December 26th recommended threads

I encourage looking at these threads, topics and posts today ...

For our Jukai-ers, all comes full circle ... PRECEPTS XII - To Refrain from Disparaging the 3 Treasures ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...he-3-Treasures

Some Koku from Taigu ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...php?11766-Koku

Two tail chasing threads on Enlightenment, Practice, Practice-Enlightenment, Just Sitting, Goals, Goalless, Tail Chasing, Emptiness ... Mechanics of Enlightenment ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...-Enlightenment

and ... Zafu or Couch...whats the difference? ... (all the difference and sameness in the world) ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...the-difference

And in the same boat ... Why Zen Has No Raft ... except it does, and the whole trip is the trip ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...en-Has-No-Raft

A reminder about charitable work at this time of year and all year ... Engaged Projects and Global Day of Service - how does it fit into our practice? ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...o-our-practice

A Holiday message ... all the holidays ... Happy Holidays ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...Happy-Holidays

How Long Do You Sit? ... we sit for a certain time, yet also beyond long or short ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ong-Do-You-Sit

... and several more nice discussions here and there ...


A Re-MINDER on SIMPLICITY:

In a Zen Monastery, SILENCE or A FEW WISE WORDS are cherished over MANY WORDS. Thus, I advise folks to restrain the need to speak unless the heart truly calls. If you find yourself posting many times each day, maybe consider what truly needs to be said ... and when it is best just to answer with silence and an inner Gassho.

SILENCE OR A FEW HESITANT WORDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT OFTEN SPEAK MOST PROFOUNDLY. Post when it is truly important to you and needs to be spoken from the warm heart.

(too much silence or shyness can also be excessive ... so take the Middle Way!)

Also, to those who may get lost among the many threads and conversations in our Forum, please think of a monastery made of wood or brick, with 100 monks holding 10,000 conversations in the hallways, kitchen, Abbot's rooms and library (I assume no chatting in the Zendo where people sit Zazen).

Would you need or want to hear or join in all or most conversations? Of course not! You would, at best, pick and choose the conversations relevant and helpful to you.

So here too in our Sangha, NO NEED TO READ EVERY CONVERSATION: Try to note the ones that seem helpful to your Practice or interests, leave the rest. The above threads are a few suggestions.

Gassho, Jundo