We Are All in This Together (1)

[Jundo]

Hi Everyone,

I'm making a special place right now we're we can all just focus on one thing for awhile. We are all in this together. I will post some words each day to help us keep some perspective, and all our Sangha members can come here to just be together, share together, laugh and cry together for awhile. There is a something that sweeps in even all of this, trust me on that. - Jundo


https://youtu.be/aTzblrb0-Hk

Gassho, J

[Doshin]

gassho2

Doshin
St

[Geika]

This message uplifted me greatly. "Shall we sit with that?"

Gassho
Sat today, lah

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[Jundo]

This message uplifted me greatly. "Shall we sit with that?"

Gassho
Sat today, lah

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Hear you had a rough day, Geika, workwise. Yes?

Gassho, J

SatTOday

[Onka]

Gassho
Onka
Sat today

Sent from my Lenovo TB-8304F1 using Tapatalk

[Jundo]

Folks can start threads here, by the way, just like in the rest of the forum. Also, we don't just have to talk about ... you know what. :encouragement:

I am also temporarily suspending the "SatToday" requirement for posting, if people find it just too hard for them right now. They can still come here and let off steam. :encouragement: However, "sattoday" is still encouraged for those who can.

Gassho, Jundo

SatToday

[Onka]

I'm not necessarily starting a thread, just participating, but hey let's do this!
My lungs are not playing nice at the moment and I feel and look like a pufferfish from the amount of steroids haha but tonight I'm going to go for a short walk, probably not more than a couple of hundred metres unfortunately.
My partner and I are not experts at identifying all of the local wildlife and we might not see anything but fingers crossed we'll be able to get a couple of pics to share.
Be kind to yourselves and look out for each other.
Gassho
Onka
ST

Sent from my Lenovo TB-8304F1 using Tapatalk

[Yokai]

Hi Treeleaf Family, it's so special being able to sit n share across all borders with you at this time (even in NZ). Metta and peace to you all, my friends.
Thank you Jundo and team for this amazing Treeleaf vision/reality of interconnectedness.
Deepest bows. We are only a screen apart...:encouragement:

Tech Question: Is there an easy way for peeps to post up FSR slots, so others can sit with company? E.g. the Euro crew have a daily 7:30-800am-ish FSR drop-in. Just a thought...jumping online to sit alone is a tumbleweed moment!

[Kotei]

Indeed, we're in this all together.
Thank you for the teaching, that lies in how you're shaping Treeleaf for the coming weeks. I pictured it differently, but appreciate your approach very much.

Gassho,
Kotei sattoday. (not lah yet, because the second hand clothes distribution in the refugee shelter, I would be working at today, was shut down by government order.)

[Onka]

I could only walk a couple of hundred metres because my lungs are not in great shape but here's a snippet of stuff we saw. Unfortunately there were a few Froglets that were too fast for me or my partner to capture.
Be kind to yourself and look out for each other.
Gassho
Onka
Sat today

https://youtu.be/CojEQBsDJio
https://youtu.be/1wNwziUG0wA
https://youtu.be/5E8FPlhs-FI
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200320/3d17bc425dade977a5f0392dc46b8cde.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200320/aaf82524e28bb42d127abdfa14e3e358.jpg

Sent from my Lenovo TB-8304F1 using Tapatalk

[Koki]

Thank you for your Wisdom Jundo. I agree we're all in this together. My wife is a registered nurse, so we are in the midst of this daily.
I'm trying to reach out online to people to offer calm words of reassurance.
I continue my practice of daily Qigong, followed with sitting shikantanza.
I like the daily snippets idea from Jundo also. Just feels right to be in touch.

We got this 🙏

Gassho
Koki

Satoday

[Kyotai]

Thank you. Wonderful talk

Gassho Kyotai
St

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

[Tai Shi]

In Time of Pandemic

We entered our home
Three days ago.
Doctors screened me
At our Hospital.
Temp 99.
Doctor tells me I'm
Resilient, to wait for my Zendo,
A sitting practice at 8:30.
"All our World is our Temple."
Zendo the Buddha taught
Us as Jundo teaches
Us Shikantaza.
All is Just

Sitting with our breath
We sit to offer friends
Family hope, hopefulness,
Hope is strongest
In space, and we matter
In time, or no time.
We live now in just
Sitting, then turn
To our families, friends
We sit together, remain
Together; sit Metta
For all. Sit together,
Metta for each other
For world confused,
25 billion years
Come to this,
With all compassion,
Equanimity, gratitude.
What do I have to offer?
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

Thank you, Jundo.

[Kokuu]

Thank you, Jundo!

Just to let everyone know also that the priests are going to try to be here as much as we can and please reach out to us if you need support or help with anything.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

[Shoki]

I was just on the phone with a relative who was sitting next to someone at a work meeting who was tested positive. He is locked in the house with his 13-year old son trying to stay sane. I was just saying how our grandparents and parents had hard lives. Leaving their own countries, narrowly escaping fascism and nazism, growing up during the depression of the 1930s. My father was so poor they used to get food packages from Europe. As newly arrived immigrants being treated like foreign invaders, regularly arrested and harassed by the police. Then off to World War II and try to survive that and come home in one piece. Speaking with them, these events defined them. They did not have easy lives. Maybe this will be what defines us in some way.

Gassho
STlah
James

[yuridayananda]

Dear Jundo, It is been a long time since I don´t connect here. I am sorry to be away. For some reason this crazy time made me think again about Zen and how importante is to be focuzed and centered. I am not talking only about the vírus, but familiar problems that are killing my Zen. I can´t sleep well anymore. Read Suzuki Roshi again (the calmness chapter) trying to get some confort.

I remember the Zen feeling and how good it feels.... I want it back, I am trying to stop carrying this load and become a beginner again.

[Jundo]

Dear Jundo, It is been a long time since I don´t connect here. I am sorry to be away. For some reason this crazy time made me think again about Zen and how importante is to be focuzed and centered. I am not talking only about the vírus, but familiar problems that are killing my Zen. I can´t sleep well anymore. Read Suzuki Roshi again (the calmness chapter) trying to get some confort.

I remember the Zen feeling and how good it feels.... I want it back, I am trying to stop carrying this load and become a beginner again.

A new beginning.

Gassho, J

STLah

[ZenHalfTimeCrock]

"There is a something that sweeps in even all of this, trust me on that." - Jundo

This is just what I needed to hear right now.

Thank you.

Gassho

ZenHalfTimeCrock

ST

[bomoko]

Dear Jundo (and all TL Bodhisattvas)

I've not posted very much since joining (I tend to just sit, read what you all have to say, keep my mouth shut, and try learn something).

But I wanted to express my thanks for this video in particular, and for the whole of the Treeleaf sangha's response to these tragic and terrifying times.

Truly, I see GuanYin manifest herself right here, right now.

Gassho

Blaize.

ST

[Tai Do]

When we are all overwhelmed with how fast things are happening, I want to thank you all for our practice and our Sangha. And also thank you for this comforting message, Jundo Roshi.
Gassho
Mateus
Sat/LAH

[Kyōsen]

gassho1

Gassho
Kyōsen
Sat|LAH

[Kaishin]

Thank you, Jundo. Learn a lot we all will indeed!

[Nenka]

I could only walk a couple of hundred metres because my lungs are not in great shape but here's a snippet of stuff we saw. Unfortunately there were a few Froglets that were too fast for me or my partner to capture.
Be kind to yourself and look out for each other.
Gassho
Onka
Sat today

Sent from my Lenovo TB-8304F1 using Tapatalk

Thank you for this, Onka! I love frogs.

I was supposed to be at a flower/garden show today with my Chicago friends. Instead we're texting each other pictures of our houseplants and such. I have some crocuses growing in my front lawn, so that's something.

6336

Gassho

Nenka
Sitting Soon I Promise

[Onka]

Thank you for this, Onka! I love frogs.

I was supposed to be at a flower/garden show today with my Chicago friends. Instead we're texting each other pictures of our houseplants and such. I have some crocuses growing in my front lawn, so that's something.

6336

Gassho

Nenka
Sitting Soon I Promise

They're stunning Nenka!
Gassho
Onka
Sat

[Tai Shi]

May we, together with all buddhas;
Actualize the Diligence Paramita
That we may be a light unto all beings
3Xs
Thank You Shokai
Tai Shi
sat/ lah
Gassho

[Jakuden]

May we, together with all buddhas;
Actualize the Diligence Paramita
That we may be a light unto all beings
3Xs
Thank You Shokai
Tai Shi
sat/ lah
Gassho

[emoji120][emoji120][emoji120]

Thank you Jundo and all.

Yes many of our ancestors, both biological and Zen, had lives so much harder than we can even imagine. My grandfather came over on steerage to Ellis Island and was dirt poor, but also fought in the war, and my mother had rickets from malnutrition as a child. They overcame.

Please keep posting the lovely https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200321/20e08bf045d69b6e97950a44d304733f.jpglittle snippets of everyday life and nature everyone!
Here’s mine:

Anyone remember Ketis from Rohatsu? He provides daily Samu as he rolls in the mud and must be groomed and fed...

Gassho
Jakuden
SatToday


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Gukan]

Thank you Jundo and thank you all.

Gassho
Libby

[Seibu]

Thank you Jundo gassho2

@Onka: Your videos reminded me of the cute little toads I used to have in my previous backyard. It was a whole family and I made toad shelters of old flower pots. I really have a soft spot for them and it's nice to have found someone who also loves them :-)

Gassho
Seibu
Sattoday

[dougbrun]

Thank you, Jundo. A wise perspective.

Gassho

~ Doug
SatToday

[Kendrick]

Thank you, Jundo. gassho1

Gassho
Kendrick
Sat

[Heiso]

Thank you everyone, it's good to know that you are all out there and we really are in this together (that phrase may have a bit of a hollow ring for many Brits!)

Gassho,

Heiso

StLah

[rgthomas]

Hey Guys -

I'm pretty new here, but felt compelled me to reach out.

Such a tough and curious time! I work for a public school system and it was just announced yesterday that our last day of school was a week ago last Thursday when we broke for what we thought was just going to be a couple of weeks. My daughter's in 4th grade and wrestling with the fact that she won't see her friends for god-knows-how-long. My son is happy to be away from the shifting anxiety-ridden social chess games that are typical of 6th grade. My wife, who works from home, is just trying to keep afloat amidst what is now a crowded workplace and a heavy, heavy world. I'm obviously making light here and completely recognize the GA-zillion ways that our family is blessed by something as our problems are "little p" problems that pale in face of those that many others must bear.

Despite all of this, I can't help but notice that spring is POPPING here and there are the MOST BEAUTIFUL flowers in bloom everywhere you look. The creek by our house is absolutely gorgeous and, if you pause, you can hear the water trickling adorned with birdsong. I'm amazed at how the world is born anew each year.

In education, we have "thought partners" to help you understand a common problem. What do you zennies call that, "non-thought partners"?

At any rate, I could use one right now.

Mainly I'm interested in questions about practice, ethics (specifically, The Mind of Clover), and just how beautiful spring is.

Gassho,

-Ryan

Sat Today

[Heitou]

Jundo, Thank You so much doe these videos they are inspiring and I am looking forward to the next one. My thoughts on all of this is that (if I understand correctly) a lot of Sanghas looked down on Tree Leaf to begin with because we were not a standing Temple but look at them now, they are doing the same thing. I have a true connection hear and enjoy everything, you have done an outstanding job and I am proud to be a part of it. Keep up the good work.

Gassho
John
LAH
Not SatToday

[Jinyo]

Thank you for this thread.

Things in the UK looking really bad now. My sister lives in NZ and the response of the government there so much quicker and on the mark.
Prayer and meditation feel like the same thing just now - I pray for all of our workers bravely working on the frontline to try and preserve lives.

The degree of suffering both economic and emotional has reached tragic proportions. In hindsight we may discover silver linings - like re-discovering closeness within our family units and the care and concern of friendships and how totally interconnected we all are. But ... just now - I'm simply sitting with the anxiety and the sorrow and the anger.

I'm also feeling incredibly lucky to have a safe house and lovely garden and even food delivery because my partner and I are prioritized as vulnerable/high risk . Sitting in gratitude too.

But oh to be able to simply hug the people we care about.

Metta to all,

Gassho

Jinyo

sat today

[Jundo]

... What do I do pent-up in this house, no 12-step meetings to go to, and 5 of 50 break-out cases in our little town. I'm wondering if I can find that online 12-step meeting again.
Tai Shi
sat/need lah
Gassho

It seems that there are many. I am sure that you can find some good ones ...

https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200323/coronavirus-12-step-alcohol-drug-prevention-programs-meet-online

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[Archpoet]

Dear Tai Shi,

I too am working on a poetry book, and I too have come to a temporary hiatus on it.
Perhaps we could both take something from the fact that it's rarely the writing that needs reassessment: rather the editing. :)

Gassho my friend!
Chris

#sat

[Tai Do]

Tai Shi, much metta to you, your wife and all your family. May you all be free from this disease and May we through this time with minimal harm. Be well!
Gassho,
Mateus
Sat/LAH

[Tai Shi]

Thank you Jundo. My doctor prescribed a non-narcotic pain relief patch. I am able to wear it 12 hrs a day. I sat zazen successfully today in the afternoon. There is a scheduled zazen in 22 minutes. I will be there. Thank you, Jundo; I reviewed your Dharma talk. I remember my Precept vows on January 10th, 2016.
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

[Tai Do]

I'm glad you are doing better, Tai Shi, and that you managed to sit and recite metta today. Thank you for sitting with us.
Gassho,
Mateus
Sat/LAH

[MyoHo]

Thank you Jundo and thank you Treeleaf.

Gassho

Myoho

Sat

[Seishin]

Busy week away from the forum, so just seen these messages. Just wanted to say thank you Jundo and to all of mankind, stay safe and well if you can. Metta to all sentient beings.

Sat

[Tai Shi]

Listening to an orchestral version of Papagano, grateful for The Magic Flute, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Did not appreciate his music until my 50 s and I want the Requiem to be sung at my funeral. Yet, you can play a Deutshe Gramophone recording and no one will know the difference, and then again; I would settle for our Spanish friend Don Domingo to sing. He's old or dead. He doesn't sing. Yes, my poet friend, you may edit my manuscript, no manuscript yet; soon. Will it be a great book? There is time; another year; time? Doctor says I could live into my 80 s. Almost no hair, another 365 days wasted. Can I make a difference or my daughter? You may help; I will help you--time. Jundo knows my medallion 32 years. Will I live for the 33rd? Doctor called today; his the busiest time in his entire life, to reassure, He knows me well to say, "One day at a time, you'll make 33rd year in the program. You only have one risk factor. Am I afraid, and I tell them 'yes' and go on working." I've known him half of 33 years. He's right to calm me. I listen to music of a middle path, Then Neil Young, love of a mother holding her young one. May the Buddha have compassion on me in my pain, and man forced to reach out; no one wins in war. I don't feel if death as it takes me. I would be a fortunate man. Spaniards in the wrath of plague may be dead; is Domingo an old man like me? My bones defeat me. Thank you Jundo for all you do.
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

[Archpoet]

I am grateful for your wisdom, experience, and candor Tai Shi. :)

Between the two of us, I'm sure you are the better editor-- but I am happy to offer you any assistance I can of course.
"We are our own worst editor" or somesuch: however that saying goes. ;)

Metta!
Chris

st/lah

[Ippo]

Jundo thank you for the videos and this series!

I am curious, are these all filmed at your home/Tree Leaf :)??[morehappy][claps]

Gassho,

Ippo

SatToday

[Jundo]

I am curious, are these all filmed at your home/Tree Leaf :)??[morehappy][claps]



Yes, most are here, in the barn (now the Zendo), or at the old semi-abandoned Shingon Buddhist temple that is just next door. The beautiful temple buildings and cherry trees are there.

Gassho, J

STLah

[Shokai]

the old semi-abandoned Shingon Buddhist temple that is just next door.

I take it that's where the six Jizos are? Can't wait to see and touch when i come to visit you.

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jundo]

I take it that's where the six Jizos are? Can't wait to see and touch when i come to visit you.

gassho, Shokai
stlah

No, they are wherever you are. :buddha:

Gassho, J

STLah

[Shokai]

LOL :D I knew THAT!!

Actually, I was asking if the video was taken in the old Temple Yard

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Konsetsu]

Thanks for this.

Gassho
st/lah

[Tai Shi]

Sat with a different Zendo this morning. My friend Kyousui gave me a link to, and as sometimes the case in our "Free" sitting room, no one. I wore brocade rakusu, the one Marjorie brought me from Kyoto, dear Marjorie five years ago, day after her retirement. Never wants to ever be part of Veterans Affairs again, has horrid memories of mismanagement and disrespect. She never says it this way, I can tell. Spoke of this while working there 25 years Social Security Administration 5 years. So as reward 8 days in Hokkaido with our daughter taking her to Kyoto on fast train, beautiful palaces they did not enter. As dear to me as gift of my Sangha. Zen was empty this morning. Lay members slept in. I stand corrected-- Kyousui says I was one hour too early-- tomorrow I'll be in video with two doctors, so will it be Friday I'll join others? Thank you Jundo for all you do.
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

[Anchi]

Thank you Jundo and thank you Treeleaf.

Gassho


Sat

[Jyukatsu]

Hello Sangha,

I have been absent for so long ( off line but zen practice continues ) but want to reach out during this very difficult time to send Jundo and all of you my very best wishes for your health and well being. I feel close to all of you every time I sit and am grateful to know this Sangha is here. May you all be well.

Gassho,

Jyúkatsu
Sat Today

[Tai Shi]

Inside most of the time, but I walk the block daily 440 feet (0.13 km). Last evening camera, and phone. By 7:00 work on my book, first time in a week. Not so good for inside. After outside, I am content for several days. I walked 1 1/2 miles (3.22 km) to my surprise. Last week I'd lost another 8 lb (3.63 kg) More content because now I weigh 192 lb (ca. 87 kg) and this from a man who 10 yrs ago weighed 270 lb (ca. 122 kg), 5.7 ft (1.74 m), Thank you Jundo for all you do, for videos, all together. You are right Jundo, what to do, writing is everything to me. That's what I have to offer, edited work.
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

[Tai Shi]

My family was poor, as my brother still is poor, my mother was poor, my father, though he had money. My wife Marjorie and I are the first family to be middle class though Marjorie has learned not to give me much money. As for the 33rd medallion, I have purchased my own anticipating my 12th step birthday. We have a saying in that program, "You're only as old as the years you have been sober? " That makes me almost 33 years old. Thank you Jundo. All our world is our Temple.
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

[Tai Shi]

I'm on the verge of tears. You all have taught me honesty, care, understanding and willingness, please don't blame the priest in training who worked with me for over a year. I know he overstepped his bounds, but it takes two to tango, and if I knew Richard's new Dharma name I would make amends, but it took a man I sponsor to teach me honesty, my new AA group is local and Zoom. I must remain anonymous in writing, but I will make my third dedication to Jundo and truly to Treeleaf Zendo you have and are teaching me honesty, and willingness, understanding and compassion, and I'm grateful that I have been able to really practice the 12th step here because of my Sangha, we take refuge in the Sangha, I FINALLY get it, and I love you all, I trust you. "Having had a Spiritual experience, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and practice these principles in all of our affairs." This is the 12th step of recovery. Oh my God in heaven I get it, I know compassion, oh Richard, you meant no harm, "You are you, I am me, and you tried to teach me trust, but it takes a village" that's what the Buddha was trying to tell us, you can't lower your selfhood, but you must-- this is the eternal paradox of compassion. Richard, thank you. You are loved here in our Sangha.
Tai Shi
sat/ the 11th step
Gassho
the 12th Step
I've worked the steps,
Now I must continually work the steps.

[Onka]

I'm on the verge of tears. You all have taught me honesty, care, understanding and willingness, please don't blame the priest in training who worked with me for over a year. I know he overstepped his bounds, but it takes two to tango, and if I knew Richard's new Dharma name I would make amends, but it took a man I sponsor to teach me honesty, my new AA group is local and Zoom. I must remain anonymous in writing, but I will make my third dedication to Jundo and truly to Treeleaf Zendo you have and are teaching me honesty, and willingness, understanding and compassion, and I'm grateful that I have been able to really practice the 12th step here because of my Sangha, we take refuge in the Sangha, I FINALLY get it, and I love you all, I trust you. "Having had a Spiritual experience, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and practice these principles in all of our affairs." This is the 12th step of recovery. Oh my God in heaven I get it, I know compassion, oh Richard, you meant no harm, "You are you, I am me, and you tried to teach me trust, but it takes a village" that's what the Buddha was trying to tell us, you can't lower your selfhood, but you must-- this is the eternal paradox of compassion. Richard, thank you. You are loved here in our Sangha.
Tai Shi
sat/ the 11th step
Gassho
the 12th Step
I've worked the steps,
Now I must continually work the steps.

Your presence here is a gift Tai Shi.
You only speak from the heart and that is the gift you share with the world beyond our Sangha.
Your ongoing recovery and commitment to the teachings of Jesus and Buddha will continue to serve you and those you love well.
Let the tears roll my comrade Tai Shi, they are beautiful.
Gassho
Onka
Sat

[Tai Shi]

Onka, you have brought me to tears. It is seldom a peer recognizes my qualities, and equality. You yourself are a gift. All women are a gift, a gift unto all of us to you, to us to all of us. You have learned to turn compliments to a world around upon the maker. Let me thank you beyond words...
Tai Shi
sat/ lah
most recently $20 to the Spondylitis Association of America.
An Association, non-profit I would as you all to support.
Even through this pandemic they are helping us, we who have Spondiliosis type diseases. There is now proof that through anxiety and depression, this disease causes mental illnesses. Oh God, I ask through my tears, why didn't they help me, why doesn't psychiatry help all of us. Finally at age 68 the culminanation of many years of treatment. Gratitude.
Gassho

[Onka]

"most recently $20 to the Spondylitis Association of America.
An Association, non-profit I would as you all to support.
Even through this pandemic they are helping us, we who have Spondiliosis type diseases. There is now proof that through anxiety and depression, this disease causes mental illnesses. Oh God, I ask through my tears, why didn't they help me, why doesn't psychiatry help all of us. Finally at age 68 the culminanation of many years of treatment. Gratitude.
Gassho"

I'm a bit weird Tai Shi my friend. I kinda think that real life genuine brutal struggle for however many years can be our greatest help.
I reckon that had you not experienced or continue to experience so many incredibly difficult challenges then you wouldn't be the man, the husband, the father, the 12 step mentor or the friend you are today.
Imagine if you'd sailed along in life having everything easy. Would your relationship with Jesus or Buddha be as strong?
I love that at 68 you find gratitude comrade because that's the kind of insight that can only come from your commitment to your Practice and your commitment to be better and do better.
Be well comrade and try not to let the daily challenges you manage so well get the better of you. You're a fighter my friend. Keep fighting the good fight.

Gassho
Onka


Sent from my SM-A205YN using Tapatalk

[Jundo]

I'm a bit weird Tai Shi my friend. I kinda think that real life genuine brutal struggle for however many years can be our greatest help.
I reckon that had you not experienced or continue to experience so many incredibly difficult challenges then you wouldn't be the man, the husband, the father, the 12 step mentor or the friend you are today.
Imagine if you'd sailed along in life having everything easy. Would your relationship with Jesus or Buddha be as strong?
I love that at 68 you find gratitude comrade because that's the kind of insight that can only come from your commitment to your Practice and your commitment to be better and do better.
Be well comrade and try not to let the daily challenges you manage so well get the better of you. You're a fighter my friend. Keep fighting the good fight.


gassho2

[Tai Shi]

Today, and always, I am grateful for the real face to face 12th step meetings, people who, which for more than 37 years over and over have saved my life, taught me morals, and even fed Marjorie and me when we were poor students, and thus not only have I helped with money in the basket, and to my friends, more than $2,000, I don't really know, $3 to 5 dollars in the basket, every week (except for weeks in hospital) for 37 years (including the five years I was drinking and going off and on to meetings), but they have given me more love, than anyone, when I had none to give, or tough love when that was what I really needed, and THE most appreciative people of my family, my Marjorie, and my Laurel (they don't actually belong to me but give back), people who have reminded me over and over how important life is, how to give back, and indeed my very life. With this pandemic I stay away (with tears in my eyes) and wait for the days of return to my friends. I'm going to chair meetings at the 24/ 7 international 12th step group on Zoom, up to 150 participants at one time, and my training has already begun by observing and not sharing for 4 or hours a day. Hosts are on for two hours for this open meeting. Please, a little Metta for folks with "BAD" situations. I will get more formal training starting Sunday morning.
Tai Shi
sat/ lah
Gassho

[Tai Shi]

Again, I'm grateful for my wife who teaches me in her wisdom that Life does not have to be a brutal struggle, that often people are good to each other, that sensitivity and learning are the basis of honesty, sanctity of life like being good and loving toward folks in family and outside family, that "to love thy neighbor as thyself" is not just a saying, but something to be lived every day.
I'm grateful to have learned that to tell someone you love them does not mean so, that always it is better to live love and say nothing.
That good poetry practices elision, or withholding pertinent information in an artistic and delicate manner makes for the greatest poetry in the world, that when this is done in spoken language, the poetry may never be written down, the basis if chant and prayer.
Tai Shi
sat
Gassho