TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY ANGO-JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT -- 2018 -- MAIN PAGE

[Jundo]

https://stat.ameba.jp/user_images/20150112/19/upmini/74/a0/j/o0611048213187562644.jpg


WELCOME ...

... to our TREELEAF 'ALWAYS AT HOME' Two Day 'ALL ONLINE' ROHATSU (Buddha's Enlightenment Day) RETREAT, being held by LIVE NETCAST on Saturday/Sunday December 8th and 9th, 2018.

Please 'sit-a-long' with the LIVE NETCAST at the times below ... to be visible "live" on the screens below during those hours.

HOWEVER, you may still join the Retreat and sit-a-long at ANY AND ALL TIME after, by the real time recorded version at the links below (no different from the original!).

The full sitting schedule is below, and you may download our CHANT BOOK HERE (https://sites.google.com/site/jundotreeleaf/TREELEAFCHANTBOOKFORRETREAT2018.pdf?attredirects=0&d=1)(LINK to PDF). Our Chant Book now includes recitals, not only of the traditional list of Zen Ancestors, but also of our Female Ancestors and 'Differently Enabled' Ancestors.


Before sitting, please review the various RETREAT POINTERS HERE (https://sites.google.com/site/jundotreeleaf/TreeleafZendoRetreatPointers122014.pdf?attredirect s=0&d=1)(LINK to PDF).

Some PREPARATORY LESSONS on topics such as Oryoki, Bowing and other daily procedures are also posted https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?16597-ATTENTION%21-Our-2018-AT-HOME-2-DAY-ROHATSU-RETREAT-PREPARATORY-LESSONS.


Recordings of each segment are posted below in time order ... and if we drop from mind all thought of 'now' 'then' 'here' and 'there' ... we will all be sitting together right when and where you are!

This Retreat celebrates the 'official' closure of our ANGO (90 day Special Practice Season) at Treeleaf, is a part of current preparations for our JUKAI (Undertaking the Precepts) Ceremony in January, and marks ROHATSU ... the traditional holiday in Japan celebrating the time of the Buddha's Enlightenment.

I, (Jundo) will be guiding the sittings on Saturday and Sunday from Japan, and our Treeleaf Priests including Kyonin (from Mexico), Shingen and Shokai (from Canada), Kokuu (in the UK) and Shugen, Sekishi, Byokan, Jakuden and Shoka (from the USA) with be leading other portions. Because of time zones and other circumstance, one or two portions have been pre-recorded. All other portions will be live.

In case of technical problems, please just go along as best you can with the schedule ... we sit with "what is".. .

OF COURSE, EVERYTHING IN MODERATION ... if the sitting ever feels too much, be sure to walk lots and lots of Kinhin (even if during a sitting period). And if the whole retreat becomes too much, or you feel ill, you may slow down ... , spread things out, shorten the sittings ... or STOP! Be sure that you have someone close by whom you can call, or who can check on you from time to time. If there is any question about health, do not take any chances!

Our thanks to Sangha Member William Anderson for presenting a 15-Minute YOGA LESSON TO HELP US STRETCH DURING ANY BREAK TIME (LINK HERE (http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?11499-Yoga-Video-for-Rohatsu-Retreat))

Please write and let us know how it goes. Gassho, Jundo


Our Han (Wooden Block), which hangs outside the front door of our Treeleaf Zendo in Tsukuba, Japan:


https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5463&d=1544417683

It calls all sitters to Zazen. Inscribed is the traditional verse ...

"Life and death are the great matter.
To waste time is a pity.
All is impermanent and passes swiftly away.
Time waits for no one."

_____________________________________________

DAY 1 UNIT 1
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 6am / NY 9am / London 2pm / Japan 11pm)
(ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE, Calculated from LA TIME)

DAY 1
06:00-06:40 AM Entrance by Officiant (Jundo) & Zazen. If you usually wear a Rakusu, DO NOT wear it yet (keep it in its bag) until Takkesage (Kesa Verse) later in morning.
06:40-06:50 Kinhin *(All Kinhin times can be bathroom break)
06:50-07:20 Zazen
07:20-07:30 Kinhin

07:30-08:05 Zazen + Kesa Verse
08:05-08:50 "Long" Service.Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when hear ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
08:50-09:20 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 1-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZHh2JMJyg0


_____________________________________________

DAY 1 UNIT 2
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 9:20am / NY 12:20pm / London 5:20pm / Japan Sun 2:20am)

09:20-09:50 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
09:50-10:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.



RECORDING OF ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 1-2 Oryoki

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNcjAH4xaZY


___________________________________________

DAY 1 UNIT 3
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 10:30am / NY 1:30pm / London 6:30pm / Sun Japan 3:30am)


10:30-11:10 Zazen
11:10-11:20 Kinhin
11:20-12:00 Zazen & Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening Sutra

12:00-12:10 Kinhin
12:10-12:45 Zazen
12:45-13:10 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 1-3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V78vnkj2-jY


_____________________________________________


DAY 1 UNIT 4
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 1:10pm / NY 4:10pm / London 9:10pm / Sun Japan 6:10am)

13:10-13:40 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
13:40-14:10 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE
Unit 1-4 Samu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekMuRbGr3rw


____________________________________________

DAY 1 UNIT 5
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 2:10pm / NY 5:10pm / London 10:10pm / Sun Japan 7:10am)


14:10-14:40 Zazen
14:40-14:50 Kinhin
14:50-15:30 Zazen & Dharma Talk

15:30-15:40 Kinhin
15:40-16:10 Zazen
16:10-16:40 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 1-5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSb2pWlc7wA


____________________________________________

DAY 1 UNIT 6
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 4:40pm / NY 7:40pm / London SUNDAY 12:40am / Sun Japan 9:40am)

16:40-17:10 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
17:10-17:40 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 1-6 Samu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BjAMvxvBhQ


____________________________________________

DAY 1 UNIT 7
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 5:40pm / NY 8:40pm / SUNDAY London 1:40am / Sun Japan 10:40am)

17:40-18:20 "Short" Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
18:20-18:30 Kinhin

18:30-19:00 Zazen & Dharma Talk
19:00-19:10 Kinhin
19:10-19:40 Metta Chant & Zazen Close with Verse of Atonement & Four Vows



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit-1-7

https://youtu.be/q0CMdEVcYwQ



______________________________________________


DAY 1 UNIT 8
( No Live Netcast from SATURDAY LA 7:40pm / NY 10:40pm / SUNDAY London 3:40am / Sun Japan 12:40am)
PLEASE CATCH UP WITH MISSED OVERNIGHT UNITS!

(Optional: Yaza = Tradition of 'All Night Zazen' ... but we recommend you sleep instead.
See you in the morning)

19:40 PM-
(Day 2)
05:45 AM
BATH & SLEEP

NO RECORDING OF ABOVE

However, this may be a good time for the 15-Minute YOGA LESSON TO HELP US STRETCH (LINK HERE (http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?11499-Yoga-Video-for-Rohatsu-Retreat)) presented by our Sangha Member William.



____________________________________________
____________________________________________


DAY 2 UNIT 1
(Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 6:00am / NY 9:00am / London 2:00pm / Japan 11:00pm)
(ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE, Calculated from LA TIME)

06:00-06:30 AM Zazen Begin sitting without instruction. If you usually wear a Rakusu, DO NOT wear it yet (keep it in its bag) until Takkesage (Kesa Verse) later in morning.
06:30-06:40 Kinhin
06:40-07:10 Zazen
07:10-07:20 Kinhin

07:20-07:55 Zazen + Kesa Verse When instructed, place on Kesa and recite Kesa Verse. All others, hands in Gassho.
07:55-08:30 "Long" Service Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when hear ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
08:30-09:00 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 2-1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4HaxVUeEsg


_____________________________________________

DAY 2 UNIT 2
(Live Netcast:Start = SUNDAY LA 9:00am / NY NOON / London 5:00pm / Japan Mon 2:00am)

09:00-09:30 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
09:30-10:10 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 2-2 Oryoki



_____________________________________________

DAY 2 UNIT 3
(Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 10:10am / NY 1:10pm / London 6:10pm / Japan Mon 3:10am)

10:10-10:40 Zazen & Dharma Talk
10:40-10:50 Kinhin
10:50-11:20 Zazen
11:20-11:50 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 2-3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeLv1AlDUUM


_____________________________________________

DAY 2 UNIT 4
(Live Netcast:Start = SUNDAY LA 11:50am / NY 2:50pm / London 7:50pm / Japan Mon 4:50am)

11:50-12:20 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
12:20-12:50 REST PERIOD



RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 2-4 Samu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OURbRvwqTsU


____________________________________________

DAY 2 UNIT 5
(Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 12:50pm / NY 3:50pm / London 8:50pm / Japan Mon 5:50am)

12:50-13:20 Zazen
13:20-13:30 Kinhin
13:30-14:00 Zazen & Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Closing Sutra

14:00-14:10 Kinhin
14:10-14:40 Zazen
14:40-15:10 REST PERIOD




RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 2-5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sU8zYbKa08


_____________________________________________

DAY 2 UNIT 6 - CLOSING
(Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 3:10pm / NY 6:10pm / London 11:10pm / Japan Mon 8:10am)

15:10-15:50 "Short" Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
15:50-16:00 Kinhin

16:00-16:25 Fukanzazengi & Zazen
16:25-16:30 Verse of Atonement & Four Vows ... Closing Words ...


RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
Unit 2-6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ZLRjxZ-00






Nine Bows to All Who Sat This Retreat Together ...






http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/images/temples_in_japan/zuioji_4.jpg

[Jundo]

TALKS during our ROHATSU RETREAT:


https://terebess.hu/zen/sato/31.jpg

Our Priests will offer Dharma Talks during this Retreat based on the following Koans from the Book of Serenity.

----------

DAY 1 UNIT 3 - JAKUDEN - Nanquan Kills A Cat (Case 9)

PREFACE TO THE ASSEMBLY
Kick up the blue ocean and the whole Earth flies like dust. Shout apart the white clouds and the vast sky is crushed like powder. Though you strictly perform the right decree, that is still only half enough. With the great function fully manifested, how can it be applied?

MAIN CASE
Attention! At Nansen's place one day the monks of the east and west halls were arguing about a cat. Seeing this, Nansen held up the cat saying, "If you can say a word, I won't cut it in two." The assembly made no response. Nansen cut the cat.

Nansen later told Joshu what happened. Joshu took off his straw sandals and, placing them on his head, went out. Nansen remarked, "If you had been here, you could have saved the cat."

APPRECIATORY VERSE
All monks of both halls were arguing.
Old Teacher King could put right and wrong to the test.
By his sharp knife cutting, the shapes were both forgotten.
A thousand ages love an adept man.
The Way is still not overthrown.
The good listener's indeed appreciative.
For cleaving the mountain to free the river only Laiu is honored.
For smelting stone and mending heaven only Joka is capable.
Old Joshu has his own style;
putting sandals on the head is worth a little.
Coming upon differences, he's still a luminous mirror;
true gold does not mix with sand.

----------

DAY 1 UNIT 5 - SHOKA - Ungans Great Compassionate One (Case 54)

PREFACE TO THE ASSEMBLY
The eight compass points bright and clear. The ten directions unobstructed. Everywhere, bright light shakes the earth. All the time there is marvelous functioning and the supernatural. Tell me: How can this occur?

MAIN CASE
Attention! Ungan asked Dogo, ''What does the great compassionate bodhisattva do when she uses her manifold hands and eyes?" Dogo said, "It's like a man who reaches behind him at night to search for his pillow." Ungan said, "I understand." Dogo said, "What do you understand?" Ungan said, "All over the body are hands and eyes." Dogo said, "You've really said it—you got eighty percent of it." Ungan asked, "Elder brother, how about you?" Dogo replied, "Throughout the body are hands and eyes."

APPRECIATORY VERSE
One hole penetrates space. Eight directions are clear and bright.
Without forms, without self, spring follows the rules.
Unstopped, unhindered, the moon traverses the sky.
Clean, pure, jeweled eyes and virtuous arms:
Where is the approval in "throughout the body" instead of "all over the body"?
Hands and eyes before you manifest complete functioning.
The great function is everywhere. How could there be any hindrance?

----------

DAY 1 UNIT 7 - SHINGEN - Beiko's No Enlightenment (Case 62)

PREFACE TO THE ASSEMBLY
The primary meaning of Bodhidharma's principle muddled Emperor Wu's head. The nodual Dharma gate of Vimalakirti made Manjushri's speech go wrong. Is there anything here of enlightenment to enter and use?

MAIN CASE
Attention! Master Beiko sent a monk to ask Kyozan, "Do people these days have to attain enlightenment?" Kyozan replied, "It's not that there's no enlightenment, but how can one not fall down into the second level?" The monk related this to Beiko, who wholeheartedly approved it.

APPRECIATORY VERSE
The second level divides enlightenment and rends delusion.
Better to promptly let go and discard traps and snares.
Merit, if not yet extinguished, becomes an extra appendage.
It is as difficult to know wisdom as to bite one's navel.
The waning moon's icy disk, autumn dew weeps.
Benumbed birds, jeweled trees, dawn's breeze chills.
Bringing it out, great Kyozan discerns true and false.
Completely without flaw, the splendid jewel is priceless.


----------

DAY 2 UNIT 3 - BYOKAN - Razan's Arising and Vanishing (Case 43)

PREFACE TO THE ASSEMBLY
A drop of the elixir of life and iron becomes gold. A word of the ultimate principle and the commoner becomes a sage. If you know that gold and iron are not two and that the commoner and the sage are basically the same, then obviously not even a drop is needed. Tell me: What drop is this?

MAIN CASE
Attention! Razan asked Ganto, "How about when arising and vanishing vanishing are ceaseless?" Ganto scolded and said, "Who is this arising and vanishing?"

APPRECIATORY VERSE
Cutting old brambles, smashing the fox cave.
A leopard shrouded in fog has its spots changed.
A dragon riding lightning has its bones changed.
Tut! Rising and vanishing snarled up. What is it?

----------

DAY 2 UNIT 5 - KYONIN - Fuketsu's Speck of Dust (Case 34)

PREFACE TO THE ASSEMBLY
Open-handed and empty fisted, he makes a thousand changes, and ten-thousand transformations. Though he can make something from nothing, how can he escape fiddling with the relative to make a semblance of the real.

MAIN CASE
Attention! Fuketsu spoke, saying, "When a speck of dust is raised, the nation prospers. When a speck of dust is not raised, the nation is destroyed." Regarding this, Setcho held forth a staff, saying, "Is there any Zen student who has this same death and same life?"

APPRECIATORY VERSE
Is it to be grey-haired standing up from fishing in Ishwi River,
or is it to be the men who chose to starve on Shuyo Mountain?
Within a speck of dust diverse features are distinguished.
Their fame and exploits are hard to forget.

----------


https://terebess.hu/zen/sato/23.jpg

In addition, Shokai and Kokuu will offer brief Words on the significance of Samu (Work Practice), especially for those folks with health and physical restriction in their Practice. Shugen will offer a brief introduction to the power of Oyoki, and Jundo will recite Master Dogen's Fukanzazengi as part of our Closing festivities. Ceremonies during our Retreat will be led by Jundo, Kokuu, Sekishi and Shugen as Doshi, with the assistance of Sekishi, Shingen and Kyonin as Ino.

... with the support and assistance of all of you who are attending.


https://terebess.hu/zen/sato/05.jpg

[Jundo]

Our Rohatsu Sesshin page is now open. Welcome to all who will sit with us.

Links to join individual hangouts will be posted in this thread shortly before the netcast start time of each particular unit. Click on the link, and you should be able to join. Note that a few portions (such as the Samu of Day 1 Unit 6) are pre-recorded for technical reasons.

Also, Shingen has just been called away suddenly to attend a Rohatsu Retreat with a Sangha in Canada associated with Norman Fischer's Lineage, an opportunity that is very precious. He has also recorded his sections (Day 1 Unit 7 with Kokuu, and Oryoki for Day 2 Unit 2).

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

6232

[Doshin]

gassho2

Doshin
Stlah

[Shoka]

Happy Rohatsu to everyone!

I like to have a printed copy of the schedule for reference during the weekend. Just in case anyone else will find it useful, here is a link https://drive.google.com/open?id=1roSMGcEvdDIkOQnddIkoL1zTfIS-Nw1W

Gassho,

Shoka
sattoday

[Koki]

Thank you Shoka!

Frank (Kunzang)

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Doshin]

Yes, that was is helpful Shoka. See ya around the Sangha this weekend.

Gassho
Doshin
St

[Koki]

Spent some time today cleaning my butsudan, getting everything fresh for rohatsu. Reviewing resources, reading, robes pressed, etc. I also plan to clean the house, as if receiving guests. You will all be here in spirit. Food all picked out and prepped for oryoki.



Since I'm not available on day one, I'll kinda be doing rohatsu backwards...day Two live, then day one recorded. It's all good.

This Rohatsu will be very special, yet just another day. I know you understand that.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Gassho
Frank
Satoday


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Jakuden]

Spent some time today cleaning my butsudan, getting everything fresh for rohatsu. Reviewing resources, reading, robes pressed, etc. I also plan to clean the house, as if receiving guests. You will all be here in spirit. Food all picked out and prepped for oryoki.



Since I'm not available on day one, I'll kinda be doing rohatsu backwards...day Two live, then day one recorded. It's all good.

This Rohatsu will be very special, yet just another day. I know you understand that.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Gassho
Frank
Satoday


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Awesome, Frank! I love preparing for Rohatsu also [emoji348][emoji992][emoji500][emoji120][emoji3590] Time to sit together beyond all our “stuff” and take what comes, moment by moment.

Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday/LAH


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Koki]

Thank you Jakuden!
The morning of Rohatsu will be a bit ceremonious for me.
Some special chanting, music, focus while showering, brushing my teeth, etc.

To sit with the intensity of a lion, yet peaceful as a dove.

The thought of THIS Rohatsu is special for me. Perhaps because jukai is in sight, or perhaps my studies have been more focused the past 6 months. Perhaps the sewing of my rakusu has linked me to the thought of being a bodhisattva... who knows.

But this is the most prepared for Rohatsu, sitting, than I think I've ever been.

Dropping desire...I am.

Gassho
Frank
Satoday


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Shinshi]

I am really looking forward to this. Some life events will mean I will need to time shifting like a slide puzzle but I will be there. And I feel like I really need this.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Nengei]

I will be able to do only a little of Rohatsu live, but will do all of it over the next few days. I am so very grateful to be here, and to be able to partake.

Gassho,
Joseph
Sat/LAH

You deserve to be happy.
You deserve to be loved.

[Junkyo]

Looking forward to this Rohatsu! I will sit live when I can, unfortunately I have to work this weekend so I will be following as best as possible.

Gassho,

Rob

SAT

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

[Seishin]

Will be sitting as much as I can when I can but personal/"family" issues may make it a protracted process, So an On Demand Rohatsu for me. [monk]

[Kyousui]

Planning to sit this Rohatsu, time shifting as little or as much as happens.

Sat/LAH

[Koki]

Love the flexibility!
I will Be out of town Saturday, so...
I will do Sunday LIVE as day one, and do Monday, recorded, as day two.
It all works!

Gassho
Frank (Kunzang)
Satoday

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Gojo]

Test post to make sure retreat access to the forum is working as expected.

Gassho.

[Kenshou]

I will be sitting live where possible and on demand where necessary.

Gassho[emoji120]
Kenshou
Sat today/LAH

Sent from my 5056I using Tapatalk

[Washin]

Thank you Jundo, will be sitting live and on demand with recordings.
Thank you Shoka, for the pdf.

Gassho
Washin
st

[Kotei]

Fresh flowers for the altar.
Preparing precious soup.
Mind open, mouth shut.
Looking forward to sitting with you all.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

[Meitou]

I'm sitting nearly all of this live, with just a little bit of adjustment at the end of Day 1/beginning of Day 2 to accomodate the time difference, internet etc permitting of course.
Looking forward to sharing this experience with you all.
Gassho
Meitou
sattodaylah

[Koki]

Offering 108 bows this morning, for Buddha, Dharma and of course, my Sangha for Rohatsu.

Gassho
Frank

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Jundo]

Welcome! The doorway to Day 1 Unit 1 is here ...

https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/ytl/2i7CcxzrP8rUgWrZ7BIS8vXl1w1NM2aPvsR_nDPe4ow=?eid=1 16930448607190706458&hl=en_GB

[Kyonin]

Technical non-problems. Sitting one way.

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Junkyo]

Technical issue as well.

Gassho,

Rob

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

[Meitou]

Will keep trying, in the meantime, just sitting,
Gassho
Meitou
sitting

[Shinshi]

Just realized that is the first time I have done the Verse of the Kesa with others in real time. Thank you all

Much peace to all.

Looking forward to world premiere later today.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Shoka]

Wonderful to see everyone! Happy Rohatsu!

Gassho,
Shoka
Sattoday

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Byokan]

Remember folks, if you can't get into the live event, scroll down in this thread to that unit, and you can sit along in real time with the video as it's happening. gassho1

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Sekishi]

Thank you Jundo for the dedication to my father, and for all who sat / will sit. I just heard from my mother and he came out of surgery around the time we started the ceremony this morning. It was successful and I hope to speak with him soon.

Again, thank you all.

Much Metta to all. gassho2

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #lah

[Shinshi]

Thank you Jundo for the dedication to my father, and for all who sat / will sit. I just heard from my mother and he came out of surgery around the time we started the ceremony this morning. It was successful and I hope to speak with him soon.

Again, thank you all.

Much Metta to all. gassho2

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat #lah

Much Metta to you and your family Sekishi. Thank you for all you do for the Sangha.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Meitou]

Thank you everyone! Sekishi, Metta to you, your dad and your family.
Gassho
Meitou
satlah

[Jakuden]

Sekishi, that's great news gassho2

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Shugen]

The link to day one unit two:https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/ytl/u1H9dh1DFBlOlo6D55ik_BufMY9TbRylYyyGpq5UktQ=?eid=1 16930448607190706458&hl=en_GB

[Shoka]

Thanks Shugen! Oryoki was great.

Gassho,
Shoka
sat

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Kotei]

Thank you everyone.
Sending Metta to you and your family, Sekishi.
Thank you, Shugen. Sorry, I was a minute late... Tablet decided on a reboot for an update just then.
Gassho,
Kotei sat.

[Jakuden]

Thank you Shugen gassho1

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Meitou]

Thank you Shugen and everyone, it was great to share a meal with you.
Gassho
Meitou
satlah

[Jakuden]

Here is the link to Day 1, Unit 3:

https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/f4afs2l26fcipgef5b6xeglnoue

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Teiro]

My Rohatsu is not going as planned. I suddenly got ill during the first unit with a painful cough and high temperature. So I have to do the Rohatsu in bed. But I am with you as often as I can.

Gassho
Christian
Sat Lah

[Sekishi]

My Rohatsu is not going as planned. I suddenly got ill during the first unit with a painful cough and high temperature. So I have to do the Rohatsu in bed. But I am with you as often as I can.


I know Jundo would say "then this is your Rohatsu". Please be a reclining Buddha and care for the body-mind.

Deep bows,
Sekishi
#sat #lah

[Teiro]

Thank you, Sekishi. That I will do.

Gassho
Christian
Who couldn’t sit but was a reclining Buddha instead.

[Anka]

Thank you all, honored to be able to follow along live today.

Jakuden your insight into that koan was wonderful. Gassho

James F
Sat

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[Shokai]

Jakuden;
Thank you for your most eloquent and sincere teaching :encouragement:

gassho, Shokai

[Jakuden]

Here is the link for Day 1 Unit 4, Samu with Shokai!

https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/6hduxopg4jbp3pjvqnnj5lzguae
Gassho,
Jakuden

[Sekishi]

Thank you for the wonderful and heartfelt talk Jakuden. Deep gratitude for all the cats you have sewn. May we all speak and act with kindness and wisdom.

Thank you for the Christmas decorations Shokai. May your neighbors and passers by be illuminated by them.

Deep bows,
Sekishi
#sat #stackedwood



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[Jakuden]

Thank you all, honored to be able to follow along live today.

Jakuden your insight into that koan was wonderful. Gassho

James F
Sat

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk


Jakuden;
Thank you for your most eloquent and sincere teaching :encouragement:

gassho, Shokai


Aw Shucks guys, gassho2 (and Sekishi too sorry your quote didn't get in there somehow!)

Thank you for the samu Shokai,

Christian, Metta to you, you are still very much here with us on this Retreat--deep bows. And feel better!

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Shokai]

Thank you all for your Samu Practice

and Metta to Severus, be well

gassho, Shokai

[Byokan]

gassho1 gassho1 gassho1

Deep bows and endless gratitude and wonder!

Byokan
sat + lah

[Shoka]

Here is the link for Day 1 Unit 5: https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/iqirncb5drgehdbxzqlu2wffrue

Gassho,

Shoka
sat

[Meitou]

Thank you Jakuden and Shoka for such sincere and thought provoking Dharma talks and thank you Shokai and Kokuu for your samu. I pushed ahead a little by skipping a rest period and going straight into Unit 6; that's me for today, see you all tomorrow.
Severus, I hope you feel better tomorrow, thank you for continuing even though you aren't well, take care of yourself, sending Metta.
Gassho
Meitou
satwithyoualltoday/lah

[Jakuden]

Thank you for your wonderful teaching, Shoka, nine bows!!

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Shugen]

Thank you for the talk Shoka and the Samu Shokai.

Gassho,

Shugen

[Kotei]

Hello,
it's around 1am over here and I am taking my overnight rest now.
Will catch up with the remaining two 'day 1' units tomorrow morning.
Thank you Shokai for your guidance and Jakuden and Shoka for your eye-openers.
Christian, "Gute Besserung", get well soon!
Thank you everyone,
Gassho,
Kotei sat.

[Shokai]

gassho2

[Byokan]

So cool. Thanks to all for such dedicated practice. Beautiful Sangha. :)

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Anka]

Thank you Shoka for the wonderful talk.

Have to call it here for the day, too much back discomfort. We will see what tomorrow brings.

Thank you to all who are continuing.

James F
Sat

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[Jakuden]

Thank you for the beautiful little talk about Samu, Kokuu. Good reminders to take forward when Rohatsu is over.
Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


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[Byokan]

Hi All,

if you're sitting along in real time and looking for Day 1 Unit 7, it is pre-recorded. So you can just scroll down to that unit and join one-way. :encouragement:

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Doshin]

gassho2

All efforts and participation appreciated.

Doshin
Stlah

[Washin]

Hi all,

Just finished sitting with the overnight units 4-7.
Thank you to everyone who participated on a Day 1.
Thank you to our dear Unsui for the great talks and their wisdom.
Sekishi, much Metta to you and yours [gassholook]

Hope to see you all on a Day 2 later today.

Gassho
Washin
st

[Meitou]

Sorted Thanks!!!

Good Morning everyone. I have just resumed this morning with Day 1 Unit 7 and wondered if there is a text that allows me to follow the dedication that Shingen is reading out right at the beginning? The audio isn't very clear on my computer and I'd like to be able to understand better - it doesn't matter now, but perhaps at a later date so I can listen again?
Thank you everyone for your wonderful practice!
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday

OK; I just found closed captions, and will start again, sorry, my bad.

[Kotei]

Thank you Kokuu and Shingen.
I am up to date with the units now and still feeling them in knees and neck.
All fine. Gassho,
Kotei sat.

[Byokan]

Sorted Thanks!!!

Good Morning everyone. I have just resumed this morning with Day 1 Unit 7 and wondered if there is a text that allows me to follow the dedication that Shingen is reading out right at the beginning? The audio isn't very clear on my computer and I'd like to be able to understand better - it doesn't matter now, but perhaps at a later date so I can listen again?
Thank you everyone for your wonderful practice!
Gassho
Meitou
sattoday

OK; I just found closed captions, and will start again, sorry, my bad.

Here you go Meitou gassho1

DAY 1 UNIT 7 - SHINGEN - Beiko's No Enlightenment (Case 62)

PREFACE TO THE ASSEMBLY
The primary meaning of Bodhidharma's principle muddled Emperor Wu's head. The nodual Dharma gate of Vimalakirti made Manjushri's speech go wrong. Is there anything here of enlightenment to enter and use?

MAIN CASE
Attention! Master Beiko sent a monk to ask Kyozan, "Do people these days have to attain enlightenment?" Kyozan replied, "It's not that there's no enlightenment, but how can one not fall down into the second level?" The monk related this to Beiko, who wholeheartedly approved it.

APPRECIATORY VERSE
The second level divides enlightenment and rends delusion.
Better to promptly let go and discard traps and snares.
Merit, if not yet extinguished, becomes an extra appendage.
It is as difficult to know wisdom as to bite one's navel.
The waning moon's icy disk, autumn dew weeps.
Benumbed birds, jeweled trees, dawn's breeze chills.
Bringing it out, great Kyozan discerns true and false.
Completely without flaw, the splendid jewel is priceless.

All the Koans we are working with can be found in the second post by Jundo, at the beginning of this thread. (And also in the Book of Equanimity by Gerry Shishin Wick.)

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Meitou]

Here you go Meitou gassho1

DAY 1 UNIT 7 - SHINGEN - Beiko's No Enlightenment (Case 62)

PREFACE TO THE ASSEMBLY
The primary meaning of Bodhidharma's principle muddled Emperor Wu's head. The nodual Dharma gate of Vimalakirti made Manjushri's speech go wrong. Is there anything here of enlightenment to enter and use?

MAIN CASE
Attention! Master Beiko sent a monk to ask Kyozan, "Do people these days have to attain enlightenment?" Kyozan replied, "It's not that there's no enlightenment, but how can one not fall down into the second level?" The monk related this to Beiko, who wholeheartedly approved it.

APPRECIATORY VERSE
The second level divides enlightenment and rends delusion.
Better to promptly let go and discard traps and snares.
Merit, if not yet extinguished, becomes an extra appendage.
It is as difficult to know wisdom as to bite one's navel.
The waning moon's icy disk, autumn dew weeps.
Benumbed birds, jeweled trees, dawn's breeze chills.
Bringing it out, great Kyozan discerns true and false.
Completely without flaw, the splendid jewel is priceless.

All the Koans we are working with can be found in the second post by Jundo, at the beginning of this thread. (And also in the Book of Equanimity by Gerry Shishin Wick.)

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

Thank you for this Byokan, I really loved Shingen's talk and a couple of points really resonated and bought clarity to a couple of issues I have at this moment. But actually what I was referring to was the dedication read out during Kokuu's part of the sitting, which I think was a dedication to our Differently Abled Ancestors - as I say the sound on my computer wasn'y good, the close captions, although amusing weren't a great help. It may be that I've missed this somewhere on the forum?
Deep Bow to our Unsui for your wonderful work again this year.
I've now caught up and look forward to meeting you again this afternoon. Off to samu now [monk]
Gassho
Meitou
satwithyouallthismorning
FOUND!! I just thought to look in the new chant book, I'd been using the old one, I apologise for not-thinking mind!

[Kyousui]

Kokuu's Samu talk was especially meaningful to me. Wish there was a transcript of it for us hearing challenged folk.

Sat/ LAH

[Sekishi]

Hello everyone,

Here is the link for Day 2, Unit 1: https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/jhwil53ab5d5bncpuy7pz2735ye

Gassho,
Sekishi

[Meitou]

Kokuu's Samu talk was especially meaningful to me. Wish there was a transcript of it for us hearing challenged folk.

Sat/ LAH

Kyousui, if Kokuu doesn't have a written copy of his talk, I can do a transcript of it for you.
Gassho
Meitou
satwithyoualltoday

[Koki]

I'm here for day 2, but it appears I'm only one-way.

Gassho
Frank

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[Shoka]

I'm here for day 2, but it appears I'm only one-way.

Gassho
Frank

Sent from my VS995 using TapatalkKunzang,

Please take my spot and sit two way. I just left the hangout.

Deep bows,

Shoka
Sat

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[Koki]

Gassho Shoka
I will try

Frank


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[Koki]

Guess I'm,doing something wrong because I just can't seem to connect two way.
:(

Will continue to sit one way

Frank (Kunzang)

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[Jakuden]

Guess I'm,doing something wrong because I just can't seem to connect two way.
:(

Will continue to sit one way

Frank (Kunzang)

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I think someone else got in. I dropped out too Frank, you can try again!
Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


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[Shoka]

Guess I'm,doing something wrong because I just can't seem to connect two way.
:(

Will continue to sit one way

Frank (Kunzang)

Sent from my VS995 using TapatalkFrank,

I dont think it's you. Looks like the hangout is full. So many dedicated members this year.

Hang in there, I'm here one way as well. Looks like there are 8 of watching one way right now.

Gassho,

Shoka

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Koki]

Got it.
Gassho
Frank


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[Jakuden]

There are a couple of openings now for anyone that wants to jump in!

Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


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[Koki]

I think I'm not corrected properly. Should have run a test run.
Guess ill just wing it one way :(

Gassho
Frank

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[Jakuden]

I think I'm not corrected properly. Should have run a test run.
Guess ill just wing it one way :(

Gassho
Frank

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

What is your account under? I can try to send you an invite.
Gassho
Jakuden


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[Koki]

Should be under my email address
frank.tatulinski56@gmail.com

Or may search by name
Frank Tatulinski

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[Jakuden]

Should be under my email address
frank.tatulinski56@gmail.com

Or may search by name
Frank Tatulinski

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

darn it won’t let me since I didn’t open the hangout. Maybe shut down and restart, then go click on the hangout link again?
Gassho
Jakuden


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[Koki]

Well, no luck connecting. To be continued another day, but for now...continue with one way Rohatsu.

Gassho
Frank (Kunzang)


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[Jakuden]

Wow, Kyonin broke the internet with his chanting and Sekishi made it snow in Virginia, way to go guys!! [morehappy]

Gassho, Jakuden
SatToday

[Sekishi]

Wow, Kyonin broke the internet with his chanting and Sekishi made it snow in Virginia, way to go guys!! [morehappy]


Thank you all for practicing together.

Also one minor housekeeping point, the recorded Oryoki coming up next is with Shingen (not Shugen as I said earlier).

Making it snow ain't like keeping your facts straight. [scared]

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat

[Meitou]

Wow, Kyonin broke the internet with his chanting and Sekishi made it snow in Virginia, way to go guys!! [morehappy]

Gassho, Jakuden
SatToday

:D gassho2
Meitou
satwithyoualltoday

[Byokan]

Hi All,

here is the link for Day 2 Unit 3...

https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/b2clvl4rb5awxp7xfpit2otqgme

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Koki]

Byokan

That link pops up indicating an error.

Frank


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[Byokan]

Byokan

That link pops up indicating an error.

Frank


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Oh Frank! I'm sorry you didn't get in to sit live. But you know we felt your presence even if we didn't see your face. We sit together beyond space and time and technical gremlins. Hope you were able to click on the link to sit live one-way?

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Jakuden]

Oh Frank! I'm sorry you didn't get in to sit live. But you know we felt your presence even if we didn't see your face. We sit together beyond space and time and technical gremlins. Hope you were able to click on the link to sit live one-way?

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

I think Frank eventually got in! Thank you for your beautiful talk dear Byokan [emoji120][emoji120][emoji120]
Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


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[Koki]

Byokan..

I FINALLY figured it out this afternoon. It's my iPad not having sufficient memory.

I used my Smart Phone and got right in!

Hope for continued good technical luck!

Wahoo!
Gassho Y'all ;)

Frank (Kunzang)

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[Koki]

And THANK YOU for that link. That helped a lot too#
;)

Frank

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[Byokan]

Byokan..

I FINALLY figured it out this afternoon. It's my iPad not having sufficient memory.

I used my Smart Phone and got right in!

Hope for continued good technical luck!

Wahoo!
Gassho Y'all ;)

Frank (Kunzang)

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

Ah! Who'da thunk it? Good detective work. :encouragement:

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Jakuden]

Here's the link for Day 2 Unit 4, Samu with Shokai!

https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/bzib2dx2xzgabo3sxgjziue7dee

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Kyousui]

Kyousui, if Kokuu doesn't have a written copy of his talk, I can do a transcript of it for you.
Gassho
Meitou
satwithyoualltoday

That would be much appreciated!

Sat LaH

[Kyonin]

Hello dear sangha,

Here's the link for Day 2 Unit 5 https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/olfgqfd2vjgj5pkislam5cvv2ye

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Shokai]

Thank you Kyonin for the wonderful teaching

gassho, Shokai

[Jakuden]

Deep bows [emoji120] Kyonin. Thank you for your wisdom as always...

And did I hear you say “hamburger hole!?” [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
(It’s “pie hole” here, I think, Lol!!)

Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


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[Koki]

Yes, I heard hamburger hole too ;)

It's ok, I like hamburger and pie...and wonderful words of wisdom, Kyonin!

Gassho
Frank (Kunzang)

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[Beakon]

Dear Sangha,

I'm looking forward to posting about how my own ango and Rohatsu is going, there are unexpected frustrations and welcome temptations in this sesshin. My wife came home from a bake sale, then attempted to feed me cookies while I was sitting in zazen. For most of the day, there is noble silence, when she gets home from work we have to communicate in pictionary-ese. It's a small apartment, so it's impossible to avoid each other. The noble silence has reminded us there is more than one form of communication which deepened our connection.

I'm having difficulty keeping on schedule, also with muscle pain in the ankle and leg. When I was young, two local bullies pushed me down in a skating rink. The attack altered the position of my foot. When I sit zazen for long periods I have to stop and rest my ankle. If anyone could suggest accommodations or instructions for building up to lotus, I would be most grateful.

I have also disocvered how oblivious I was to how to access the live hangout links, I've been searching for them! D'oh! Oh well, I've been inspired to learn more about koans, as my grandma says "knowledge is never hard to carry around". As an active job seeker, I've come up with the concept of a spiritual resume. Perhaps, in order to be an entry-level Zen student, layperson, one must have experience answering koans? I chide, hm, maybe not? Gassho.

[Shugen]

Here is the link for 2 - 6:
https://hangouts.google.com/hangouts/_/ytl/48I1NQz8M2rUY1P1h6cfqd5868jd3jb5MeC9_XCXoME=?eid=1 16930448607190706458&hl=en_GB
Gassho,

Shugen

[Kyonin]

Deep bows [emoji120] Kyonin. Thank you for your wisdom as always...

And did I hear you say “hamburger hole!?” [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]
(It’s “pie hole” here, I think, Lol!!)

So it's pie! I kind of remembered it was something to do with food. Pie! LOL

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Kyonin]

Thank you all. Much metta to all sentient beings suffering

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Shokai]

Thank you all who joined in and those who will sit later.
Happy Rohatsu to you all. May we go forth in the Dharma together.

gassho, Shokai

[Onkai]

Thank you, Jundo, and everyone who made this Rohatsu possible. I learned from each of the talks, and it was wonderful to practice with everyone who practiced with this and who will practice with this.

Gassho,
Onkai
Sat/LAH

[Doshin]

Thanks to all. It was good to see and hear the Priets in training these past two days.

gassho2

Doshin
Stlah

[Shugen]

Thank you all for your practice!

Gassho,

Shugen

[Kotei]

Hello,
every single talk has been an eye-opener for me.
Thank you all for your effort and for sitting this together.
It's late night over here and the stars came out.
Will take a short walk before sleeping.
Gassho,
Kotei sat.

[Byokan]

Endless bows and gratitude to all. Metta and love.

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Beakon]

Thanks to all. It was good to see and hear the Priets in training these past two days.

gassho2

Doshin
Stlah

Ditto!

[Jakuden]

Thank you to everyone for your sincere and dedicated practice. gassho1 It's such a privilege to be here.

Gassho,
Jakuden
SatToday

[Koki]

Thank you Jundo, all our priests, and everyone for a wonderful Rohatsu.

I had a slow start due to a technicality today. It appears my iPad had insufficient memory to log into Hangouts. Once i figured that out, and just switched to my iPhone...smooth sailing!

Thank you for providing the links before each session. That was very helpful.

Onto...Jukai!

Gassho
Frank (Kunzang)
Satoday...joyously!

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[Shoka]

Deep bows and so much appreciation for everyone who sat and will sit. Rohatsu is always such a wonderful time with everyone coming together.

Gassho,
Shoka
sattoday

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[Nenka]

Thank you so much to all the priests and everyone who sat/is sitting/will sit in the ten directions. It was a lovely weekend with you all.

Gassho

Jen

ST

[Junkyo]

Unfortunately I did not get a chance to sit live due to work and family duties! I will use the recorded video to sit throughout the week though!

Thanks to all involved with facilitating the retreat!

Gassho,

Rob

SAT

Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

[Jundo]

My congratulations again to all of you who have sat or are sitting this Retreat, as well as our priests who guided sitting with such care.

For those who could not see the Han (Wooden Block) that I was striking in our opening on the first day as the camera blurred, here are some photos. It hangs outside the front door of our Treeleaf Zendo in Tsukuba.



https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5463&d=1544417683

It calls all sitters to Zazen. Inscribed is the traditional verse ...


"Life and death are the great matter.
To waste time is a pity.
All is impermanent and passes swiftly away.
Time waits for no one."

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5464&d=1544417715


The other plaque over the door contains calligraphy by Nishijima Roshi, and reads "Ko no Ha Zendo" ... Treeleaf Zendo.


http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3697&d=1473848877

Gassho, Jundo

STLah


5463

5464

[Meitou]

So sad that I had to abandon Rohatsu half way through unit 3 on day 2, my cat started having seizures and I couldn't leave my husband to deal with it all alone, I knew also that I wouldn't be fully present. However I am so grateful that I got to sit so much of the weekend live, it was wonderful. I'll be catching up with the rest of the units this week.
Heartfelt thanks to all of you!
Off to the vets now [gassholook]

Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

[Byokan]

So sad that I had to abandon Rohatsu half way through unit 3 on day 2, my cat started having seizures and I couldn't leave my husband to deal with it all alone, I knew also that I wouldn't be fully present. However I am so grateful that I got to sit so much of the weekend live, it was wonderful. I'll be catching up with the rest of the units this week.
Heartfelt thanks to all of you!
Off to the vets now [gassholook]

Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

Oh Meitou I hope the kitty is ok! [gassholook] May s/he be at ease. Sending Metta and hope for the best.

Sounds to me like you were fully present and didn't abandon anything. Deep bows.

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[Byokan]

Also want to give thanks to Jundo for, well, everything of course... but especially this year, the reading of the Differently-Abled Ancestors. Such a beautiful moment, and really exemplifies what we're all about here. gassho2

Gassho
Byokan
sat + lah

[KellyRok]

Hello all,

Happy Rohatsu! I'm beginning my retreat today and hoping to finish on Wednesday. I will have to stretch it out due to some back issues and more home repairs but so happy to be able to participate for another year.


Meitou - I hope you and kitty are doing okay!

Thank you to all of you!

Gassho,
Kelly/Jinmei
onretreat

[Tairin]

Thank you to everyone who participated or will participate in the future.

I wasn't able to do the full retreat but I did sit with you each morning and evening. I will do some catch-up later. I am particularly keen to hear the dharma talks from our priests.

gassho2
Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Hensho]

Wow! Rohatsu was amazing. I was totally exhausted by the end of it. My hips hurt, my back ached. I don't think I could have sat zazen for a single minute longer. But I also found that after being with everyone for so long and sitting all the way through to the end, I wished we could all go out for pizza and beer to celebrate.

Instead, I took two ibuprofen and had a long nap.

Today, I'm feeling love and deep gratitude to this sangha.

Gassho,
Kate

sattoday

[Anka]

Wasn't able to sit live on day 2. Will be catching up here and there over the next week or so.

James F
Sat

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[Kyonin]

Wow! Rohatsu was amazing. I was totally exhausted by the end of it. My hips hurt, my back ached. I don't think I could have sat zazen for a single minute longer. But I also found that after being with everyone for so long and sitting all the way through to the end, I wished we could all go out for pizza and beer to celebrate.

Instead, I took two ibuprofen and had a long nap.

Today, I'm feeling love and deep gratitude to this sangha.

Gassho,
Kate

sattoday

Hi Kate!

I was exhausted too! I had a nice dinner here at home, but in my heart I wanted to be with you all. I'm happy it was a good experience for you.

Gassho,

Kyonin
Sat/LAH

[Koki]

I kinda felt the same way! Excited, fulfilled, etc, but achey back and hips. If it was a brick and mortar Zendo, is been up for a pizza, or coffee or something, just to share experiences!

It was Definately..."ALL GOOD" !

FRANK

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Ryushi]

I was totally exhausted by the end of it. My hips hurt, my back ached. I don't think I could have sat zazen for a single minute longer.

I felt the same. This was my first time with repeated, extended zazen. I wasn't prepared for feeling so beat when I woke up on day 2! But it gave me a renewed appreciation for kinhin :encouragement:

Thank you all for your preparation, facilitation, and participation. I was able to join live for about 1/2 the sessions, including the opening and closing. A wonderful introductory experience.

Sat today. Gassho.

[Ryushi]

The other plaque over the door contains calligraphy by Nishijima Roshi, and reads "Ko no Ha Zendo" ... Treeleaf Zendo.


At first I didn't realize you'd included the translation. A quick trip to Google turned "Ko no Ha Zendo" into "this is a fact". Oddly accurate, if wrong. :D

Sat today.

Gassho

[Shokai]

Todd;
you were lucky,at World Lingo Translation Services (http://www.worldlingo.com/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html) you get "wooden leaf" :D

And if you are really not careful which kanji to use zendo can translate to peristalsis or crawling like a worm.

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Geika]

Still in the middle of it, but thank you all for a wonderful Rohatsu.

Gassho, sat today, lah

[Beakon]

So sad that I had to abandon Rohatsu half way through unit 3 on day 2, my cat started having seizures and I couldn't leave my husband to deal with it all alone, I knew also that I wouldn't be fully present. However I am so grateful that I got to sit so much of the weekend live, it was wonderful. I'll be catching up with the rest of the units this week.
Heartfelt thanks to all of you!
Off to the vets now [gassholook]

Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

When I was on my first week of unemployment, my cat Penny caught a bad case of conjuctivitis. This is when Zen training kicked in, I had to have faith things will work out. They will for you and your cat. Hopefully, the seizures will get under control.

[Beakon]

Wow! Rohatsu was amazing. I was totally exhausted by the end of it. My hips hurt, my back ached. I don't think I could have sat zazen for a single minute longer. But I also found that after being with everyone for so long and sitting all the way through to the end, I wished we could all go out for pizza and beer to celebrate.

Instead, I took two ibuprofen and had a long nap.

Today, I'm feeling love and deep gratitude to this sangha.

Gassho,
Kate

sattoday

I slept in today, I needed a heated microwavable pack for my legs when I when done! Oi veis! Feeling connection with all you beautiful people.

[Hensho]

> But it gave me a renewed appreciation for kinhin <

Kinhin! Ha! Ha! Ha! I thought the same thing! Somebody knew what he was doing when he invented that. -Kate


Sat today. Sat a LONG time yesterday. LAH/Gassho/etc.

[KellyRok]

I'm getting ready to start day2. Yes, I'm feeling day 1 of retreat...in my bones. My knee swelled and I couldn't sit seiza anymore, so I found sitting at the top of my stairs with my feet on the third step going down to be a nice solution. This way, I can also use the handrail to help get up if/when needed ;).


Especially through the aches and pains, it has been wonderful thus far. Once again, many thanks and bows to you Jundo and all Unsui for making this possible.

These are my retreat companions.
5466

Let's begin...
Gassho,
Kelly/Jinmei
onretreat

[Jundo]

I'm getting ready to start day2. Yes, I'm feeling day 1 of retreat...in my bones. My knee swelled and I couldn't sit seiza anymore, so I found sitting at the top of my stairs with my feet on the third step going down to be a nice solution. This way, I can also use the handrail to help get up if/when needed ;).


Especially through the aches and pains, it has been wonderful thus far. Once again, many thanks and bows to you Jundo and all Unsui for making this possible.

These are my retreat companions.
5466

Let's begin...
Gassho,
Kelly/Jinmei
onretreat

Don't overdo. Recline, sit in a chair, do what you need. Young monks can push themselves like marines in boot camp, old monks need to watch the arthritic knees.

for example, our special Zazenkai a few years ago with the great Rev. Tonen O'Connor who came for a visit, and had to sit Zazen in a chair ...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1151&v=JWRkzZxPvw4

Gassho, J

STLah

[Tai Shi]

Hi All,-
I am pleased to report that I was able to sit with Tonen O' Conner for a full 30 min for the first time in a while, 30 min with Treeleaf, and there was no time, 30 min was as ten minutes. With my new medicine (injection, non-narcotic) a biological, after 5 months of medicine every 4 wk.s it's finally working, no pain while sitting with honored Tonen O' Conner, This is years in coming. Thank you.

Tai Shi
sat today/lah
Gassho

[Jundo]

Hi All,-
I am pleased to report that I was able to sit with Tonen O' Conner for a full 30 min for the first time in a while, 30 min with Treeleaf, and there was no time, 30 min was as ten minutes. With my new medicine (injection, non-narcotic) a biological, after 5 months of medicine every 4 wk.s it's finally working, no pain while sitting with honored Tonen O' Conner, This is years in coming. Thank you.

Tai Shi
sat today/lah
Gassho

Wonderful news!

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[Byokan]

... it's finally working, no pain while sitting with honored Tonen O' Conner, This is years in coming. Thank you.

Tai Shi
sat today/lah
Gassho

So happy to hear this, Tai Shi! gassho1

Gassho
Byōkan
sat + lah

[Washin]

Hi All,-
I am pleased to report that I was able to sit with Tonen O' Conner for a full 30 min for the first time in a while, 30 min with Treeleaf, and there was no time, 30 min was as ten minutes. With my new medicine (injection, non-narcotic) a biological, after 5 months of medicine every 4 wk.s it's finally working, no pain while sitting with honored Tonen O' Conner, This is years in coming. Thank you.

Tai Shi
sat today/lah
Gassho

What a good news, Tai Shi!

Gassho
Washin
stlah

[Nenka]

These are my retreat companions.
5466

Let's begin...
Gassho,
Kelly/Jinmei
onretreat

That's funny, my cats didn't come investigate at all. Must have overheard that cat story. ;)

Gassho

Jen

ST

[Shoka]

I'm getting ready to start day2. Yes, I'm feeling day 1 of retreat...in my bones. My knee swelled and I couldn't sit seiza anymore, so I found sitting at the top of my stairs with my feet on the third step going down to be a nice solution. This way, I can also use the handrail to help get up if/when needed ;).


Especially through the aches and pains, it has been wonderful thus far. Once again, many thanks and bows to you Jundo and all Unsui for making this possible.

These are my retreat companions.
5466

Let's begin...
Gassho,
Kelly/Jinmei
onretreat

Kelly,

Awe such cute companions!

I'm sure we have many 4 legged treeleaf retreater, Terra sat all of the retreat with me.

Gassho,

Shoka
Sattoday

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181212/8df0428e59b3c93d288e25d27ba77005.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Anka]

Marshmallow also joined in right after Jakuden's session.

James F
Sathttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181212/db684cf080409c62b4cd8a28842e3ec1.jpg

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Shinshi]

Thanks everyone who participated. It was a great experience for me. I enjoyed the talks by the Unsui it was interesting to hear their takes on things. I liked the discussion on Nanchuan's cat. I have often wondered if this was a sort of King Solomon's case with the baby. Perhaps both groups were arguing that they desired the cat and so the solution was to cut it in half. Perhaps a teaching on desire and attachment. I can never really get a handle on that story. I find it interesting that Nanchuan's cat is kind of a Schrodinger's cat in that whether it lives or dies kind of depends on the listener's (or reader's) perspective. :)

Anyway, I thought all the talks were great and I really appreciated being with everyone.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Meian]

I am just getting over a stubborn chest/upper respiratory virus that knocked me out for the past week, so unfortunately I missed Rohatsu. I have just now found this thread and the recording, and I greatly look forward to sitting and enjoying the broadcast with you all in the "eternal now" of zazen.

Thank you all for sharing your practice.

Gassho
kim
st/lh

[Jundo]

I am just getting over a stubborn chest/upper respiratory virus that knocked me out for the past week, so unfortunately I missed Rohatsu. I have just now found this thread and the recording, and I greatly look forward to sitting and enjoying the broadcast with you all in the "eternal now" of zazen.

Thank you all for sharing your practice.

Gassho
kim
st/lh

Be well, and do only what the body will allow.

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

[Seishin]

Finally finished Rohatsu On Demand late last night. Thank you to all who made this possible and thank you for the valuable words of wisdom of each Dharma talk. Deep bows to all. [monk]

[Jundo]

gassho2

[Shinzan]

gassho1

How marvelous and wonderful. Reading all the posts by the many people joined together worldwide to just sit!
"May all be free from self-clinging" is both an invitation and a benediction.
Jundo and all the priests and all we sitters really basked in this way of life.

With deep gratitude.
Shinzan

[Souchi]

Thank you all for sitting this year's Rohatsu gassho1

Gassho
Souchi

SatToday

[Meitou]

Kokuu's Samu talk was especially meaningful to me. Wish there was a transcript of it for us hearing challenged folk.

Sat/ LAH

Kyousui, I don't know if you'll see this, but I've got that transcript for you. The problem is I can't send it because your PM inbox is full! Is there anything you could delete to make some room? If not, no problem, if you can let me have your email, I'll mail it to you,
Gassho
Meitou
satwithyoualltoday lah
UPDATE; I've sent you an email via your profile :)