GREETINGS BY NEW FOLKS (AUGUST)

[Shohei]

Hi and Welcome Nigel!

Gassho
Shohei

[dumm]

Hello and welcome to everyone


Gassho,
Dave

[KellyRok]

Hello all,

Welcome Peter, Rafael, and Nigel. May you find all that you seek here at Treeleaf.


Gassho,
Kelly-Jinmei

[Hans]

Welcome everyone!

It's so great to see so many new people finding this place!

All the best and Gassho,

Hans

[Jinyu]

Welcome to Treeleaf Sangha everyone!

gassho,
Luis/Jinyu

[mhoke46375]

Gassho,

My name is Marty. I am a 56 year old newbie in NW INdiana.

I have been trying to establish a practice for about 2 years. I have been sitting almost everyday for the last 2 months.

I have a mild case of Obsessive compulsive disorder so counting breaths and following the inhale and exhale just did not work. Each breath each count had to be perfect. I found a school, the White Wind Zen Community that teaches the "opening around" method. oversimplifying, the breath is only a touchstone. Te feeling at the diaphragm and tandan is used as the beginning point for simultaneity of experience. Try to feel experience everything at once. I liken it to the view needed to drive a car.

The teaching includes as total subtraction as possible form the experience. In other words, white wall and Posture are all thats needed.

I sit in a chair because of knee problems, somedays my math, the subtraction, and the opening around result in simultaneity. Other days, the monkeys win.

I have several questions:
What's the view on sitting outdoors?

If I'm opening around the thoughts as they arise, do I fight the OCD (my usually approach to break its grip) or do i open around it?

what's the view on getting up in the middle of a 30 minute round to walk 10 minutes of kinhin to refocus and let the Obsession with moving pass?

Any imput would be much appreciated.

Gassho,

Marty

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Nigel and Marty!

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome Nigel!
EDIT*
oops i said that already and forgot Marty!!
My humble apologies!

Gassho
Shohei

[Jundo]

I have a mild case of Obsessive compulsive disorder so counting breaths and following the inhale and exhale just did not work. Each breath each count had to be perfect. I found a school, the White Wind Zen Community that teaches the "opening around" method. oversimplifying, the breath is only a touchstone. Te feeling at the diaphragm and tandan is used as the beginning point for simultaneity of experience. Try to feel experience everything at once. I liken it to the view needed to drive a car.

The teaching includes as total subtraction as possible form the experience. In other words, white wall and Posture are all thats needed.

I sit in a chair because of knee problems, somedays my math, the subtraction, and the opening around result in simultaneity. Other days, the monkeys win.

I have several questions:
What's the view on sitting outdoors?

If I'm opening around the thoughts as they arise, do I fight the OCD (my usually approach to break its grip) or do i open around it?

what's the view on getting up in the middle of a 30 minute round to walk 10 minutes of kinhin to refocus and let the Obsession with moving pass?

Hi Marty,

Welcome again.

Please have a look at our Shikantaza "for beginner's" series to see the flavor of Shikantaza offered around this Sangha.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=447

It seems very close to what you describe, perhaps with somewhat less intentional effort to focus on one point and intentional adding and subtracting. Also, as I often say ... clear and balanced days are good Zazen, "monkey winning" days are good Zazen. There is no "bad" Zazen, even the days of really bad Zazen! It is all part of the trip, not only the days when the monkey is quiet.

I may be splitting hairs and, in any event, if that way seems to be effective for you ... don't fix what is not broken! However, see if anything in our "beginner's" series is helpful to you.

Not only do I encourage sitting outside from time to time, I encourage sitting in truly disturbance filled and obnoxious places from time to time ...

http://www.shambhalasun.com/sunspace/?p=15188

Taigu also has many points on posture (and how not to force that) in the same series, and this book is recommended and helpful. It applies to chair sitting as well.

viewtopic.php?p=30208#p30208

There are folks here who may have much more experience on sitting with OCD. I would tend to be of the "open around" it camp, for reasons similar to what was described yesterday on the subject of sitting with fears ...

viewtopic.php?p=36462#p36462

Let's see what some other folks may have to offer on the subject of OCD. However, here is a thread that we had on that very subject awhile back ...

viewtopic.php?p=24247#p24247

As to walking Kinhin in the middle of Zazen ... that is an interesting question. When to move during Zazen, when not. I would like you to look at this little thread on that subject too ...

Generally, our Way of Shikantaza Zazen is about "just sitting" with whatever is, just how it is. As in life-in-general, not every moment is peaches and cream, fun and games. So, it is wonderful Practice for us to sit with discomforts, pain, annoyances. We drop all thought of the words "discomfort", "pain", "annoyance", "like" "dislike" "good" "bad" ... and just sit with what is.

On the other hand, the Buddha's way was never one of masochism or asceticism, complete denial of the body. In fact, ours is the Middle Way, the path of moderation in all things. Furthermore, we do not harm the body.

Please read the rest here ...

viewtopic.php?p=10701#p10701

I hope that is helpful.

Gassho, Jundo

[Jronin]

Hi everyone!

I'm finally all hooked up after Jundo patiently helped me out with nagging registration issues.

Not much to say about myself without sounding like an autobiography. I'm married with a 15 month old son that keeps us both very busy. I'm a Chief in the Coast Guard. I've been into martial arts (Shorin-Ryu Karate specifically) since 1989 and teach karate at my own dojo here in Seattle. I think it was originally martial arts that got me interested in eastern religions and spirituality, which led to my own spiritual journey/searching for many years. Over those years from about 1991-2004 I had tasted everything from the Tao, Toltec traditions and Vedanta to modern non-traditional spiritualists such as Allan Watts, H.W.L. Poonja and even Echhart Tolle. I had dabbled in buddhism as well, but it wasn't until just a few years ago that I had really narrowed my focus to Zen Buddhism and focused my meditation on Shikentaza, rather than a lot of other "methods", which look now more like gimmicks or techniques. It took me a long time to finally start to get away from all the "techniques" of meditation and realize the significance of "just sitting". Now I'm starting to realize how much my mental cup has been overflowing. My mind loves the idea of buddhism and the idea of zen and meditation, but I think that's been one of my biggest hindrances. It's a double edged sword, because without the intellectual interest, I never would have come to this point, but I know that mind can only take me to the edge of the pond. I have to leave "mind" in a nice safe spot in the grass before I go diving in.

Thanks for listening/reading, I'll see you in the forum!

[disastermouse]

Hi everyone!

I'm finally all hooked up after Jundo patiently helped me out with nagging registration issues.

Not much to say about myself without sounding like an autobiography. I'm married with a 15 month old son that keeps us both very busy. I'm a Chief in the Coast Guard. I've been into martial arts (Shorin-Ryu Karate specifically) since 1989 and teach karate at my own dojo here in Seattle. I think it was originally martial arts that got me interested in eastern religions and spirituality, which led to my own spiritual journey/searching for many years. Over those years from about 1991-2004 I had tasted everything from the Tao, Toltec traditions and Vedanta to modern non-traditional spiritualists such as Allan Watts, H.W.L. Poonja and even Echhart Tolle. I had dabbled in buddhism as well, but it wasn't until just a few years ago that I had really narrowed my focus to Zen Buddhism and focused my meditation on Shikentaza, rather than a lot of other "methods", which look now more like gimmicks or techniques. It took me a long time to finally start to get away from all the "techniques" of meditation and realize the significance of "just sitting". Now I'm starting to realize how much my mental cup has been overflowing. My mind loves the idea of buddhism and the idea of zen and meditation, but I think that's been one of my biggest hindrances. It's a double edged sword, because without the intellectual interest, I never would have come to this point, but I know that mind can only take me to the edge of the pond. I have to leave "mind" in a nice safe spot in the grass before I go diving in.

Thanks for listening/reading, I'll see you in the forum!

Hey Jronin,

It is a sword that cuts both ways...very useful if you think about it to have a blade that cuts both ways. There's never anywhere that's 'safe' from its edge.

In my experience, the imagery and idealism of Zen have been alternately motivational, obstructive, and instructive. If we think that Zen is some airy-fairy notion...well, we'll be brought crashing to earth after just a short while - and we'll probably have some pretty bad opinions of Zen afterward.

However, there is something a little radically normal about Zen practice. We aren't just bumbling through life with no engaged energy at all...and so there's a container for our practice. It doesn't have to be as hokey as it's gotten in our culture - but there is a container.

Good luck in your practice!

Chet

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome Jronin

Gassho
Shohei

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome all.
Hope you find what you seek here.

May the force be with you.

Fugen

[soendoshin]

Welcome to Treeleaf Nigel. This really is a great Sangha. Look forward to reading your posts.
Gassho,
Soen

[tedmac]

Hi, everyone. My name is Ted; new to the forum and to Soto Zen. I am currently living on a farm in rural Tennessee. I'm also a botanist and an Aikido
practitioner (since 1989). I lived and worked for ten years in Brooklyn, where I was part of a lay Rinzai Zen center (International Zen Dojo of Brooklyn, Sogankai). Since leaving New York in 2005 (and having a daughter in 2008) my practice has been more sporadic, but I still sit at home. I found your online sangha a few months ago, and have enjoyed the structure that it brings to my practice. I'm currently working on my PhD in anthropology, and will be travelling in the coming months--so the online community here is especially appealing to me. Looking forward to seeing you all online.

[Silva]

Hello, welcome and bienvenue
to Peter, Rafael, Nigel, Marty, Jronin and Ted,

gassho

Sylvie

[Shohei]

Hi and Welcome Ted!

Gassho
Shohei

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Jronin and Ted!

[Kathryn]

Hello, folks. I've joined today, having been interested in Buddhism for quite awhile. I am a middle-aged mother to a toddler (in fact, tomorrow the age odometer ticks over another year), and my daughter has led me to my practice in a way that nothing else ever has. There is so much I could say in this introduction, but I figure there will be time for revelation as I get to know the community. (My website is also available for the curious.) I hail originally from Syracuse, NY (until my 30s); then I lived in Austin, TX for ten years; and six years ago moved to the SF Bay area, where my husband and I have committed to living by recently buying a house. (Gulp!)

I look forward to connecting here. I've tried an in-person Sangha but it didn't quite "click" for me, and time to get away is constrained (I'm a full-time at-home mother). I am hopeful that this virtual community will help me put roots into my practice.

Peace,
Kathryn

[disastermouse]

Welcome, Kathryn!

Cool artwork, BTW. I hope you find yourself at home here - but you may also seek out a non-internet place to sit with people now and again. There are plenty of places in the Bay area.

I'm a bit of a hypocrite though - when I was on an assignment in San Francisco, I only went to SFZC once. I got to hear a talk by Barry Magid, though, and subsequently read one of his books. It was pretty good. Take advantage of your location - you may be exposed to many different points of view about practice.

Chet

[KellyRok]

Hello all,

Welcome Marty, Jronin, Ted and Kathryn (happy Birthday!). It's great to have you here. Kathryn - beautiful pictures and artwork!

bows,
Kelly-Jinmei

[Jaana]

Hello, everyone;

My name is Jaana and I'm from Finland. I've been interested in meditation for a couple of years and am now trying to establish a regular practice of sitting. I found Treeleaf when I was searching for zazen timers, and the "just sitting" approach appeals to me, so I decided to join.

(I'll put a photo to my profile once I'm next on the computer where I have one.)

J

[disastermouse]

Hello, everyone;

My name is Jaana and I'm from Finland. I've been interested in meditation for a couple of years and am now trying to establish a regular practice of sitting. I found Treeleaf when I was searching for zazen timers, and the "just sitting" approach appeals to me, so I decided to join.

(I'll put a photo to my profile once I'm next on the computer where I have one.)

J

Ah yes...everyone seems to get here via the 'Zen Timers Search'.

Chet

[Jaana]

Ah yes...everyone seems to get here via the 'Zen Timers Search'.

What can I say? A beginner needs a timer, and alarm clocks and kitchen timers tend to be obnoxious rather than peaceful. Yours (ours?) are very nice, and of course once you start using the timer you poke around a little bit more. Then it's easy to stay when there's so much quality, no-nonsense information about.

[disastermouse]

Ah yes...everyone seems to get here via the 'Zen Timers Search'.

What can I say? A beginner needs a timer, and alarm clocks and kitchen timers tend to be obnoxious rather than peaceful. Yours (ours?) are very nice, and of course once you start using the timer you poke around a little bit more. Then it's easy to stay when there's so much quality, no-nonsense information about.

I wasn't faulting you - just remarking that a lot of people start here that way.

Chet

[Rich]

Welcome all Juners! The alarm clock on my cell phone works well and is very portable.
/Rich

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome Kathryn!

Gassho
Shohei

[Nathan_Anderson]

I've been gone for alittle while. So let me re-introduce myself. My name is Nathan Anderson. I'm currently serving in the US Army.

Excited to be back on Treeleaf.

[Rich]

I've been gone for alittle while. So let me re-introduce myself. My name is Nathan Anderson. I'm currently serving in the US Army.

Excited to be back on Treeleaf.

Welcome back and thank you for serving your country. This Independence Day has been dependent on your service and that of our ancestors.
/Rich

[buddhistmama]

Hello everyone,

I am April. I am married and have 3 beautiful children who were brought to us through the gift of adoption. We currently hang our hats in NC, but that may change in the not too distant future. I homeschool our children and religious education is one of the subjects we study. We are currently learning the Noble Eightfold Path.

My husband first introduced me to Buddhism a few years back, but I did not begin to practice until about 6 months ago. I am so very happy to have found the Treeleaf Sangha. Community is very important to me and we have been unable to find one locally. I look forward to learning with you and getting to know you all.

[rculver]

Welcome everyone!

Ron

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Kathryn (fellow upstate NYer...live in Rochester, grew up in the Adirondacks)!

Also welcome to Jaana and April...and welcome back Nathan!

So many new faces...so pleased to see them all!

Gassho,
Dosho

[Kyrillos]

Welcome everyone and so far for, July Nathan and Buddhist Mama.

Gassho,

Seishin Kyrill

[Jinyu]

Welcome to Treeleaf Sangha everyone!

gassho,
Luis-Jinyu

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome back Nathan and welcome April!

Gassho
Shohei

[pcward]

Hi all:

I've lurked for some time, and finally joined this Zendo the other day! Glad to be here!

I'm Chris, and I'm currently living in Salt Lake City, where I'm working towards a PhD in Information Systems. I was raised in a Lutheran family, and have always considered myself spiritual, but I didn't feel "home" anywhere until I started reading Charlotte Joko Beck's books a few months back. I've been sitting regularly once daily in the morning (for now). Sometimes it's the most amazing experience, and other times it's a pain the a** (literally and otherwise), but as long as I keep climbing back on my cushion.. In very real terms, practice has already been a tremendous gift. I'm dealing with some chronic health issues, but during my last checkup my doctor was amazed at the positive direction my health has taken since I started practice. Anyway.

The only zen sangha around here is Genpo Roshi's Big Mind Zen Center, but I don't feel at home in that camp, so very happy to have found a community at Treeleaf!


Gassho,

Chris

[seanandrews]

My name is Sean Andrews. I have been a practicing Buddhist since the start of 2009, although I have been meditating since the mid-1990s. I have been studying Buddhist for a couple years. I have attended two sanghas and one temple in search of the right school of Buddhism for me. I feel at home with Soto Zen and am looking to enhance my studies with the hope of someday becoming an ordained Buddhist teacher and eventually receiving dharma transmission. I am the manager of a web development team by day. I am married to my best friend, and we have three great children. We are all students of the Dharma.

[Jundo]

... looking to enhance my studies with the hope of someday becoming an ordained Buddhist teacher and eventually receiving dharma transmission. ...

Hi again, Sean,

I would just sit, dropping all goals and thought of anything to achieve. Becoming a teacher, Dharma Transmission and everything else, any other place to get to... put aside. No place to get to ... and getting to "no place in need of going" is the ultimate arrival.

That is the most vital Transmission of all.

Gassho, J

[disastermouse]

Well, that and a cool Zen name, of course.

I kid!

Chet

[rculver]

Welcome Chris and Sean.

Ron

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Chris & Sean!

[KellyRok]

Hello all,

Welcome Sean and Chris - may you find all that you seek here, and then so much more!

Welcome April - from one buddhamom to another, I hope you enjoy Treeleaf! It is wonderful to have you here!

Welcome back Nathan - I hope this finds you out of harms way. It is great to have you back and I hope you stay safe! Thank you for all that you do for us.

take care all - bows,
Kelly-Jinmei

[Hans]

Hello Chris and Sean,

welcome to Treeleaf. It's always nice to be able to see some new faces around here (not that I mind the old ones )

Gassho, and may you find what you seek...or realise you've had it all along.

All the best,

Hans

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome Chris and Sean.

Gassho
Shohei

[Dday]

I am so far behind this time, I'm afraid I am going to be cheap and just say a big hello and warm welcome to all
See ya round
Gassho ~ Dave.

[Rabbit]

Greetings All

My name is Brian, but most of my friends call me Rabbit, and I am from Ontario, Canada. I came across this site while researching Zen buddhism and Study materials, as well as learning more about zen ordinations and monastics. I am currently 35 years old and have been very spiritual all my life. I began my training in Shamanic studies and was eventually introduced into the Craft, where I have spent most of my life as a Pagan, and have reached the level of High Priest within the hereditary tradition, though I felt as though there was more for me. I have also researched and studied Franciscan spirituality and have been ordained and volunteer with two interfaith groups and one pagan group. I am also a Reiki Master/Teacher and am in the process of building a Reiki business and am developing a meditation and zen group to work along with it. Over the last little while, I have been doing much soul searching and was brought back to Buddhism...originally I studied buddhism when I was out west and was attempting to better perfect my mental abilities and meditation.

I first came to Buddhism through meditative practices and with gradual and, at times, in-depth discussions with an good acquaintance of mine in China Town in Calgary, where we would sit for hours and discuss philosophy. Over the last little while, I have been seeking and meditating where my path is leading me and where I would most benefit and most be able to help and be of benefit to others, and this has led me to the path of Zen Buddhism, and with research and several nights of in-depth meditation to this group.

I am really glad to be here and I am hoping to get to know all of you and looking forward to much growth and knowledge shared with all of you.

Namaste and Blessings,
Brian
a.k.a. Rabbit

[Peter Lin]

Hello, my name is Peter,
I am studying Buddhism for about eight years. I focused on Zen about five years ago. I noticed that just reading the books, as good as they might be, will always keep me dreaming about Zen. So I started zazen three years ago. Practicing this way - in average I sit 20 to 25 minutes each day - is the best that ever happened to me, I learned so much about me, it was both exciting and frightening.
I'm currently facing two challenges, at first to keep my zazen each day and second to extend my practice to the rest of the day. Though I have a real live with family and children and friends, I have always been attracted by the possibilities of the Internet. I run a small company, which sells their products via the net, and I'm glad that I could even find a sanga in it.
Thank you to all who make treeleaf possible and contribute.

Gassho,
Peter

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome Peter.
Hope you find what you seek here.
If there is anything, don't hesistate to ask.

May the force be with you
Fugen

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Peter and Brian!

[EmilyLovida]

Hello all!

My name is Emily and I'm in Fairfax, Virginia (just outside of Washington, D.C.). I'm a (newly single) mom who was introduced to mindfulness based stress reduction techniques way back when I was a first year law student. That sparked an intellectual/philosophical interest in Buddhism, but it has taken 15 years for me to circle back around to actually practicing.

Recently (past year or so) I've started sitting with varying degrees of success, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you all and hearing your experiences in your own practice.

Emily

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Emily!

[AtomicSpud]

Good evening (or afternoon, or morning, as the case may be),

My name is Perry, and I come to Soto Zen by way of the Kammathana sect of the Dhammayutika Nikaya of Thailand. My practice over the years has made me realize that "[working] out [my] own salvation with diligence" is no different from working to save all beings. Being a huge fan of the Shobogenzo, and having too simple a mind to appreciate and understand the ritual of other traditions, I wound up here, where Ven. Jundo kindly allowed me the opportunity to participate with a Sangha (something that is also relatively new to me).

I apologize in advance for being slow on the uptake, and greatly appreciate this chance.

Much Metta,

Perry

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome perry, hope you find what you seek here.
And if there is anything, don't hesitate to ask!

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[AtomicSpud]

Hi.

And if there is anything, don't hesitate to ask!

Mtfbwy
Fugen

Any thoughts on letting go of the breath after years of only focusing on it?

Thanks,

Perry

[Jundo]

Any thoughts on letting go of the breath after years of only focusing on it?

Thanks,

Perry

Hi Perry,

In the flavor of Shikantaza we teach here, we emphasize "open, spacious awareness ... focused on everything and nothing in particular." Some teachers of Shikantaza emphasize following the breath as the place for focus, but we do not ... except for beginners or on days when folks are really really really really really lost in runaway thoughts and emotions and need to settle a bit.

In any event, I am not an expert on the subject, but even breath following in Shikantaza may be different in approach to anapanasati, which I am guessing is the way you have been practicing. (I am not experienced in that at all, however). The principle difference is that, in Shikantaza, our approach is radical, to the marrow's marrow, dropping of all goals and need to attain (which leads to a very big attainment, namely, that state of no conflict [even amid life's conflicts] and nothing in need of attaining .. One finds by not by running after, but by giving up the hunt to fill what lacks ... thereby filling the hole inside that was never there. Something like that).

Please do review the "beginner's (we're always all beginners)" series of videos, and all will become clear!!

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=447

Gassho, Jundo

[KellyRok]

hello all,

Welcome to Treeleaf Brian-Rabbit, Peter, Emily, and Perry! You will find that you can always call this place home.

take care and I look forward to hearing from you more,
Kelly-Jinmei

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome Brian, Peter, Emily and Perry! Whew Ive missed a few faces this month

Gassho
Shohei

[EmilyLovida]

Thank you for the warm welcomes! I don't talk much, but I'm listening intently. Or reading..or whatever. You know what I mean.
Enukt

[JoeTurner]

Hi all,
My name is Joe, I am from London (England), am 55 years old and have been practising since I was at school. Although I now live in London I was brought up mainly in the cathedral city of Canterbury so I had to study Buddhism mainly from books. When groups started to get established in the area I tried them, Tibetan, FWBO, Western Chan, I tried them all but my heart was Zen. I traveled to Throssel Hole Monastery in Northumberland to take Jukai in 2003, a week of very intense training and ceremonies that I rank as one of the high spots of my life.
Last year I had Heart surgery which gave me a lot of time off work, immediately followed by redundancy; so I have had time to increase my training and sitting. As getting to my nearest OBC (Reading Priory) has become a bit difficult I started looking at the internet and discovered Tree Leaf and the little videos; I find them most helpful and have decided to jump in and go for Jukai with you all.I look forward very much to joining in and becoming a member of this well spread out Sangha.

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome emily (who i missed the first time round, sorry... ) and Joe.

Hope you find what you seek.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[Nick B]

Hello,

My name is Nick, I am 33 years old, married and have two boys. I have never been to a Zen Center or received any personal instruction from any Buddhist teacher and come to think of it, I have never even met another Buddhist off line as far as I know.

I have read many books and sat zazen on and off on my own for about a six year period. I have had some great experiences and even thought I was enlightened at one point. It seems my arrogance knows no bounds and my capacity to make mistakes knows no end.

I am no longer looking into Buddhism to see if its right for me. I am here to learn how I can make Soto Zen Buddhism the way of my life. I have decided to humble myself, let it all my ideas go, empty my cup and actually learn from a teacher so that the practice can become a living reality in my life.

I work in a nursing home which gives me ample opportunities to practice loving kindness, compassion, patience, etc..Working directly with those who suffer within their minds and bodies has taught me many things about myself and has been a difficult but positive life experience.

My current practice of zazen is to sit for 30 minutes once a day, I am working towards increasing the amount of daily sitting I do.

I look forward to my practice here at Treeleaf and getting to know all of you.

Best wishes,
Nick

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome Nick.

Hope you find what you seek.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome nick!

Gassho
Shohei

[nadia_estm]

Hi! I am Nadia...very very new to zazen and very happy to join Treeleaf since where I live there is no community available. I am looking forward to join the discussions and to receiving help form other members (Jundo mentioned how generous you are)
gassho

[southernzeni]

Newbie here!
I've been practicing meditation for 2 years (so a newbie to meditation as well) My husband and I made an attempt to try as many styles as we could. Went to several different centers for their meditation instruction and sittings. We finally found a place we felt comfortable; a tiny little zendo. So that is where we landed. We practiced there consistently for 6 months. Then with time and money it became difficult to drive an hour several times a week. So we set up a little sitting area in our home. We also have invested in a ton of books and we do attend their quarterly zanzenkai.
I am also a yogi- I enjoy practice of asana in order to sit for longer periods of time. So hi!
I live south of Atlanta in the Deep south; so there aren't many of us out here. Which makes it more difficult to talk to others about zen, meditation or Buddhism.
I am happy to be here and look forward to sitting along with you!

[Jinyu]

Welcome to Treeleaf Sangha everyone!

[Jikyo]

A warm welcome to all the new folks. There are so many new faces! It's lovely to see Treeleaf grow.

Gassho, Jikyo

[viczen]

Hello Zen Friends,

It's so nice to find this online Zendo and do Zazen at home and also with a broader worldwide community! I've been practicing for about five years at a local Zen center. In my practice, we do two 30-minute sittings, and two 10-minute Kinhins. Then, there is a dharma talk and tea afterwards. We also sign up for individual instruction, when offered.

So, how did I find this path that feels so comfortable and right for me? I was reading an autobiography by Lakers' coach, Phil Jackson, and he mentioned Shunryu Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," and I decided to read it after finishing the Jackson book. Suzuki's book guided me to a serious practice, more reading and a small collection of wonderful books on Zen. I still find Shunryu Suzuki's work to be filled with sincerity and compassion. I am drawn more to the Soto tradition rather than the Rinzai tradition, although I have studied a few koans in the "Gateless Gate" and after a Sangha discussion and working with it, I seem to understand a bit more, but's it's not easy for me. Just sitting is more my thing.

Again, it's nice to be here. Time to go buy some matcha green tea (I'm out).

Happy Summer and Gassho,

Viczen

[Adam]

Welcome Viczen and all the new members.

Gassho,

Adam

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome Nadia, southernzeni and viczen.
Hope you find what you seek here.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[nadia_estm]

thank you all for the welcoming!

[Jikyo]

Welcome to Treeleaf, Viczen.

Gassho, Jikyo

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Perry, Joe, Nick, Nadia, southernzeni, & Viczen! So many new faces!

Gassho,
Dosho

[MoonShell]

Greetings from the SW Florida Gulf Coast. I'm a new female member of the community and wanted to say hello.

First of all, there are no signs of oil where I'm living (yet). I relocated a couple of years ago from my corporate job in Texas to a beautiful retirement community on a small island that's so close to Sanibel Island that I'm practically a resident there. You can find Sanibel Island off the SW coast of the Fort Myers area if you look at a map of Florida. Geologically, a piece of Sanibel "broke off" at some point and was renamed Captiva Island. There's a little causeway that bridges the two islands. It's "off season" here on the islands, so about 50% of the population has left so it's nice and quiet here. Our "snow birds" usually start returning during October.

I discovered Zen and other Eastern teachings back in the 'sixties. My first encounter with Zen was with a little Peter Pauper Press book of haiku, a poetic form I continued to read and study in depth for years, as well as putting my own hand to writing haiku.

Being a spiritual hobo of sorts as a child of the 'sixties, I've wandered down many paths, all of which eventually seem to bring me back to Zazen practice - and here I am taking up my sitting again. I really like the meditation area of Treeleaf and the various sitting options one can choose from - the timing, music, bells, etc.

I'm still exploring the website and I feel very much at home here. I feel that Treeleaf Zendo is exactly what I need in my new phase of life as a retiree, still adjusting from the pressure and busyness of full-time corporate work to a much more quiet and serene tropical life and being on "island time". Little by little memories that I've been holding onto from my former work environment are fading and I'm feeling more like Florida is my home. Hey, I get to watch dolphins and manatees from my back porch (lanai). How cool is that!

Dolphins off of Captiva Island.

captiva dolphins.jpg (29.96 KB) Viewed 529 times

[cyril]

Hey everyone!!!! I was getting lazy. lol

Hey Moonshell, I live in Tampa, but I'm far from retired. lol

I work in the corporate world as well.

In any case, I hope you like it here. Everyone's great

[AtomicSpud]

Hello, MoonShell!

May you be happy and content with your new life and sangha!

Metta,

Perry

[MoonShell]

Thank you for the warm welcomes and I extend the same to our other new members and a blessed day to everyone.

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome moonshell.

Hope you find what you seek here.

And when do we get to see your face?

Mtfbwy
Fugeno

[Quixulous]

Greetings everyone, my name is Austin and I'm a college student in New York studying Philosophy.

I was first introduced to Buddhism in my freshman year of high school where I learned about the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold-Path in a history class (a big benefit of public school). I had been dabbling in Deism, Atheism, and various free-thought movements at the time but it all felt very... empty, and not in the Buddhist sense of empty that I've come to embrace.

There used to be a community called "buddhachat" that had forums that I was an active member in. Exchanges there however were often chippy as the community contained people from very different Buddhist backgrounds; from pure-land to rather strict Theravada. I've noticed these forums, even with the occasional qualm that appears, are much more conducive to learning (and even simply interacting), than other online forums I've seen, as the internet often serves one's ego more often than the community's collective benefit.

With love,
Austin

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome Austin.

Hope you find what you seek here.

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[MoonShell]

Here's a pic of me taken just before I retired.

Nancy at retirement party.

Retirement Party 2008.jpg (39.42 KB) Viewed 428 times

[Jikyo]

Welcome to Treeleaf, MoonShell & Austin.

Gassho, Jikyo

[Adam]

Welcome to Treeleaf!

Gassho,

Adam

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome all! so many new faces \o/

Gassho
Shohei

[Jundo]

I've noticed these forums, even with the occasional qualm that appears, are much more conducive to learning (and even simply interacting), than other online forums I've seen, as the internet often serves one's ego more often than the community's collective benefit.

With love,
Austin

Hi Austin,

Welcome again.

I would say that we are not so much an "internet forum" as a particular Sangha which happens to communicate with each other by this place. Small but subtle difference in the purpose here.

Gassho, Jundo

[ghop]

A warm HELLO to ALL
Welcome to Treeleaf

gassho
Greg

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf MoonShell and Austin!

[Dday]

Wow what a busy month.
k, here we go Welcome April,Chris,Sean, Brian (Rabbit), Peter, Emily, Perry, Joe,........(coffee break)........... Nick, Nadia, Southernzeni, Viczen, Moonshell, and Austin. Whew. Hope I did not miss anyone. Now to start August...... Bring it on.
Again Welcome and best wishes to all.
Gassho ~ Dave.

[Shutoku]

Hello everyone

My name is Daniel. I am a 47 year old music teacher in Western Canada. Married, no children.

I first began studying Soto about 20 years ago, and practicing Shikan-taza, on my own. Eventually I felt a desire to have a Sangha (this was before internet...at least for me) and I ended up joining the only local Sangha at that time, a Jodo Shinshu Temple where I have been a member for roughly 17 years.
I received my Dharma name "Shaku Shutoku" in that tradition, and currently serve as the Temple secretary, pianist, and lay leader. The Temple has a shrinking membership with the vast majority of members in their 70's or older, and very few new or younger members showing interest.The members are mostly Japanese Canadians, and are probably the most kind, gentle, humble, and genuine group of people I have ever encountered!

I have gained much in my understanding from Jodo Shinshu, and will continue to practice, but I also am returning to Shikan-taza. In all my years with Jodo Shinshu, I have always felt that I am still also Soto in many ways.
I fully understand and respect that this is a Soto forum, and while there is no question Jodo Shinshu has impacted my experience, I am here to deepen my Soto practice, and so while I am practicing both traditions at the moment, I will not be promoting Jodo Shinshu or Nembutsu on this board.

I've been lurking for a month or so, but I will likely mostly read and get a better feel for the place before posting too much. Certainly I very much like what I've seen so far, and especially the focus on Shikan-taza.

In Gassho,
Daniel

[Dosho]

Welcome to Treeleaf Daniel!

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome Daniel.

Hope you find what you seek here.
And don't miss there's other things here than just the forum...

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[Don]

Good Morning (at least here it is)!
My name is Don. I am from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada and I come to Treeleaf by a rather circuitous route; many years of "going it alone".
Thinking "when the time is right a teacher will appear", a lot of time was consumed by sutta study. Some by experimenting in a variety of forms and teachings. Some travelling here and there in search of...(what)? Most by the process of adding confusion to doubt. Happily the understanding of this quote regarding a teacher took on a new meaning for me. Perhaps I had it wrong. Maybe the saying was that "when the STUDENT was ready a teacher would appear". If I told you how long it took me, I would only be admitting to how dense I am. Still I am a simple person. My understanding of the way of all the Buddhas is something I read in Dhammapada about avoiding harmful ways, practicing virtue well and purifying the mind.
I am told there are some very wise, experienced people at Treeleaf, some nice folks. Some very sincere and experienced sitters, and many beginners. Sounds like a well-balanced mix. Having read your site for some time (since hearing about it in Buddhadharma) it seems a very worthy Sangha. A progressive one, at that. A place where "admirable friendship, admirable companionship, admirable camaraderie" may be experienced; this being the whole of the holy life spoken of in Upaddha Sutta. I am thankful for having been admitted here and I commit no less.
When you see this and other of my postings, they are often begun or ended with words to this effect: this understanding may be good for me, but I know your's may be good for you. This is my acknowledgement that every leaf in this tree is important to me; every tree in this forest contributes to the very air I breathe.
Many thanks, many blessings for the part you will play in teaching me.
Many gasshos for being here.
Don (real picture to come)

[Shohei]

Hi and welcome Daniel and Don!

Don, Im just up from you
/me waves from Fredericton, New Brunswick!

Gassho
Shohei

[Dday]

Welcome Daniel and Don.
Our Canadian population certainly is growning hmmm are you up to something Shohei?!
See ya round the cooler.
Gassho ~ Dave.

[Ola Nelsson]

Hi everyone, My name is Ola and as you probebly have guesd im new in the sangha and in this forum. Well I am 34, soon 35 years old. Time goes fast.. at least the illusion of time.. I have been interested in Buddhism for a couple of year, and I took the step fully about two years ago. But its difficult to go further by my self. So here I am.
I live in Sweden and I work as teacher here. I teach literature and history in high school. I have two children and a wife. Every tip on how to get the practice to work with family life is welcomed.
Well.. I see on the forums and sit a longs!

/Ola

[Hans]

Hello and welcome all of you!

May you all find what you are looking for, here or elsewhere.

Gassho,

Hans

[Don]

Välkommen, Ola!
Well that just about expends my Swedish vocabulary.
I hope you enjoy the site.

Gassho from another new person,
Don

[Igor]

_/\_
Yuto

[Ola Nelsson]

Tack! Thankyou!

/Ola

[Fugen]

Hi.

Welcome Don.
Hope you find what you seek here.

Välkommen ola.
Hoppas du finner vad du söker här.
(och det är fler svenskar på g... )

Mtfbwy
Fugen