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

Please sit OUR MONTHLY 4-hour ZAZENKAI ... featuring a Talk (also available in audio podcast) on the content of the Jukai Ceremony ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ns-on-Jukai%21

What is Dropping body and mind ? ... (really "dropping body-mind") ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...-body-and-mind

Some friendly debate on whether "life is suffering" ... or whether Buddha actually offered another way to see things (I feel so) ... and how we see the world through the stories we tell ourselves ... and how most people worry about and focus on all kinds of baloney (versus what is really important) ... Flowers Fall ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...5-Flowers-Fall

On treading carefully if too easily linking Buddhism and scientific discoveries ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ry-interesting

To Count or Not to Count the breath ... 1 2 3 ... (not much for counting around here, but sometimes ...)
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...r-Not-to-Count

If something is overstimulating before sitting ... from tacos to video games to tv ... maybe some folks (not all) need to tune down before sitting ... Less music = lasting longer (on the cushion)
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...the-cushion%29

Split Thread: Reception of 'Online' Jukai ... Those who are open are open ... those not sure are not yet sure ... those who are not open are not open ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...f-Online-Jukai

A lovely posting from Shokai as he continues his series ... The 20th Gate ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...-The-20th-Gate

What is the name of the game? ... BOOK OF EQUANIMITY - Case 74 ... Hogen's Substance and Name ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...NIMITY-Case-74

Trying to keep Treeleaf focused on bigger questions ... Make America Zen Again! (and Treeleaf's Take on Things) ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...e-on-Things%29

Lovely simple message in this song posted by Shingen ... Humble and Kind ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...umble-and-Kind

... and an encouraging video posted by Joyo ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ouraging-video

If you are interested in a Zen affiliated Hospice Project ... a New York Times profile ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...5024-Inspiring




I am so glad if this place and the practice are benefiting you. If so, you might consider a DONATION to Treeleaf at this LINK, although there is absolutely no need or requirement to do so. Thank you.



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.

(BUT 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.

Oh, and we do ask folks to note that they have SAT ZAZEN THE PREVIOUS DAY BEFORE POSTING IN THE FORUM (please read about that here):

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ore-Forum-Chat

Gassho, Jundo

SatToday