RAKUSU "SEW-A-LONG" with REV. TAIGU

[Jundo]

Hello Again,

This is Rev. Taigu''s Nyoho-e Rakusu Sewing "Thread" Thread. For all of us who will be sewing a Rakusu in preparation of Jukai, Rev. Taigu was kind enough to film 8 lessons (about 20 to 30 minutes each) which take us, step-by-step, through the wonderful process of Rakusu sewing. Those videos are available here. BE SURE TO WATCH IN WIDE SCREEN:

Lesson 1:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 7682255690
Lesson 2:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 8108539633
Lesson 3:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 6985751951
Lesson 4:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 9463931319
Lesson 5:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 1868132951
Lesson 6:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 1590381764
Lesson 7:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 0227909637
Lesson 8:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 3534982308

Please follow along with Rev. Taigu's recorded lessons. I believe his explanations so clear and complete, that if you just "Sew-a-Long with Rev. Taigu", you should be fine.

But, as an additional resource, if something on the video is unclear, you can also look at these pages from a wonderful manual on sewing the Nyoho-e Rakusu by Tomoe Katagiri Sensei (Dainin Katagiri Roshi's widow). It also contains some essays on the philosophy of the Rakusu, together with detailed drawings ... (45 PAGE!! - PDF FILE. It is probably not necessary to print all, and you can just print the pages you need from time to time)

http://jundotreeleaf.googlepages.com/Tr ... tagiri.pdf

HOWEVER, PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE SIZES AND MEASUREMENTS THAT REV. TAIGU USES DO NOT FOLLOW EXACTLY THE SIZES IN THE KATAGIRI SENSEI BOOK! Some of the details are different, due to there being two different "schools" of Nyoho-e sewing. Thus, we strongly recommend that you try to work first with the instructions in Rev. Taigu's videos, and turn to the manual only if you need to check something that is still unclear. Follow Rev. Taigu’s sizes and his instructions as the "final word". As well, if you have a question or something you do not understand PLEASE POST IT ON THIS SEWING "THREAD" THREAD, and Rev. Taigu will try to answer soon.

Please also print out, and keep handy, this FAQ which covers all the basic information (for example, materials, color, sizes, equipment, etc.) ...

http://jundotreeleaf.googlepages.com/TR ... 917PDF.pdf

The most important part to remember at each moment is that, as we move ahead step-by-step, there is no where to ‘get to’, no where else we can be, nothing ultimately to achieve, no goal in all our hard work … all is just “as-it-is”. Thus, sometimes (not always) the most efficient or "short-cut" sewing method has been avoided by Rev. Taigu in favor of the traditional or somewhat more demanding. That is part of the process, and nothing is so hard that it cannot be done with a little care (the videos may even make it easy). Make mistakes … work with sometime moments of frustration. THAT’S A KEY POINT OF IT ALL!

It is Rev. Taigu's opinion that a Rakusu can be completed in about 40 to 70 hours. That is a few days for the real speedies (although rushing is not recommended at all), a couple of months for slow-pokes (also not recommended), but should take a few weeks at an easy pace for most folks.

Finally, please read this article on Sewing the Buddha's Robe from the last Dharma Heir of Kodo Sawaki Roshi, still alive and living in Japan ...

http://www.zen-road.org/index.php?optio ... 27&lang=en

Also, at some point, if you would like to read a long and scholarly, but wonderful explanation of the background of Nyoho e Kesa, you may read the following essay of Diane. E. Riggs:

http://www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/SHUBUNKEN/pub ... df/697.pdf

It is, says Taigu, full of relevant information and will provide many insights. She is a Zen priest and has studied sewing in Japan in various Nyoho-e traditions.

If you would like to sew a traditional bag to hold your Rakusu, the instructions may be downloaded here:

http://jundotreeleaf.googlepages.com/TR ... DE1010.PDF

Gassho and Good Sewing! Jundo

[chicanobudista]

Wow! Great work. I am watching it right now and I am really enjoying the step-by-step explanation. Excellent job.

[Shohei]

^^ also Wow!
I watched a little and I'm downloading the rest to my ipod(so i can take this home) right now.
Thank you for your hard work Rev. Taigu and Jundo

Gassho, Dirk

[Longdog]

I just stil get the retreat pointers

[Jundo]

I fixed the link. Just the first in a long series of mental obstacles!

[Longdog]

Cheers Jundo

Next question from dumbo here, how do I rotate the 45 page pdf doc ? It's sideways on my puter sand can't see a button for rotation

arrgggg....

the link you fixed is now taking me to the sideways 45 page pdf

time for tea I think

[lora]

Right click on mouse, and then in box that displays, left click on rotate.

Lora

[Longdog]

Thanks for that Lora, did try before but I might have been a bit impatient waiting for the box to appear. Still can't get the instructions though

[Jundo]

Thanks for that Lora, did try before but I might have been a bit impatient waiting for the box to appear. Still can't get the instructions though

Okay, fixed it again! More mental obstacles overcome!

Gee, everybody's got all these complaints today.

Gassho, J

[Monsho]

Hmm. The link to the FAQ takes me to the 45-page pdf. I thought the FAQ was supposed to be a different document.

[Jundo]

Hmm. The link to the FAQ takes me to the 45-page pdf. I thought the FAQ was supposed to be a different document.

No, that is just your mind that thinks it does, Try again.

[Longdog]

Yipity skipity do it's working

Thanks Jundo

[Jordan]

Can some smart person turn those videos into podcasts for the benefit of all sentient beings?

Thanks and Gassho,
Jordan

[Dosho]

I started watching the videos and they should be very helpful!

One thing: How much material should we get? I know I could add up the various measurements to get an idea, but perhaps we should buy a little extra? Any guidance here would be appreciated...and if I missed that information somewhere, my apologies.

Gassho,
Scott

[Taigu]

Hi everybody!

I hope all is well for you. And good luck for this wonderful sewing journey. A few storms will come and go, you will sometimes sail a rough sea but, no doubt, all will be well. Watch every step as many times as you need to understand it well before doing it. Do not neglect, the ttraining part, making lines on a piece of fabric to find a good stitch and rhythm.

Fabric?
2 meters by 90 cm of fabric should be plenty. You will also need a bit of white fabric to put at the back before sewing the white silk on.


Gassho


Taigu

[chessie]

Fabric in American measurements: 2.25 yards (actually 2.19, but fabric stores like to think in quarter yards) by 1 yard. Since a lot of fabric comes in 45 inch width, then the width will cover the 1 yard, and you can have the store cut you the 2.25 yards.

Gassho, ann

[Dosho]

Thanks Rev. Taigu (and to Ann for the conversion)!

[Taigu]

You are welcomed Scott.
Thank you Ann too.

Remember, just understand first. Take your time to pick up the fabric. A dark color. Blue, green, brown.
And once you start, just make sewing part of your daily practice like zazen and stick to it.


Good luck


Taigu

[Longdog]

Big thank you from me too Rev. Taigu, the videos and explanations are excellent, you and Jndo have obviously been doing alot of work in the background to help this happen. Thanks for th econtyinuing support too,off to buy fabric today

In gassho, Kev

[KellyRok]

Hello all,

Thank you to Jundo and Rev. Taigu for working so hard to put these videos and information together for us!

I've watched the first video - it has put my mind at ease a bit, I actually think I can do this now! I've also printed off the sewing guide. I'm going to take the first step of the journey today and go buy my materials. I may even have time to start sewing...we shall see what the day brings.

Scott - I too had the question of how much, so thank you for asking it.

Ann - thank you for converting it to American measurements, I panicked slightly when I saw "2 meters" of fabric. I thought I was going to have to go back to school...phew!

Gassho,
Kelly Rok

[Taigu]

Thank you Longdog and Kelly,

We did our best but some stuff might still be unclear or confusing. So, don t hesitate to get in touch if necessary and, please, don t forget... the path is the goal, the process is the whole point. One cannot finish the rakusu, not really. Perfection or imperfection have no relevance here. Just be with the act of sewing.
Thank you for giving this a try, thank you for your trust.


Taigu

[Shui_Di]

Hi Jundo and Taigu....

I have a request for the video...

Would you upload the video from youtube...?

Because, The internet connection in my country is very very very slow nowadays (it wasn't happened several months ago, anyway). (I have complained the internet company, and they said, the low speed connection is caused by the increasing of the internet user.....)

That's why I can't watch the video at easy.

But, I have a way out for this problem, that I have to download the video. Even though the connection speed is low, but it still can be use for downloading process, even though the downloading process will take a very long time.

The problem is I don't know how to download the Taigu's video from google video.
Several days ago, Longdong give me a clue to download them, but it's only worked for downloading the voice, not the video.
And I think in Taigu's video, I really need the video's picture, not only the voice....

But, if Taigu's video is on youtube, I can download the video completely, because I know how to download a video from youtube.

So, for Jundo and Taigu... if you don't mind... Can you upload the video on youtube please.... ?

Thanks...

Gassho, Shuidi

[Jundo]

So, for Jundo and Taigu... if you don't mind... Can you upload the video on youtube please.... ?

Thanks...

Gassho, Shuidi

Hi Shui,

The problem with youtube is that the video is limit to 10 minutes and a small size, so ours are too big.

Do you have firefox as your browser? If so, there is a free add-on called "download helper". Is that what you are using? It just saves movies like ours to your computer.

Gassho, Jundo

[will]

Shui di

Several days ago, Longdong give me a clue to download them, but it's only worked for downloading the voice, not the video.

This could be your player. Try Video Lan player

Gassho

Will

[rculver]

I have a question about the material;

is cotton broadcloth what I am looking for?

Thanks,

Ron

[Martin]

I have just watched the first video: what an immense amount of work has gone into this. Thank you Rev Taigu. And Rev Jundo.

I have even managed to sew together two bits of paper! Who needs a stapler? Now to find some cotton.

Gassho

Martin

[Taigu]

Thank you Martin.
Ron, I don t know what cotton broadcloth is but you may ask your local shop for a light fabric, the kind of fabric they make shirts with. This is what you need. the thread you sew with could be either of the same color of the material or white. Some people sew sometimes with a grey thread.

Many people asked why we made the choice of giving you sewing instructions that don t include the use of a ring.

a) The use of a ring is not viewed as a traditionnal and original way, it is a late addition of the 19th century, somehow a way to transfer a ring that used to be on a certain type of large kesa to a small kesa ( that ring can be still seen on the large kesa of rhe Rinzai school but not on the those sewn in the Soto style). The Nyoho e school tries to stick to the very essence of the teachings and prohibit the use of a ring on hand sewn rakusus. The rakusu that Jundo wears were made in monk s shop, that is why they are designed according to the official Soto principles. Many sanghas of the West, AZI or San Francisco Zen center did choose to maintain the nyoho e tradition. Later, you may make, buy, order a rakusu with a ring.

b) Putting a ring makes the whole process much more complicated than it is already. Even on Halifax roshi s site, they haven t included instructions for rings... So, we agreed with Jundo that we would keep things simple and traditionnal. The ego may not like this sudden decision, but at the same time, it is a good opportunity to see to what the ego can be attached, how it tends to even get in the way of our practice and to gently come make the firm commitment to come back to simplicity.

One of my friends is dying from cancer, he is my age, and he has two to three weeks to go. When I look at what he and his family are going through, all my worries, miseries and complaints instantly vanish. Ask yourself this simple question: what really matters?

Thank you for your patience. Enjoy your life!

[Jinho]

Hi Jundo and Taigu....

I have a request for the video...

Would you upload the video from youtube...?

Because, The internet connection in my country is very very very slow nowadays (it wasn't happened several months ago, anyway). (I have complained the internet company, and they said, the low speed connection is caused by the increasing of the internet user.....)

That's why I can't watch the video at easy.

But, I have a way out for this problem, that I have to download the video. Even though the connection speed is low, but it still can be use for downloading process, even though the downloading process will take a very long time.

The problem is I don't know how to download the Taigu's video from google video.
Several days ago, Longdong give me a clue to download them, but it's only worked for downloading the voice, not the video.
And I think in Taigu's video, I really need the video's picture, not only the voice....

But, if Taigu's video is on youtube, I can download the video completely, because I know how to download a video from youtube.

So, for Jundo and Taigu... if you don't mind... Can you upload the video on youtube please.... ?

Thanks...

Gassho, Shuidi

Hi Shuidi,

Shuidi - Can you play a dvd on your computer? Can someone make a dvd and then mail it to Shuidi (or mail it to Jundo who can mail it to Shuidi in order to maintain Shuidi's confidentiality of his address)? (Sorry to talk about you in third person)?

gassho,
rowan

[Shohei]

Very wise reminder Rev. Tiagu.
I have downloaded all of the videos for use on my iPod, I will gladly burn them to a cd or 3 and mail them to Shuidi. Just private message me your mailing address Shuidi.

Gassho, Dirk

[Jundo]

I have downloaded all of the videos for use on my iPod,

I hope you have good eyes or a magnifying glass to see the stitching on a little Ipod!

My 50 year old eyes ... I can barely see it on a wide screen TV!

Gassho, J

[rculver]

Rev. Taigu,

Thank you for your reply.

I am very sorry to hear about your friend. I think I'm going to go hug my kids.

Ron

[Shui_Di]

Thanks Jundo....

The downloadhelper is really help.........

thanks...

Gassho, Shuidi

[Eika]

Hello Rev. Taigu and fellow leafers,
I have been planning to cut my fabric, but the Treeleaf measurements don't seem to add up the way they do in the Katagiri instructions. Those instructions appear to instruct me to cut a single, large rectangle then cut that rectangle into the various components. When adding the dimensions in the Treeleaf rakusu sewing guide, they don't add to the same length. Also, Katagiri's pattern shows two joro, not four. I assume the idea of cutting a single, large rectangle into the various sub-components is to minimize waste. I suppose I could cut each cho, tan, etc. separately but that would produce a lot of waste. So is there something obvious about this that I'm missing (after all, I'm not so good at counting beyond 4).

Gassho,
Bill

[Taigu]

Bill, very good point. The layout for the cutting is different according to the original size of the fabric. Usually we do spend a lot of time instructing people properly so they get as little waste as possible. But on line this process would be very complicated for fabric comes in all sorts of size. Plus, if you actually follow either the Sawaki way of cutting and sewing or the Katigiri way you end up with with no room to add extra length to help in case of mistakes. My advice is to figure out the lay out by yourself or allow some waste. Remember, the two ways of cutting and sewing are different in term of measurements. I strongly advise you to follow my instructions, unless you want to work with the book instructions using the video to clarify steps you don t really understand.

They are always four squares of fabric. You put them on each corner overlaping frame and central piece, on a practical level they are supposed to keep the work together, on a symbolic level they are the four directions seen also as one of the mandala, the four gates to penetrate reality, the four families of Buddhas ( body, mind speech and action: tatagatha, vajra, lotus and padma). Remember that the very kesa can be seen as a clothing for sitting, a symbol and map of the universe and also the true buddha s body. Three ways ,neitther three nor one, to look ate a single reality.

Be well and enjoy your life with and without sewing


Taigu

[will]

TREELEAF RAKUSU SEWING GUIDE:
read this article on Sewing the Buddha's Robe from the last Dharma Heir
of Kodo Sawaki Roshi, still alive and living in Japan ...
http://www.zen-road.org/teachings/engli ... wrapped-in buddhas-robe/

[server error 404]

Sorry, you have reached a dead end on the Zen Road website, which is why this
page does not look like what you were expecting.

what happened?

Your browser sent a request for a web page that the server
could not find or which is protected:

http://www.zen-road.org/teachings/engli ... rapped%20i

Link seems to be dead.

Gassho
Will

[Jundo]

There was a letter missing from the URL, Will. Here it is ...

http://www.zen-road.org/teachings/engli ... dhas-robe/

[Eika]

Be well and enjoy your life with and without sewing
Taigu

Thank you. Your answers help.
Also, thank you for the time and expertise you and Jundo have put into this for us.

Gassho,
Bill

[Shohei]

... but really it ended up just being sewing. I was the one "freaking out" at times

Gassho, Dirk

Jundo wrote:

Yes, it is just sewing.

[DIRK: I UNINTENTIONALLY EDITED YOUR MESSAGE BY HITTING THE WRONG BUTTON IN RESPONDING. YOU MAY WISH TO REPOST IT. MY APOLOGIES. JUNDO]


Dirk's edit here:

HA! thats okay Ithought something was wonky but its cool the new version is far more concise and to the point see not a mistake... IMPROVEMENT
Gassho, Dirk

[Taigu]

Well done, Dirk, stick to it and take it easy. I advise people to watch the videos a few times and to make sure they understand the process before they start. It might spare everybody a few panic attacks and sudden freaky moments...
Enjoy life and sewing.

taigu

[Monsho]

I also want to add my thanks to Rev. Taigu for his comprehensive instructions.
Sewing so far has been a very interesting experience for me. I'm not a "recreational sewer," by any means, but all those little pieces of fabric fitting together in a puzzle? All those tiny stitches? It's an obsessive-compulsive's paradise . . . So, I have to be careful to catch myself when I'm on the brink of a sewing frenzy marathon and put the fabric down. I'm also watching my reaction to the stitching, too, in terms of its precision and my drive to have everything "perfect." To be sure, the stitches in my first line were too close together (I was a bit tense I think), and I subsequently considered unpicking them or cutting and sewing a new cho and tan completely. But I've decided to leave them as they are for what they are. In this, and other ways, I've found sewing to be a lot like zazen. I'm doing my best to "take refuge" in each stitch, and when I catch myself not doing so, or I've lost my place in the sequence, I simply return to "I take refuge in the Buddha." Once I got over the initial anxiety of stitching, I began to feel that each stitch is a lot like a prostration - and this isn't an intellectual realisation or comparison either, I think. Anyway, just a few thoughts!

[Jinho]

Hi y'all,

Um could I get a thank you for my contribution to the sewing tips?

thanks,
rowan

[Jundo]

Thank you Rowan. Your advice has been invaluable. I am sure we will turn to you a few times more before we are through.

Gassho, Jundo

[Eika]

Hi y'all,

Um could I get a thank you for my contribution to the sewing tips?

thanks,
rowan

Hi, Rowan.
No slight intended. I simply haven't started sewing yet, so I haven't needed your tips much yet, but I'm sure that will change this week when I begin the "crooked rakusu project" as I like to call it. Many thanks for your advice and time.

-Bill

[Monsho]

Hi Rowan.
I apologise for not giving you the credit you're due. I was thinking about you yesterday, in fact, recalling your suggestion that good ironing can fix not-so-good sewing. I see what you mean
Simon.

[Taigu]

Deep bows to you, Rowan. Your contribution is a great teaching for me and a wonderful help to all.



Taigu

[Jinho]

Hi y'all,

Um could I get a thank you for my contribution to the sewing tips?

thanks,
rowan

Hi, Rowan.
No slight intended. I simply haven't started sewing yet, so I haven't needed your tips much yet, but I'm sure that will change this week when I begin the "crooked rakusu project" as I like to call it. Many thanks for your advice and time.

-Bill

Now remember, symmetry is the sign of a petty mind!

gassho,
r
who just got fabric and hopes to start sewing soon (if only to check out this 40-70 hours thing - I am concerned that this might be too much for someone with job/family/life/friends, but I will let everybody who needs to work this out with Jundo!)

back to our regularly scheduled contemplation of Reality

[chicanobudista]

Hi y'all,

Um could I get a thank you for my contribution to the sewing tips?

thanks,
rowan

[Taigu]

Yes, Rowan, it takes a long time but it is part of the Jukai process. Bodaishin is a word that describe the will to the truth in our tradition. Facing the wall and facing the stitches are good mirors, wall gazing and sewing practice give you a very accurate picture of your drive and mind you, we are not requesting people to bow at each stitch as it used to be the case a long time ago...

[Bansho]

Hi Rowan,

Hi y'all,

Um could I get a thank you for my contribution to the sewing tips?

thanks,
rowan

Many heartfelt thanks for all your efforts.

Gassho
Ken

[Jinho]

Hi y'all,

Um could I get a thank you for my contribution to the sewing tips?

thanks,
rowan

Hi,

Much of the sewing advice on the Sewing guide FAQ page is my input. Jundo asked me to review the Katagiri pattern and the first video lesson to give helpful comments. And some is from my Sewing tips topic posted awhile ago.

thanks,
rowan

[Martin]

Thank you Rowan.

Gassho

Martin

[Dosho]

I hadn't said thank you since I hadn't been out to by fabric, but I'm doing that right now so I'll say thank you in advance Rowan!

[Taigu]

Hi everybody,

Just for the folks interested in understanding the background of Nyoho e kesa, you may read the following essay of Diane. E. Riggs:

http://www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/SHUBUNKEN/pub ... df/697.pdf

It is full of relevant information and will provide many insights. The lady is a Zen nun and has studied sewing in Japan in various Nyoho e traditions.

As you know, I am an ignorant person who happens to be a lover of the kesa. A long time ago, monks used to patch rags together to wrap themselves with and this without any iron or ruler . I recall the first kesa I made, totally on my own, without help, just a few pages of sewing instructions in my clumsy hands. It was in 1981, just before receiving tokudo and becoming a monk. Today my hands are still clumsy. Whatever you do folks, be simple and humble. Sewing invite us to stop think thinking this is mine or this is yours, we don t have to create more sense of territory as Trungpa would put it. Every single one of us is a patch of fabric in this beautiful kesa of Tree leaf sangha, let s just blend, keep it simple.

Many years ago, I was fornunate to be given the chance to look closely at a Funzoe, robe of dirty and shity fabric, made by Sawaki Kodo as he was living in Antai ji. This robe is now kept in the Deshimaru lineage. He was a very old man with poor eyesight when he made that great robe, his sewing was really clumsy and yet, from beginning to end, it has this big and vast quality.



As you can see it is very colorful because it is made of disregarded fabrics, old kimonos...

As written in the Shodoka: "And my robe is the dew, the fog, the cloud, and the mist".

Be well, enjoy your sewing


Taigu

[lorax]

Hi
Just in case some of you are in isolated areas like me with no “fabric shops” and want to get started you might consider my solution. I dug around and found a white cotton twin bed sheet and was able to buy a dark green dye at the local Dollar Store. I had good success in dying it on the stove in a large pot. It did not come out “dark green” but a rather nice pinion pine color. Sort of serendipity, like it much better. Only problem I have found is that the sheet is rather heavy, need to find some really sharp, thin needles to make the sewing easer. Also found a need to tape the finger I use to push the needle through the fabric. Blood on the fabric in interesting, but can be avoided..

Anyway, worked for me, and avoided waiting a couple more weeks until I get to the “big city” some 160 miles from home.

Jim

[Longdog]

hi Jundo and Rev. Taigu,

In the instructions it says that the 2 Sao are 11x110cm unless you need it longer as you are bigger etc..

Come on give us a clue what size of person will this measurement fit? Or should I say I'm 6ft and broad, d I need to make it bigger and if so what would you suggest?

I'm not up to that point yet but but laying out the pattern for cutting.

In gassho, Kev

[Undo]

A warning to those sewing a Rakusu.

My wife has been watching me sew with interest. Lovely I thought, how nice she is showing an interest as well as giving valuable tips and advice. But. Now she has mentioned we have some cushion covers which "could do with a bit of tidying up". This morning she said she had two bags of clothes she has been meaning to go through as some might need "a little work".

You have been warned.

[Longdog]

LOL will be wary

Just sewn my first cho and tan together. The tan bit seems quite small when sewn, only 2.5cm from the sewn line to the edge of the fabric?

I think I need glasses and a masseur

[Longdog]

Arrgggg

I've just realised I wrote down the measurements wrong and cut the cho 11x6 not 16!!!

Well that's my first 2 full panels to re-do, good job I've got plenty spare material.

I was so chuffed too, even used and iron Plenty of practise eh

That's 2 hours while Beren was a sleep, of ermmm... sewing practise

Hope no one else makes the same error.

In gassho, Kev

[Taigu]

Kev , you are brave. Go ahead. Watch the anger and the frustration as they come up, allow them to be without becoming them. They will vanish very quickly. As taught by Dogen in his first version of Fukanzazengi. A cup of coffe or a nice stroll might help too...
Plankton, you never know what is round the corner, do you? It is a very good warning but not a good reason to hide and do it secretly. Maybe a good reason to invite your wife for a good bit of sitting, she might just then leave you alone...
Jim, it is great to read about the way you did find something to sew. That is the right mind and spirit. Yes protect your fingers. I never do and I should.

Take care, you are doing a great job.

gassho

Taigu


ps: given the length,sao will be fine. It is just that I don t like the rakusu to hang too high.

[Longdog]

Thanks rev. Taigu, I'll double check my measurements

Luckily Beren is just about ready for his afternoon nap so I might get a chance to continue.

In gassho, kev

[Martin]

My material has arrived ("bottle" green, though I prefer to think of it as "Treeleaf Green"). But my wife reacted rather as Plankton's better half did: "Why don't you just use the machine for that and if you want to do some fiddly sewing all the children's school shirts need name tags sewing in". She has a point, too, they do need name tags, so I'm going to do those first and leave my first stab at the Rakusu (not using the machine; I can't work that anyway) until tomorrow.

Gassho

Martin

[Taigu]

Martin,

She has got a point. You get know some chores men generally never think about. Great!
You have got a point too and you could invite her to understand it without even opening your mouth.
But I am sure you are doing pretty well already.
By the way, very good question, what is the difference between sewing tags and making a small kesa?

Take care

Taigu

[Longdog]

I am the only one here taking advantage of the opportunity to practise getting things not quite right lots Or are the rest of you too sensible to tell all

I've watched the videos (excellent), taken notes and yet my latest bit of creative genius has lead to a perfectly imprefect border which I'll have the joy of starting from scratch again

Watch those corners I thought mine looked great, nicely pressed, sorted the final joining of the ends fold and thought to try the main panel for fit and guess what... it was wrong, I'd folded in the wrong place, so it was too narrow and too wide I'd folded along one of the diagnols but now I have worked out that that was wrong and know where to fold

As I'd shortened the ends to fit and pressed the life out of it there's nothing left but to start the border again

Hope you're all fairing much better

In miopic creaky gassho, Kev

[rculver]

I haven't done any sewing yet, but I can tell you that I can't even cut straight lines so this should be really interesting when it's finished. I had to watch the first video 3 times and take notes just to figure out how to pin the pieces together. I'm going to start sewing tonight.

Ron

[Jordan]

I will be washing, and cutting, and may be even sewing this weekend. I am grateful for the videos. They have already been helpful.

Gassho,
Jordan

[Martin]

Well, after a number of false starts I've managed to sew my first cho onto my first tan. Or possibly the other way round. This may seem like little progress to most of you, but I am advised that the longest journey starts with the first step, and I am deeply indebted to Taigu, Jundo, Rowan, and the other experts who have helped me get this far. Truly, we beginners stand on the shoulders of giants. Never the less, it has in the past been my experience that as a beginner one can also learn much from the mistakes that other beginners make, and I offer the following lessons that I have learned in the hope that they may assist other beginners and, indeed, all sentient beings:

1. Before you start your rakusu, sew the labels on your children's school shirts. Firstly, they need to be sewn on, and, secondly, it promotes harmony within the domestic sangha. You know it makes sense.

2. Measurements in centimeters are good. So are measurements in inches. They are best not combined on the same project, however, unless you are in need of a reminder of the First Noble Truth.

3. It is best not to sew with a cat on your lap. It will attempt to bat the needle and thread with its paw until it gets its claws caught in the thread and unravels half of what you have just done (see, again, the First Noble Truth).

4. Lesson 3, above, applies even if the cat appears to be asleep. It is probably just pretending, and will rouse itself just as you are finishing and stick its claws right through your fabric ruining your work thus deepening still further your appreciation of the First Noble Truth.

5. Best of all, do not even allow the cat into the room. Even if your sewing is out of reach, it can extend its teaching on the FNT by scattering the box containing the pins all over the floor.

6. If the above represents too much dukkha, a mug of tea is wonderfully soothing. It works best, however, if kept in the mug, and, really, it does not work at all when spilled over your sewing.

7. It is probably as well that I erred on the side of caution when ordering material.

Gassho

Martin

[rculver]

Thank you Martin. I feel better about putting the stitches on the wrong side and having to take everything apart. Back to square one. We have until the end of next year to get this done right?

Ron

[lorax]

HI

While it seems most of you area already into the serious sewing, I did learn a lot today cutting the sections out of the material. First I found my sight was just too far gone to see # 2 penciled line on the dark material. Found a white chalk pencil in my art things, worked perfectly and just wipes away. Also lucky we were instructed to buy extra material. After some false starts, did learn a couple of things. First DO NOT STRETCH THE FRABRIC WHEN CUTTING! Once it relaxes it sort of looks like a free form line. Second found it paid to use the old carpentry adage, “measure twice, cut once”. Well after standing at the ironing board all afternoon, looking forward to actually sitting down and sewing. Have to fly to California next week, wonder if it will look too strange sewing while waiting for flights?

Please keep up the comments as we go along. Lots of community knowledge developing here. While things are not permanent Jundo, backup is still good.

Jim

[Taigu]

Ron, that's it. Don't give up ( sounds like Kate Bush ) and stick to the stitches.

Jim, you are very right, one should cut the fabric in a very relaxed way, avoiding tension in the guy or the fabric. Easy to say, very hard to do if you are just as gifted as I am with a pair of scissors...

Martin, you are a wonderful teacher, that you for these precious reminders. By the way, on a slightly more poetic note,did you try this: sew the cat and the mug into the pattern, then sew the carpet, the television, your wife and kids and the front door, go further and sew the whole house and the garden and beyond, and beyond the beyond, sew land, horizon, stars and ...just sew the whole thing into this pattern. What is left then? What is left? Can anything be left in this activity? ( Modern kind of Koan, just another version of an old one, as always)

Taigu

[Taigu]

Kev,

I think you are not the only one...I have seen so many people making mistakes even with a direct instruction being given. The video are maybe good, but mistakes will always creep in. Part of being here and now.

Take care


Taigu

[Shindo]

Dear Taigu (and everyone else)

My wife kindly sat through your first video, and then helped me buy the fabric, thread,needles & ruler. The fabric is currently in the washing machine and I hope to cut it tonight or tomorrow.

I will be sewing my wife's love and support into the Rakusu, as well as the blazing row we had on the way to the fabric shop

Thank you so much for all this help and guidance - it is appreciated

Jools

[Eika]

Crooked but underway . . .

Gassho,
Bill

[Kent]

Thank you Rev.Taigu and Jundo for the video instructions and "sew-a-long advice. purchased the fabric today and am practicing my stitching then plan to begin cutting fabric with mindful assembly to follow Gassho Kent

[Longdog]

Second time round with lots of careful measuring, folding and ironing I got the border right

Doing those corners must be the trickiest bit over I have been honouring the Buddham Darhma and Sanga with each stitch but trying to sew the corners was tricksy to do both.

Wishing you all the best in your sewing. Looking good Bill

_/\_ Kev

[Taigu]

Well done, everybody!

Bill, aren t we all ? ( crooked and underway).
Kev, brilliant!that's it, careful measurering and ironing as advised by Rowan are the key to successful sewing. By the way, the rakusu looks really great already.
Kent, thank you for taking part in this process.

Gassho

Taigu

[Dosho]

Hi All,

My great thanks to those who have posted pictures of their progress. Perhaps I will get brave enough to do the same soon!

I started cutting out my pieces last night and it's gone pretty well, but I sure did stress way too much before my cutting. It is a wonderful exercise...that's putting it mildly! I've already learned so much.

Gassho,
Scott

[Kent]

My apologies to Rowan for not thanking you for your important contributions as well Gassho Kent

[Monsho]

Here's what I have so far. I spent ages getting the panel aligned within the en and the right side still came out crooked! It's 34mm at the top and 37mm at the bottom, but you really can see those 3mm . . . Oh well. I'm learning to like it. One of my wife's friends makes clothing professionally, and she tells me that even after stitching fabric shifts around from day-to-day with humidity, wear, etc., so nothing is ever quite permanent anyway. Sounds familiar!
A nice sunny day here today.
Simon.

[Jordan]

Wow, that looks good to me!

I did my cutting last night (did it in inches following the book) I am aiming small, I hope to sew a cho and tan together.
If I make any more progress than that....

Gassho,
Jordan

[Shohei]

this is where i've ventured too so far.




Im going to cut back my time with the needle and thread as, somehow, I became a tad consumed with sewing! Not rushing, just really didn't want to put it down. Anywho still much to do! I mixed up what i silently said each stitch, sometimes it was refuge in the 3 treasures, sometimes 3 pure precepts and so on.

Gassho, Dirk

[Longdog]

They're all looking great

I wish I'd used more contrasting thread, mines dark green and hard to see both on the rakusu and more importantly when sewing.

Arggg.... read, sew, sit, read, sew, sit I'm sure there was something else I used to do untl a week ago

[Shindo]

Well done guys
Oh dear - now I have Rakusu sewing envy
Cheers
Jools

[Kent]

Well done guys
Oh dear - now I have Rakusu sewing envy
Cheers
Jools

Add me to that list Kent

[Taigu]

Simon. Dirk and evrerybody thrown into this,

I am really impressed... wonderful! What you are doing is not easy and it is looking great already.
Your stitches look just perfect.
Yes, pick up the inches or centimetres but don t do both.
Thanks to Jundo you are the first people preparing Jukai on line and the first people sewing yjeir rakusu with internet imput and guidance.

You are making history!


Gassho


Taigu

[Shohei]

Well done guys
Oh dear - now I have Rakusu sewing envy
Cheers
Jools

Oh boy well there is definitely no need to envy the brown lump of mess i have made! Seriously I just realized that the stitching I've done all along is different from what Rev. Taigu was doing in the video, I was using what was in the .pdf file Also I proceeded to finish up the En last night while tired and coming down with a cold, and made some pretty silly, yet big mistakes I actually have enough material to make a second Rakusu and I think I will make a second one after this

Gassho, Dirk

[Shui_Di]

Btw, how large is the "4 small square" in centimetre?

Gassho, Shuidi

[Taigu]

Dirk,

Would you please take a close picture of yor rakusu back and front so I can tell you if this is the right stitch or not?... (because to me it looks fine on your first pic).
Thank you


Taigu

[Taigu]

Shudui,

The four corners when you cut them are 4/4. When folded and sewn on the rakusu they are 2,5/2,5.

Thank you for asking


Taigu

[Longdog]

hi Rev Taigu,

Just a couple of questions:

Do we need to put the white backing cloth at the back of the rakusu as Jundo's silk will be dry when it arrives?

It looks like the sao could be attached with out interferring with the sewing in of the silk and the 4 joro as it's just sewn at the top edge of the rakusu, could we do this in advance?

If the answer is just to do it as told, thats's fair enough

In gasho, Kev

[Taigu]

Hi Kev,

You will need to put a white cotton just to give the rakusu the right thickness. Sao should be sewn before fixing the silk painted by Jundo.

Take care

gassho

Taigu

[Monsho]

hi Rev Taigu,

It looks like the sao could be attached with out interferring with the sewing in of the silk and the 4 joro as it's just sewn at the top edge of the rakusu, could we do this in advance?

I thought that the joro help to fix the white silk insert in place and so needed to be added after that panel is sewn in. Is that right?
Simon.

[Longdog]

Hi Simon, my understanding is that the joro does need to be left to last to help secure the silk, but as Rev. Taigu has just said the sao can be done before we get the silk.

In gassho, Kev

[Shohei]

Dirk,

Would you please take a close picture of yor rakusu back and front so I can tell you if this is the right stitch or not?... (because to me it looks fine on your first pic).
Thank you


Taigu

Thank you again for your help with this. Also thank you again to Rowan for your tips... they have helped A LOT!
Also a big thanks to all of you your post are inspiring me along and sharing and as said above please keep sharing your experiences
oh yeah
here is the front



and the back


Oh, i recycled my favorite tee shirt for the back cotton as you can see there is a faded bit of lettering still showing in the photo on of the back.
Now, Im sure I have made some (lol MANY) serious errors here but went forward with this endeavor as open and honestly as i could... not rushing for some end or stretching out the work so i can enjoy each stitch (Which i was surprised to find that I did/do Quite enjoy this ) This is my best attempt, my 100 percent at this moment, this moment this moment... each stitch. So please forgive its appearance.... its my reflection.

Gassho, Dirk

[Taigu]

Dirk,

It looks fine to me, actually very close to the sewing on the rakusu made by tis old man that I did show on the videos. Of course, it is rough, but it is true to you. No need to do another one. the color is great too.
Well done.


Gassho

Taigu

[Mikey]

I have Rakusu sewing envy as well!

I'm off to the cloth store tomorrow at lunch to purchase my supplies!

[roky]

ok, i've viewed all the videos, read the faqs, am washing the material, ready to get started, BUT......

as helpful as the videos are(i have them saved to refer back to on my video lan player), my brain functions with diagrams -- i have a problem with words, no matter how clear -- so i would like to use the katagiri pdf -- i seem to be reading/hearing conflicting advice on this: don't use it, use it with rev. taigu's measurements, but then it doesn't come out right, ... -- since i can only work from diagrams, is there a way to use the diagrams in the katagiri pdf, or does the produce the wrong rakusu? -- if i just substitute the metric measurements in the faq for the inches, use the katagiri instructions, will that produce the correct rakusu? -- is there any part of the katagiri instructions that is a big no-no(for the rakusu type we are making)?

sorry, but when i finished the 8 videos, i learned a lot, but i didn't know how to assemble a rakusu(this goes here, that goes there, this stich is folded, this isn't, etc.) -- i really need diagrams to refer to

gassho, bob

[Shohei]

Hello Roky
Heres what i did...Now dont base judgement on my outcome... the measurements worked out... im just not so nimble with my fingers as i thought i would be

So in the Sewing FAQ that is posted the measurements to use in centimeters are there and have about .5 to 1 cm fudge factor. In the 45 pg pdf is a diagram of how those pieces should go together. Although its in inches you can still refer to it (small fold edge is small no matter what measure scale you use... 1/4 " is small as is a 1 cm, you can eyeball the diagram and see the 3.5 cm area is the middle in the diagram. right?! RIGHT

So for me (i posted this earlier but it got lost in a shuffle) this is what i did. Following close to the video i marked down the measurements kind Rev. Taigu said and showed us.

Example - the Width of the tan and cho are 10.5cm broken down like this across the width:

|<-1cm->|<----2.5---->|<----------3.5---------->|<----2.5---->|<-1cm->| totals 10.5cm...


the instructions in faq say 11cm... thats a bit of fudge room for you

Edit: also try to remember that there is a bit of extra fabric when marking out your measurements, we are being as precise as we can in a medium that is not ridged and changes moment by moment I didnt on one panel and it was worked out - just barely -by using that fudge room.

for the center tan/cho set i made my measurement by centering the 10.5cm to the fabric... and then marked out my points, thus the 1cm Rev. Taigu mentions is actually ~1.25cm. After that the the measurements on the remaining tan/cho sets should be started on the side nearest the central set. This way if you error in your stitching a bit you can just measure again from the new line formed over.

so use the diagram if must but be sure to stick to cm or inches and stay with it!
I hope this was some help im sure there are many with even better explanations and suggestions.

Gassho, dirk

[roky]

dirk -- thanks for the explanation --

so basically, using the diagram in the pdf, but substituting the metric measurement in the faq, produces the same rakusu as the one described in the videos? -- i just don't want to make this rakusu, then find out i made the wrong one, if i can avoid that anyway

gassho, bob

[Shohei]

Hi
Worked for me But i will say again, i went back to the video for the specific measurements and pointers Rev. Taigu give a good break down of the places to sew and fold and the measurments... you just have to have slip of paper handy and write them down. I also made a couple of complete paper tan/cho and then drew out all the measurements on them and pinned them together and tied the folding them ect to ensure i understood what was going on with each set and how the sets went together. Im a visual person that way.

Gassho, Dirk

[Mikey]

I've watched the videos and have just returned from the store. My fabric is in the wash as well! A very big thanks to Rev. Taigu and Jundo - those videos obviously took a lot of time to prepare for and to film. Also thanks to Ros for her sewing tips and to everyone else who have been posting their questions and experiences. As a newbie sewer, I find it all very helpful.

I'm sure the clerk in the store didn't know what to think. I felt very helpless in the fabric store. What sort of needle? Does the thread matter? Do you have a ruler with CM and not inches? She probably had as a good a laugh about it as I am now.

Anyway, off to re-watch the first video to learn how to do my practice stitches.

Gassho,
Mike