOWEVER, we can be content with that house even as, hand in hand, there is still much serious repair work to do (an acceptance-without-acceptance of the leaky windows, spiders and creaky doors). There is nothing to prevent our fixing those, even as we accept their existence! We can accept and not accept simultaneously, repair what needs to be repaired.

We have goals for repair even as, on the other "track", we drop all goals and thoughts of repair.

So, even as we can accept that we are a wife beating alcoholic, we should immediately set to not be so! One simply cannot taste the fruits of Buddhist practice if one is so filled with anger, violence, pain and need that one is a violent, abusive alcoholic!

And what guides us onto the smooth path for life?

Yes, the Precepts.

Gassho, Jundo

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Special Sunday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-11-09T23:22:00.004+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen (but on Sunday!),

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: No-Self Esteem (1of2)

2008-11-08T16:10:00.008+09:00

NOTE: OUR WEEKLY 'LIVE' ZAZENKAI WILL BE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) THIS WEEK

Someone wrote to ask about "low self-esteem".

I'm curious about people's views on self-esteem. On one hand, having good self-esteem leads to a positive and happy life. People with high self-esteem are confident, friendly, out-going and not afraid of taking risks. On the other end of the scale you have people with very low self-esteem and I think this is a key issue for many people with a history of depression ...How do you go about increasing your self esteem? Are there are specific [Buddhist] practices/exercises ... which could help?

My teacher, Nishijima Roshi, describes Buddhism as a philosophy of "optimism". When I first heard that, it struck me as strange, because I had thought our way was to drop all "likes" and "dislikes" about life, which I thought meant that we must be "neutral" and rather ambivalent to everything.

But now I see Nishijima Roshi's point, and it applies to the question of 'self-esteem' too.

You see, in our Zen Practice we are often doing several seemingly contradictory things all at once, hand-in-hand, without the least conflict or contradiction.

So, on the one hand, it is vital that we learn to fully and completely drop the "self", drop the ego and all our 'self-centered' thoughts and ideas. We fully and completely drop all "likes" and "dislikes", and all other judgments. We accept life "at it is". This is Shikantaza.

But the funny thing that happens when you accept the world as "just what it is", is not numbness or neutrality or cold "whatever" ambivalence ... Instead, it can be more an experience of "going with the flow", harmony with "what is", oneness, allowing and embracing. Life is "just what it is", and that's just fine! YIPPEE!

We even then (and this sounds strange) accept the "self" as "just what it is" too. So, strange as it sounds, by dropping our sense of "self" and "self-centered ideas" and judgments of things, we even drop our self-centered ideas on what is "wrong" with our self ... and we accept our "self" as just what it is too!
[PLEASE READ THE FOREGOING SENTENCE AT LEAST TWICE!]

We realize that our thoughts are, to one degree or another, a fictional story we write for ourselves ... and it is up to us how we write the story. So, if you want to judge negative, neutral or positive ... the universe will let you do that. Up to you.

Thus, one might say that our ENTIRE Zen Buddhist Practice, all of it, is about dealing with the issue of "self-esteem". The most important goalless goal you must attaininglessly attain is to see right through that fictional "boogeyman under the bed" that is your "self" and "self-centered" judgements ...

... about everything, including your self!!

So, drop all thought and judgments in Shikantaza, drop all judgments about everything ... including about what a loser you think you are!

Gassho, Jundo

PS- Another thing about "self-esteem" is, once you have it, you must not become its prisoner, allow it to run to excess. Everything in balance, everything in moderation. But that is only an issue once you get the self-esteem!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXX

2008-11-07T00:16:00.003+09:00

Picture of Buddha catching a cigarette break

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

All/ past/, pre/sent/ and/ fu/ture/ Budd/has/

Live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

And/ re/al/ize/ su/preme/ and/ com/plete/ en/light/en/ment/.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Under Construction

2008-11-06T00:37:00.001+09:00

I sat today next to a noisy, smokey, busy construction site ... but my microphone did not work. (So there is no timing bell today too ... )

Well, I think you get a sense just by looking.

Silence and stillness are not a matter of one's surroundings. That's true building upon a solid foundation.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Voting Line Zazen

2008-11-04T01:19:00.002+09:00

A silent sitting today.

By the way, if you happen to be in the U.S. and voting today ... those long lines are an excellent place for standing Zazen!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: OBAMA '08

2008-11-03T23:16:00.013+09:00

After some consideration and hesitancy, I have decided to offer my political endorsement in the U.S. presidential race:

GO BARACK!

(having my endorsement should finally put him over the top!!)

Although our Way transcends all differences and petty politics, and is beyond war and poverty and a lack of health care ... yet it certainly is about those things too!

My Dharma Brother, Brad Warner, recently published an essay which I agree with in part, yet strongly disagree with in part ... He wrote:

Politics take place in the realm of the human mind, where good and evil exist. Politicians are like stage magicians using sleight of hand to draw attention away from reality.

It’s none of my business who you vote for. I’m sure you agree with that. But I’ve been pretty horrified by what I’ve seen from a number of American Buddhist teachers who think it is their business. Way too many Buddhist teachers and Buddhist centers in this country think that Buddhism and liberal politics are one and the same. ...

My own teacher’s teacher, Kodo Sawaki, said, “The right wing is completely wrong. The left wing is also completely wrong.”
...
Listen. Voting is good. So get out there and vote. But watch your level of excitement about the process. Those highs and lows are damaging. For all the feelings of loss, disenfranchisement, and powerlessness the guys who wanted to make that book about Bush’s re-election felt, the world survived his second term more or less in tact. I may be too cynical about the whole thing, but I’ve always loved that joke where an Englishman tries to explain American politics to a fellow Englishman. “On the one hand they have the Republican party which is analogous to our Conservative party,” he says, “and on the other hand they have the Democratic party, which is analogous to our Conservative party.”

Perhaps the very slight differences between one candidate and another have some value. I would never say they didn’t. Just don’t get your panties in a bunch if your guy loses or celebrate the ultimate triumph of good over evil if he wins. I‘m sure all of you politicos reading this will say you already know that. But any scan of the TV when the results are announced will prove otherwise. All that elation and all that hopelessness ripple outward like a wave.

The balance that you retain or lose right now will ultimately have a far greater effect upon the world than who gets elected.

I must disagree with Brad on some of that, for we cannot have our heads in the sand. Yes, we should not cling to one sided opinions. Yes, we should not see the world in "us" versus "them" terms. Yes, the true "revolution" must start within each of us. But the fact of the matter is that, for all its imperfections, politics does make a difference.

Much damage has been done to my country and to the world these past 8 years.

It is not time to look away. It is time to start the healing.

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Sit-a-Long with Jundo: November Zazenaki

2008-11-01T20:43:00.006+09:00

Please 'sit-a-long' with our November "Zazenkai" (running time: approx. 4 hours) ...

The sitting schedule is as follows:

00:00 – 00:50 CEREMONY (HEART SUTRA English Only / SANDOKAI) & ZAZEN
00:50 – 01:00 KINHIN
01:00 – 01:40 ZAZEN
01:40 – 01:50 KINHIN
01:50 – 02:30 DHARMA TALK & ZAZEN
02:30 – 02:40 KINHIN
02:40 – 03:20 ZAZEN
03:20 – 03:30 KINHIN
03:30 – 04:00 METTA CHANT & ZAZEN, VERSE OF ATONEMENT, FOUR VOWS, & CLOSING

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL BE RECITING THE METTA CHANT IN THE LAST PERIOD

Also, please welcome my son Leon, who joined us for the first sitting :-)

I SUGGEST THAT YOU POSITION YOUR ZAFU ON THE FLOOR IN A PLACE WHERE YOU ARE NOT STARING DIRECTLY AT THE COMPUTER SCREEN, BUT CAN GLANCE OVER AND SEE THE SCREEN WHEN NECESSARY. YOUR ZAFU SHOULD ALSO BE IN A POSITION WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE COMPUTER SCREEN WHILE STANDING IN FRONT OF THE ZAFU FOR THE CEREMONIES.

ALSO, REMEMBER TO SET YOUR COMPUTER (& SCREEN SAVER) SO THAT IT DOES NOT SHUT OFF DURING THE 4 HOURS.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Trick or Treat

2008-10-31T11:34:00.004+09:00

REMINDER: Our monthly, 4-hour Zazenkai will be today ... from 9pm (Saturday night) to 1 am JAPAN TIME. That is Saturday morning in most of North America, Saturday afternoon in Europe.

A bit late with today's sitting ... we were hosting a Halloween Party for the kids from Leon's school.

In case you're wondering, I was a kuala.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: How to Raise a Little Buddha

2008-10-30T00:59:00.003+09:00

NOTE: SIGNAL DROPPED MIDWAY - THERE IS NO CLOSING BELL!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXIX

2008-10-28T00:22:00.003+09:00

"Already here"??

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –
No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.
Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXVIII

2008-10-27T00:36:00.003+09:00

Wouldn't it be great to walk through walls, unhindered ... like the invisible man ...

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: MOVIE REVIEW - Into Great Silence

2008-10-26T22:22:00.005+09:00

Today, I offer a film review of 'Into Great Silence' (2006):

Synopsis: Nestled deep in the French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the world’s most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks’ quarters for six months—filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions.

Here is my review ...

(by the way, if someone asks ... my eyes are always 1/3 open during the sitting. The camera angle, and my lovely long eye lashes, may make it appear that my eyes are closed)

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-10-25T23:33:00.004+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

Jundo Tackles the 'BIG' Questions - II

2008-10-23T02:33:00.003+09:00

We examined some more 'BIG' questions that a nice fellow asked ...

Does life have a purpose?
Is some Divine Plan unfolding?
Why are we born?

Really 'BIG' questions! Please have a look here for my response ...

RIGHT HERE

But I thought I might ask another teacher today to help me out with these hard questions ... so I asked a flower ...

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Jundo Tackles the 'BIG' Questions - I

2008-10-22T00:40:00.002+09:00

I am going to start a new series here and on the Forum, because someone wrote me a list of 'BIG' questions that is so long, wonderful and thoughtful ... well, I thought I would try to respond to each question one by one, as I can.

So, here is the first:

QUESTION 1: "Does Satori provide the answer to the ‘big questions’?" I write you now Jundo because recently certain ideas, questions, and doubts have come to me which have, to be honest, shaken my faith in the Dharma painfully. ... these doubts really have me feeling lost... I now strongly feel the need to speak to a teacher. One who has trained in Zen and opened their 'mind's eye' in some degree. I'm not expecting miracle answers that will solve everything for me but I would just like the opinion and perspective of one who has developed their Zazen practice. Basically, I was hoping that I could run a few thoughts past you Jundo. [Please answer] one at a time. But these questions seem quite pressing to me right now.

Hi Mr/Ms. X,

"Does Satori provide the answer to the ‘big questions’?"

You mention, as examples of some big questions, "what happens when we die", "whether there is a God and a 'Divine Plan'", "Why were we born, for what purpose" and the like. I will try to look at each of these in the coming days, one by one.

For now, I just want to address your main question: "Does Satori provide the answer to the ‘big questions’?"

Our Practice provides some very specific (and wonderful) answers to some 'big questions'. For example, Buddhism provides very clear guidance for and understanding of the origins of human suffering in this life. The "Four Noble Truths". for example, provide a formula that effectively describes the sickness and provides the medicine for its treatment or cure. (More about that here: http://treeleafzen.blogspot.com/2008/09/sit-long-with-jundo-heart-sutra-xx-four.html).

Our Practice provides some very wonderful answers to other 'big questions' by instructing us to drop the questions as meaningless. Some questions are as pointless as our asking 'how many angels can gather on the head of a pin' or 'what color are the rabbits that live on the moon'. An example of such a question may be "where do we 'go' when we die, and where did we 'come from' before we were born" (I will talk about that in another posting later this week).

Hand in hand with the above, many questions we regularly ask may just be phrased poorly, biased by our narrow, anthropocentric human understanding. An example of that may be "why do 'bad things' happen in the world". When we change the way the question is asked, answers begin to present themselves (I will talk about that too in the coming days). Hitting the "reset button' on so many of our misguided questions are what most of those old Koans are on about, by the way.

And sometimes, Buddhism provides no answer to some 'big questions' (although that may be a kind of 'answer' too!). One such question may be whether or not there is actually a 'God' in the Judeo-Christian sense (and whether, for example, Jesus was 'His Son'). To such questions, our Zen Practice allows us to believe what we wish, or to take no stand at all. I often say:

Is there a "God named 'Jehovah'"? .......... If so, live human life, fetch wood and carry water.

Is there not some "God named 'Jehovah'"? .......... If not, live human life, fetch wood and carry water.

I will also examine that, and related matters, in future postings.

Oh, and I will also talk about what that word 'Satori' means in the coming days.

So, my response for today: Sometimes YES! Sometimes NO! Sometimes WHAT QUESTION?!?!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Metta

2008-10-20T22:36:00.020+09:00

NETCAST SEEMS TO BE WORKING NOW. PLEASE GIVE THIS A TRY!

Our core practice at Treeleaf Sangha is always Zazen ... "Just Sitting" Shikantaza Zazen.

But I wish to introduce a touch of "Metta (Loving Kindness) Practice" as well. While I do not intend this to replace our core practice of Shikantaza by any means ... Metta adds a little something vital to our practice on the "Compassion" side of the equation. I recommend it for once a day at least. It can also be done at any time when, for example, some feelings of anger, resentment, jealousy or the like start to well up in us directed at a fellow sentient being. A bit of Metta can be good medicine for that.

For those not familiar with the term ...

Mettā (a word in the ancient Buddhist Pāli language) has been translated as "loving-kindness," "benevolence," "good will," "love" and "sympathy." It is one of the ten Pāramitās (Virtues) of Buddhism. The mettā bhāvanā ("cultivation of mettā") is a popular form of meditation in Buddhism. The object of mettā meditation is loving kindness (but, of course, without demands or attachment). Traditionally, the practice begins with the meditator cultivating loving kindness towards themselves, then their loved ones, friends, strangers, enemies (perhaps the most difficult part of the practice) and finally towards all sentient beings.

I might suggest a few minutes of Metta practice as a nice way to end the day before bed (or, for example, at the closing of your evening Zazen). Perhaps just before turning into bed for the night, or right after finishing your evening Zazen (and before rising from the Zafu), you might recite or chant the following ... (and, as stated, it is also good during your day when encountering folks who "just plain get your goat"! )

(Note that, for reasons of our Soto Practice, I have modified some phrasing common to other traditions to be more embracing of conditions 'as they are'. For example, we should aspire for people to be healthy as well as "at ease in all their ills", not merely the former.)

To begin, take a moment to quiet your mind, and focus your attention on recalling the experience and sensation of loving kindness. Try to summon such feelings within, and hold them throughout your sincere reciting of the following.

You will then begin by offering Metta to yourself. If distracting thoughts arise, acknowledge them, let them pass, and return to your Metta practice from there, again and again, just as in Shikantaza. While reciting, try to maintain the experience and sensation of loving kindness to the beings mentioned. Note that the word "suffering" in the following refers to the Buddhist idea of Dukkha http://treeleafzen.blogspot.com/2008/09/sit-long-with-jundo-heart-sutra-xx-four.html )

1. May I be free of enmity; may I feel safe and still.

2. May I be free of suffering, may I be loving, grateful and kind.

3. May I be healthy and at ease in all my ills.

4. May I be at peace, embracing all conditions of life.

Next, repeat the chant with a specific close loved one in mind ...

1. May he(she) be free of enmity; may he(she) feel safe and still.

2. May he(she) be free of suffering; may he(she) be loving, grateful and kind.

3. May he(she) be healthy and at ease in all his(her) ills.

4. May he(she) be at peace, embracing all conditions of life

Then, repeat the above in succession for a specific close friend, a specific neutral person (someone you neither like nor dislike), and then a difficult person (no need to start with the most difficult person, but someone whom you have a distaste for ... However, it is a good practice to focus on true enemies or hateful individuals. That is perhaps the most valuable and difficult practice of all).

Close with all beings:

1. May we be free of enmity; may we feel safe and still.

2. May we be free of suffering; may we be loving, grateful and kind.

3. May we be healthy and at ease in all our ills.

4. May we be at peace, embracing all conditions of life

It can be said to oneself, out loud or inwardly. It can be spoken, and need not be sung or chanted. It need not be considered a "prayer" to some force outside us (we will leave that to silence), and can be thought of as simply our aspiration for a better world for all living beings. Truly, 'inside' and 'outside' are not two, and one can effect and greatly change the other.

We will also make it a regular part of our monthly Zazenkai.

May there be much Metta for all of you in our Sangha.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-10-18T23:30:00.006+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

PLEASE NOTE THAT CLOSING KINHIN IS 20 MINUTES LONG TODAY!

Please join in, one and all.

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXVII

2008-10-17T01:24:00.002+09:00

Continuing our talk from yesterday on what it truly means to be "unobstructed, unimpeded, unhindered" and free of fear ...

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

<
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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXVI

2008-10-16T23:51:00.006+09:00

Muge (無碍) is a Buddhist term that means "unobstructed, unimpeded, unhindered"

... and a good litmus test for our Path ...

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

<
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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: ZZZZZzzzzz

2008-10-14T00:11:00.005+09:00

SORRY, MY COLD HAS COME BACK HARD SUDDENLY. PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM SITTING FROM MY SICKBED THIS EVENING. HOPE TO BE BACK TOMORROW WITH SOMETHING ON THE HEART SUTRA!

ZZZZZzzzzz (zazen and sleeping)

Master Dogen wrote this about his teacher, Master Nyojo's, attitude toward sleep ...

When staying at Tendo Monastery in China, while the old master Nyojo was abbot there, we sat zazen until about eleven o’clock at night and got up at about half-past two to sit zazen. The abbot sat with the assembly in the sodo, never taking even one night off.

While sitting, many monks fell asleep. The abbot walked around hitting them with his fist or his slipper, scolding them and encouraging them to wake up. If they continued to sleep, he went to the shodo1, rang the bell, and called his attendants to light the candles. On the spur of the moment he would say such things as; “What is the use of sleeping? Why do you gather in a sodo? Why did you become a monk and enter this monastery? ... It is utterly foolish to pass the time you are alive meaninglessly sleeping or lying down while you fail to practice the buddha dharma. ...

Master Kodo Sawaki once wrote ...

Eat in order to do zazen, sleep in order to do zazen. This means that eating and sleeping are also part of zazen.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Sickbed Zazen

2008-10-13T23:37:00.005+09:00

I am feeling a bit under the weather today, so it is a good time to talk about Zazen while sick ...

When you cough, just cough. Cough as the only cough in that moment, a perfect cough ... cough cough cough. Vomit vomit vomit. It is the whole universe vomiting in that instant.

If you cannot get up out of bed, then just sit in bed. If you cannot sit in the Lotus Posture because your head is swimming and feverish, then just curl up like a ball under the sheets. If you fade in and out of sleep ... snore snore snore. Moan moan moan.

It is all Zazen, all perfectly what it is.

Sometimes, Zen Masters when sick, would have someone help them into the Lotus Posture. When that can be done, it is perfect. Other times, when they could not, they would just recline. That is perfect too. Here is how the Buddha was when really sick (food poisoning in this case ... his last earthly meal ever in fact) ... Poor guy, he really looks sick, and his color is not so good.

TSUKUBA SHOUT OUT: To Dr. Makoto Kobayashi, Professor Emeritus and former Director of Tsukuba's High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (that's the particle collider down the road from Treeleaf Japan ... we visited there a few weeks ago http://treeleafzen.blogspot.com/2008/08/it-long-with-jundo-insta-zazen-at-speed.html ). He won the Nobel Prize in Physics this year, with some other fellows! http://www.kek.jp/intra-e/press/2008/NobelKobayashi.html. Everyone in Tsukuba is thrilled! Both the folks at the particle collider, and we at Treeleaf, are engaged in important research on the nature of reality ... just from slightly different perspectives!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-10-11T23:38:00.004+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXV

2008-10-10T01:34:00.006+09:00

Continuing our topic from yesterday ...

nothing happens next in Shikantaza,
and thus everything happens.

nothing is sought in Shikantaza,
and thus everything is attained.

No/ path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bod/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

NOTE: THE SIGNAL CUT DURING THE SITTING,
SO THERE IS NO END BELL

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXIV

2008-10-09T23:15:00.005+09:00

"Gaining" is empty.

Achieving "no gaining", non-achieving, is achieving a great gain!

We attain "no gaining" by finding that there's nothing to seek,
nobody to be seeking.

(which is all so very different from "giving up" and complacency, by the way)

No/ suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/;

No/ path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bod/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO:By the Side of the Road

2008-10-08T01:22:00.002+09:00

Because of the late hour, I pulled my car off on the side of the road and sat there.

I was way out in the country, and the signal was weak, so the image is scrambled and barely visible ... and there is no sound ... and it cuts in and out ...

... but, no matter, we're sitting in there somewhere!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO (Classic): Kashaya (Kesa)

2008-10-07T00:49:00.001+09:00

AS WE SEW A RAKUSU IN PREPARATION FOR JUKAI, I THOUGHT IT NICE TO LOOK BACK ON THIS LITTLE VISIT WITH NISHIJIMA ROSHI (who is doing fine, by the way) ...

Today, our most special guest 'sits-a-long' ...

The subject was the 'Kesa' (skt. kâshâya), the monk's outer robe. The 'Rakusu' is the shortened version that I wear most days. Nishijima Roshi always sits in a full Kashaya. He recently wrote this:

I think that not only monks, but all human beings should wear Kashaya when they practice Zazen. The reason why I recommend to do so to my students comes from that I actually experience that when I put on Kashaya on my body, I experience very sober and sincere consciousness without fail actually. Therefore in Shobogenzo, the 93th Chapter Doshin, Master Dogen insists that we should wear Kashaya, when we practice Zazen.

When we wear Kashaya, we usually sit on the floor stretching the waist, and putting the folded Kashaya on the head, with joining hands, and recite the Chodai Kesa no Ge, or the Poem of praising Kashaya three times. Then standing up, we wear it.

Chodai Kesa no Ge

Daisai Gedaffuku Muso Fukuden-e Hibu Nyoraikyoo Koodo Shoshujoo

(Meaning)

"Daisai" means it is so great. "Gedatsu" means to become free. "Fuku" means clothes. "Hibu" means to wear reverently. Nyoraikyoo means Gautama Buddha's teachings. Koodo means to save widely. Shoshujoo means miscellaneous living beings. Therefore the total meaning is:

How great is the clothing of liberation,
Formless, field of happiness, robe!
Devoutly wearing the Tathaagata's teaching,
Widely I will save living beings. (translated by Gudo Wafu & Chodo Cross)

Master Dogen wrote:

"The Kesa is the heart of Zen, the marrow of its bones."

My friend, Rev Taigu Turlur, wrote this (he is an expert on Kesa sewing) ...

When you choose fabric for the kesa, please, remember that you are rags holding rags. So it can be cotton, linen, hemp, silk even artificial fabric…IT doesn’t cultivate any particular view. Rags are best. What collects fabric is a broken life, a life in pieces, what is collected is just rags. Nothing special, nothing holy in this. You may buy a beautiful and light fabric in a shop and dye it or not, you may ask people to give you bits and pieces of fabric, you may look into your wardrobe and get things you don’t wear anymore to make the robe…It is up to you. In Kesa-Kudoku, Dogen lists the ten sort of rags:

1)Rags chewed by an ox, 2) rags gnawed by rats,3) rags scorched by fire,4) rags soiled by menstruation,5) rags soiled by childbirth,6) rags offered at a shrine,7)rags left at a graveyard,8) rags offered in petitional prayer9)rags disregarded by king’s officers,10) rags brought back from the funeral. These ten sorts people throw away, there are not used in human society. We pick them up and make them into the pure material of the kasaya.

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(Sitting Time: About 25 minutes)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: October Zazenkai

2008-10-05T20:15:00.003+09:00

Please 'sit-a-long' with our October "Zazenkai" (running time: approx. 4 hours) ...

The sitting schedule is as follows:

00:00 – 00:50 CEREMONY (HEART SUTRA English Only / SANDOKAI) & ZAZEN
00:50 – 01:00 KINHIN
01:00 – 01:40 ZAZEN
01:40 – 01:50 KINHIN
01:50 – 02:30 DHARMA TALK & ZAZEN
02:30 – 02:40 KINHIN
02:40 – 03:20 ZAZEN
03:20 – 03:30 KINHIN
03:30 – 04:00 FUKANZAZENGI & ZAZEN, VERSE OF ATONEMENT, FOUR VOWS, & CLOSING

THE SITTING IS DIVIDED TODAY INTO TWO PARTS, ABOUT MIDWAY DURING MY TALK

FIRST HALF:

SECOND HALF:

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2008-10-04T00:15:00.002+09:00

On blankets watching
Boom after boom in night sky -
Firelight showers

THE LENGTH, JUST A SINGLE FLASH.

REMINDER: OUR 4 HOUR MONTHLY ZAZENKAI WILL BE TOMORROW,
SUNDAY NIGHT 9PM to 1AM (JAPAN TIME)
(Sunday morning in most of North America, Sunday afternoon in Europe)

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXIII

2008-09-30T00:48:00.006+09:00

How to explain Emptiness, 'beyond words' ?

Perhaps it's like making the "boogie man under the bed" disappear ...

When you just stop thinking about the "boogie man", drop all thought of some "boogie man" ... HE'S GONE!

It is not a matter of philosophical arguments about whether he's there or not there ... exists, does not exist, both or neither ... but simply of forgetting the whole darn thing ... PROBLEM SOLVED!

Buddhism resolves so much in such way, dissolves Suffering in this very way ...

[There are no Noble Truths of] suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/;

No/ [Eightfold] Path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bo/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta [Perfection of Wisdom]

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXII

2008-09-29T22:34:00.008+09:00

[NOTE: USTREAM TODAY TAKES ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO START AFTER PRESSING THE "PLAY" ARROW. PLEASE PRACTICE THE VIRTUE OF "PATIENCE"]

We have seen the Buddha's teaching of the Four Noble Truths, the cause and end to Suffering (Dukkha) via the medicine of the Eightfold Path ...

It is the Path that Bodhisattvas (let's say "Beings in Search of Enlightenment") walk in order to gain Wisdom and Enlightenment, liberation from Suffering.

But let's again recall what the Heart Sutra is saying about all this ...

... that the Truths, the Path, the Suffering, the Bodhisattvas, the Wisdom and Enlightenment are all burned away in the fires of Emptiness ...

... yet that realization of Emptiness --IS-- the attaining of that Truth, the fruition of the Path, the end of Suffering, the gaining of Wisdom and Enlightment by those Bodhisattvas!

Kind of like saying that the best way for a person, thinking herself a "prisoner", to escape from an imaginary prison is not to tunnel through the illusory walls, but to realize that the fictional prison and the walls are just a dream ... and that so is any "person" who is a "prisoner"

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VIII

2008-09-28T22:40:00.004+09:00

NOTE: THE SIGNAL CUT JUST AFTER THE FIRST BELL. USTREAM SEEMS TO HAVE SOME ISSUES ON SUNDAYS!

The 'last' branch of the 'Eightfold Path' is 'Right Concentration', 'Right Meditation' ...

... Zazen

But the path has no beginning, no end

... each branch supporting and supported by the others

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-09-27T23:09:00.005+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VII(ii)

2008-09-26T00:11:00.000+09:00

'Right Mindfulness' of 'things without' is an awareness and understanding of the events that surround us in the present moment, seeing clearly phenomena as they arise and how we perceive them. We experience how our inner condition, our thoughts and emotions, help create our experience of the world without.

We learn to discern the nature of samsara, impermanent, possessing self yet lacking self, so often dissatisfactory to our own 'self' which judges it. But we also learn how a change to our inner condition, our emotions and thoughts, will change our experience of all that.

inner is outer, outer is inner ... not two.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VII(i)

2008-09-25T00:04:00.000+09:00

The seventh branch of the 'Eightfold Path' is 'Right Mindfulness' ...

It may be termed a 'mindfulness' of things within and things without (though those are not truly 'two'. We will talk about 'things without' tomorrow).

'Right Mindfulness' of things within includes being attentive to our inner conditions, the causes and workings of the body-mind, emotions and thoughts. We are aware so as to better understand ourselves by understanding mental origin and effects. By becoming aware of the processes, we may thereby gain a degree of acceptance, understanding and control over the mind.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VI

2008-09-24T00:09:00.000+09:00

The sixth branch of the 'Eightfold Path' is 'Right Effort' ...

It is the effort to put into Practice the links of the Path within our life ... to keep on keepin' on.

We persevere, even those times when we just don't feel like making the effort. "Right Intention" is the aspiration to do so, while "Right Effort" is the will to make the day by day slog ...

We also learn that, in "just sitting", effort can be effortless ...
that we move ahead with nowhere to go ...
that every step of a steep climb is one step, and one step, and one step ....

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path V(ii)

2008-09-23T23:47:00.002+09:00

... continuing to talk on 'Right Livelihood' ... on a working day morning ...

The workplace (like the home) is our place of Practice ...

Might these places be, in many ways, even more fruitful, challenging and stimulating for Zen Practice than any dusty monastery or old temple?

However, to reap the benefits, we must approach our work in a 'Zen-ful' way, with a balanced state of mind, in keeping with 'Right Livelihood'

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path V(i)

2008-09-22T23:01:00.001+09:00

The fifth branch of the 'Eightfold Path' is 'Right Livelihood' ...

Right Livelihood means that, as a life choice, one should earn a living in ways not harmful, and helpful and healthful to the world.

Nurse, social worker, school teacher seem obvious choices. But, in our interconnected economy, so too the kind bus driver, honest salesman, cheerful office worker, waitress supporting her kids, the engineer or businessman providing goods or services which benefit lives.

Certainly, burgler, heroin pusher, hitman and environmental polluter fall outside the mark.

And for all of us in careers of complexity ... the lawyer, soldier, butcher (traditionally, said banned by Buddha), nuclear scientist ... we must honestly follow our hearts: Are we doing what is really necessary? Are we doing it in the best ways we can? Are we leaving this world a better place?

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO (Classic): Highway Zen

2008-09-21T22:27:00.002+09:00

Zazen, by the side of the road ...

cars-thoughts passing by,
from emptiness come, now gone
stillness & movement

In Master Dogen's Genjo Koan he writes ...

In general, a quiet room is good for experiencing Zen balance ....

But where is a truly quiet room found?

"For at one time, Lord, Alara Kalama was on a journey, and he went aside from the highway and sat down by the wayside at the foot of a tree to pass the heat of the day. And it came about, Lord, that a great number of carts, even five hundred carts, passed by him, one by one. And then, Lord, a certain man who was following behind that train of carts, approached and spoke to him, saying: 'Did you, sir, see a great number of carts that passed you by?' And Alara Kalama answered him: 'I did not see them, brother.' 'But the noise, sir, surely you heard?' 'I did not hear it, brother.' Then that man asked him: 'Then, sir, perhaps you slept?' 'No, brother, I was not sleeping.' 'Then, sir, were you conscious?' 'I was, brother.' Then that man said: 'Then, sir, while conscious and awake you still did not see the great number of carts, even five hundred carts, that passed you by one after another, nor heard the noise? Why, sir, your very robe is covered with their dust!' And Alara Kalama replied, saying: 'So it is, brother

Highway Mandala - Click on picture to 'play'

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

2008-09-20T23:08:00.005+09:00

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Gassho, Jundo

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VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path IV

2008-09-19T20:16:00.007+09:00

The fourth branch of the 'Eightfold Path' is 'Right Action' ... being in accord with the Precepts ...

Neither commandments nor laws, but arrows pointing toward a peaceful, healthful life & world.

We are guided to abstain from harming others and ourselves, to abstain from taking life, from taking what is not given through stealing or dishonesty, to abstain from destructive sexual conduct. Positively stated, right action is to act kindly and compassionately, to be honest, to respect others, and to keep relationships healthful.

As we can, we act seeking to avoid harm to oneself or others, and in ways healthful and helpful to oneself and others ... knowing that there is, ultimately, no difference between oneself and others.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path III

2008-09-18T03:03:00.001+09:00

OUR NETCAST IS FINALLY WORKING ... (I THINK)!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT: WE HAVE STARTED OUR PREPARATIONS FOR OUR 'ALL ONLINE' JUKAI (UNDERTAKING THE PRECEPTS) ... FIND OUT MORE HERE
.

The third branch of the 'Eightfold Path' is 'Right Speech' ... the first of three branches devoted to 'Ethical Conduct' (Sīla) ...

Our words have power to be weapons or constructive tools, to help or hurt others, express care or disdain, make enemies or friends, start wars or bring peace.

The Buddha advised that we should ...

... abstain from false speech, especially deliberate lies ...

... abstain from slanderous speech and words used maliciously against others ...

... abstain from harsh words that offend or hurt others ...

... abstain from idle gossip.

This means that we should, as best we can amid the complexities of life, seek to tell the truth, to speak friendly, warm and gently, and to be careful in our words.

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2008-09-17T00:59:00.001+09:00

No opening or closing bells for today ... no sound ... no particular time either, just a bit of Zazen between stations.

We usually sit in a quiet room, but the Buddha also liked to sit in noisy, busy places. He praises this tale of Ajara Kalama (Digha-Nikaya)

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Sit-a-Long with Jundo (Classic): Zen and the Brain

2008-09-14T00:38:00.001+09:00

Today, a special sit-a-long (and bit of silliness) from the past

or, anyway, what the brain's temporal cortex considers the 'past' ...

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the leaf

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO & TAIGU is MOVING to SHAMBHALA SUN

Sit-a-Long with Jundo: Here and There

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: A Season of Peace

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Resolutions!

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Silent Night Silent Sitting

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Shakya Claus

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO & PIKACHU

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: hangover!

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: (more) Home for the Holidays

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Dharma Names

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Home for the Holidays

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO (Classic): The McBuddha

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Silent Sitting

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Litmus Test

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Retreat Reflections

TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - (Overture)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VIII (Oryoki II NEW VERSION)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VIII (Oryoki I NEW VERSION)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VII (Samu)

RETREAT SITTING SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE!

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VI (Nature Calls)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - V (Kinhin)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - IV

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - III

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - II

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - I

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Master Mantis

MORE Jundo Tackles the 'BIG' Questions

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Too Heavy, Too Light

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXXIII (Gone)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXXII

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXXI (Vimalakirti)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: (CLASSIC) BUDDHAZILLA !

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: No-Self Esteem (2of2)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Special Sunday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: No-Self Esteem (1of2)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXX

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Under Construction

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Voting Line Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: OBAMA '08

Sit-a-Long with Jundo: November Zazenaki

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Trick or Treat

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: How to Raise a Little Buddha

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXIX

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXVIII

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: MOVIE REVIEW - Into Great Silence

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

Jundo Tackles the 'BIG' Questions - II

Jundo Tackles the 'BIG' Questions - I

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Metta

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXVII

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXVI

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: ZZZZZzzzzz

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Sickbed Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXV

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXIV

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO:By the Side of the Road

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO (Classic): Kashaya (Kesa)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: October Zazenkai

Sit-a-Long with Jundo: Insta-Zazen© - Fireworks!

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXIII

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Heart Sutra XXII

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VIII

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VII(ii)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VII(i)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path VI

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path V(ii)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Eightfold Path V(i)

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO (Classic): Highway Zen