RAKUSU "SEW-A-LONG" with REV. TAIGU (2009)

by **Shohei** on Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:31 am

Amazingly neat Jean! Oh and i think my cat may have wander some thousands of miles to lay on your work!! (your kitty looks way too familiar

)

Gassho
Shohei

by **Taigu** on Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:32 am

Jean...No words can reach it...

gassho

Taigu

by **Jikyo** on Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:15 am

Thanks for the kind comments, guys. I'm enjoying the process - it suits my neatnik tendencies

Dirk - we actually have two giant furry black cats, who look remarkably alike unless you know them well. They are always ready to "help." :roll:

Rev. Taigu - you are too kind, dear sir.

Gassho to all,
Jean

by **Dosho** on Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:53 am

Wonderful Jean!

by **Igor** on Fri Nov 20, 2009 11:39 am

Jean,

WOW!

_/\_, Igor

by **Taigu** on Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:01 pm

Please, guys, post more. Time is almost up!

gassho

taigu

by **BrianW** on Sat Nov 21, 2009 3:40 am

Taigu wrote:Please, guys, post more. Time is almost up!

Ok....but my "workshop" and rakusu is just not all that well crafted.....

by **Taigu** on Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:10 am

BrianW,

Beautifil or not is not the point. Of course we all wish we could sew as well as Dick or Harry. If our heart-mind is into this and we have done what we could do best ( and sometimes worse), then it is right.

Deep gassho

Taigu

by **Luis** on Sat Nov 21, 2009 11:40 pm

Waow! looks amazing folks!
Jean and Brian please continue to show us your work! I'm like Dirk ... a pic addict!

Gassho,

Luis

by **BrianW** on Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:47 am

Rev. Taigu and Luis,

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

Gassho,
BrianW

by **Jikyo** on Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:44 pm

BrianW - Nice work! And our "workshops" are remarkably similar except that yours isn't full of cats

Dosho and Luis - thanks!

Gassho, Jean

by **Shonin** on Tue Nov 24, 2009 9:14 pm

Good work everyone!!!

My stitches look wayy different. I think I ended up with the stitches that don't believe in conformity.

Hopefully by the end of the day I'll have my frame done. Am in the middle of finishing the panel right now. Looks farrr better than I thought. And my former skewed piece worked out fine, found a way to correct it.

Will at least have a pic of the panel itself up tonight or tommorrow. If I get the frame done then will have that pic too.

Dave _/\_

by **Luis** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 1:56 am

ZenDave wrote: If I get the frame done then will have that pic too.

by **Kyrillos** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:00 am

Whew! I had a couple of marathon sewing days over the past two weeks and today I finished my Rakusu! I must have once been a fisherman, because it sure looks as though I've sewn the Rakusu with a large fish-hook, or even an anchor, after seeing the samples posted on this thread so far. I'm trying to get a friend over to take a picture with his digital camera and then help me post it so you all can see it. No matter what it looks like...I Love It; and in my situation, who's gonna see it but me and "Sister" Chiquita, my Chihuahua? I think I mentioned that in my monastic tradition we wholeheartedly accept imperfection especially in our habits. We actually take a brand new habit and intentionally put small cuts into it and sew them up, so as to avoid pride in a perfect garment. Believe me when I say there will be no problem of that with my Rakusu!!!!

I have to tell you all that the greatest feeling of unity with the Sangha I felt was when I was "embroidering" the broken needle design of our school. On the sacramental stoles that we wear for every religious service we have a small cross embroidered at this same place. We bless and kiss that cross before putting the stole on....I feel the same way about this Rakusu.

I will try to get a photo of it and post it soon.

Gassho,

Denis

by **Shonin** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 3:51 am

Okay here it is!!

by **BrianW** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:06 am

Zen Dave,
Excellent! You are on your way...just take it one stitch at a time.
BrianW

by **Dosho** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 7:40 am

Looking good Dave; simply awesome!

by **Shohei** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 1:29 pm

Denis - Gassho!
Dave - Awesome Job

Gassho

Shohei

by **Taigu** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 1:43 pm

Zen Dave, denis, great jobs!

Deep appreciation

Gassho

taigu

by **SunnyP** on Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:20 pm

OK. I finished my Rakusu last night. I had to start over 3 different times throughout but it is done.

Gassho,
Paula

by **Shohei** on Thu Nov 26, 2009 2:55 am

Exellent - of course it never happened with out proof(to me ;P)!! pictures?!

Gassho
Shohei

by **SunnyP** on Thu Nov 26, 2009 10:10 pm

Lol...I have to buy a new camera, My 2 year old likes to throw things, but I will get pics.

Paula

by **jrh001** on Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:41 am

Ever so slowly the pieces fit together...

gassho,

JohnH

by **Dosho** on Sun Nov 29, 2009 4:13 am

Looking good John!

by **BrianW** on Sun Nov 29, 2009 5:19 am

Nice JohnH ...I am glad we are seeing so many making progress!
Gassho,
BrianW

by **Jinho** on Mon Nov 30, 2009 1:52 am

hI all,

Everyone's looks so beautiful. So you can all encourage people next year

gassho,
Jinho

by **Shinko** on Tue Dec 01, 2009 2:37 am

It's not perfect, but neither am I! Pinning in and waiting to finish...

~Gassho~
LindaW

by **Dosho** on Tue Dec 01, 2009 4:20 am

You are both perfect.

by **miheco** on Wed Dec 02, 2009 5:17 am

Lindaw, It looks beautiful to me, it is as original as yourself.

by **Luis** on Wed Dec 02, 2009 10:10 pm

Yeah! some new and cool pics ! :twisted:

Bravo to Dave, Linda, John, ... (hope I don't forget someone :roll:

)
Keep on folks!

Gassho,

Luis

by **Luis** on Wed Dec 02, 2009 11:00 pm

Stupid Question :arrow:

I made several rakusu, two ones this year.
On wich one must I sew the back panel Jundo will send us?

And what about the others? Can I wear them in zazen once we receive Jukai? or it is better to just wear the one with the back panel?

I understand these are very small things, the most important is to keep sitting zazen... but well I just wonder what I should do...

Gassho,

Luis

by **Jundo** on Thu Dec 03, 2009 12:46 am

Luis wrote:Stupid Question
I made several rakusu, two ones this year.
On wich one must I sew the back panel Jundo will send us?

And what about the others? Can I wear them in zazen once we receive Jukai? or it is better to just wear the one with the back panel?

I understand these are very small things, the most important is to keep sitting zazen... but well I just wonder what I should do...

Gassho,

Luis

Hi Luis,

I will pm you on this, but we can arrange for more than one back panel if you wish. That is easy. I will have to ask him, but maybe Taigu will write one?

Gassho, Jundo

by **Taigu** on Thu Dec 03, 2009 12:51 am

Not a stupid question at all, Luis. You should not wear rakusu without a back panel. You should only wear the rakusu you receive during Jukai or given by the teacher. You may decide to receive the other rakusus at other occasions or give them away to people that cannot sew.
Linda, Zendave and JohnH...well done. Imperfect and perfect. Both given up. What is left?
Yes Denis we also kiss this broken needle. When I put my rakusu on, I kiss it once and touch it three times with my forehead, for the three jewels.

gassho

Taigu

by **Jundo** on Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:10 am

Taigu wrote:Not a stupid question at all, Luis. You should not wear rakusu without a back panel. You should only wear the rakusu you receive during Jukai or given by the teacher. You may decide to receive the other rakusus at other occasions or give them away to people that cannot sew.

Ah, point of procedure, Rev. Taigu. for clarification.

Yes, one should not wear a Rakusu without a back panel received during Jukai or given by a teacher. Unless given by a teacher, with the back panel written, you should not wear it.

However, if someone has participated in a Jukai ceremony already, the teacher can write more than one Rakusu for them. In fact, now that I think about it, once someone takes the Jukai ceremony once, they can request a Rakusu even from teachers who did not give them Jukai (assuming there is some special connection. I believe I did that many years ago from a teacher).

Am I mistaken, Reverend?

Gassho, Jundo

by **Kyrillos** on Thu Dec 03, 2009 1:40 am

What a fortuitous occurence that this topic came up just now. Just after I finished my Rakusu ( and I am still trying to find someone to take a digital pic of it to post!!!) my cousin, knowing I was doing this told me she was having a Rakusu made for me and sent from Japan. I too was wondering about the same thing Luis asked. Is it possible to get an additional silk for this second Rakusu, or can I possibly send it to you when I receive it to be written? I was thinking I'd just have my everyday, and Sunday Rakusu that way.

. If this is inappropriate, please let me know.

Gassho,

Denis

by **Taigu** on Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:12 am

Perfectly okay, Denis.

gassho

Taigu

by **Luis** on Thu Dec 03, 2009 6:26 pm

Thank you Jundo for the pm :wink:

As I also said in the message i send to Jundo, It would be great to have two back panels, and it would be really great to "have" one by Jundo and another one by taigu. :roll:

But, I perfectly understand that it could be difficult, and on the other hand, we'll still have many opportunities to receive the buddha's kasaya... well, I hope so!

Gassho,

Luis

by **Taigu** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:32 am

Okay, denis and Luis, I ll do your back panel...

gassho

Taigu

by **BrianW** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 3:39 am

Nice work LindaW!

Gassho,
BrianW

by **Jikyo** on Fri Dec 04, 2009 6:31 am

Nice work Dave, John and LindaW!!
Denis, looking forward to seeing yours!

Gassho, Jean

by **Kyrillos** on Mon Dec 07, 2009 7:58 pm

FINALLY!!! I have had some photos taken of my Rakusu. I hope I can figure out how to attach them to this message so you can see them.

Drat! It says they are too big, and I don't know what to do to make them available to include here. They are 709 kb and 718 kb, Suggestions?

Gassho,

Denis

by **jrh001** on Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:08 pm

Hi Denis,

If you email the photos I'll reduce the file size and email them back to you. (What is the size limit for attachments?). Will send an email address.

JohnH

by **Kyrillos** on Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:43 pm

Hi John .....terrific, thanks. The size limit is 256 kb. You can PM me with the addy if you like.

Gassho,

Denis

by **Kyrillos** on Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:36 am

Okay NOW I can show you the Rakusu with some help from John (DownUnder)

: Rakusu 001(sm).jpg (88.35 KB) Viewed 1119 times

: Rakusu 003(sm).jpg (68.6 KB) Viewed 1116 times

And a first snow picture of my little outdoor shrine.

: Zendo 001(sm).jpg (111.64 KB) Viewed 1116 times

Gassho, Denis

by **Dosho** on Tue Dec 08, 2009 4:56 am

Beautiful Denis!

by **Jikyo** on Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:42 am

Lovely, Denis! And I love your little outdoor shrine

Gassho, Jean

by **Taigu** on Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:01 am

Great sewing Denis and wonderful Jizo sama...

gassho

Taigu

by **Kyrillos** on Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:19 pm

Thanks Taigu. My little shrine really means a great deal to me, and I know the staff isn't quite right; the rings are not supposed to hang like that. This Spring I will try to find other rings and correct that.

I found my Jizo Bosatsu, or rather he found me, latge this past Autumn. I was at a garden supply shop looking for a statue of Buddha I could put outside. Among all the seated Buddhas, Kwan Yins, foo dogs and non-descript asian figures there sttod Jizo. He was without a staff so I asked an attendant whether there was a staff with the statue and how much it cost - there was no price on it. The owner came out a short time later and told me there had never been a staff that he knew of, and if I was interested in the statue he would make a really good price for me. Well the price was so good, that I also purchased the lantern to the right of Jizo...all for just about $150!!! He really has a wonderful greenish color to the stone. After I purchased the statue the owner told me that it had stood there for almost two year with no interest shown, amidst what most would consider more common Buddhist images. I guess he was waiting.

I have seen pictues of Jizo with little red stocking caps on and sometimes even a little red shawl; is this common in Japan. Considering the recent snow, I might have to find something for his little bald head. :lol:

Gassho,

Denis

by **jrh001** on Wed Dec 09, 2009 2:38 am

Thanks Denis for the images. I wasn't quite sure about the back corners but can see what to do from your example.

Sewing continues... the frame is done

Gassho,

JohnH

by **Taigu** on Thu Dec 10, 2009 4:22 pm

Very good JohnH, very good.

It feels and looks like sitting itself.

gassho

Taigu

by **Luis** on Thu Dec 10, 2009 4:59 pm

Waow, Denis it looks great!

John, Your frame is just perfect! and we all now it's a very tricky part of the sewing process... I confess for me it's the main part of the sewing... where I make a lot of "mistakes"!

Gassho,

Luis

by **Jikyo** on Sun Dec 13, 2009 9:00 pm

Wow, JohnH - I think I have en envy.

Seriously, lovely work.

Gassho Jean

by **Govert** on Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:46 pm

Hi

See photo of central panel I finished a few weeks ago, the fabric does seem to stretch to the left,

Gassho
Joris

by **Taigu** on Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:47 pm

Hi Joris,

Thank you for posting these wonderful pictures... It could be ironing... Did you iron? Anyway, it doesn't really matter.Keep going. But keep in mind that iron and steam make sewing easier.

Gassho

Taigu

by **Shonin** on Mon Dec 21, 2009 11:55 pm

Oh so I just made a post to announce a flub I made. Something about my eyes makes it's hard to see certain things I guess? But in seeing some clearer pictures I realized I didn't make a mistake at all!

by **jrh001** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:50 am

Still sewing... kagami completed, next the sao and maneki.

Two 'mistakes' thus far. Firstly, the fabric isn't plain, it has a feint rectangular grid which happens to make sewing straight lines a little easier. I originally thought it was plain, until I got it back from the shop (see earlier post re poor eyesight!). Second the frame turned out to be a little wider than 4cm. Perhaps I should make the sao a little wider too, so they match the frame.

Thanks to all for encouragement and especially to those who are posting images. To echo Luis and Taigu, please post some more.

JohnH

by **Taigu** on Thu Dec 24, 2009 10:13 am

JohnH,

Excellent. Just as it is.

Gassho.

Taigu

by **Luis** on Thu Dec 24, 2009 12:10 pm

Looks awesome JohnH really clean work!

Deep Gassho,

Luis

by **Jikyo** on Thu Dec 24, 2009 10:06 pm

Beautiful, JohnH!

Gassho, Jean

by **jrh001** on Thu Dec 31, 2009 6:22 am

Hi,

I seem to have missed something in the videos.... I have the cloth for the Maneki cut to 20cm x 25cm but can't quite work out the seam and the folds. What are the dimensions of the final (folded) Maneki? In other words, what are the dimensions in cm for Figure 36 on page 110?

gassho,

JohnH ( :oops:

= sweltering, 38C here)

by **Shohei** on Fri Jan 01, 2010 1:23 am

jrh001 wrote:Hi,

I seem to have missed something in the videos.... I have the cloth for the Maneki cut to 20cm x 25cm but can't quite work out the seam and the folds. What are the dimensions of the final (folded) Maneki? In other words, what are the dimensions in cm for Figure 36 on page 110?

gassho,

JohnH ( = sweltering, 38C here)

Wow thats hot John!!! its -12c and snowing here more my speed

Okay in the 7th vid bout 12mins Taigu says 10cm x 10cm. and shows you how to fold it up (follow the book works keeping in mind the measure given in the vid)

Gassho
Shohei

by **jrh001** on Fri Jan 01, 2010 2:04 am

Dirk wrote:Wow thats hot John!!! its -12c and snowing here more my speed

Okay in the 7th vid bout 12mins Taigu says 10cm x 10cm. and shows you how to fold it up (follow the book works keeping in mind the measure given in the vid)

Gassho
Shohei

Hey Shohei,

Thank you, I'd watched the video a few times and didn't pick up on the dimensions.

Best wishes for the new year...

John

by **Shonin** on Tue Jan 05, 2010 9:12 am

Got the frame done and the front corners stitched. Been harder to find time than I thought. Going to be working hard on it over the next few days to make sure it will get done in time. Still have a few more days to myself (unless something else occurrs to keep me busy as has been the story since i got back to NC) before I go back to work. Start the new job Friday evening.

More pics in the next few days.

Dave _/\_

by **Shinko** on Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:25 pm

Scrolling through this thread and looking at the photos just now (at work) I am smiling at how incredible all this mindful sewing has come out. Well done all!!

~Gassho~

LindaW

by **Shohei** on Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:53 pm

Definitely agree Linda! Grats on the new job Dave

and Good luck (though i dont buy the luck thing... and you do not need it)! Looking forward to more pictures.
Im still working away on a WRECK-asu..nowhere near done

Gassho
Shohei

by **Shonin** on Tue Jan 05, 2010 9:29 pm

Thanks, Dirk!!!

Will be nice to get back to earning some cash. am getting bored having so much free time. Even if it is doing stuff around the house or going out places with folks. So here is my completed panel.

by **Shonin** on Tue Jan 05, 2010 9:32 pm

Okay, now I have stitched the center into the frame, making sure not to stitch through the back. But which stitches am i not supposed to have until I recieve the piece from Jundo? I may be about to stumble into that in the next vid. But I was just thinking about how the Sao are going to attach and don't see how I can do that without the rest of the back sewn up. Pictures = good for this.

Dave _/\_

by **jrh001** on Tue Jan 05, 2010 11:57 pm

ZenDave wrote:Okay, now I have stitched the center into the frame, making sure not to stitch through the back. But which stitches am i not supposed to have until I recieve the piece from Jundo? I may be about to stumble into that in the next vid. But I was just thinking about how the Sao are going to attach and don't see how I can do that without the rest of the back sewn up. Pictures = good for this.

Dave _/\_

Hi Dave,

Scroll back to Denis' (Kyrillos) post (or click here: http://www.treeleaf.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1968&p=31451#p30733).

It shows the stitching really well. Note the three lines of stitches around the frame on the front, and two lines of stitches on the back. It's the innermost line on the back that's left till later.

JohnH

by **Shonin** on Wed Jan 06, 2010 1:03 am

Ahh okay, thanks, John. Appreciate the help.

Dave_/\_

by **jrh001** on Fri Jan 08, 2010 9:04 am

This is as far as I can progress this 'unremarkable activity' at the moment. Thank you Jundo, Taigu, Jinho and everyone.

JohnH

by **Shohei** on Fri Jan 08, 2010 1:57 pm

Nice work John!

Gassho
Shohei

by **Taigu** on Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:40 pm

John,

deep bows.

take care.

Taigu

by **Luis** on Sat Jan 09, 2010 12:13 am

Looks very nice John! :wink:

Gassho,
Luis

by **Dosho** on Sat Jan 09, 2010 5:14 am

Beautiful work John...

Gassho,
Dosho

by **Kyrillos** on Sat Jan 09, 2010 7:26 pm

Very, very nice John.

I'm so pleased that we are all having these spanking brand new Rakusus for the upcoming Jukai, and that they will all be"put into action" together. That really makes me feel part of something.

Gassho,

Denis

by **Shonin** on Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:31 pm

I must be blind, but i can't find in the videos how to make the maneki. I have the piece cut out...what now? I see where Taigu instructs how to sew in the pine needle stitch. But not how to fold and prepare the piece for the pine needle.any help is appreciated.

by **Shohei** on Thu Jan 14, 2010 7:47 pm

Hey Dave!
From the 7th video starting @ 11 minutes in from what i just watched, there the size is disclosed as well Taigu references the pdf download from the book. **oh should note page 41 in the pdf...110 in the book.

Gassho
Shohei

by **Shonin** on Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:29 pm

Thanks, Dirk!

And now BEHOLD.. My awesome semi-crooked Rakusu!!!

by **Shonin** on Thu Jan 14, 2010 11:30 pm

Still needs it's final wash and iron tho. But alas, it is finished and just in time. Well as finished as it can be now.

Dave _/\_

P.S. Ohhh sad day...my pine needle became half undone in the wash. But hey at least the rest held and that's an easier part to redo.

by **Shohei** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:25 am

brave soul!!!
Yours fared the washing machine?!! I think mine would still be in bits stuck in the strainer of the drain pump

Anywho Very nice work Dave!

Gassho
Shohei

by **jrh001** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:53 am

Hi Dave,

Rakusu looks great. Stitch by stitch, a section at a time, and gradually it all comes together. (I don't trust my washing machine, will wash by hand.)

best wishes,

JohnH

by **Shonin** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:54 am

LOL Dirk, yeah I won't be doing that again. On the plus side, I think I like the pine needle better this time around.

Dave _/\_

by **Shinko** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:34 am

Very nice Dave!

Mine gets a washing tomorrow.. I apparently got a surprise today and I am working a 10 hour shift.. get off work in another 4.5 hours.. Joy!

I get to come in 2 hours late tomorrow so I don't make any overtime. That gives me time to his the laundry room.

~Gassho~

Linda W

by **Luis** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:20 pm

Looks perfect Dave!

I'm happy you finally found how to fold the maneki!
So, here we are, everyone has finished his rakusu now, or Am i wrong? (again

)
I just wanted to say I can't wait to finally receive Jukai :twisted:

(even if I never imagine it'll be by Internet, but well, when "you've found" the right teacherS it's time to dive in!). And I'm really happy that it will be with you folks, and in our marvelous Sangha!

Gassho,
Luis
ps: In the washing-machine... really... someone really really did such a thing? :shock:

by **Shohei** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:40 pm

Agreed Luis

also

ps: In the washing-machine... really... someone really really did such a thing?

Rakusu being a kesa, so below applies here- sooooooo here is a passage copy/pasted from the Kesa Koduku in the Nishijima/Cross transaltion of how to care for the kesa >:D

Shobogenzo wrote:[78] The method of washing the kaṣāya: Put the kaṣāya, unfolded, into
a clean tub, then immerse the kaṣāya in fragrant, fully boiled hot water, and
leave it to soak for about two hours.58 Another method is to soak the kaṣāya
in pure, fully boiled ash-water59 and to wait for the water to cool. Nowadays
we usually use [the] hot ash-water [method]. Hot ash-water is what we call
aku-no-yu here [in Japan].60When the ash-water has cooled, rinse [the kaṣāya]
again and again in clean and clear hot water. During the rinsing do not put in
both hands to scrub [the kaṣāya] and do not tread on it. Continue until any
dirt or grease has been removed. After that, mix aloes, sandalwood,61 or other
incense into some cold water and rinse [the kaṣāya]. Then hang it on a washing
pole62 to dry. After it is thoroughly dry, fold it and put it in a high place,
burn incense and scatter petals, walk round it several times [with the kaṣāya]
to the right,63 and perform prostrations. After making three prostrations, six
prostrations, or nine prostrations, kneel up and join the hands,64 then hold the
kaṣāya up with both hands, and in the mouth recite the verse [in praise of the
kaṣāya].65 After that stand up and put on [the kaṣāya] according to the method

However, lol... washing machines hadn't be invented yet ;D Cant say what Master Dogen would use if he had the option but personally id recommend just sink washing it and hang it up to dry fwiw

Id just try not to get too much schmootz on it

Dave has selflessly demonstrated true non attachment

Thank you for the lesson!

Gassho
Shohei

by **Jundo** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 2:44 pm

Ahhhhh .... after the back panel is attached, the ink would probably run if it were washed with water.

And I once tried to have one dry cleaned after a little accident, and the local Japanese dry cleaners refused because they could not promise the process would not damage the garment.

I am sure Taigu will have more comment when he gets back, but if need, spot wash the front with a damp cloth ... BUT NOT the back panel (because of the water soluable ink, as stated)

I am hoping that some of the back panels will arrive today, before the ceremony! They are on their way.

Gassho, J

by **Shohei** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 5:14 pm

Haha yes!!^^ Thank you Jundo! i should have been more clear and careful

Gassho
Shohei

by **Dosho** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:35 pm

I spot tested a stray ink blot on the back panel before attaching mine last year and water definitely makes the ink run. I'd also caution folks not to iron their finished rakusus with the steam setting...I have never tried it, but the principle seems the same.

by **Shinko** on Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:03 pm

I hand washed my Rakasu last night and hung it to dry on the shower pole. droplets of water blessed the silly kitty that was watching it hang. This morning I ironed... it is ready for the back panel to arrive and be stitched in.

: 4277277352_7027f9bf62.jpg (88.14 KB) Viewed 301 times

Strangely little Yarrow "Shin`in" Katt seems to be in a very peaceful mood today. I think this processed helped him greatly! :lol:

~Gassho~

Linda

by **Luis** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 3:16 am

Jundo wrote:I am hoping that some of the back panels will arrive today, before the ceremony!

Received and sewed ! :wink:

Lindaw, I may be wrong, but did you totally sew the sao to the frame? ... usually it is not totally sewed, just the upper part is... or Am I wrong?

Gassho,
Luis

by **Shinko** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 3:54 am

Luis wrote:
Jundo wrote:I am hoping that some of the back panels will arrive today, before the ceremony!

Received and sewed !

Lindaw, I may be wrong, but did you totally sew the sao to the frame? ... usually it is not totally sewed, just the upper part is... or Am I wrong?

Gassho,
Luis

the ends of the Sao attach to the frame at the top. They then go up and around the neck.. they are only basted a bit here. You have to sew a little or the whole thing could not be worn.

I'm hoping my back panel arrived today. I am at work for another hour.

~Gassho~

Linda

(p.s. it shows a bit better in this (crummy) photo http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/427 ... a60a_s.jpg )

by **Jikyo** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 4:10 am

Hi everyone,

My back panel arrived today, so I'll be up late sewing tonight. Getting ready to cut it down to the appropriate size for insertion. Thank you Jundo for all your efforts!! And thank you fellow Treeleafers for joining in on this journey.

Gassho, Jean

by **Jikyo** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:23 am

Hi again,

I forgot to post a current picture! For some reason, the thread I used for the pine needle photographs sort of iridescent, so it's hard to see the whole thing. Rest assured, it's there.

Also, is it okay to post a photo of the back, or is the info on the panel from Jundo to be kept private? Any Zen etiquette experts? :shock:

Gassho, Jean

by **Shinko** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:29 am

That's very pretty Jean!!

I am really looking forward to tomorrow...

I can see another night of sewing and ironing in my future. I basted things down last night and dyed with a black tea bath to mute the green on my Rakusu... (it works nicely)

almost off work here!

~Gassho~

Lindaw

by **Jundo** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:35 am

JeanVB wrote:
Also, is it okay to post a photo of the back, or is the info on the panel from Jundo to be kept private? Any Zen etiquette experts?

Gassho, Jean

Interesting question ... Folks do not keep the inside of their Rakusu "secret", but neither do they seek to display it. One might say they keep it "close to their chest"

Even, for example, when one hangs it up in a public place (for example, we take it off always before using the rest room ... not, by the way, because going to the potty is "dirty" or "less than sacred", but for purely practical purposes of keeping the Rakusu from being soiled++) ... we fold it and hang it from the hook with the outside showing.. Maybe it is also to keep folks from copying the design (it is an "official certificate" of sorts ... and we do not want it copied).

Perhaps Taigu has some additional perspective on this.

However, I am a democrat, believe in letting the sunshine in. Feel free to show it if you wish. I use the same design for everyone, save for the Buddhist name for each one (by the way, I will be e-mailing everyone confirmation of their names in a few minutes).

I have the calligraphy skills of a child ... so everyone's Rakusu ends up a little bit unique for that reason alone! :wink:

Gassho, J

++ see discussion on difficulty in washing.

by **Jikyo** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:45 am

Thanks for the prompt reply, Jundo! I'll ponder this while I continue to sew.

Gassho, Jean

by **Shohei** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 5:51 am

Wonderful work Linda and Jean!! Love it!

I think on etiquette for the back panel its between you and Jundo and you kinda keep the rakusu back against you even when bowing with it. But im definately not an expert on anything...just sharing. Linda - Hehe about the kitty... i think ill try that wit all 4 of mine >:)I believe Luis was asking about your the way you attached the sao to the main body of your rakusu En, because you stitched all the way around the 4 ends of the sao. The usual way is to to do a line across each at the top of the main body where the sao ends first cross the En and then do the reinforcing stitches. under the flaps on the top your joro kinda hide away under em.

Deep bows to you all on your sewing and upcoming personal and yet public commitment!

Gassho!

ps - greedy me wants to see more photos!

*Edit: oops too slow! thank you Jundo

by **Dosho** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:06 am

Dirk wrote:greedy me wants to see more photos!

Me too!

by **Shinko** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:36 am

Dirk wrote:Wonderful work Linda and Jean!! Love it!
I believe Luis was asking about your the way you attached the sao to the main body of your rakusu En, because you stitched all the way around the 4 ends of the sao. The usual way is to to do a line across each at the top of the main body where the sao ends first cross the En and then do the reinforcing stitches. under the flaps on the top your joro kinda hide away under em.

Dirk,

That's exactly how I took Luis's comment.. I had basted the ends down when I did a little black tea (well heck, I kinda boiled it in Pur erh tea to dull the green a bit) and I didn't want tea leaves everywhere(. All the extra stitching is out now so only the lighter thread shows. I didn't want to wear my tea!

I am pleased that all are so observant of my sao ends, betcha I remember to take basting out next time I photograph something! ;-)

~Gassho~

Linda

by **Shohei** on Sat Jan 16, 2010 6:48 am

AH! My mistake!! Im on a roll of them tonight ;D

Gassho!