I'l be there live one-way. I'm really looking forward to retreating with you all! I'm just coming out of the super-busy season at my one job, and about to go into the super-busy season at my other job, so the timing is perfect to get still and quiet for a couple days. I've spoken to Sweetie and asked him to please not tiptoe around, to go ahead and play his horrible screaming-car-chase-shoot-em-up-explosion-movies, play with the dog, stomp up and down the stairs, just go about his normal weekend activities and ignore me floating around in samadhi. Noise and movement doesn't bother me, all I need is just to be ignored. He knows I'll be silent and he has no complaints about that! Seriously, he's very supportive. Big thanks to him and all the spouses and families that support our practice.
And big thanks to our wonderful priests and engineers and volunteers who are organizing the retreat. Jundo, doing the retreat overnight (starts at 11pm his time, I believe) for us so the timing will be more convenient for more people... I know you never sleep anyway, but much gratitude to you for your sacrifice and service!
Is this one continual hangout or does Google stop it in 4 hour intervals? Just curious.
Also, if we are live on a hangout and it's full, shouldn't we hop off to one-way in parts to give others opportunity to come in two-way?
Is this one continual hangout or does Google stop it in 4 hour intervals? Just curious.
Also, if we are live on a hangout and it's full, shouldn't we hop off to one-way in parts to give others opportunity to come in two-way?
Gassho!
Rodney #sattoday
Hi Rodney,
Each "Unit" will be it's own Hangout ... so they will vary in length from 30 minutes (for Oryoki and Samu) to about 4 hours for the longest set.
Yes, if we actually have a crowding issue this year (that would be wondeful!) it would be nice to hang back to give others a chance if you have already been in one.
For anyone that would like to print out the retreat "main page" and schedule, here is a printer-friendly version without all the forum controls, nicer margins, etc.: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...le-2015-v2.pdf
Gassho,
Sekishi
#sattoday
Sekishi | 石志 | He/him | Better with a grain of salt, but best ignored entirely.
For anyone that would like to print out the retreat "main page" and schedule, here is a printer-friendly version without all the forum controls, nicer margins, etc.: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...le-2015-v2.pdf
Gassho,
Sekishi
#sattoday
Hi,
Thank you for this, Sekishi. Just to mention, some small adjustments to content since the PDF was made. Times are all the same, just some content changed (Such as adding a Talk by Shugen at Day 1 Unit 7 from 6:30).
Thank you Jundo, for all the Rohatsu preparations; I have cleared my schedule and intend to participate fully.
looking forward to sitting with all of you
Gassho
Marina sat today
Thank you for this, Sekishi. Just to mention, some small adjustments to content since the PDF was made. Times are all the same, just some content changed (Such as adding a Talk by Shugen at Day 1 Unit 7 from 6:30).
I am looking forward to sitting this retreat with you.
Over here, all but two units will be possible live and those two fit into the morning of day 2.
Feeling a little bit like planning an adventure trip... Oryoki set ready... ;-).
Gassho,
Ralf sattoday.
義道 冴庭 / Gidō Kotei.
Being a novice priest doesn't mean my writing about the Dharma is more substantial than yours. Actually, it might well be the other way round.
Yes, there is only breakfast, what's with that??? No spilled soup this year?
Gassho
Nindo
sattoday
Hi,
Breakfast in some places is dinner in others.
Yes, in order to have the Retreat "fit" this year in most time zones, some Oryoki had to be cut from the formal schedule. HOWEVER, the wonderful aspect of our schedule is that one can "replay" the event again and again and again, so please feel free to add Oyoki and other events as you wish (the Ritual is always just the same). Because most time Zones have a relatively open stretch during either the morning or evening (for example, California starts early, but also finishes relatively early in the evening), you could do so and add additional Oryoki, Samu, Zazen as you wish. You can even join in with Oryoki from last year too!
In fact, play all the Retreat events twice ... and it is now a 4 Day Retreat!
The Oyoki I am guiding, by the way, will happen about 3AM Japan time. So, I am giving up to consider whether that is Breakfast or just a very formal Midnight Snack.
This is new for me, and I sat several 1 1/2 hr. Zazenkai, a year ago I stumbled into this retreat, and considering I was fairly new, made it about 4 hours. This year I will sit as much as possible in preparation for Jukai. Recordings are good for me to "catch up." I am committed to sit as much as is physically possible. Thank you for this opportunity.
This is new for me, and I sat several 1 1/2 hr. Zazenkai, a year ago I stumbled into this retreat, and considering I was fairly new, made it about 4 hours. This year I will sit as much as possible in preparation for Jukai. Recordings are good for me to "catch up." I am committed to sit as much as is physically possible. Thank you for this opportunity.
Elgwyn
sat today
Gassho
As much as you can and is healthful, Elgwyn. Take care of your health.
Wow, 3 AM? Thank you for doing that to make the schedule better for some of us. I hope you will at least get some coffee!!
Question: I will be spending the retreat crammed into a room in our semi-finished basement... there is very little free wall space as it is filled with kids stuff, workout equipment, bookshelves etc. Not possible for me to find an empty room where I can be left alone in our small crowded house, I'm afraid. Is it ok if the woodstove is in the background when I will sit? I don't want to distract anybody with the fire.
Wow, 3 AM? Thank you for doing that to make the schedule better for some of us. I hope you will at least get some coffee!!
Question: I will be spending the retreat crammed into a room in our semi-finished basement... there is very little free wall space as it is filled with kids stuff, workout equipment, bookshelves etc. Not possible for me to find an empty room where I can be left alone in our small crowded house, I'm afraid. Is it ok if the woodstove is in the background when I will sit? I don't want to distract anybody with the fire.
Gassho,
Sierra
SatToday
It is fine ... woodstoves, kids, piles of stuff, grandpa in his underwear ... no problem. Even if you were sitting in a hurricane or in a battlefield in wartime, no distraction.
Remember that there are no "distractions" except between your own ears!
Thank you so much for organizing this rohatsu. I will be there for both days. Just one question - I am still working on sewing my rakusu. Is it okay to work on that during the work periods or the rest periods?
Thank you so much for organizing this rohatsu. I will be there for both days. Just one question - I am still working on sewing my rakusu. Is it okay to work on that during the work periods or the rest periods?
Gassho, Jennifer
Sat today
Hello Jennifer,
Of course, you can sew during the samu portion if you wish. =)
I would like to mention that my wife Mina, accompanied by Ingrid (the woman from Mexico who has sat with me here in Tsukuba several times this past month) left yesterday to spend most of this week sitting with the female priests at the "Aichi Nisodo", the wonderful Soto monastery for women in Nagoya headed by Aoyama Shundo Roshi. Usually, no men allowed for their Sesshin.
They do things "old school" there, and it is said that the women are somehow more serious in training than many men (who, as you may know, are often young folks only in the monastery because they must take over from their father as a temple priest. The women, on the other hand, tend to all be in the monastery by personal choice and calling).
I am doing my part by watching the kids this week (although my mother-in-law has graciously offered to come over this weekend to put the kids to bed during the height of our Treeleaf Rohatsu Retreat. ).
If you would like to see a bit of the atmosphere at the Aichi Nisodo, here is a short film. Although in French, the visual images convey much.
Mina was up at 4am this morning for their first day.
It is fine ... woodstoves, kids, piles of stuff, grandpa in his underwear ... no problem. Even if you were sitting in a hurricane or in a battlefield in wartime, no distraction.
Remember that there are no "distractions" except between your own ears!
Gassho, Jundo
SatToday
This is wonderful advice, for rohatsu, and all of life--thank you, Jundo =)
I would like to mention that my wife Mina, accompanied by Ingrid (the woman from Mexico who has sat with me here in Tsukuba several times this past month) left yesterday to spend most of this week sitting with the female priests at the "Aichi Nisodo", the wonderful Soto monastery for women in Nagoya headed by Aoyama Shundo Roshi. Usually, no men allowed for their Sesshin.
They do things "old school" there, and it is said that the women are somehow more serious in training than many men (who, as you may know, are often young folks only in the monastery because they must take over from their father as a temple priest. The women, on the other hand, tend to all be in the monastery by personal choice and calling).
I am doing my part by watching the kids this week (although my mother-in-law has graciously offered to come over this weekend to put the kids to bed during the height of our Treeleaf Rohatsu Retreat. ).
If you would like to see a bit of the atmosphere at the Aichi Nisodo, here is a short film. Although in French, the visual images convey much.
Mina was up at 4am this morning for their first day.
Gassho, Mina's Husband
SatToday (after driving kids to school)
Very cool. I hope your wife or the Treeleafer shares her experience with us.
Thank you--you have made me very happy with this celebration of the Buddha's Enlightenment. At home, as Jundo advises, I will be doing what I can--Jukai, the commitment to our path. I realized with Thich Nhat Hahn's (spelling) book on anger, that I had much to learn, and I've come so far. I once heard a 2 yr. old tantrum as the child's inability to communicate--what is there to communicate, what is there not to communicate. I see the application of the Tao in what is happening to me. This weekend (within my limits) fulfills my need for peace. And serenity, as I sit in Shinkantaza, just sitting, and Treeleaf has taught me so much--I am filled with Gratitude as I enter this weekend.
Thank you all so much for your efforts. I'll be sitting a Combo Special of live and recorded on Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning. As me and the kids always always watch The Muppet Christmas Carol on the first Saturday in December I will be starting a bit late... I did consider incorporating that into my first samu but even with the 'no distractions' mindset it seemed a bit of a stretch
Hope everyone has a wonderful retreat. Due to my circumstances I'll be sitting the recorded version later in the month but look forward to participating when I can.
Thank you all so much for your efforts. I'll be sitting a Combo Special of live and recorded on Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning. As me and the kids always always watch The Muppet Christmas Carol on the first Saturday in December I will be starting a bit late... I did consider incorporating that into my first samu but even with the 'no distractions' mindset it seemed a bit of a stretch
Wishing you all a fruitful retreat
Libby
sat today
I believe we can make the "Muppet Christmas Carol" into a special annual sacred Ritual in your house. Zen is very stretchy with the correct mindset.
okay, so after being very protective for weeks to keep this weekend available so I could sit live... of course, of course, I will now be working and traveling Saturday. A moment of "nooooooo!" followed by the voice of Jundo, and all of you, in my head... telling me it's ok, in fact it's better than ok. I'll be visiting 3 elderly & disabled people in a remote village who need help. I had to laugh at myself when I saw that my very first reaction was, "oh no, maybe I can delay seeing these people and sit my retreat." Haaa! Selfishness, desire, and ego are boundless! Thanks to you dear Sangha I saw right through that silliness. A good lesson! I am grateful.
So I may be able to start Saturday evening, or may have to put it off for another weekend, will see how it goes. Regardless, we will all be together within and without time, just as we always are. Happy Retreat to us all!
okay, so after being very protective for weeks to keep this weekend available so I could sit live... of course, of course, I will now be working and traveling Saturday. A moment of "nooooooo!" followed by the voice of Jundo, and all of you, in my head... telling me it's ok, in fact it's better than ok. I'll be visiting 3 elderly & disabled people in a remote village who need help. I had to laugh at myself when I saw that my very first reaction was, "oh no, maybe I can delay seeing these people and sit my retreat." Haaa! Selfishness, desire, and ego are boundless! Thanks to you dear Sangha I saw right through that silliness. A good lesson! I am grateful.
So I may be able to start Saturday evening, or may have to put it off for another weekend, will see how it goes. Regardless, we will all be together within and without time, just as we always are. Happy Retreat to us all!
Gassho
Lisa
sat today
Deep bows for your graceful acceptance of your Rohatsu teaching, Lisa... you will certainly still be sitting with us and doing wonderful practice.
okay, so after being very protective for weeks to keep this weekend available so I could sit live... of course, of course, I will now be working and traveling Saturday. A moment of "nooooooo!" followed by the voice of Jundo, and all of you, in my head... telling me it's ok, in fact it's better than ok. I'll be visiting 3 elderly & disabled people in a remote village who need help. I had to laugh at myself when I saw that my very first reaction was, "oh no, maybe I can delay seeing these people and sit my retreat." Haaa! Selfishness, desire, and ego are boundless! Thanks to you dear Sangha I saw right through that silliness. A good lesson! I am grateful.
So I may be able to start Saturday evening, or may have to put it off for another weekend, will see how it goes. Regardless, we will all be together within and without time, just as we always are. Happy Retreat to us all!
Gassho
Lisa
sat today
Looks like perfect practice to me We will all be sitting together through space and time.
I am very much in pain sometimes, and Sunday afternoon was no exception. Again, Saturday night was very moving for me, sitting, moving, both readings, and my new webcam worked very well. I also was moved by being allowed to observe the session of eating rice with the beauty and gratitude of polishing and setting aside rice for the "hungry ghost," those who do not have enough to eat. When I was a boy we were very poor and a pot of beans and fry bread seemed like a feast, and at this moment I am moved to tears. Thank you for this. With much gratitude,
Noise and movement doesn't bother me, all I need is just to be ignored. He knows I'll be silent and he has no complaints about that! Seriously, he's very supportive. Big thanks to him and all the spouses and families that support our practice.
doing the retreat overnight (starts at 11pm his time, I believe) for us so the timing will be more convenient for more people... I know you never sleep anyway, but much gratitude to you for your sacrifice and service!
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Daizan
A moment of "nooooooo!" followed by the voice of Jundo, and all of you, in my head... telling me it's ok, in fact it's better than ok. I'll be visiting 3 elderly & disabled people in a remote village who need help. I had to laugh at myself when I saw that my very first reaction was, "oh no, maybe I can delay seeing these people and sit my retreat." Haaa! Selfishness, desire, and ego are boundless! 
Thanks to you dear Sangha I saw right through that silliness. A good lesson! I am grateful.