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Seiko
02-23-2021, 10:50 PM
Chanting & Zazen Circle

This zazen circle begins on 1st March 2021. Please do join us at 8pm, Monday to Saturday.
The circle is open to everyone and all who chant and sit together here are equals.

Initially, the sessions are being led by Ryokudo and Seiko. We have chosen Sandokai to begin chanting together. Feel free to suggest other chants for the circle to adopt.

Sandokai is on page 4 of the Treeleaf Chant Book here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17puHkC-XX00_FTh61Sd2k_Nme7D0bIt4/view?usp=sSandoka

The initial plan:
8pm GMT - Chant Sandokai.
Zazen – 27 minutes.
Closing chant/thanks/goodbyes.
Depart 8.45.

The chants being used will be posted on this thread on a Sunday.

It would be wonderful to have you with us, please pop in when you can.

As we hope you can see, we envisage this as a community driven venture, so any volunteers to lead the circle will be encouraged and nurtured.

We look forward to seeing you.

Gassho,

Ryokudo and Seiko

Nengei
02-24-2021, 01:11 AM
8 pm UDT?

Gassho
Nengei
Sat today. LAH.

Risho
02-24-2021, 03:31 AM
This sounds really cool! gassho1

gassho

Risho
-stlah

Kotei
02-24-2021, 06:18 AM
Thank you Seiko, looking forward to join here and there.

It's 8pm UTC (the time standard) and should be the same time as GMT (the timezone), until the end of March where daylight saving changes it to BST.
It will show up in the Calendar for easier timezone translation soon!

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.


8 pm UDT?

Gassho
Nengei
Sat today. LAH.

Bion
02-24-2021, 01:53 PM
So is everyone to keep their microphones on and chant simultaneously or is everyone chanting by themselves, mic off and just the host chants out loud?

[emoji1374] SatToday

Risho
02-24-2021, 04:53 PM
So is everyone yo keep their microphones on and chant simultaneously or is everyone chanting by themselves, mic off and just the host chants out loud?

[emoji1374] SatToday

I don't know if it would get insane on zoom, but I'd personally like to have our mics on - I think we'd need to wear headphones though to mute out any ambient sound that could cause feedback.

Gassho

Risho
-st

Shoka
02-24-2021, 05:28 PM
If you do leave all the mics open, regardless of headphones or not, you will be hearing background noise, lag and interference. It is lovely through even in the chaos.

There isn't a good way to battle lag which will make some people always sound behind or ahead. My brother is a music teacher and has been teaching from home for the last year.... they still haven't figured out a way to actually get the kids playing together.

But for your purposes as long as everyone knows that is going to happen, and there is nothing "wrong"; then you can enjoy what comes out. This is the main reason to mute everyone during the zazenkai's and other ceremony because it can become very chaotic.

Gassho,
Shoka
(she/her)
sat/lah

Risho
02-24-2021, 05:53 PM
If you do leave all the mics open, regardless of headphones or not, you will be hearing background noise, lag and interference. It is lovely through even in the chaos.


hahahah I knew you'd say that gassho1

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Ryokudo
02-24-2021, 08:24 PM
So I guess mics off then unless we feel like experimenting on the day

Gassho

Ryokudo

Sekishi
02-25-2021, 05:02 PM
I think we'd need to wear headphones though to mute out any ambient sound that could cause feedback.

Agreed. Without headphones feedback is inevitable. Feedback with network lag is such a fun and wild beast - "MOAR ECHO!!! echo!!! e.c.h.o..."

I think it would be a fun experiment to have mics on. The biggest issue I personally run into in that type of situation is that the human brain does not do well when reciting if time shifted versions of the thing being recited is fed back into the ears. It is like an automatic 50 point IQ hit! :D

Anyhow, have fun and experiment, and I'm sure a method will present itself. Thank you all for practicing together.

Deep bows,
Sekishi

Seiko
02-27-2021, 02:59 AM
Thank you to everyone posting here. Ryokudo and I have summoned every ounce of courage we can, in order to bring this idea to the table. So far, the level of response is heart warming.

Mics on, mics off - let's see how it goes. We are keen on good intention and already know our chanting voices are imperfect. Perhaps a little feedback and distortion might enhance the sounds we make. In either case, we'll let you know during each session whether it's mics off or an "open mic night".

See you there!

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
02-27-2021, 03:07 AM
Week commencing 1st March 2021 (GMT):

This, our first week, we begin by chanting Sanki Raimon together before Sandokai.

Sanki Raimon

I take refuge in buddha.
May all beings
embody the great way,
resolving to awaken.

I take refuge in dharma.
May all living beings
deeply enter the sutras,
wisdom like an ocean.

I take refuge in sangha.
May all beings
support harmony in the community,
free from hindrance.

Sandokai can be found in the Treeleaf Chant book - that we use for Weekly and Monthly Zazenkai.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Risho
02-27-2021, 03:51 AM
Whoever implemented the treeleaf now calendar; fantastic work; thank you!

Seiko this is in the heart of my workday; will you be posting recordings?

gassho

risho
-stlah

Seiko
02-27-2021, 01:18 PM
Whoever implemented the treeleaf now calendar; fantastic work; thank you!

Seiko this is in the heart of my workday; will you be posting recordings?

gassho

risho
-stlah

Hello Risho,
Yes the regional time differences can be a barrier to overcome. In choosing this time we were hoping to provide accessibility for people in UK and Europe, but of course everyone is invited and welcome.

I am not sure how to arrange to post recordings. I can put that question to Shoka and Sekishi.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Risho
02-27-2021, 02:59 PM
nah no worries; Iunderstand; I’ll join when I can gassho1

Yuki
03-01-2021, 09:11 PM
Thanks to Ryokudo and Seiko for this formidable experience!
Will join again, for sure !
Merci beaucoup ������������

Michel

(Sat today)

Seiko
03-01-2021, 09:49 PM
Thanks to Ryokudo and Seiko for this formidable experience!
Will join again, for sure !
Merci beaucoup ������������

Michel

(Sat today)

Ah, Yuki, lovely to meet you. Thank you for your practice. Please do let us know when you would like to chant in French. We look forward to it.
In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Ryokudo
03-01-2021, 10:32 PM
Ah, Yuki, lovely to meet you. Thank you for your practice. Please do let us know when you would like to chant in French. We look forward to it.
In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Indeed it was a lovely experience Michel and I look forward to seeing you soon. Can't wait for my French lesson as well [morehappy]

Gassho,

Ryokudo,

SAT/LAH

Yokai
03-02-2021, 01:31 AM
Hi Seiko

This falls 9am NZ time, but I can join you some days :encouragement:

Gassho, Yokai (Chris) sat/lah

Yuki
03-02-2021, 08:40 PM
Sorry gentlemen, I missed the chanting today. We are doing renovations at home and workers began this afternoon. NOISE and constant informations to give, so I had to skip our rendezvous. See you tomorrow... I hope !

Gassho, Michel. ( sat today)

Seiko
03-02-2021, 10:28 PM
Hi Seiko

This falls 9am NZ time, but I can join you some days :encouragement:

Gassho, Yokai (Chris) sat/lah

Always welcome Yokai.
In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-02-2021, 10:29 PM
Sorry gentlemen, I missed the chanting today. We are doing renovations at home and workers began this afternoon. NOISE and constant informations to give, so I had to skip our rendezvous. See you tomorrow... I hope !

Gassho, Michel. ( sat today)

Ah Yuki,
We look forward to seeing you again, when you are able.
In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Ryokudo
03-03-2021, 08:43 PM
Thanks for the lovely session tonight my friends.

Gassho

Ryokudo,

SAT/LAH

Seiko
03-03-2021, 08:56 PM
@Ryokudo
@Yuki


Thanks for the lovely session tonight my friends.

Gassho

Ryokudo,

SAT/LAH

Thank you for your practice and your companionship.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Meian
03-04-2021, 01:54 AM
I see it in the Calendar (it is at 3pm EST my time) -- so this will be ongoing for a while, yes?

I am not able to attend yet, but I would like to after some things finish up -- it sounds lovely.

gassho2, meian st lh

Yuki
03-04-2021, 01:59 AM
Merci à vous deux, thank you both, Seiko and Ryokudo.gassho2

Ryokudo
03-04-2021, 01:30 PM
I see it in the Calendar (it is at 3pm EST my time) -- so this will be ongoing for a while, yes?

I am not able to attend yet, but I would like to after some things finish up -- it sounds lovely.

gassho2, meian st lh

Hi Meian,

The plan is for this to be ongoing ad infinitum with a variety of us being involved. So whenever you have the time to join we will be there.....all being lovely together.

We'll look forward to seeing you [morehappy]

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
03-04-2021, 08:35 PM
Alone in the Chanting & Zazen Circle, I dared to sing the Sanki Raimon and the Sandokai at your place (despite my bad accent ;)), but didn’t sit because it was already done. See you soon my friends.

Michel ( Sat today)

Ryokudo
03-04-2021, 08:56 PM
Alone in the Chanting & Zazen Circle, I dared to sing the Sanki Raimon and the Sandokai at your place (despite my bad accent ;)), but didn’t sit because it was already done. See you soon my friends.

Michel ( Sat today)

Hey Yuki,

I'm so sorry I missed it, unfortunately I was called away to a leak at the last moment. I will certainly be there tomorrow. Many apologies.

Thanks and Gassho,

Ryokudo.

SAT/LAH

Yuki
03-06-2021, 09:14 PM
Merci, thanks to Seiko and Ryokudo for this first week of Chanting & Zazen Circle. It was great to chant and sit in your company.
Deep gratitude ! gassho2 gassho2 gassho2

Ryokudo
03-08-2021, 02:04 PM
Hello all,

Here comes a new week and we are planning on chanting Hannya Shingyo in Japanese, as we will all be used to from the monthly ZAZENKAI. This is available in the chant book (I believe). Otherwise it is reprinted below.


INO ONLY =
Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo*
(The Heart of the Perfection of Great Wisdom Sutra in JAPANESE)

EVERYONE =

Kan Ji Zai Bo Satsu Gyo Jin Han Nya Ha Ra Mi Ta Ji Sho Ken* Go On Kai Ku Do I Sai Ku Yaku Sha Ri Shi Shiki Fu I Ku Ku Fu I Shiki Shiki Soku Ze Ku Ku Soku Ze Shiki Ju So Gyo Shiki Yaku Bu Nyo Ze Sha Ri Shi Ze Sho Ho Ku So Fu Sho Fu Metsu Fu Ku Fu Jo Fu Zo Fu Gen Ze Ko Ku Chu Mu Shiki Mu Ju So Gyo Shiki Mu Gen Ni Bi Ze Shin Ni Mu Shiki Sho Ko Mi Soku Ho Mu Gen Kai Nai Shi Mu I Shiki Kai Mu Mu Myo Yaku Mu Mu Myo Jin Nai Shi Mu Ro Shi Yaku Mu Ro Shi Jin Mu Ku Shu Metsu Do Mu Chi Yaku Mu Toku I Mu Sho Tok ko Bo Dai Sat Ta E Han-Nya Ha Ra Mi Ta* Ko Shin Mu Kei Ge Mu Kei Ge Ko Mu U Ku Fu On Ri Is Sai Ten Do Mu So Ku Gyo Ne Han San Ze Sho Butsu E Han Nya Ha Ra Mi Ta* Ko Toku A Noku Ta Ra San Myaku San Bo Dai Ko Chi Han-Nya Ha Ra Mi Ta Ze Dai Jin Shu Ze Dai Myo Shu Ze Mu Jo Shu Ze Mu To To Shu No Jo Is Sai Ku Shin Jitsu Fu Ko Ko Setsu
Han Nya Ha Ra Mi Ta Shu Soku Setsu Shu Watsu
Gya* Tei Gya Tei * Ha Ra Gya Tei HaraSo Gya Tei * Bo Ji Sowa Ka

Han Nya Shin Gyo

Yuki, it would be lovely to hear you lead this if you are in the mood? Alternative myself or Seiko will be happy to take it on.

Many thanks all,

Gassho

Ryokudo,

SAT/LAH

Yuki
03-08-2021, 06:16 PM
Hi !

Great, I could try to take the lead if one of you ring the bell...
And I can use the mokugyo if you want.

Yuki (Sat today)

Yuki
03-08-2021, 09:04 PM
Merci gassho1 ! As usual, a great meeting with you.

Master Dōgen said :

« Dropping off body and mind ; and skin, flesh, bones, and marrow : how could these be involved with self or other ? Upon breaking into a smile, earth, water, fire, and air have never been separated. […] Today we are again the same as children singing. »

Yuki (SAT)

Seiko
03-08-2021, 09:07 PM
Well tonight Yuki did a great job of leading Ryokudo and Seiko in chanting the Heart Sutra in Japanese, which we followed by 27 minutes of Zazen. We always have a little chat before we begin, and after we finish. This regular event is turning out to be a beautiful and valuable addition to our practice.

Everyone is welcome to join us whenever you can, it's 8pm GMT and you can find it in the Treeleaf calendar.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-08-2021, 09:39 PM
Here is the Heart Sutra again, with the bell queues and the words arranged nicely so you can see where to breathe... for anyone who would like to practice at home... just in case you can't do it in one breath. Haha!

Bells:
(*) large bell,
(**)small bell,
(x) stifled bell



Maka Hannya Haramita Shingyo(*)

Kan ji zai bo satsu.
Gyo jin han nya hara mita ji.
Sho ken
(*)GO on kai ku.
Do issai ku yaku.
Sha ri shi.
Shiki fu i ku.
Ku fu i shiki.
Shiki soku ze ku.
Ku soku ze shiki.
Ju so gyo shiki.
Yaku bu nyo ze.
Shari shi.
Ze sho ho ku so.
Fu sho fu metsu.
Fu ku fu jo.
Fu zo fu gen.
Ze ko ku chu.
Mu shiki mu ju so gyo shiki.
Mu gen ni bi ze shin i.
Mu shiki sho ko mi soku ho.
Mu gen kai nai shi mu i shiki kai.
Mu mu myo yaku mu mu myo jin.
Nai shi mu ro shi.
Yaku mu ro shi jin.
Mu ku shu metsu do.
Mu chi yaku mu toku.
I mu sho toku ko.
Bodai sat ta e hannya haramita
(*)KO Shin mu ke ge mu ke ge ko.
Mu u ku fu.
On ri issai ten do mu so.
Ku gyo ne han.
San ze sho butsu.
E hannya haramita
(*)KO Toku a noku ta ra san myaku san bodai.
Ko chi hannya haramita.
Ze dai jin shu.
Ze dai myo shu.
Ze mu jo shu.
Ze mu to do shu.
No jo issai ku.
Shin jitsu fu ko ko setsu hannya haramita shu.
Soku setsu shu watsu.
Gya tei, gya tei,
(**) HA ra gya tei.
Hara so gya tei.
(**)BO ji so waka.

Hannya Shingyo. (x)

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-10-2021, 11:00 PM
Currently this circle is hosted by:

Monday - Seiko & Ryokudo
Tuesday - Ryokudo & Seiko
Wednesday - Seiko & Ryokudo
Thursday - Ryokudo
Friday - Ryokudo
Saturday - Seiko


Always happy for others to host or lead or suggest chants.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-11-2021, 01:02 AM
Invitation:

If you can, please consider dropping in to the Chanting and Zazen Circle. You can see it in the Treeleaf Calendar.

This week, up to Saturday 13th March, we continue chanting the Heart Sutra in Japanese. I am hoping someone will join us who can help me improve my pronunciation of Japanese. We do our best, even if it is sometimes unintelligible. Haha!

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Jundo
03-11-2021, 05:14 AM
Pronunciation: Hi Guys,

The following is my slightly irreverent Heart Sutra pronunciation guide. I have seen something like it available in Japan, but not in English. Here is how it works:

I will take ordinary English words that sound as close as possible to stand for each of the following. For example:

Shin = Shin (of the leg)

Disregard any part of a word in parenthesis ( ) as if it was cut away. For example, “fool” for “fu” here:

Fu = Foo(l)

I apologize right now if this ends up being biased toward Yankee pronunciations. Our friends from other places might adjust for worldwide versions.

A couple of pointers:

Two words together are meant to be said as one two syllable word quickly. For example, “Maka” sounds like “ma” (of “mama) and “car” (with the 'r' cut off), said as one quick two syllable words, thus:

Maka = Ma(ma) Ca(r)

Words with “u” at the end such as “Soku” usually – but not always – have a “u” sound at the end that sounds like the French word for water “eau” or the “ooh” of "ooh la la". If you listen to the following recording, the “ooh” is sometimes so subtle, and barely pronounced, that it can sound almost like a one syllable word. So, “Soku” would be:

Soku = Soak(the dishes) ooh (la la, but barely pronounced)

One should listen closely and compare the below with this Japanese version for practice:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_76-ek1QdM0

Shall we see how this goes? Maybe we can even ask someone to make an animated version sometime! That would be cool. :=9

Gassho, Jundo
SatTodayLAH

====================================

Maka = Ma(ma) Ca(r to drive)
Hannya = Han(Solo of Star Wars, rhymes with man's name Ron) (Italian lasag)na
Haramita = Ha(ha ha) ra(h rah sis boom bah) me(and you) ta(r the road)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Gyo = ( Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)

Kan = Kahn (of Star Trek)
Ji = Gee (whiz)
Zai = Xy(lophone)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Satsu = (They) sats (down) ooh (NOTE: Rather than “sats”, closer to “sots” as in “besotted”. Also, some Japanese abbreviate this to "Sa," most do not)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Jin = Gin (Rummy)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ji = Gee (Whiz)
Sho = Show (time)
Ken = Ken (and Barbie)
Go = Go (Away)
On = Own (a house)
Kai = Ki(te to fly)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Do = Doe (a female deer)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Sai = Sigh (with love)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Sha = Sha (of Iran)
Ri = Rea(d a book)
Shi = She (and him)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Fu = Foo (Fighters) or for the older crowd, Foo(l me once, shame on me)
I = ea(t your breakfast)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Ju = Jew (in Tel Aviv)
So = Sew (a button)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Bu = Boo (went the ghost)
Nyo = (The eggs were u)nyo(ked)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Sha = Sha (of Iran)
Ri = Rea(d a book)
Shi = She (and he)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Sho = Show (time)
Ho = Ho (ho ho says Santa)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
So = Sew (a button)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Sho = Show (time)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Metsu = (Baseball's New York) Mets ooh (la la, subtle)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Jo = Joe (man's name)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Zo = (Bo)zo (the clown)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Gen = (Once more a)gain
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Chu = Chew (your food)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ju = Jew (in Tel Aviv)
So = Sew (a button)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Gen = (Once more a)gain
Ni = Knee (of the leg)
Bi = Bee (is buzzing)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Ni = Knee (of the leg)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Sho = Show (time)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Mi = Me (and you)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Ho = Ho (ho ho says Santa)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Gen = (Once more a)gain
Kai = Ki(te to fly)
Nai = Nigh(t and day)
Shi = She (and he)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Kai = Ki(te to fly)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Myo = (Jewelry Ca)meo (said really fast)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Myo = (Jewelry Ca)meo
Jin = Gin (Rummy)
Nai = Nigh(t and day)
Shi = She (and he)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ro = Row (your boat)
Shi = She (and he)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (subtle)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ro = Row (your boat)
Shi = She (and he)
Jin = Gin (rummy)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Metsu = (Baseball's New York) Mets ooh (la la, subtle)
Do = Doe (a female deer)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Chi = Chee(se and crackers)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Toku = Toke (a smoke) ooh (la la, subtle)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Sho = Show (time)
Tok- = Toe (of the foot)
ko = Co-(pilot)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Sat = (Bes)sot(ed)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
E = E(dward)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Kei = (O)kay
Ge = Ge(t me a hammer)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Kei = (O)kay
Ge = Ge(t me a hammer)
Ko = Co(-pilot)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
U = Ooh (La La)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
On = Own (a house)
Ri = Rea(d a book)
Is- = Ea(t your breakfast)
Sai = Sigh (with love)
Ten = 10
Do = Doe (a female deer)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
So = Sew (a button)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Ne = Ne(xt in line)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
San = San (rhymes with man's name Ron)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Sho = Show (time)
Butsu = Boots (to wear) ooh (la la, subtle)
E = Eh (What did you say?)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Toku = Toke (a smoke) ooh (la la, subtle)
A = (Doctor's “Open wide, say) Ah
Noku = No (not yes) Coo (says the pigeon)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
San = San (rhymes with man's name Ron)
Myaku = Mia (Culpa) Coo (says the pigeon) … said fast …
San = San (rhymes with man's name Ron)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Chi = Chee(se and crackers)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Jin = Gin (Rummy)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Myo = (Jewelry Ca)meo (said really fast)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Jo = Joe (man's name)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
To = Toe (of the foot)
Do = Doe (a female deer)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
No = No (and yes)
Jo = Joe (man's name)
Is = Ea(t your breakfast)
sai = Sigh (with love)
Ku = Coo (said the pigeon)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Jitsu = (Gad)gets, but 'i' sound as in Ju-Jitsu
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Ko = Co-(Pilot)
Ko = Co-(Pilot)
Setsu = (Television) sets ooh (la la, subtle)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Setsu = (Television) sets ooh (la la, subtle)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Watsu = Whatsu(p?)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Hara = Ha (ha ha) Ra (ra sis boom bah)
So = Sew (a button)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Ji = Gee (whiz)
Sowa = So wha(t?)
Ka = Ca(r to drive)
Hannya = Han(Solo of Star Wars, rhymes with man's name Ron) (Italian lasag)na
Shingyo = Shin (of the leg) ( Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)

gassho2

Seiko
03-11-2021, 10:30 AM
Pronunciation: Hi Guys,

The following is my slightly irreverent Heart Sutra pronunciation guide. I have seen something like it available in Japan, but not in English. Here is how it works:

I will take ordinary English words that sound as close as possible to stand for each of the following. For example:

Shin = Shin (of the leg)

Disregard any part of a word in parenthesis ( ) as if it was cut away. For example, “fool” for “fu” here:

Fu = Foo(l)

I apologize right now if this ends up being biased toward Yankee pronunciations. Our friends from other places might adjust for worldwide versions.

A couple of pointers:

Two words together are meant to be said as one two syllable word quickly. For example, “Maka” sounds like “ma” (of “mama) and “car” (with the 'r' cut off), said as one quick two syllable words, thus:

Maka = Ma(ma) Ca(r)

Words with “u” at the end such as “Soku” usually – but not always – have a “u” sound at the end that sounds like the French word for water “eau” or the “ooh” of "ooh la la". If you listen to the following recording, the “ooh” is sometimes so subtle, and barely pronounced, that it can sound almost like a one syllable word. So, “Soku” would be:

Soku = Soak(the dishes) ooh (la la, but barely pronounced)

One should listen closely and compare the below with this Japanese version for practice:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_76-ek1QdM0

Shall we see how this goes? Maybe we can even ask someone to make an animated version sometime! That would be cool. :=9

Gassho, Jundo
SatTodayLAH

====================================

Maka = Ma(ma) Ca(r to drive)
Hannya = Han(Solo of Star Wars, rhymes with man's name Ron) (Italian lasag)na
Haramita = Ha(ha ha) ra(h rah sis boom bah) me(and you) ta(r the road)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Gyo = ( Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)

Kan = Kahn (of Star Trek)
Ji = Gee (whiz)
Zai = Xy(lophone)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Satsu = (They) sats (down) ooh (NOTE: Rather than “sats”, closer to “sots” as in “besotted”. Also, some Japanese abbreviate this to "Sa," most do not)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Jin = Gin (Rummy)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ji = Gee (Whiz)
Sho = Show (time)
Ken = Ken (and Barbie)
Go = Go (Away)
On = Own (a house)
Kai = Ki(te to fly)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Do = Doe (a female deer)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Sai = Sigh (with love)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Sha = Sha (of Iran)
Ri = Rea(d a book)
Shi = She (and him)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Fu = Foo (Fighters) or for the older crowd, Foo(l me once, shame on me)
I = ea(t your breakfast)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Ju = Jew (in Tel Aviv)
So = Sew (a button)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Bu = Boo (went the ghost)
Nyo = (The eggs were u)nyo(ked)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Sha = Sha (of Iran)
Ri = Rea(d a book)
Shi = She (and he)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Sho = Show (time)
Ho = Ho (ho ho says Santa)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
So = Sew (a button)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Sho = Show (time)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Metsu = (Baseball's New York) Mets ooh (la la, subtle)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Jo = Joe (man's name)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Zo = (Bo)zo (the clown)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Gen = (Once more a)gain
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Chu = Chew (your food)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ju = Jew (in Tel Aviv)
So = Sew (a button)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Gen = (Once more a)gain
Ni = Knee (of the leg)
Bi = Bee (is buzzing)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Ni = Knee (of the leg)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Sho = Show (time)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Mi = Me (and you)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Ho = Ho (ho ho says Santa)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Gen = (Once more a)gain
Kai = Ki(te to fly)
Nai = Nigh(t and day)
Shi = She (and he)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Shiki = Shick (razors) key (and lock)
Kai = Ki(te to fly)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Myo = (Jewelry Ca)meo (said really fast)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Myo = (Jewelry Ca)meo
Jin = Gin (Rummy)
Nai = Nigh(t and day)
Shi = She (and he)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ro = Row (your boat)
Shi = She (and he)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (subtle)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ro = Row (your boat)
Shi = She (and he)
Jin = Gin (rummy)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Metsu = (Baseball's New York) Mets ooh (la la, subtle)
Do = Doe (a female deer)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Chi = Chee(se and crackers)
Yaku = (Boating ka)yak ooh (la la, subtle)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Toku = Toke (a smoke) ooh (la la, subtle)
I = Ea(t your breakfast)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Sho = Show (time)
Tok- = Toe (of the foot)
ko = Co-(pilot)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Sat = (Bes)sot(ed)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
E = E(dward)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Kei = (O)kay
Ge = Ge(t me a hammer)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Kei = (O)kay
Ge = Ge(t me a hammer)
Ko = Co(-pilot)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
U = Ooh (La La)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
On = Own (a house)
Ri = Rea(d a book)
Is- = Ea(t your breakfast)
Sai = Sigh (with love)
Ten = 10
Do = Doe (a female deer)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
So = Sew (a button)
Ku = Coo (went the pigeon)
Gyo = (Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)
Ne = Ne(xt in line)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
San = San (rhymes with man's name Ron)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Sho = Show (time)
Butsu = Boots (to wear) ooh (la la, subtle)
E = Eh (What did you say?)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Toku = Toke (a smoke) ooh (la la, subtle)
A = (Doctor's “Open wide, say) Ah
Noku = No (not yes) Coo (says the pigeon)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
San = San (rhymes with man's name Ron)
Myaku = Mia (Culpa) Coo (says the pigeon) … said fast …
San = San (rhymes with man's name Ron)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Ko = Co-(pilot)
Chi = Chee(se and crackers)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Jin = Gin (Rummy)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Dai = Die (and live another day)
Myo = (Jewelry Ca)meo (said really fast)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
Jo = Joe (man's name)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Ze = Ze(ppelin)
Mu = Moo (went the cow)
To = Toe (of the foot)
Do = Doe (a female deer)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
No = No (and yes)
Jo = Joe (man's name)
Is = Ea(t your breakfast)
sai = Sigh (with love)
Ku = Coo (said the pigeon)
Shin = Shin (of the leg)
Jitsu = (Gad)gets, but 'i' sound as in Ju-Jitsu
Fu = Foo (Fighters)
Ko = Co-(Pilot)
Ko = Co-(Pilot)
Setsu = (Television) sets ooh (la la, subtle)
Han = Han (Solo, rhymes with man's name Ron)
Nya = (Italian lasag)na
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Mi = Me (and you)
Ta = Ta(r the road)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Soku = Soak (the laundry) ooh (la la, subtle)
Setsu = (Television) sets ooh (la la, subtle)
Shu = Shoe (to wear)
Watsu = Whatsu(p?)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Ha = Ha (ha ha)
Ra = Ra (ra sis boom bah)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Hara = Ha (ha ha) Ra (ra sis boom bah)
So = Sew (a button)
Gya = (Bi)g ya(cht to sail)
Tei = Ta(ke my hand)
Bo = (Stallone is Ram)bo
Ji = Gee (whiz)
Sowa = So wha(t?)
Ka = Ca(r to drive)
Hannya = Han(Solo of Star Wars, rhymes with man's name Ron) (Italian lasag)na
Shingyo = Shin (of the leg) ( Large Bi)gyo(yo toy)

gassho2

Thank you Jundo,

I am amazed, laughing, bowing and in awe - all at the same time.

Thank you

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Jundo
03-11-2021, 10:56 AM
Thank you Jundo,

I am amazed, laughing, bowing and in awe - all at the same time.

Thank you

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

It is actually based on an old Japanese tradition. And the old Japanese could be even more irreverent, here are a couple from Japan, old and modern. Many of the older items are head scratchers for modern people, but I see some funny ones. "Chi" is a word for a breast or utter in Japanese, so you will see a picture of two breasts (third column from left).

Below that, "sa" is the sound of a dog peeing in Japanese, so (also third column) ...

https://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/79/09/992b8063a0cd78ffb422c702f04d03ef.jpg

You might notice a fat belly, which is "Hara" in Japanese (first column on right) ...

http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~qd5h-tnk/20030606-s.jpg

And, of course, a scholar's paper on the topic ...


This paper is concerned with introducing iconic pictograph systems that were created by Buddhist
priests more than three hundred years ago to help illiterate people recite important Buddhist sutras.
These iconic pictograph systems did not imitate Chinese characters or their meanings, nor did they
utilize the available kana system of phonographs. Instead, pictographs were created that made use of
Japanese homophones related to everyday objects, such as household utensils, farming tools and body
parts, as well as making use of various metaphors, and even puns, resulting in pictographs that are at
once humorous and effective. The present paper will first discuss the importance of form in Japanese
culture, introduce the Heart Sutra and the notion of mantra, and then illustrate how the pictographs
could induce the desired pronuciation for reciting the Heart Sutra. And finally, there is a brief
discussion of how this pictograph-induced recitation of the sutra could be mantra-like in producing a
calm meditative state.
http://www2.ngu.ac.jp/uri/gengo/pdf/genbun_vol2601_08.pdf

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

Ryokudo
03-11-2021, 06:52 PM
Dear all I am afraid I am laid up I bed with flu and cannot therfore make tonight. Many apologies

Yuki
03-11-2021, 09:14 PM
Dear friend, I wish you will recover quickly from this ! I hope it’s not the Covid-19.:(:
Today, I took the lead of our practice with John Pursch, from Arizona. We have done a nice Sanki Raimon, a hazardous Hannya Shingyo and a good enough Four Vows, and, of course, we sat together. It was not so bad, I think.
Take good care of you, Ryokudo !

gassho2:buddha:gassho2

Jundo
03-12-2021, 12:24 AM
Dear all I am afraid I am laid up I bed with flu and cannot therfore make tonight. Many apologies

Metta Ryokudo. All chants dedicated for your recovery, and for all those everywhere who are sick today.

Gassho, J

STLah

Geika
03-12-2021, 06:01 AM
That is quite an amazing write up, Jundo!

And please get well soon, Ruokudo. Sitting with you.

Gassho
Sat, lah

Risho
03-12-2021, 03:50 PM
I love this thread! Ryokudo - I hope you feel better soon

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Seiko
03-12-2021, 05:19 PM
Dear friend, I wish you will recover quickly from this ! I hope it’s not the Covid-19.:(:
Today, I took the lead of our practice with John Pursch, from Arizona. We have done a nice Sanki Raimon, a hazardous Hannya Shingyo and a good enough Four Vows, and, of course, we sat together. It was not so bad, I think.
Take good care of you, Ryokudo !

gassho2:buddha:gassho2

This is wonderful. Thank you for your practice.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-12-2021, 05:35 PM
Dear all I am afraid I am laid up I bed with flu and cannot therfore make tonight. Many apologies

Ryokudo, blood brother,
I hope we both recover fast and strong. Your flu and my broken ribs. May we be at ease with all our ills.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Risho
03-12-2021, 06:20 PM
Seiko - is this some sort of fight club chant circle? :D I hope you recover soon as well! gassho2

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Yuki
03-12-2021, 06:32 PM
You too Seiko ? Broken ribs ? Metta to you, my friend.
You can be sure I will do my best with my poor English and try to maintain the daily meeting with newcomers.:encouragement:

See you soon Seiko! [gassholook]

Risho
03-12-2021, 08:44 PM
It was great getting a chance to drop in for once and practice with you all gassho2

For next week's chant - would you happen to have a link to it?

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Seiko
03-12-2021, 09:20 PM
Seiko - is this some sort of fight club chant circle? :D I hope you recover soon as well! gassho2

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Thank you

Just imaginary bows until the pain eases.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-12-2021, 09:22 PM
You too Seiko ? Broken ribs ? Metta to you, my friend.
You can be sure I will do my best with my poor English and try to maintain the daily meeting with newcomers.:encouragement:

See you soon Seiko! [gassholook]

Thank you. You are capable and formidable.

In Gsssho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-12-2021, 09:24 PM
It was great getting a chance to drop in for once and practice with you all gassho2

For next week's chant - would you happen to have a link to it?

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Yes. Posting here in a moment.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Seiko
03-12-2021, 09:36 PM
For next week, beginning on Monday 15th March, please join us in chanting 'Samadhi'. The text is on p33 here - https://www.sotozen.com/eng/practice/sutra/scriptures.html

The full pdf download is the first link on that page.

Coming soon - Yuki will be chanting in French someday soon. Don't miss it.

As always, everyone is welcome to join the circle, to practice with us or to select/suggest chants and/or take a turn at leading the chant.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Risho
03-12-2021, 10:06 PM
Thank you gassho2

Ryokudo
03-12-2021, 11:53 PM
Seiko - is this some sort of fight club chant circle? :D I hope you recover soon as well! gassho2

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Hey all,

Thxfor the well wishes it is probably just man flu which we all know is the worst variant.

Was back today and it was great sitting with yall.

In gassho

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
03-13-2021, 02:04 AM
Chanting in French ? Yes, I have a short text I would like to share with you all. It’ s a poem by Soen Sozeki, Abbot of Daisen-in, Kyoto.
The title is « Paroles de tous les jours » (Words for Each Day).
Coming soon... !

Gassho [gassholook]
Sat today

Yuki
03-14-2021, 03:29 PM
Here are the words from Soen Ozeki, in French and in English :

Paroles de tous les jours

Ici et maintenant

Chaque jour de la vie est un apprentissage
Apprentissage pour moi-même
Bien que l'échec soit possible
Vivant chaque instant
L'égal de toute chose
Prêt à tout
Je suis vivant, je suis ce moment
Mon avenir est ici et maintenant
Car si je ne peux endurer ce jour
Quand et où le pourrai-je*?

Paroles de tous les jours,
by Soen Ozeki, Abbot of Daisen-in, Kyoto

Words for Each Day

Here and now

Each day in life is training.
Training for myself.
Though failure is possible.
Living each moment.
Equal to anything.
Ready for everything.
I am alive. I am this moment.
My future is here and now.
For if I cannot endure today.
When and where will I?

[gassholook]
Yuki

Ryokudo
03-15-2021, 12:44 AM
Here are the words from Soen Ozeki, in French and in English :

Paroles de tous les jours

Ici et maintenant

Chaque jour de la vie est un apprentissage
Apprentissage pour moi-même
Bien que l'échec soit possible
Vivant chaque instant
L'égal de toute chose
Prêt à tout
Je suis vivant, je suis ce moment
Mon avenir est ici et maintenant
Car si je ne peux endurer ce jour
Quand et où le pourrai-je*?

Paroles de tous les jours,
by Soen Ozeki, Abbot of Daisen-in, Kyoto

Words for Each Day

Here and now

Each day in life is training.
Training for myself.
Though failure is possible.
Living each moment.
Equal to anything.
Ready for everything.
I am alive. I am this moment.
My future is here and now.
For if I cannot endure today.
When and where will I?

[gassholook]
Yuki

I love it yuki. Be great to hear it en francaise.

See you tomorrow,

In gassho,

Ryokudo

Ryokudo
03-15-2021, 08:44 PM
Great to share our practice today gang and again many thanks to yuki for the poem.

I may try it in English tomorrow, or French who knows.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Kotei
03-15-2021, 08:52 PM
Thank you everyone.
I enjoyed chanting and sitting together.
Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

Yuki
03-16-2021, 12:04 AM
Thanks everyone, it was great to sit and chant in your company !
[gassholook]

Shokai
03-16-2021, 12:34 AM
I\m sorry I misswd it. I had it marked on my to do list but got tied up with getting appointments made for Covid vaccines.
try again tomorrow

gassho, Shokai
stlah

Ryokudo
03-16-2021, 02:19 AM
Hey no problem Shokai,

You were there in spirit anyway and are always welcome.

Gassho

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Ryokudo
03-16-2021, 08:52 PM
As ever gang thank you for joining the circle today and for listening as I droned on:D

Its always great to share the practice with you.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Risho
03-16-2021, 09:01 PM
Apologies for being late - thank you for this - this is a point of sanity in my workday when i can join gassho1

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Ryokudo
03-16-2021, 10:41 PM
There's no need to apologise Risho. And its great to be part of the oasis for you. Its great to see you whenever u can make it.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
03-17-2021, 12:07 AM
Thanks for the excellent reading of Words for each day !
[gassholook]
Yuki
Sat today

Ryokudo
03-17-2021, 09:52 AM
Merci Beaucoup, mon frere Quebecois

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Ryokudo
03-17-2021, 10:40 PM
Hi all,

Many thanks for joining us in our chanting and sitting today. As ever it was great to see y'all.

As promised I am posting the Song of Zazen by Hakuin Ekaku, which is the suggested chant for next week. It is also available in the Treeleaf Retreat Chant book which can be found in the following place on the site (it's formatted better too)

Home > Sutras > Treeleaf Retreat Chant Book > TREELEAFCHANTBOOKFORRETREAT11252011.pdf

Zen Master Hakuin's Chant in Praise of Zazen * (Hakuin Zenji Zazen-Wasan, a traditional Rinzai chant)

From the very beginning all beings are Buddha. Like water and ice, without water no ice, outside us no Buddhas. * How near the truth, yet how far we seek, like one in water crying, “I thirst!” Like a child of rich birth wandering poor on this earth, we endlessly circle the six worlds. The cause of our sorrow is ego delusion. From dark path to dark path We’ve wandered in darkness— how can we be free from birth and death? The gateway to freedom is zazen samadhi— beyond exaltation, beyond all our praises, the pure Mahayana. Upholding the precepts,

repentance and giving, the countless good deeds, and the way of right living all come from zazen. Thus one true samadhi extinguishes evils; it purifies karma, dissolving obstructions. Then where are the dark paths to lead us astray? The pure lotus land is not far away. Hearing this truth, heart humble and grateful, to praise and embrace it, to practice its wisdom, brings unending blessings, brings mountains of merit. And when we turn inward and prove our True-nature— that True-self is no-self, our own Self is no-self— we go beyond ego and past clever words. Then the gate to the oneness of cause and effect is thrown open. Not two and not three, straight ahead runs the Way. Our form now being no-form, in going and returning we never leave home. Our thought now being no-thought, our dancing and songs are the voice of the Dharma. How vast is the heaven of boundless samadhi!

How bright and transparent the moonlight of wisdom! What is there outside us, what it there we lack? Nirvana is openly shown to our eyes. This earth where we stand is the pure lotus land, and this very body the body of Buddha.


Gassho,

Ryokudo,

SAT/LAH

Jundo
03-17-2021, 11:35 PM
We chanted the Zazen Wasan for many years in honor of my mentor, Doshin Cantor from the White Plum lineage of Maezumi Roshi, who is someone who has been a great influence on Treeleaf. (I learned how to facilitate a Sangha by participating with Doshin's community for many years, and much of what we do here is inspired by Doshin's group.) He is a good friend, and they chant the Zazen Wasan each day.

The words of the Zazen Wasan, the Song in Praise of Zazen, are lovely and wise.

7036

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Risho
03-17-2021, 11:35 PM
Ryokudo - what you said today - think how amazing it is we get to all chant together - it's not only unique that we have found this practice but from such far places - at the same time not so far as we are all in each others' hearts. good stuff gassho2

Ah Hakuin's poetry is beautiful!

Awww that's really awesome and touching Jundo - we're in good company :) gassho2

Thank you all for this little chanting group. I will post the 2 versions of the evening gatha later: the normal one and the Jundo/Emptiness version which is really cool and the other side of the no-sided coin just in case you want to write it down; it's like the poem that Huineng comprised: what mirror is there for dust to alight? But still we polish/dust not to clear or to change but because that's what Buddha's do hahahahah

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Risho
03-18-2021, 11:58 AM
As promise

Evening Gatha

Let me respectfully remind you,
Life and death are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive to awaken...
...awaken,
Take heed. Do not squander your life.

Jundo's Evening Gatha

No "me" no "you", no life or death.
No time to pass no opportunity lost.
No "us" to strive, no goal or striving.
Thus Awakened! AWAKENED!
How could one squander this life

I love the 2nd version to compliment the first but, of course, it isn't license to do whatever we want. We have to strive to get to the place of not striving. Preaching to the choir :D

Gassho

Risho
-st

Seiko
03-18-2021, 01:05 PM
As promise

Evening Gatha


Jundo's Evening Gatha


I love the 2nd version to compliment the first but, of course, it isn't license to do whatever we want. We have to strive to get to the place of not striving. Preaching to the choir :D

Gassho

Risho
-st

Hello Risho,
Those are great. And echoes of Fukanzazenji.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Ryokudo
03-18-2021, 02:21 PM
Hey man its all good and it was great to hear your voice.

Cheers

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH


Ryokudo - what you said today - think how amazing it is we get to all chant together - it's not only unique that we have found this practice but from such far places - at the same time not so far as we are all in each others' hearts. good stuff gassho2

Ah Hakuin's poetry is beautiful!

Awww that's really awesome and touching Jundo - we're in good company :) gassho2

Thank you all for this little chanting group. I will post the 2 versions of the evening gatha later: the normal one and the Jundo/Emptiness version which is really cool and the other side of the no-sided coin just in case you want to write it down; it's like the poem that Huineng comprised: what mirror is there for dust to alight? But still we polish/dust not to clear or to change but because that's what Buddha's do hahahahah

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Yuki
03-18-2021, 03:13 PM
Wonderful work, Risho ! It’s formidable to have a new reader with so much talent ! [claps]

Merci [gassholook]

Yuki

Risho
03-18-2021, 09:13 PM
Yuki, Ryokudo is right - I don't speak French but what a beautiful language.

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Yuki
03-19-2021, 12:25 AM
Thanks Risho !
I think every language have nice aspects, like a digital prints. I appreciate English, even if my accent is bad.
Merci beaucoup !

gassho1

Sat today

Jundo
03-19-2021, 01:26 AM
As promise

Evening Gatha


Jundo's Evening Gatha


I love the 2nd version to compliment the first but, of course, it isn't license to do whatever we want. We have to strive to get to the place of not striving. Preaching to the choir :D

Gassho

Risho
-st

I just came across a lovely interpretation of the Evening Gatha told by Judith Ragir, especially that last line (I added the "good") ...

“I beg to urge you, everyone.
Great is the matter of birth and death.
All things pass quickly away.
Awaken, awaken, take heed!
Make (good) use of this precious life.

Gassho, J

STLah

Risho
03-19-2021, 02:05 AM
That is awesome - thank you!

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Seiko
03-19-2021, 09:37 AM
Jundo, Risho, Yuki, Ryokudo,

I am usually pretty good at managing my own pain levels, but these ribs are really off the scale. A lesson for me not to feel so proud of myself perhaps.

I'm sure it will resolve. I hope that's soon.

Thank you for your well wishes.

I will return to the Chanting and Zazen circle as soon as health allows.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Ryokudo
03-19-2021, 12:36 PM
Thx jundo,

We'll give it a try Risho is king of the evening gatha.

In gassho

Ryokudo.




I just came across a lovely interpretation of the Evening Gatha told by Judith Ragir, especially that last line (I added the "good") ...

“I beg to urge you, everyone.
Great is the matter of birth and death.
All things pass quickly away.
Awaken, awaken, take heed!
Make (good) use of this precious life.

Gassho, J

STLah

Ryokudo
03-19-2021, 12:40 PM
Jundo, Risho, Yuki, Ryokudo,

I am usually pretty good at managing my own pain levels, but these ribs are really off the scale. A lesson for me not to feel so proud of myself perhaps.

I'm sure it will resolve. I hope that's soon.

Thank you for your well wishes.

I will return to the Chanting and Zazen circle as soon as health allows.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Hey Seiko,

Just the same lesson as every day mon frere. And that lesson is push through and don't worry, we'll all be right here now waiting for ya.

No rush, just moments.

And we send our love all the same.

Much metta to you my dharma brother.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

Risho
03-19-2021, 12:58 PM
Seiko - I have never broken a rib nor would I ever want to - please rest up man and much metta.

Ryokudo - I can't make it today due to a surprise birthday party. And LOOK! Now you are surprised too- the giving never ceases :D (#DogenDadJokes)

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Ryokudo
03-19-2021, 11:08 PM
No problem Risho,

You were there in spirit, just listening to me banging on as usual. As for your party I hope it went well. Life should be full of surprises[claps]

Gassho,

Ryokudo

Heitou
03-19-2021, 11:54 PM
I am so sorry guys it seems like something comes up every time I want to chant with you. I have my alarm set every day but can't seem to make it. I will again one day and I enjoy it. Thank You guys.

Gassho
Heitou
SatToday

Ryokudo
03-20-2021, 12:55 AM
I am so sorry guys it seems like something comes up every time I want to chant with you. I have my alarm set every day but can't seem to make it. I will again one day and I enjoy it. Thank You guys.

Gassho
Heitou
SatToday

Hey Heitou,

Really don't worry about it you're there with us in spirit anyway. It will be great to see you whenever you can make it and I can't wait to hear some Georgia twang in the chants.

Stay cool my friend.

In gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Ryokudo
03-20-2021, 08:50 PM
Thx for the sit gang. Unfortunately my pc ran out of battery mid sentence at the end. So thank you for your practice and see you next Monday.

Gassho

Ryokudo

Ryokudo
03-20-2021, 11:28 PM
Hey all here is a link to the song of zazen by haukin that will be used as the basis of the chanting next week it is on page 16 I think

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/content.php?206-Treeleaf-Retreat-Chant-Book

Many thanks

Gassho
,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Heitou
03-21-2021, 12:04 AM
Got it thanks, I didn't have this Chant Book.

Gassho
Heitou
SatToday

Jundo
03-21-2021, 01:16 AM
Hey all here is a link to the song of zazen by haukin that will be used as the basis of the chanting next week it is on page 16 I think

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/content.php?206-Treeleaf-Retreat-Chant-Book

Many thanks

Gassho
,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

That's our old Retreat Chant Book, from a few years ago. However, everything in it is still fine.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Yuki
03-21-2021, 06:44 PM
Hi everybody !
I have found the Hakuin Zenji Zazen Wasan in Japanese. Maybe it can interest some people to try it one day or another.
Here is the text...

HAKUIN ZENJI ZAZEN WASAN


Words cuts for chanting : Text in Japanese ( romaji )

SHU JO HON RAI HOTO KENA RI. Shujô honrai hotoke nari
MIZU TO KO RINO GOTO KUNI TE Mizu to kôri no gotoku nike
MIZU O HANA RETE KO RINA KU Mizu wo hanarete kôri naku
SHUJO ONO HOKA NI HOTO KENA SHI Shujô no hoka ni hotoke nashi
SHUJO O CHIKA KIO SHIRA ZUSHI TE Shujô chikaki wo shirazu shi te
TO KU MOTO MURU HAKA NASA YO Tôku momoteru ha kana sa yo
TATO EBA MIZU NO NAKA NI ITE Tatoe ba mizu no naka ni i te
KATSU O SAKE BUGA GOTO KUNA RI Katsu wo sakebu ga gotoku nari
CHO JANO IE NO KOTO NARI TE Chôja no ie no ko to nari te
HIN RINI MAYO ONI KOTO NARA ZU Hin ri ni mayô ni koto narazu
ROKU SHU RIN NENO IN NEN WA Roku shu rinne no innen wa
ONO REGA GUCHI NO YAMI JINA RI Onore ga guchi no yami ji nari
YAMI JINI YAMI JIO FUMI SOE TE Yami ji ni yami ji o fumisoete
ITSU KA SHO JIO HANA RUBE KI Itsuka shôji o hanaru beki
SORE MAKA EN NO ZEN JO WA Sore makaen no zenjô wa
SHO TAN SURU NI AMA RIA RI Shôtan suru ni amari ari
FUSE YA JIKA INO SHOHA RAMI TSU Fuse ya jikai no sho haramitsu
NEM BUTSU SAN GE SHUGYO OTO Nenbutsu zange shugyô tô
O SONO SHINA O KI SHOZE NGYO So no shina ô ki sho zen gyô
O MINA KONO NAKA NI KISU RUNA RI Mina kono uchi ni kisuru nari
ICHI ZANO KO O NASU HITO MO Ichi za no kô o nasu hito mo
TSUMI SHI MURYO ONO TSUMI HORO BU Tsumichi muryô no tsumi horobu
AKU SHU IZU KUNI ARI NUBE KI Akushu izuku ni arinu beki
JO DO SUNA WACHI TO KARA ZU Jôdo sunawachi tôkarazu
KATA JIKE NAKU MO KONO NORI O Katajikenakumo kono nori o
HITO TABI MIMI NI FURU RUTO KI Hito tabi mimi ni fururu toki
SAN TAN ZUI KI SURU HITO WA Sandan zui ki suru hito wa
FUKU O URU KOTO KAGI RINA SHI Fuku o uru koto kagiri nashi
IWA NYA MIZU KARA EKO OSHI TE Iwanya mizukara ekô shite
JIKI NI JISHO O SHO SURE BA Jikini jishô o shô sureba
JISHO O SUNA WACHI MUSHO ONI TE Jishô sunawachi mushô nite
SUDE NI KERO NO HANA RETA RI Sudeni keron o hanaretari
IN GA ICHI NYONO MON HIRA KE Inga ichinyo no mon hirake
MUNI MUSA NNO MICHI NAO SHI Muni musan no michi naoshi
MUSO ONO SO O SO TOSHI TE Musô no sô o sô toshite
YUKU MO KAE RUMO YOSO NARA ZU Yuku mo kaeru mo yoso narazu
MUNE NNO NEN O NEN TOSHI TE Munen no nen o nen toshite
UTA UMO MAU MO NORI NOKO E Utau mo mau mo nori no koe
ZAN MAI MUGE NO SORA HIRO KU Zanmai muge no sora hiroku
SHICHI EM MYO NO TSUKI SAE N Shi chi enmyô no tsuki saen
KONO TOKI NANI OKA MOTO MUBE KI Kono toki nani o ka motomu beki
JAKU METSU GEN ZEN SURU YUE NI Jakumetsu gen zen suru yue ni
TO SHO SUNA WACHI REN GEKO KU Tôsho sunawachi renge koku
KONO MI SUNA WACHI HOTO KE NA RI Kono mi sunawachi hotoke nari

...and here is a link for a MP3 to listen :

https://p5.storage.canalblog.com/58/50/1592428/122828729.mp3

Yuki
(Sat today)

Meredith
03-22-2021, 12:26 AM
This sounds lovely. I'll be joining you for the first time tomorrow! gassho2

Gassho,
Meredith
ST

Ryokudo
03-23-2021, 10:48 PM
It was great to see you meredith and thank you all for sitting and chanting with us over the past couple of days.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

Ryokudo
03-24-2021, 05:41 PM
Hey all I may not be able to make it today and if so please give yuki all ur support.

Cheers

Ryokudo

Yuki
03-24-2021, 06:39 PM
Hi, here is what I propose you this afternoon :
Sanki Raimon, of course.
Then, the Japanese chanting of Hakuin Zenji Zazen Wasan. I will accompany myself with a mokugyo. Feels free to chant with me !
27 minutes of zazen.
A short poem from master Dōgen.
And, finally, the Four Vows.

See you !

Yuki
(Sat today)

Risho
03-24-2021, 10:20 PM
Thank you John and Yuki gassho1 I like it when we have "no-shows"; then we can fulfill the 11th precept and talk behind everyone's backs [morehappy] I kid.

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Ryokudo
03-25-2021, 02:58 PM
Hey gang,

So sorry for not being there and so glad it went well...………...It was always gonna go better without me anyway[claps].

I shall see you all tonight, gang.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

Yuki
03-25-2021, 03:23 PM
Japanese accent is easier than English accent in my case ! Thanks everybody !
Yuki 雪

Risho
03-25-2021, 08:57 PM
Thank you all gassho2

Ryo, what was that poem you recited today? It was very nice, and I'd like to jot that down

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Synjin
03-25-2021, 11:45 PM
Thank you all gassho2

Ryo, what was that poem you recited today? It was very nice, and I'd like to jot that down

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Same!

Yuki, your Japanese chanting is wonderful!

Gassho
SatToday

Yuki
03-26-2021, 12:15 AM
Thanks Synjin !
I feel great when I’m chanting in Japanese... It’s my second nature I think.

Yuki 雪
(Sat today)

Ryokudo
03-28-2021, 12:40 PM
Hey Gang,

I think the one you are probably referring to was I Watch People In The World by Ryokan Taigu

I watch people in the world
Throw away their lives lusting after things,
Never able to satisfy their desires,
Falling into deeper despair
And torturing themselves.
Even if they get what they want
How long will they be able to enjoy it?
For one heavenly pleasure
They suffer ten torments of hell,
Binding themselves more firmly to the grindstone.
Such people are like monkeys
Frantically grasping for the moon in the water
And then falling into a whirlpool.
How endlessly those caught up in the floating world suffer.
Despite myself, I fret over them all night
And cannot staunch my flow of tears.

And I'm glad you liked it kind sirs.

By the way thanks Yuki for running the session on Saturday, the weekend is the only time I get to spend a quality evening with my lovely wife. So she certainly appreciated it [morehappy]

In Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH




Same!

Yuki, your Japanese chanting is wonderful!

Gassho
SatToday

Ryokudo
03-28-2021, 12:54 PM
Happy Weekend everyone,

As I suggested last week we will be having a week of more familiar chants this week as we have done 2 new ones recently. So in the spirit of getting us ready for the 4 hour zazenkai session next Friday we will doing the old faves such as the heart sutra (English or Japanese), Sandokai, Metta practice (if you would like) and the full dedication of merit.

Basically it will be a jukebox musical of chants. Any of them are available in either the treeleaf or the Treeleaf zen retreat book that we used last week. The link is below again

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/content.php?206-Treeleaf-Retreat-Chant-Book

And if there is anything you want to hear or chant just ask away

In Gassho,

Ryokudo,

SAT/LAH

Yuki
03-28-2021, 01:19 PM
You will have to ask John P. and Heitou if the « All Japanese Saturday Session » was not too much for them ! [monk]

Yuki 雪

Ryokudo
03-28-2021, 07:17 PM
You will have to ask John P. and Heitou if the « All Japanese Saturday Session » was not too much for them ! [monk]

Yuki 雪

There is no way it will have been, its beautiful to hear you dude. I'm looking forward to knocking out some Maka Hannya Shin Gyo, next week. But we'll give everyone a bit of the old anglais too.gassho2

See you tomorrow,

Ryokudo

Risho
04-01-2021, 04:38 PM
Hey there; are there any zen poetry books you guys would recommend?

gassho

risho
-stlah

Synjin
04-01-2021, 07:58 PM
For those interested in Ikkyu Sojun's Void in Form/Form in Void:

Void In Form:

When,just as they are,
White dewdrops gather
On scarlet maple leaves,
Regard the scarlet beads!

**************************

Form in Void:

The tree is stripped,
All color, fragrance gone,
Yet already on the bough,
Uncaring spring!

-SAT/LAH

Ryokudo
04-01-2021, 09:52 PM
Hey there; are there any zen poetry books you guys would recommend?

gassho

risho
-stlah

The "Poetry of Zen" has a good mixture of poems and then obviously anything by Ryokan if you ask me, you know the ones "One Robe ,One Bowl" or "Great Fool". As for Ikkyu I guess the Johns are probably best placed to answer. I'm also told "The River of Heaven" is good curated by Robert Aitken.

Hope that helps,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Risho
04-01-2021, 10:57 PM
oh boy - I searched for the Poetry of Zen and now I'm in a rabbit hole on Amazon. hahaha (it's a good rabbit hole though)

Thank you Ryokudo

Thank you Synjin for today's poem.

Gassho

Risho :reading:
-stlah

Synjin
04-02-2021, 01:06 AM
oh boy - I searched for the Poetry of Zen and now I'm in a rabbit hole on Amazon. hahaha (it's a good rabbit hole though)

Thank you Ryokudo

Thank you Synjin for today's poem.

Gassho

Risho :reading:
-stlah

Welcome to the addiction :D

-SAT/LAH

Risho
04-02-2021, 09:14 PM
hahahahhahah

Ryokudo
04-04-2021, 07:58 PM
Aah sorry its by Sam Hamill and JP Seaton, and it is lovely.

Gassho

Ryokudo

Ryokudo
04-04-2021, 08:06 PM
Hey Gang,

Happy Easter, and I hope you are enjoying yourselves Middle Way style obviously, not over the top like yours truly.

As I suggested last week this weeks chant will be Enmei Jukka Kannon Gyo which is on page 14 of the Retreat Chant book (link provided last week).

I look forward to seeing you bunnies tomorrow.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
04-06-2021, 06:32 PM
Hi !

Here is the text I use for Sanki Raimon in Japanese.


Sanki raimon
(The Three Refuge Verse)


Leader: Ji kie Butsu

All: To gan shu jō
tai ge dai dō
hotsu mu jō i
(Gassho)

Leader: Ji kie Ho

All: To gan shu jō
jin nyu kyo zo
chi e nyo kai
(Gassho)

Leader: Ji kie So

All: To gan shu jō
tō ri dai shu
is-sai mu ge
(Gassho)

Yuki 雪

Yuki
04-06-2021, 08:23 PM
And I add The four vows, in Japanese too.

Shi Gu Sei Gan
(The Four Vows)

SHU JO MU HEN SEI GAN DO

BON NO MU JIN SEI GAN DAN

HO MON MU RYO SEI GAN GAKU

BUTSUDO MU JO SEI GAN JO

Yuki 雪


Sat today

Risho
04-06-2021, 09:20 PM
Sorry guys -this week has been an "interesting" one at work, so I haven't been able to make it. I'm hoping to tomorrow or Thursday. Also, my wife is due 4/22; it's our first baby, and it's a boy :) so I'm sure I'll have some lack of sleep to look forward to, but I'll drop by when I can, but I'm guessing I'll be sitting the league minimum (15 mins) for a while :D.

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Ryokudo
04-07-2021, 03:24 PM
Sorry guys -this week has been an "interesting" one at work, so I haven't been able to make it. I'm hoping to tomorrow or Thursday. Also, my wife is due 4/22; it's our first baby, and it's a boy :) so I'm sure I'll have some lack of sleep to look forward to, but I'll drop by when I can, but I'm guessing I'll be sitting the league minimum (15 mins) for a while :D.

Gassho

Risho
-stlah

Not a problem my brother, I'm fairly certain that prepping for a wee nipper is ok. And hey you never need to apologise, you are here when you are here my friend.

BTW congratulations on your awaiting Risho JR. I hope all goes well.

Love ya dude,

Gassho,

Ryokudo

Risho
04-07-2021, 04:11 PM
gassho2

Ryokudo
04-09-2021, 03:32 PM
Hey yuki,

I'm afraid I am working late tonight so can you run today and tomorrow?

Synjin
04-10-2021, 04:07 AM
Hey yuki,

I'm afraid I am working late tonight so can you run today and tomorrow?

Thank you for leading today, Yuki.


Sorry guys -this week has been an "interesting" one at work, so I haven't been able to make it. I'm hoping to tomorrow or Thursday. Also, my wife is due 4/22; it's our first baby, and it's a boy :) so I'm sure I'll have some lack of sleep to look forward to, but I'll drop by when I can, but I'm guessing I'll be sitting the league minimum (15 mins) for a while :D.


Congratulations Risho!

Yuki
04-10-2021, 11:17 PM
Thanks to everyone who attended Chanting & Zazen Circle this week. A special thank to John P. and his fabulous Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo chant !
[claps]

Yuki (雪)
Sat today

Ryokudo
04-11-2021, 12:23 AM
Thanks to everyone who attended Chanting & Zazen Circle this week. A special thank to John P. and his fabulous Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo chant !
[claps]

Yuki (雪)
Sat today

Hey all,

Yes indeed thanks for being a part of the circle and a special thanks to my dharma frere, Yuki for leading at short notice when I've been snowed at work.

Seriously gang you are the guys who make this a lovely thing.

Gassho

Ryokudo

Ryokudo
04-11-2021, 12:34 AM
Hey gang,

So I was thinking as it is Buddha's birthday on the 8th, in japan at least ( the rest of Asia is waiting for May, when we can celebrate again:D), I figured we could also go back to the first chant we learned( most of us anyway) so let's go Heart sutra.

We have it in Japanese and English on page 4-6 of the retreat handbook and I know yuki has a French version floating around.

So let's go for that unless y'all have other suggestions.

I hope that suits and I'll look forward to seeing y'all on Monday.

Gassho

Ryokudo

Yuki
04-11-2021, 08:19 PM
Here is the French version of Heart sutra :

Le Soutra de la Sagesse Qui Nous Mène à l’Autre Rive


Avalokiteshvara en pratiquant profondement la sagesse
qui nous mène à l’autre rive, découvrit soudainement
que les cinq skandhas sont tous pareillement vides.

Grâce à cette réalisation il dépassa toute souffrance.

Écoute Shariputra, ce corps même est le vide,
et le vide même est ce corps.

Ce corps n’est autre que le vide,
et le vide n’est autre que ce corps.

Il en va de même pour les sensations, les perceptions,
les formations mentales, et la conscience.

Écoute Shariputra, tous les phénomènes portent l’empreinte du vide:
leur nature véritable n’est ni l’être ni le non-être,
ni la naissance ni la mort, ni la pureté ni l’impureté,
ni la croissance, ni la décroissance.
C’est pourquoi dans le vide le corps, les sensations,
les perceptions, les formations mentales et la conscience
ne sont pas des entités dotées d’un soi séparé.

Les dix-huit domaines des phénomènes que sont les six organes des sens,
les six objets des sens et les six consciences,
ne sont pas non plus des entités dotées d’un soi séparé.

Le mal être, les causes du mal être, la fin du mal être,
la voie, la compréhension et la réalisation,
ne sont pas non plus des entités dotées d’un soi séparé.

Quiconque peut voir ceci ne voit plus aucun objet à atteindre.
Et les Bodhisattva qui pratiquent la sagesse qui nous mène à l’autre rive
ne voient plus d’obstacle dans leur esprit,
et sans obstacle dans leur esprit ils dépassent toutes peurs.

Ils détruisent toute perception erronée et réalisent le parfait Nirvana.

Tous les Bouddhas du passé, du présent et du futur
en pratiquant la sagesse qui nous mène à l’autre rive
sont tous capables d’atteindre l’illumination authentique et parfaite.

Ainsi Shariputra, nous devons savoir que la sagesse qui nous mène à l’autre rive est un grand mantra,
le plus lumineux des mantras, le plus élevé des mantras,
un mantra au delà de toute comparaison,
la sagesse véritable qui a le pouvoir de mettre fin à toutes sortes de souffrances.

Ainsi proclamons un mantra en éloge à la sagesse qui nous mène à l’autre rive.

Gate, gate, paragate, parasamgate bodhisvaha!



See you tomorrow !

Yuki (雪)
Sat today

Yuki
04-11-2021, 08:27 PM
... And I add this short chant used for opening the Sutra verse :

« The Dharma is deep and lovely,
We now have a chance to see it,
study it, and practice it.
We vow to realize it’s true meaning. »

Mujô jinjin mimyô hô
hyaku senman gô nan sôgû.
Ga kon kemmon toku juji.
Gange nyorai shinjitsu gi.

Yuki (雪)

Risho
04-13-2021, 12:59 AM
Thank you for leading today, Yuki.




Congratulations Risho!
thank you :)

Ryokudo
04-13-2021, 02:19 PM
Will try to be back tonight

Alihutch
04-13-2021, 07:55 PM
I will be out on Wednesdays

Meredith
04-13-2021, 08:56 PM
I was hoping to be able to join you, but unfortunately my work schedule has changed. I think Saturdays will be only day that'll work :(

Gassho,
Meredith
_/ST\_

Ryokudo
04-14-2021, 05:52 PM
I'm really sorry but I am still stuck in meetings so can't make tonight

Ryokudo
04-15-2021, 02:42 PM
Jeez

I'm sorry Yuki and all of you, but it looks like I will be snowed under for the rest of the week, I will try to at least join for zazen tonight, but no promises.

Cheers

Ryo.

Tai Shi
04-17-2021, 01:03 AM
Just missed the connection and missed the session, Zazenkai. well guess I was just too late. Maybe next week.
Gassho
sat
Tai Shi

Ryokudo
04-18-2021, 10:32 PM
Hi All,

I'm really sorry for being away for most of the week, but i know Yuki and John P have ran the ship well, better most would say.

Anywho after chatting with Yuki we thought this weeks chant will be Enmei Jukka Kannon Gyo again as you all love it so much, which is on page 14 of the Retreat Chant book (link provided last week).

However I will perhaps throw in the occasional Sandokai to keep you on your toes. I shall see y'all tomorrow and expect you to be wonderful[claps].

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
04-19-2021, 03:05 PM
Hi everybody !

Here are some informations about Enmei Jikku Kannon Gyo :

« According to the Chronology of Buddha Ancestors (Fozu tongji), compiled by Zhipan in 1269 C E., a defeated and imprisoned general, Wang Xuanmo , received this sūtra in a dream in 450 C E., and the vigorous chanting of it saved his life from execution.
As Hakuin, the eighteenth-century Japanese Zen master of the Rinzai School, encouraged his students to chant it, this extrashort scripture has been chanted daily in Rinzai Zen monasteries and centers. It has also been recited in centers of the Sōtō School. The chanting becomes faster and louder while the verse is repeated. »

From :
Zen Chants: Thirty-Five Essential Texts with Commentary
Kazuaki Tanahashi

Yuki 雪

Yuki
04-19-2021, 07:59 PM
Monday April 19 Chanting & Zazen Circle.
gassho1
Thanks to Clare and Olivia for their patience with my poor performance at my first try with Enmei Juju Kannon Gyo. Will do better with practice :D ! Thanks John P. for his excellent choice of haiku. Hope to see you soon again !

Tuesday 20 :

Good session with John P. Great chants and haikus, small talk about weather, Italian cooking and books from Helena Ferrante.

Wednesday 21 :

Session with John P., Ryokudo made an apparition to say hello. Nice sitting and interesting talk.

Thursday 22 :

Arigato gozaimasu to Ryokudo and John P. for their excellent chants.
By the way, Risho, are you father now ? If yes, congratulations !!! [claps]

Friday 23 :

John P. and me. Chanting, zazen and great chat.

Saturday 24 :

John P. joined me for this last session of the week. gassho1

Yuki 雪

Ryokudo
04-23-2021, 04:38 PM
Monday April 19 Chanting & Zazen Circle.

Thanks to Clare and Olivia for their patience with my poor performance at my first try with Enmei Jikku Kannon Gyo. Will do better with practice :D ! Thanks John P. for his excellent choice of haiku. Hope to see you soon again !

Tuesday 20 :

Good session with John P. Great chants and haikus, small talk about weather, Italian cooking and books from Helena Ferrante.

Wednesday 21 :

Session with John P., Ryokudo made an apparition to say hello. Nice sitting and interesting talk.

Thursday 22 :

Arigato gozaimasu to Ryokudo and John P. for their excellent chants.

Yuki 雪


Hi Yuki,

It looks like I may have to duck out of tonight again for which I apologise. If so I will see you on Monday

Arigato,

Gassho,

Ryokudo

Ryokudo
04-26-2021, 05:55 PM
Hey Yuki et al,

I'm afraid you won't be seeing me tonight as I have been signed off work with a migraine and ordered toile in a darkened room.

Life's a bit trying at the moment.

I'm really sorry. So do whatever you feel tonight, while I feel sorry for myself

Jundo
04-27-2021, 02:13 AM
Hey Yuki et al,

I'm afraid you won't be seeing me tonight as I have been signed off work with a migraine and ordered toile in a darkened room.

Life's a bit trying at the moment.

I'm really sorry. So do whatever you feel tonight, while I feel sorry for myself

This is your Migraine Chant. Great lesson, sacred recline in darkened room. What are you missing?

Gassho, J

STLah

Yuki
04-29-2021, 11:35 PM
Hey Ryo,

It was good to see you today !
I wish your migraine will vanish soon.

7069

See you tomorrow !

Yuki 雪

Jundo
04-30-2021, 12:31 AM
Hey Ryo,

It was good to see you today !
I wish your migraine will vanish soon.

7069

See you tomorrow !

Yuki 雪

Hi Yuki,

May I ask about the Mudra you posted. Is there a meaning for you?

Gassho, Jundo

Ryokudo
04-30-2021, 01:33 PM
This is your Migraine Chant. Great lesson, sacred recline in darkened room. What are you missing?

Gassho, J

STLah

Thank you Jundo,

I was getting a little sorry for myself.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
04-30-2021, 05:36 PM
Hi Jundo,

This Mudra is an old drawing I’ve realized, maybe 13-14 years ago, following a travel in Myanmar. I liked the gracious position of these hands but I don’t remember who or what was the model I took at this time, sorry. I must admit that I didn’t knew the exact meaning of the Mudra but after some searches on the web, here what I found : dharmacakra-mudrā represents a teaching gesture, starting the wheel of the law. It symbolizes the first sermon of the Buddha Śākyamuni near Bénarès.
7070
7071

Gassho, Yuki 雪

Yuki
05-01-2021, 08:06 PM
Hi everybody !

Many thanks to Anisa, John P., Eishin and Ryokudo for the participation to Chanting & Zazen Circle this week. [claps]

For Eishin, the New Heart Sutra translation by Thich Nhat Hanh :

The Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore

Avalokiteshvara
while practicing deeply with
the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore,
suddenly discovered that
all of the five Skandhas are equally empty,
and with this realisation
he overcame all Ill-being.

“Listen Sariputra,
this Body itself is Emptiness
and Emptiness itself is this Body.
This Body is not other than Emptiness
and Emptiness is not other than this Body.
The same is true of Feelings,
Perceptions, Mental Formations,
and Consciousness.

“Listen Sariputra,
all phenomena bear the mark of Emptiness;
their true nature is the nature of
no Birth no Death,
no Being no Non-being,
no Defilement no Purity,
no Increasing no Decreasing.

“That is why in Emptiness,
Body, Feelings, Perceptions,
Mental Formations and Consciousness
are not separate self entities.

The Eighteen Realms of Phenomena
which are the six Sense Organs,
the six Sense Objects,
and the six Consciousnesses
are also not separate self entities.

The Twelve Links of Interdependent Arising
and their Extinction
are also not separate self entities.
Ill-being, the Causes of Ill-being,
the End of Ill-being, the Path,
insight and attainment,
are also not separate self entities.

Whoever can see this
no longer needs anything to attain.

Bodhisattvas who practice
the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore
see no more obstacles in their mind,
and because there
are no more obstacles in their mind,
they can overcome all fear,
destroy all wrong perceptions
and realize Perfect Nirvana.

“All Buddhas in the past, present and future
by practicing
the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore
are all capable of attaining
Authentic and Perfect Enlightenment.

“Therefore Sariputra,
it should be known that
the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore
is a Great Mantra,
the most illuminating mantra,
the highest mantra,
a mantra beyond compare,
the True Wisdom that has the power
to put an end to all kinds of suffering.
Therefore let us proclaim
a mantra to praise
the Insight that Brings Us to the Other Shore.

Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi Svaha!
Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi Svaha!
Gate, Gate, Paragate, Parasamgate, Bodhi Svaha!”

Have a great weekend !

Yuki 雪
Sat today

Yuki
05-03-2021, 03:03 PM
Hi !

I propose to recite the Song of the grassroots hermitage from Sekitō (Shih-t'ou) this week.
As there are many versions, here is the text I took on the site Daily Zen : https://www.dailyzen.com/journal/song-of-the-grass-roof-hermitage


Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage


I've built a grass hut where there's nothing of value.
After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap.
When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared.
Now it's been lived in - covered by weeds.

The person in the hut lives here calmly,
Not stuck to inside, outside, or in between.
Places worldly people live, he doesn't live.
Realms worldly people love, he doesn't love.

Though the hut is small, it includes the entire world.
In ten square feet, an old man illumines forms and their nature.
A Great Vehicle bodhisattva trusts without doubt.
The middling or lowly can't help wondering;
Will this hut perish or not?

Perishable or not, the original master is present,
not dwelling south or north, east or west.
Firmly based on steadiness, it can't be surpassed.
A shining window below the green pines --
Jade palaces or vermilion towers can't compare with it.

Just sitting with head covered, all things are at rest.
Thus, this mountain monk doesn't understand at all.
Living here he no longer works to get free.
Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice guests?

Turn around the light to shine within, then just return.
The vast inconceivable source can't be faced or turned away from.
Meet the ancestral teachers, be familiar with their instruction,
Bind grasses to build a hut, and don't give up.

Let go of hundreds of years and relax completely.
Open your hands and walk, innocent.
Thousands of words, myriad interpretations,
Are only to free you from obstructions.
If you want to know the undying person in the hut,
Don't separate from this skin bag here and now.

Shih-t'ou (700-790)

___________

See you this week !

Gassho, Yuki 雪 [gassholook]

Ryokudo
05-04-2021, 03:39 PM
I'm sorry guys I won't be there again tonight due to work commitments.

Ryokudo
05-06-2021, 06:22 PM
HI All,

I am afraid that for the next couple of weeks my hours have been changed at work and so I will not be able to join the sessions.

I hope you all continue to have good sits though.

Many thanks,

Ryokudo

Yuki
05-06-2021, 06:36 PM
HI All,

I am afraid that for the next couple of weeks my hours have been changed at work and so I will not be able to join the sessions.

I hope you all continue to have good sits though.

Many thanks,

Ryokudo

Hi Ryo,

John P. And me are keeping the circle active, of course, chanting and sitting every day.
See you when you will be free from work !

Yuki 雪 gassho1

Yuki
05-10-2021, 12:34 AM
Hi All,

I suggest the following chants for the week to come :

- Sanki Raimon ( English and/or Japanese)
- HAKUIN ZENJI ZAZEN WASAN ( English and/or Japanese)
Zazen
- Haïkus
- Four vows (English and/or Japanese)

All English texts are available in Treeleaf chant books.

Here are Japanese texts :

SANKI RAIMON


LEADER : JI KIE BUTSU

ALL : TO GAN SHU JÔ
TAI GE DAI DÔ
OTSU MU JÔ I


LEADER : JI KIE HO

ALL : TO GAN SHU JÔ
JIN NYU KYO ZO
CHI E NYO KAI


LEADER : JI KIE SO

ALL : TO GAN SHU JÔ
TÔ RI DAI SHU
IS-SAI MU GE
__________________________

HAKUIN ZENJI ZAZEN WASAN



SHU JO HON RAI HOTO KENA RI
MIZU TO KO RINO GOTO KUNI TE
MIZU O HANA RETE KO RINA KU
SHUJO ONO HOKA NI HOTO KENA SHI
SHUJO O CHIKA KIO SHIRA ZUSHI TE
TO KU MOTO MURU HAKA NASA YO
TATO EBA MIZU NO NAKA NI ITE
KATSU O SAKE BUGA GOTO KUNA RI
CHO JANO IE NO KOTO NARI TE
HIN RINI MAYO ONI KOTO NARA ZU
ROKU SHU RIN NENO IN NEN WA
ONO REGA GUCHI NO YAMI JINA RI
YAMI JINI YAMI JIO FUMI SOE TE
ITSU KA SHO JIO HANA RUBE KI
SORE MAKA EN NO ZEN JO WA
SHO TAN SURU NI AMA RIA RI
FUSE YA JIKA INO SHOHA RAMI TSU
NEM BUTSU SAN GE SHUGYO OTO
O SONO SHINA O KI SHOZE NGYO
O MINA KONO NAKA NI KISU RUNA RI
ICHI ZANO KO O NASU HITO MO
TSUMI SHI MURYO ONO TSUMI HORO BU
AKU SHU IZU KUNI ARI NUBE KI
JO DO SUNA WACHI TO KARA ZU
KATA JIKE NAKU MO KONO NORI O
HITO TABI MIMI NI FURU RUTO KI
SAN TAN ZUI KI SURU HITO WA
FUKU O URU KOTO KAGI RINA SHI
IWA NYA MIZU KARA EKO OSHI TE
JIKI NI JISHO O SHO SURE BA
JISHO O SUNA WACHI MUSHO ONI TE
SUDE NI KERO NO HANA RETA RI
IN GA ICHI NYONO MON HIRA KE
MUNI MUSA NNO MICHI NAO SHI
MUSO ONO SO O SO TOSHI TE
YUKU MO KAE RUMO YOSO NARA ZU
MUNE NNO NEN O NEN TOSHI TE
UTA UMO MAU MO NORI NOKO E
ZAN MAI MUGE NO SORA HIRO KU
SHICHI EM MYO NO TSUKI SAE N
KONO TOKI NANI OKA MOTO MUBE KI
JAKU METSU GEN ZEN SURU YUE NI
TO SHO SUNA WACHI REN GEKO KU
KONO MI SUNA WACHI HOTO KE NA RI

______________________________

Shi Gu Sei Gan Mon
(The Four Vows)

SHU JO MU HEN SEI GAN DO

BON NO MU JIN SEI GAN DAN

HO MON MU RYO SEI GAN GAKU

BUTSUDO MU JO SEI GAN JO

________________________

See you !

Yuki 雪

Anchi
05-14-2021, 02:47 PM
Thank you Yuki & John P. gassho1
I enjoyed chanting and sitting together. gassho2

Gassho

aprapti
05-17-2021, 07:34 PM
hi Yuki and John P (and a lady :)),

it was nice to do, i hope to join more ! Can you tell me were i can find the texts you guys are using? i found the japanese sandokai and copied it..

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Yuki
05-18-2021, 06:04 PM
Hi Aprapti,

You can find some texts here, in this thread.

Thread #12
Sanki Raimon

I take refuge in buddha.
May all beings
embody the great way,
resolving to awaken.

I take refuge in dharma.
May all living beings
deeply enter the sutras,
wisdom like an ocean.

I take refuge in sangha.
May all beings
support harmony in the community,
free from hindrance.

Sandokai can be found in the Treeleaf Chant book - that we use for Weekly and Monthly Zazenkai.

Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo In thread #31

Zen Master Hakuin's Chant in Praise of Zazen * (Hakuin Zenji Zazen-Wasan, a traditional Rinzai chant) In thread #70

HAKUIN ZENJI ZAZEN WASAN In Japanese in thread #149

Sanki Raimon in Japanese. in thread #115

Shi Gu Sei Gan Mon
(The Four Vows)

SHU JO MU HEN SEI GAN DO

BON NO MU JIN SEI GAN DAN

HO MON MU RYO SEI GAN GAKU

BUTSUDO MU JO SEI GAN JO

And I add this short chant used for opening the Sutra verse :

« The Dharma is deep and lovely,
We now have a chance to see it,
study it, and practice it.
We vow to realize it’s true meaning. »

Mujô jinjin mimyô hô
hyaku senman gô nan sôgû.
Ga kon kemmon toku juji.
Gange nyorai shinjitsu gi.

Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage In thread #145

I hope it will be useful for you.

Gassho [gassholook]

Yuki

bluemountain
05-20-2021, 07:48 PM
Hey there. Good day to all.
Due to circumstances, I can't turn my microphone nor my camera. Could I suggest a haiku here and maybe Yuki or John could read them next meeting?

On top of the grave
Leaves fall one after another
Tears too...
-Masuda Goga

Masuda Goga was a Japanese farmer, trader, journalist, writer, painter and poet, born in 1911, living in Brazil since 1929. Died in 2008. One of the most prominent Haiku writer in Brazil.

Gassho gassho1

Bernie
SatToday

Yuki
05-21-2021, 01:23 AM
Here are the Four Vows in French, as Ryokudo asked today.

Les quatres grands voeux du Boddhisatva

Si nombreux que soient les êtres,
je fais vœu de les aider tous.

Si nombreuses que soient les illusions,
je fais vœu de les vaincre toutes.

Si nombreux que soient les dharmas,
je fais vœu de les acquérir tous.

Si parfaite que soit la voie du Bouddha,
je fais vœu de la réaliser.

Yuki

Jundo
05-21-2021, 01:32 AM
Here are the Four Vows in French, as Ryokudo asked today.

Les quatres grands voeux du Boddhisatva

Si nombreux que soient les êtres,
je fais vœu de les aider tous.

Si nombreuses que soient les illusions,
je fais vœu de les vaincre toutes.

Si nombreux que soient les dharmas,
je fais vœu de les acquérir tous.

Si parfaite que soit la voie du Bouddha,
je fais vœu de la réaliser.

Yuki

Hmmm. Not so sure about words like "defeat" and "acquire," nor "perfect" in ordinary meaning. Yet, these are poetic translations, and folks can phrase them in many ways.


However numerous the beings are,
I vow to help them all.

However numerous are the illusions,
I vow to defeat them all.

However numerous are the dharmas,
I vow to acquire them all.

Perfect as the path of the Buddha is,
I wish to realize it

At Treeleaf, our usual phrasing is so ...

To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless

To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible

To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless

To attain the Enlightened Way, a Way non-attainable

Perhaps that can be translated into French?

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

bluemountain
05-22-2021, 11:56 AM
Hey there. [monk]

I probably won't make it today since I'll be going on a hike this afternoon. Please don't wait for me.
Hope everyone has a great zazen and chanting session today!

Gassho gassho2

Bernie

Sat Today

Yuki
05-23-2021, 03:29 PM
Hmmm. Not so sure about words like "defeat" and "acquire," nor "perfect" in ordinary meaning. Yet, these are poetic translations, and folks can phrase them in many ways.



At Treeleaf, our usual phrasing is so ...

To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless

To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible

To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless

To attain the Enlightened Way, a Way non-attainable

Perhaps that can be translated into French?

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

Hi !

Translate directly Treeleaf phrasing from English to French as you suggest should need a real translator. I’m not qualified to do this because my knowing of English is not very deep. For example, French language always insists on the conceptual goal before using active verbs...

The French translation of Shi Gu Sei Gan Mon I read to Ryokudo is generally used in most French Sangha of Europe. It has been used by master Taisen Deshimaru . But many other translations exist in Europe and here, in North America. Some are not very interesting but others have great potential for a French native speaker, of course.
Here are the ones I found on the web :

1

Innombrables les êtres... De les émanciper je fais voeu.
Inépuisables les passions... De les trancher je fais voeu.
Incommensurable la Réalité d'un éveillé... De l'apprendre je fais voeu.
Insurpassable l'Eveil d'un bouddha... De le réaliser je fais voeu.

2

Tous les êtres, bien que leur nombre soit sans limite, je fais le vœu de leur faire accomplir la traversée.
Mes passions mauvaises, bien qu'elles soient inépuisables, je fais le vœu de les détruire.
Les enseignements du Dharma, bien qu'ils soient innombrables,
je fais le vœu de les étudier.
La voie du Bouddha, bien qu'elle soit sans pareille,
je fais le vœu de la suivre.

3

Aussi nombreux que soient les êtres, je fais le voeu de les accompagner sur la voie de l’éveil.
Aussi nombreux que soient les attachements, je fais le voeu de m’en libérer.
Aussi nombreux que soient les enseignements, je fais le voeu de les réaliser.
Aussi vaste que soit la voie du Bouddha, je fais le voeu de l’accomplir.


4

Tous les êtres innombrables,
je fais voeu de libérer.
Les passions aveugles et sans fin,
je fais voeu de vaincre.
Les barrières infinies du Dharma,
je fais voeu de franchir.
La grande Voie du Bouddha,
je fais voeu de l'atteindre.


5

Aussi innombrables que soient les êtres vivants,
je fais le vœu de les sauver tous.

Aussi insatiables que soient tous les désirs,
je fais le vœu de les éteindre tous.

Aussi profond que soient les enseignements du Dharma,
je fais le vœu de les étudier tous.

La Voie du Bouddha est sans fin,
je fais vœu de la suivre.

6

Si nombreux que soient les êtres, je fais voeu de les libérer tous,
Si nombreuses que soient les passions, je fais voeu de les éteindre toutes,
Si nombreux que soient les enseignements, je fais voeu de les pratiquer tous,
Si parfaite que soit la voie du Bouddha, je fais voeu de la réaliser.

7

Nous faisons le vœu et le serment de sauver toutes les existences qui sont indénombrables

Nous faisons le vœu et le serment de trancher tous les bonno qui sont sans fin

Nous faisons le serment et le vœu de pratiquer tous les dharmas qui sont incommensurables

Nous faisons le vœu de réaliser la voie la plus haute





8

Je fais le vœu de délivrer tous les êtres bien qu'ils soient innombrables
Je fais le vœu de vaincre toutes les illusions bien qu'elles soient en nombre incalculable
Je fais le vœu d'étudier tous les enseignements bien qu'ils soient illimités
Je fais le vœu de parvenir à l'état du Bouddha bien qu'il soit incomparable

9

Aussi nombreux que soient les êtres sensibles, je fais le Vœu de les aider tous à se libérer.
Aussi nombreuses que soient les illusions, je fais le Vœu de les vaincre toutes.
Aussi nombreux que soient les enseignements du Bouddha, je fais le Vœu de les étudier tous.
Aussi parfaite que soit la Voie du Bouddha, je fais le Vœu de la réaliser.

10

Le vœu de faire passer tous les êtres, si nombreux soient-ils.
Le vœu de trancher toutes les passions, si nombreuses soient-elles.
Le vœu d’étudier toutes les portes du Dharma, si nombreuses soient-elles.
Le vœu de réaliser la Voie du Bouddha, si insurpassable soit-elle.

11

Je prête serment de délivrer tous les êtres quoi qu'ils soient innombrables
Je prête serment d'éliminer tous les ennuis quoi qu'ils soient incalculables
Je prête serment d'apprendre toutes les méthodes quoi qu'elles soient illimitées
Je prête serment de parvenir à l'état du Bouddha quoi qu'il soit incomparable







12

Les êtres vivants sont innombrables, je fais le vœu de tous les sauver.
Nos passions sont sans fin, je fais le vœu de toutes les apaiser.
Les enseignements du Bouddha sont incommensurables, je fais le vœux de tous les étudier.
La voie du Bouddha est insurpassable, je fais le voeu d’atteindre le Sublime Sentier.

13

Illimitées sont les existences, je fais le vœu de les libérer toutes.
Inépuisables sont les illusions, je fais le vœu de les déraciner toutes.
Incalculables sont les portes du Dharma, je fais le vœu de les pratiquer toutes.
Sans égal est la voie du Bouddha, je fais le vœu de l’atteindre.

14

Si nombreux que soient les êtres,
je fais vœu de les aider tous.

Si nombreuses que soient les illusions,
je fais vœu de les vaincre toutes.

Si nombreux que soient les dharmas,
je fais vœu de les acquérir tous.

Si parfaite que soit la voie du Bouddha,
je fais vœu de la réaliser.

_______________

The one I like most is the #12 but many others worth to be chanted. I let you judge by yourself.

gassho1

Yuki (雪)

Anchi
05-23-2021, 06:35 PM
Bonjour Yuki,

J'aime ton anglais avec un accent français gassho1
on peut chanter en français :encouragement:

Rendez-vous demain [monk]

Gassho

Jundo
05-24-2021, 12:09 AM
Hi Yuki,

Yes, words or no words do not matter so much, language does not matter so much. However, can you fix the following to your ear?


Pour sauver tous les êtres sensibles, bien que les êtres soient innombrables

Pour transformer tous les délires, bien que les délires inépuisables

Pour percevoir la réalité, bien que la réalité soit sans limites

Pour atteindre la Voie des Illumination, une Voie impossible à atteindre


:)

Words cannot say, yet words say much.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Yuki
05-24-2021, 01:51 AM
Hi Yuki,

Yes, words or no words do not matter so much, language does not matter so much. However, can you fix the following to your ear?


Pour sauver tous les êtres sensibles, bien que les êtres soient innombrables

Pour transformer tous les délires, bien que les délires inépuisables

Pour percevoir la réalité, bien que la réalité soit sans limites

Pour atteindre la Voie des Illumination, une Voie impossible à atteindre


:)

Words cannot say, yet words say much.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Hi Jundo,

Here is the best translation I can do from Treeleaf phrasing.

____________________

Je fais vœux de :

Sauver tous les êtres vivants, bien que les êtres soient innombrables

Transmuer toutes les illusions, bien que les illusions soient inépuisables

Percevoir la Réalité, bien que la Réalité soit infinie

Parvenir à la Voie de l’Éveil, Voie impossible à atteindre

____________________

If I want to make sense in French, I must add these words «*Je fais vœux de :*» (I vow to...) before the Four Vows because we cannot begin a phrase with an infinitive verb in French.
I wish this translation will be more accurate with Treeleaf phrasing than the ones I found on the web.
Anyway, even if words are only a pale reflection of the reality we try to describe, they are our imperfect tools to attain this boundless Reality.

gassho2

Yuki (雪)

Jundo
05-24-2021, 02:01 AM
Je fais vœux de :

Sauver tous les êtres vivants, bien que les êtres soient innombrables

Transmuer toutes les illusions, bien que les illusions soient inépuisables

Percevoir la Réalité, bien que la Réalité soit infinie

Parvenir à la Voie de l’Éveil, Voie impossible à atteindre



Hi Yuki,

Hey, you speak French pretty well! You must have had a good high school teacher! :p

Lovely. Any chance to change infinie to something like illimité? Does that make any sense?

Gassho et Merci, Jundo

STLah

Yuki
05-24-2021, 11:54 AM
Hi Jundo !

You are teasing me ? :p My mother language is French because I’m from Quebec where French is the official language. But my English teacher were not so good as you can see by my English :D
Here is the text as you wish it ( yes, illimitée is an excellent choice too.) with a little modification on the first vow.

_______________

Les quatre vœux

Je fais vœux de :

Sauver la totalité des êtres vivants, bien que les êtres soient innombrables

Transmuer toutes les illusions, bien que les illusions soient inépuisables

Percevoir la Réalité, bien que la Réalité soit illimitée

Parvenir à la Voie de l’Éveil, Voie impossible à atteindre
______________________

What do you think about it ?

Gassho
Yuki (雪)

Yuki
05-24-2021, 05:39 PM
Hi everybody !

For the las week of May, I propose the reading of


Silent lllumination
by
Hongzhi Zhengjue ( 1091-1157)

Silently and serenely, one forgets all words,
Clearly and vividly, it appears before you.
When one realizes it, time has no limits.
When experienced, your surroundings come to life.
Singularly ruminating is this bright awareness,
Full of wonder is the pure illumination-
The moon's appearance, a river of stars,
Snow-clad pines, clouds hovering on mountain peaks.
In darkness, they glow with brightness-
In shadows, they shine with a splendid light.
Like the dreaming of a crane flying in empty space,
Like the clear still water of an autumn pool,
Endless eons dissolve into nothingness,
Each indistinguishable from the other
In this illumination all striving is forgotten.
Where does this wonder exist?
Brightness and clarity dispel confusion
On the path of Silent lllumination,
The origin of the infinitesimal.
To penetrate the extremely small,
There is the gold shuttle on a loom of jade.
Subject and object influence each other
Light and darkness are mutually dependent,
There is neither mind nor world to rely on,
Yet do the two interact, mutually.
Drink the medicine of correct views.
Beat the poison-smeared drum.
When silence and illumination are complete
Killing and bringing to life are choices I make.
At last, through the door one emerges,
The fruit has ripened on the branch.
Only this Silence is the ultimate teaching,
Only this lllumination, the universal response.
The response is without effort,
The teaching, not heard with the ears.
Throughout the universe all things,
Emit light and speak the Dharma.
They testify to each other
Answering each other's questions.
Mutually answering and testifying,
Responding in perfect harmony.
When illumination is without serenity,
Then will distinctions be seen.
Mutually testifying and answering,
Giving rise to disharmony.
If within serenity illumination is lost,
All will become wasteful and secondary.
When Silent lllumination is complete,
The lotus will blossom, the dreamer will awaken.
The hundred rivers flow to the ocean,
The thousand mountains face the lofiiest peak.
Like the goose preferring milk to water,
Like a busy bee gathering pollen,
When Silent Illumination reaches the ultimate.
I carry on the original tradition of my sect.
This practice is called Silent lllumination.
It penetrates from the deepest to the highest.

___________

Of course, we will also chant Sanki Raimon, have a dedication, Zazen period, listen to some haikus before ending by the Four Vows.
See you soon !

Yuki

Yuki
05-24-2021, 08:25 PM
Sat this Monday’s Chanting and Zazen Circle ⭕️ with Omom, Aprapti, Bernie Mountainblue, John P. and Karsten Stank. Great session ������ ! Thanks everyone ![claps]

[gassholook]

Yuki 雪

Anchi
05-25-2021, 06:13 AM
Thank you everyone ! gassho2

Its always great to share the practice with you.
Thanks for the excellent reading of Silent lllumination, it's lovely and wise.
Merci Beaucoup Yuki ! gassho1

Gassho

bluemountain
05-26-2021, 07:59 PM
Here is my version of the Four Vows in Portuguese.

Salvar todos os seres sencientes, apesar de seres serem inumeráveis
Transformar todas as ilusões, apesar de as ilusões serem inesgotáveis
Perceber a Realidade, apesar de a Realidade ser ilimitada
Alcançar o Caminho Iluminado, um Caminho inalcançável

Maybe Yuki would do a good job in reciting it since French is closer to Portuguese than English. Just make sure that whenever a word begins or ends with an "R", you say it like the hard Rs in faire or etre. Otherwise, it is just the plain R, as in the Japanese word ringo. The E is pronounced like in danser or the "ai" in partirai. Overall, the other sounds are very similar to French.

Good luck :D[monk]

Gassho gassho2

Sattoday

aprapti
05-26-2021, 08:09 PM
here are the four vows in Dutch:

Hoe talloos de levende wezens ook zijn,
ik beloof ze alle te bevrijden.

Hoe talloos de oorzaken van lijden ook zijn,
ik beloof ze alle weg te nemen.

Hoe talloos de poorten van de dharma ook zijn,
ik beloof ze alle door te gaan.

Hoe eindeloos de weg van Boeddha ook is,
ik beloof hem ten einde te gaan.


gassho2

aprapti

sat :)

Ryokudo
05-28-2021, 03:26 PM
Hi all,

It's great to be back with my dharma brothers and sisters.

Many thanks

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
05-28-2021, 08:20 PM
Hi everyone,

Here is a French translation of Silent Illumination by Éric Rommeluère, a French zen master. He translated it directly from Chinese. I will read it tomorrow, if you want.

__________________

L’inscription sur le silence et la clarté
Par
Hongzhi Zhengjue (jap. Wanshi Shôgaku, 1091-1157)
Translated from Chinese by Éric Rommeluère



Dans le silence, les mots sont oubliés, / Dans la clarté, cela apparaît.

Lorsqu’on est transparent, on est dans l'ouvert, / Lorsqu’on l’exprime, dans le numineux.

Dans le numineux, on brille seul, / Dans la clarté, on revient au merveilleux.

La lune claire, la voie lactée, / Les pins couverts de neige et les pics de nuages

Sont plus lumineux encore dans les ténèbres, / Plus étincelants encore dans l’obscurité.

La grue rêve d'un brouillard glaçant, / L’eau contient l’automne lointain.

Les immenses kalpa sont vides, / Identiques les uns aux autres.

Le merveilleux se trouve dans le silence, / L’effort s’oublie dans la clarté.

Où trouver l’existence merveilleuse ? / Si ce n’est lorsque la vigilance dissipe la confusion.

Telle est la voie du silence et de la clarté, / La racine du détachement extérieur et de la subtilité intérieure.

Lorsqu’on pénètre le détachement et la subtilité / Une navette d’or traverse le métier de jade.

Le complet et l’incomplet s’ajustent, / La lumière et l’obscurité se combinent.

Sans plus dépendre d’un sujet saisissant et d’un objet saisi, / En un tel moment, ils interagissent.

Buvez la médecine des vues bonnes, / Frappez le tambour enduit de poison!

Lorsqu’ils interagissent en un tel moment, / Tuer ou donner la vie ne dépendent que de vous.

On apparaît à l’intérieur de la porte, / Les branches portent des fruits.

Seul, le silence est la parole parfaite, / Seule, la clarté est la réponse universelle.

On répond sans le moindre effort, / On parle sans la moindre audition.

Les dix mille phénomènes / Irradient de rais lumineux et enseignent la loi.

Ils s’attestent chacun de leur éveil, / Se questionnant et se répondant les uns les autres.

Les questions, les réponses et les attestations / S’accordent parfaitement.

Mais si dans la clarté le silence disparaît / Un déchaînement apparaît sans qu'on s'en aperçoive.

Les attestations, les questions et les réponses / Parfaitement s’accordent.

Mais si dans le silence la clarté disparaît / L’opacité devient de trop.

Lorsque la vérité du silence et de la clarté se réalise, / Le lotus fleurit et le rêveur s’éveille.

Cent fleuves se déversent dans l’océan / Et mille pics font face à la plus haute montagne.

Tel l’oie qui préfère le lait, / Tel l’abeille qui butine les fleurs,

Une fois le silence et la clarté atteints, / Je vous aurais présenté ma tradition.

Le silence et la clarté de ma tradition / Pénètrent jusqu’au plus haut et jusqu’au plus profond.

Le corps est shûnyatâ, / Les bras forment le mudrâ.

Du début à la fin, ce n’est qu’une même règle / D’apparences toujours changeantes et de dix mille différences.

Monsieur He offre une pierre précieuse / Et Xiangru pointe le défaut dans la pierre.

Une telle capacité possède ses règles, / La grande fonction ne connaît pas de difficulté.

L’empereur est dans son domaine, / Le général, au-delà des frontières.

L’affaire de notre école / Est d’une parfaite adéquation.

Partout, transmettez-la / Sans jamais vous méprendre.
____________________

Have a nice end of day !

Yuki
Sat today

Anchi
05-29-2021, 07:04 AM
Lovely ! Oui s'il te plaît ...Merci Beaucoup Yuki ! gassho2

Always Great To Sit and Chant In Your company ! gassho1

See you all later!!:encouragement:


Gassho

Yuki
05-29-2021, 08:09 PM
Hi everybody !

Many thanks to everyone who chanted and sat this week (Omom, Ryokudo, Aprapti, Heitou, Kiri_ , Bernie and his mother, John P. and Paul... I wish I didn’t forget someone [scared]).

It’s great to sit and chant in so good company !

Have a great weekend,
Yuki 雪 [gassholook]

Heitou
05-30-2021, 02:46 AM
Thank You Yuki, I enjoyed it.

Gassho
Heitou
SatToday

Jundo
05-30-2021, 07:45 AM
Ah, my Dharma Brother and good friend, fellow student of Nishijima ... Éric Rommeluère.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Yuki
05-30-2021, 01:21 PM
Hi everybody,

I suggest the reading of Contemplating Mind by Hanshan Deqing this week.

« Master Hanshan Deqing (1546-1623), the author of Contemplating Mind, was born in the late Ming dynasty when bureaucratic corruption and social chaos was prevalent. He was the only great Master who recorded his lifelong experience of practice and thoughts. His Contemplating Mind tells the essence of practice in the form of verse. He was distinguished from his peers as wise since his childhood, raising the issue of life and death at the age of 7, seeking life orientation at the age of 12 and ordained as a monastic aged 18. At 19 years, he saw a vision of Amitābha Buddha as he was wholeheartedly chanting the name, intensifying his determination on the path. »
http://ddm.dharmadrum.org/content/oversea_news/view.aspx?sn=1657

____________________________

Contemplating Mind
by
Hanshan Deqing (1546-1623)


Look upon the body as unreal,
An image in a mirror
Or the reflection of the moon in water
Contemplate the mind as formless,
Yet bright and pure.
Not a single thought arising,
Empty, yet perceptive,
Still, yet illuminating,
Complete like the Great Emptiness,
Containing all that is wonderful.
Neither going out nor coming in,
Without appearance or characteristics,
Countless skillful means
Arise out of one mind.
Independent of material existence,
Which is ever an obstruction,
Do not cling to deluded thoughts.
These give birth to illusion.
Attentively contemplate this mind,
Empty, devoid of all objects.
If emotions should suddenly arise,
You will fall into confusion.
In a critical moment bring back the light,
Powerfully illuminating.
Clouds disperse, the sky is clear;
The sun shines brilliantly.
If nothing arises within the mind,
Nothing will manifest without.
That which has characteristics
Is not original reality.
If you can see a thought as it arises,
This awareness will at once destroy it.
Whatever state of mind should come,
Sweep it away, put it down.
Both good and evil states
Can be transformed by mind.
Sacred and profane appear
In accordance with thoughts.
Reciting mantras or contemplating mind
Are merely herbs for polishing a mirror
When the dust is removed,
They are also wiped away.
Great extensive spiritual powers
Are all complete within the mind.
The Pure Land or the Heavens
Can be traveled to at will.
You need not seek the real,
Mind originally is Buddha.
The familiar becomes remate,
The strange seems familiar.
Day and night, everything is wonderful.
Nothing you encounter confuses you.
These are the essentials of mind.

____________________________

I wish to see you soon !

Yuki 雪 [gassholook]

aprapti
05-30-2021, 05:59 PM
thank you Yuki, i am looking forward to read this text in this week.

i think you know this already, but there some interesting texts in Taigen Dan Leighton, cultivating the empty mind.

i hope to see you tomorrow, gassho2

aprapti

sat

Yuki
05-30-2021, 07:20 PM
Thanks you Aprapti.
I will have a look on this book from Taigen Dan Leighton... you mean Cultivating the Empty Field, don’t you ?

Seeing you tomorrow,
Yuki 雪 [gassholook]

aprapti
05-30-2021, 10:12 PM
of course, Yuki.. excuses..

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Ryokudo
05-30-2021, 11:18 PM
Hey Yuki,

It sounds interesting as ever, it is lovely how the circle is ever changing. So I will look forward to it mon frere.

Maybe we could also do a chant on occasional days as well time permitting?

A demain, in gassho

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
05-30-2021, 11:27 PM
Yes Ryokudo, I miss chanting too.
Always ready to chant ![claps]

See you tomorrow brother !

Yuki 雪

Ryokudo
05-31-2021, 12:22 AM
Hey Yuki,

By the way I was thinking that as you are pulling together all these texts and also getting into different language variations, we should really start pulling them together in one new document that can be living on the treeleaf site, if Jundo is OK with it naturally. What do you think?

Gassho

Ryokudo.

Yuki
05-31-2021, 12:42 AM
Ryo,

It could be done, yes ! I’m always interested by different variations and translations of zen texts. Each one can teach something or present a subject with new lighting, new perspectives.

Good idea ! [claps]

Yuki 雪. [gassholook]

Anchi
05-31-2021, 06:07 AM
Lovely ....Thank You Yuki, gassho2

Always great to sit and chant In Your company !gassho2

See you gassho1

Gassho

bluemountain
05-31-2021, 05:41 PM
Great Yuki. It is always pleasant and joyful to sit with everybody. :buddha:

Unfortunately starting today I'll be taking swimming classes. The good part is that I'll be able to exercise (which I haven't done much since quarantine started). The bad part is that I won't be able to sit with everyone on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays since my class begins right in the middle of our meeting.

But hey! Aren't we supposed to transcend thoughts of good and bad after all? :D

So I hope to see everyone on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Gassho gassho2

Au revoir, Ciao, Bye, Sayonara, Tchau...

Bernie

Ryokudo
06-02-2021, 01:05 PM
Hey Yuki,

Yesterday went cool, but that's what you get with Paul, John P, Aprapti and Bluemountain Bernie[claps].

We did Sanki Raimon (Aprapti)

Contemplating Mind (Johnny boy)

Maka Hannya (Ryo)

zazen

Some Haiku form my man John and then 4 vows in Port, Jap, Eng.

It was great but obviously we missed you mon frere, I hope the travel was ok and we shall see you tonight.

In gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
06-02-2021, 05:52 PM
Hi Chanting Brothers,

The travel have gone well. Actually, our little Zendo on wheels (caravan) is parked at the house of our beloved daughter. We will stay here for at least 8 to 10 days.

Yes, Ryokudo, I will be able to join you today. :encouragement:

See you all !

Yuki 雪

(Sat alone yesterday but will do it in your company today !)

kirii
06-02-2021, 08:07 PM
Hello! I haven't introduced myself yet and someone asked me where I was from, so here you are :) I am Kirii, a person from germany and I am pretty shy, I hope it has been ok for you guys that I have been leaving off my camera and mic. Practice has been very nice with all of you and I have been enjoying it ! See you tomorrow (I have 2h of training tomorrow, won't be sure whether I can participate or not because after that 'll be exhausted...) I think I might've deleted my last message

Gassho

Kirii
Sat today

Yuki
06-03-2021, 01:12 AM
Hello! I haven't introduced myself yet and someone asked me where I was from, so here you are :) I am Kirii, a person from germany and I am pretty shy, I hope it has been ok for you guys that I have been leaving off my camera and mic. Practice has been very nice with all of you and I have been enjoying it ! See you tomorrow (I have 2h of training tomorrow, won't be sure whether I can participate or not because after that 'll be exhausted...) I think I might've deleted my last message

Gassho

Kirii
Sat today

Hi Kirii,

In Chanting and Zazen Circle, we are free to be who we are, so you can be assured that nobody will judge the fact your camera and mic are off. Thanks for your presence and practice with us. By the way, if you know the four vows in German, I would be interested to have the text in your language and, who knows, maybe try to read it at the end of our Chanting session, as I have done with the Portuguese text last week ! :)

See you soon,

Yuki 雪

Yuki
06-06-2021, 08:47 PM
Hi everybody,

Aprapti had a good suggestion for the text to read this week. It is from Thich Nhat Hanh.

Please Call Me by My True Names

Don’t say that I will depart tomorrow —
even today I am still arriving.

Look deeply: every second I am arriving
to be a bud on a Spring branch,
to be a tiny bird, with still-fragile wings,
learning to sing in my new nest,
to be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower,
to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone.

I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry,
to fear and to hope.
The rhythm of my heart is the birth and
death of all that is alive.

I am a mayfly metamorphosing
on the surface of the river.
And I am the bird
that swoops down to swallow the mayfly.

I am a frog swimming happily
in the clear water of a pond.
And I am the grass-snake
that silently feeds itself on the frog.

I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones,
my legs as thin as bamboo sticks.
And I am the arms merchant,
selling deadly weapons to Uganda.

I am the twelve-year-old girl,
refugee on a small boat,
who throws herself into the ocean
after being raped by a sea pirate.
And I am the pirate,
my heart not yet capable
of seeing and loving.


I am a member of the politburo,
with plenty of power in my hands.
And I am the man who has to pay
his “debt of blood” to my people
dying slowly in a forced-labor camp.

My joy is like Spring, so warm
it makes flowers bloom all over the Earth.
My pain is like a river of tears,
so vast it fills the four oceans.

Please call me by my true names,
so I can hear all my cries and laughter at once,
so I can see that my joy and pain are one.

Please call me by my true names,
so I can wake up
and the door of my heart
could be left open,
the door of compassion.


This poem was written in 1978, during the time of helping the boat people.

Seeing you tomorrow !

Yuki 雪

Ryokudo
06-07-2021, 10:20 AM
Hey yuki,

Sounds lovely, and then maybe a maka hannya or sandokai?

I guess Aprapti should have 1st pass at TNH text?

A bientot mon frere.

Gassho

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Ryokudo
06-07-2021, 10:25 AM
Hello! I haven't introduced myself yet and someone asked me where I was from, so here you are :) I am Kirii, a person from germany and I am pretty shy, I hope it has been ok for you guys that I have been leaving off my camera and mic. Practice has been very nice with all of you and I have been enjoying it ! See you tomorrow (I have 2h of training tomorrow, won't be sure whether I can participate or not because after that 'll be exhausted...) I think I might've deleted my last message

Gassho

Kirii
Sat today

Wilkommen kirii,

A great zen trait is to hold your peace until you are ready to speak. Shyness is not a problem, you are blossoming with us anyway, like Buddha's flower. Whether we see you or not, we see you and honour you. One day we may see you, meanwhile our hearts see each other and chant in unison, dancing to the dharma,

Gassho

Ryokudo

Anchi
06-07-2021, 05:57 PM
Hey Yuki,

Sounds wonderful ![claps]
Thank you Aprapti gassho2

See you all ! gassho1

Gassho

Yuki
06-08-2021, 01:13 PM
Hi everybody !

I plan to read Please « Call Me by My True Names » from Thich Nhat Hanh in French later this week. Here is the French translation if you want to follow me in French.

Appelez-moi par mes vrais noms
(Thich Nhat Hanh)


Ne dites pas, je serai parti demain,
car je ne cesse de naître, aujourd’hui encore.
Regardez en profondeur : je nais à chaque seconde
bourgeon sur une branche printanière,
oisillon aux ailes encore fragiles,
apprenant à chanter dans mon nouveau nid,
chenille au coeur d’une fleur ;
bijou caché dans une pierre.
Je ne cesse de naître, pour rire et pour pleurer ; pour craindre et pour espérer :
Mon coeur est rythmé par la naissance et
la mort de tout ce qui est vivant.
Je suis l’éphémère se métamorphosant sur l’eau de la rivière,
et je suis l’oiseau qui, au printemps, naît juste à temps
pour manger l’éphémère.
Je suis la grenouille nageant heureuse dans la mare claire,
Et je suis l’orvet approchant en silence pour se nourrir de la grenouille.
Je suis l’enfant d’Ouganda, décharné, squelettique,
aux jambes pareilles à des bambous fragiles,
et je suis le marchand d’armes vendant des armes meurtrières à l’Ouganda.
Je suis la fillette de douze ans, réfugiée sur une frêle embarcation,
Se jetant à l’eau pour avoir été violée par un pirate,
et je suis le pirate, au coeur incapable encore de voir et d’aimer :
Je suis un membre du Politburo,
et je suis l’homme qui doit acquitter sa « dette de sang » envers mon peuple,
mourant lentement aux travaux forcés.
Ma joie est comme le printemps, chaude,
au point d’épanouir des fleurs en tout mode de vie.
Ma peine forme une rivière de larmes, débordante,
au point d’emplir les quatre océans.
S’il vous plaît, appelez-moi par mes vrais noms,
Que j’entende ensemble mes cris et mes rires,
Que je voie ma joie mais aussi ma peine.
Appelez-moi, s’il vous plaît, par mes vrais noms,
Que je m’éveille, et ouvre pour toujours la porte de mon cœur,
la porte de la compassion.

Gassho gassho2

Yuki 雪

aprapti
06-08-2021, 08:10 PM
Hi everybody !

I plan to read Please « Call Me by My True Names » from Thich Nhat Hanh in French later this week. Here is the French translation if you want to follow me in French.



nice!!

aprapti

sat

aprapti
06-08-2021, 08:15 PM
7105

this is the book based on enmei jikku kannon gyo.

aprapti

sat

Anchi
06-09-2021, 07:09 AM
Lovely in French ! Thank you Yuki.
This is a wonderful book Aprapti ! gassho1

Always great to sit and chant with everybody.

See you all [gassholook]

Gassho

Yuki
06-09-2021, 04:41 PM
Hi everyone !

Here is an another version of Hakuin's Song of Zazen Omom send me today. Always interesting to see how words are formulated from one translation to another. What do you think about this one ?

Hakuin's Song of Zazen
Written by Hakuin (1686 - 1768)

English version by Daisetz Teitaro Suzuki
Original Language Japanese

All beings are primarily Buddhas.
It is like water and ice:
There is no ice apart from water;
There are no Buddhas apart from beings.

Not knowing how close the truth is to them,
Beings seek for it afar -- what a pity!
They are like those who, being in the midst of water,
Cry out for water, feeling thirst.

They are like the son of the rich man,
Who, wandering away from his father,
Goes astray amongst the poor.
It is all due to their ignorance
That beings transmigrate in the darkness
Of the Six Paths of existence.

When they wander from darkness to darkness,
How can they ever be free from birth-and-death?

As for the Dhyana practice as taught in the Mahayana,
No amount of praise can exhaust its merits.
The Six Paramitas--beginning with the Giving, Observing the Precepts,
And other good deeds, variously enumerated,
Such as Nembutsu, Repentance, Moral Training, and so on --
All are finally reducible to the practice of Dhyana.

The merit of Dhyana practice, even during a single sitting,
Erases the countless sins accumulated in the past.
Where then are the Evil Paths to misguide us?
The Pure Land cannot be far away.

Those who, for once, listening to the Dharma
In all humility,
Praise it and faithfully follow it,
Will be endowed with innumerable merits.

But how much more so when you turn your eyes within yourselves
And have a glimpse into your self-nature!
You find that the self-nature is no-nature -
The truth permitting no idle sophistry.
For you, then, open the gate leading to the oneness of cause and effect;
Before you, then, lies a straight road of non-duality and non-trinity.

When you understand that form is the form of the formless,
Your coming-and-going takes place nowhere else but where you are.
When you understand that thought is the thought of the thought-less.
Your singing-and-dancing is no other than the voice of the Dharma.
How boundless is the sky of Samadhi!
How refreshingly bright is the moon of the Fourfold Wisdom!
Being so is there anything you lack?
As the Absolute presents itself before you
The place where you stand is the Land of the Lotus,
And your person -- the body of the Buddha.

Yuki 雪 gassho1

aprapti
06-09-2021, 08:33 PM
hi everyone,

excuse me for leaving so quick; i do not like to talk to much after zazen..

gassho2

aprapti

sat :D

Seiko
06-09-2021, 09:43 PM
Hello John P.

Ryokudo mentioned that we have not been formally introduced. So I thought I'd say 'hello'. I am happy to meet you.

May I ask, do you have a profile at the Treeleaf website as "John P." or a slightly different name?

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Yuki
06-10-2021, 12:31 AM
hi everyone,

excuse me for leaving so quick; i do not like to talk to much after zazen..

gassho2

aprapti

sat :D

No problems Aprapti. Each of us have it’s own way to deal with our sitting. :)
Be in peace my friend !

Yuki 雪

Yuki
06-10-2021, 12:38 AM
Hello John P.

Ryokudo mentioned that we have not been formally introduced. So I thought I'd say 'hello'. I am happy to meet you.

May I ask, do you have a profile at the Treeleaf website as "John P." or a slightly different name?

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

Hello Seiko,

I think our friend John P. do not have a profile on Trealeaf. I will copy and paste your message and send it to him at his personal email address.

Gassho [gassholook],

Yuki 雪

Yuki
06-14-2021, 12:39 PM
Hi everyone !

Reading suggestion for this week… Omom sent me the following poem :

Prayer for the Great Family
By Gary Snyder

Gratitude to Mother Earth, sailing through night and day—
and to her soil: rich, rare and sweet
in our minds so be it.

Gratitude to Plants, the sun-facing, light-changing leaf
and fine root-hairs; standing still through wind
and rain; their dance is in the flowering spiral grain
in our minds so be it.

Gratitude to Air, bearing the soaring Swift and silent
Owl at dawn. Breath of our song
clear spirit breeze
in our minds so be it.

Gratitude to Wild Beings, our brothers, teaching secrets,
freedoms, and ways; who share with us their milk;
self-complete, brave and aware
in our minds so be it.

Gratitude to Water: clouds, lakes, rivers, glaciers;
holding or releasing; streaming through all
our bodies salty seas
in our minds so be it.

Gratitude to the Sun: blinding pulsing light through
trunks of trees, through mists, warming caves where
bears and snakes sleep— he who wakes us—
in our minds so be it.

Gratitude to the Great Sky
who holds billions of stars— and goes yet beyond that—
beyond all powers, and thoughts
and yet is within us—
Grandfather Space.
The Mind is his Wife.
so be it.


Gary Snyder, Turtle Island (after a Mohawk prayer)
New Directions, New York, 1974.

Gary Snyder won the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry with Turtle Island. A wise and remarkable work of poems and prose most of which is still relevant today in the 21st century.

_________________
See you soon !

Yuki 雪. [gassholook]

aprapti
06-14-2021, 01:56 PM
good suggestion! thank you, Omom.

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Yuki
06-16-2021, 06:39 PM
Hi everybody !

Sorry, I won’t be able to reach home in time for the Chanting and Zazen Circle.
See you Thursday !

Yuki 雪

(To be in conformity with the rules of Trealeaf in this place : sat the last 2000 consecutive days and will sat again in less than one hour. I intent to sit the 2000 next consecutive days too. gassho1 )

Anchi
06-17-2021, 06:29 AM
Always great to sit and chant with everybody. gassho2

Thank you all gassho1

See You [monk]

Gassho

Yuki
06-18-2021, 12:50 AM
Hi everybody !

Maybe we could try to chant the Japanese Kaikyo Ge this Friday ?

KAIKYÔ GE

« The Dharma is deep and lovely,
We now have a chance to see it,
study it, and practice it.
We vow to realize it’s true meaning. »


KAIKYÔ GE


**
MUJÔ JINJIN MIMYÔ HÔ *
HYAKU SEN MAN GÔ NAN SÔGÛ.
GA KON KEMMON TOKU JUJI.*
GANGE NYORAI SHINJITSU * GI.

Here is a link to a YouTube audio by Massimo Claus:

https://youtu.be/3_any6N6P1g

See you tomorrow !

Yuki 雪

(Sat exactly 27 minutes and 13 seconds, 5 hours and 48 minutes ago, with Chanting and Zazen Circle, before posting here.)

Yuki
06-20-2021, 04:42 PM
Hi everybody !

Omom suggest us some texts for this week's Chanting and Zazen Circle :

A BUDDHIST SOLDIER'S GRAVE.
Copyright, 1889, by Henry J. Wehman.

Oh, the battle it is over, and the stars are shining bright,
The moon shone on the dying and the dead;
Not a sound could be heard but the screech of some wild bird,
As it fluttered over the dying and the dead;
But on that field lay one who nobly fought that day,
His comrades, true to him, were standing by;
As with anger he cried his comrades gently sighed,
And with their hands they wiped away a tear.

Chorus.
Then he whispered good-bye to his comrades so dear,
His head on his knapsack gently laid;
Should you live to get home you may tell them
That I am sleeping in a pretty soldier's grave.

Oh, don't you remember that dear old oak tree,
With my knife I cut my name out in the bark;
Oh, that dear old lonely spot it will never be forgot,
Though many miles I am from it now.
Oh, that dear old shady lane it will never be forgot,
There's where I used to meet the girl I love;
Oh, go tell her not to cry, I will meet her bye-and-bye
In a bright and better land above.-Chorus.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


@ Stillness

十方同聚會 The ten directions converging,

個個學無爲 Each learning to do nothing,

此是選佛場 This is the hall of Buddha's training;

心空及第歸 Mind's empty, all's finished.

P'ang Yün (龐蘊 Hõ Un) (Two Zen Classics 263)


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

@ The Ultimate Attainment

The past is already past.

Don't try to regain it.

The present does not stay.

Don't try to touch it.

From moment to moment.

The future has not come;

Don't think about it

Beforehand.

Whatever comes to the eye,

Leave it be.

There are no commandments

To be kept;

There's no filth to be cleansed.

With empty mind really

Penetrated, the dharmas

Have no life.

When you can be like this,

You've completed

The ultimate attainment.

P'ang Yün (龐蘊 Hõ Un)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


@ Beyond This World

通玄峯頂 Over the crest of the T'ung-hsuan-feng,

不是人間 The human world is no more.

心外無物 Nothing is outside the Mind;

満目青山 And the eye is filled with green mountains.

T'ien-t'ai Te-chao (天台德昭 Tendai Tokushõ; 891-972), most prominent disciple of Fa-yen (法眼 Hõgen), and abbot of a temple on Mount T'ung-hsuan-feng (通玄峯).

(The Golden Age of Zen 240, 321 n.37)
_________________________________

As I will be with you only the two first days of the week, it’s up to you to choose what you want to do during the following days.

See you Monday !

Yuki 雪

(Sat today / assis aujourd'hui / saß heute / zat vandaag / 今日座った / seduto oggi / sentou hoje / hodie sat / sidis hodiaŭ… )

aprapti
06-20-2021, 05:26 PM
hi everybody,

i will be back on wednesday, so i am very curious..

aprapti

sat

Ryokudo
06-21-2021, 01:18 AM
Sounds good and maybe a sandokai or 2 for chanting

Gassho,

Neilio
SAT/LAH

Ryokudo
06-22-2021, 01:59 PM
Hey All,

I'm sorry to say I won't be there tonight, not due to the England match as I suggested but more to do with having to work through. I may try to join for the ast 15 mins but no promises.

Gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Ryokudo
06-23-2021, 06:46 PM
Hey all,

I'm afraid I'm still in work tonight.

Gassho,

Ryo

Anchi
06-23-2021, 08:11 PM
Hi Ryokudo,

Oh, Noooo [scared]

l hope you will come tomorrow :encouragement:

See You gassho2

Gassho

Ryokudo
06-24-2021, 06:29 PM
Hello to nobody,

You will be pleased to know I will be there tonight [claps]

Gassho,

Ryokudo,

SAT/LAH

aprapti
06-25-2021, 03:33 PM
hi sitting chanters,

i hope to be there to day i but i have lots of problems with my internet connection these days, so it is like life itself: one big dukkha.. :D


gassho2

aprapti

sat

Anchi
06-25-2021, 04:39 PM
Hi Chanting Brothers,

It's nice to know You will be there tonight Aprāpti gassho2

Always Great To Sit and Chant In Your company!gassho1

See you all ! [monk]

Gassho

aprapti
06-25-2021, 07:26 PM
Hi Chanting Brothers,

It's nice to know You will be there tonight Aprāpti gassho2

Always Great To Sit and Chant In Your company!gassho1



no connection..

aprapti

Anchi
06-27-2021, 12:14 PM
Hi Chanting Brothers,

It was lovely to see Aprāpti and Ryokudo on Saturday. gassho2

It is always pleasant and joyful to sit with everybody .

Chanting was wonderful Aprāpti .
Thank you so much gassho1

See you tomorrow ! :encouragement:


In Gassho,

nobody gassho2

aprapti
06-27-2021, 05:04 PM
Hi Chanting Brothers,

It was lovely to see Aprāpti and Ryokudo on Saturday. gassho2

It is always pleasant and joyful to sit with everybody .

Chanting was wonderful Aprāpti .
Thank you so much gassho1

See you tomorrow ! :encouragement:


In Gassho,

nobody gassho2

_(|)_

aprapti

Ryokudo
06-28-2021, 03:37 PM
OK tonight I was thinking a spoken song of zazen followed by sandokai in English chanted. Both are in the treeleaf retreat book I think.

But we're always welcoming of other ideas obviously.

No bosses here:)

Gassho

Ryo

Anchi
06-28-2021, 06:06 PM
Hi everyone,

Ryokudo that sounds lovely gassho1

See you all gassho2

Gassho,

nobody [monk]

Ryokudo
06-29-2021, 12:52 PM
Hi All

as I mentioned last week I probably won't b there on Tuesday due to work. I will try but no promises.

If not the world is your oyster, just make sure we have some zazen.

In deepest gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Anchi
06-29-2021, 03:13 PM
Hi everybody !

I probably won't be there on Tuesday and Wednesday....
I will try but no promises.

May your practice be a cause of happiness! gassho1

See you soon ! gassho2

With deep bows,

nobody[monk]

Seiko
07-01-2021, 12:32 PM
Hello Friends,
Here is a quick eye update. My eyesight test is scheduled for 12 July. New spectacles will show up around 14 days after that. So by the end of July I hope to be able to see well enough to join treeleaf zoom meetings.

Yuki - I hope you, your friends and family are safe? We hear much about the unusually hot weather in Canada.

Deep Bows to all,
As ever,

Seiko
stlah

Ryokudo
07-01-2021, 06:08 PM
Hey all,

So in all likelihood work will drag over into my zazen time so I porbably won't be there,

Many apologies,

Ryo

Anchi
07-01-2021, 07:58 PM
Hello to Ryokudo,

Oh, Noooo [scared]

Ryokudo, we missed you today.[scared]
It was only John P. and I.

l hope we can see you tomorrow.gassho2


With deep bows,

Anchi
07-02-2021, 06:02 AM
Hello Seiko,


This is great news that you will be back here to join Treeleaf zoom meetings in ⭕️Chanting and Zazen Circle with us. gassho2

We'll look forward to seeing you again,

May you be well!

With all best Dharma wishes! gassho1

Much Metta and take care, gassho2

With deep bows,

nobody[monk]

Yuki
07-02-2021, 05:05 PM
Hi everybody !

Seiko, it’s a great news! We miss you here, as you can guess. And all is going well for me and my family. Fires and heat waves are in the opposite part of Canada. In Quebec, actually, it’s cool and sometimes cold.

Will be back from camping next Monday, friends !:encouragement:

See you soon !

Yuki 雪

Sat less than 20 hours ago… I hope it count for a Treeleaf Sat Today :eek:

Anchi
07-02-2021, 05:38 PM
Bonjour Yuki,

Tu nous manques, comme tu le sais gassho1

À bientôt ! :encouragement:

Gassho

Seiko
07-03-2021, 07:33 AM
Good morning compadres, I hope all are well and full of beans today? I hope everyone is OK?

Cat news from Lincoln UK.

Last night we slept like fallen trees in a forest.

Connie (the sick cat) takes her medicine well - on food - like ketchup on chips. She is bright and alert this morning but no toilet activity yet... That's a decider. She was hit by a car on Thursday and has a break in her spine just above the tail. As she has no sensation or movement in the tail, if she survives it will be amputated. In the meantime, we need litter tray action before 9am Monday.

Today Teresa goes to see her mum in Harrogate hospital and a meal with her brothers, in a restaurant chosen for it's special dullness: It's a Yorkshire thing.

So the blind man is looking after the broken cat.

No more excitement please.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

aprapti
07-03-2021, 12:36 PM
Good morning compadres, I hope all are well and full of beans today? I hope everyone is OK?

Cat news from Lincoln UK.

Last night we slept like fallen trees in a forest.

Connie (the sick cat) takes her medicine well - on food - like ketchup on chips. She is bright and alert this morning but no toilet activity yet... That's a decider. She was hit by a car on Thursday and has a break in her spine just above the tail. As she has no sensation or movement in the tail, if she survives it will be amputated. In the meantime, we need litter tray action before 9am Monday.

Today Teresa goes to see her mum in Harrogate hospital and a meal with her brothers, in a restaurant chosen for it's special dullness: It's a Yorkshire thing.

So the blind man is looking after the broken cat.

No more excitement please.

In Gassho
Seiko
stlah

metta, Seiko gassho1

aprapti

sat

Jundo
07-03-2021, 10:11 PM
Connie (the sick cat) takes her medicine well - on food - like ketchup on chips. She is bright and alert this morning but no toilet activity yet... That's a decider. She was hit by a car on Thursday and has a break in her spine just above the tail. As she has no sensation or movement in the tail, if she survives it will be amputated. In the meantime, we need litter tray action before 9am Monday.



Our cat, Master Tinky, lost his tail in just that same way. He never complained, never said he missed it, never compared himself to other cats with longer tails (actually, most Japanese cats have stumpy tails anyway, so he fit right in). It also never slowed him down or seemed to effect his balance in any way. Just like humans, who can do without our tails! :)

Japanese bobtail cats:

https://hiyodon.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cat-18-1030-01.jpg

Gassho, J

STLah

Ryokudo
07-04-2021, 07:09 PM
Hi all, Yuki should be back with us tomorrow so I figured we could use one of his previous suggestions for the readings this week, besides I missed it the first time due to work commitments. (Lovely self interest there:cool:)

So I suggest we recite the Song of the Grass Roof Hermitage from Sekitō (Shih-t'ou) this week.

As there are many versions, here is the text I took on the site Daily Zen : https://www.dailyzen.com/journal/son...roof-hermitage


Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage


I've built a grass hut where there's nothing of value.
After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap.
When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared.
Now it's been lived in - covered by weeds.

The person in the hut lives here calmly,
Not stuck to inside, outside, or in between.
Places worldly people live, he doesn't live.
Realms worldly people love, he doesn't love.

Though the hut is small, it includes the entire world.
In ten square feet, an old man illumines forms and their nature.
A Great Vehicle bodhisattva trusts without doubt.
The middling or lowly can't help wondering;
Will this hut perish or not?

Perishable or not, the original master is present,
not dwelling south or north, east or west.
Firmly based on steadiness, it can't be surpassed.
A shining window below the green pines --
Jade palaces or vermilion towers can't compare with it.

Just sitting with head covered, all things are at rest.
Thus, this mountain monk doesn't understand at all.
Living here he no longer works to get free.
Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice guests?

Turn around the light to shine within, then just return.
The vast inconceivable source can't be faced or turned away from.
Meet the ancestral teachers, be familiar with their instruction,
Bind grasses to build a hut, and don't give up.

Let go of hundreds of years and relax completely.
Open your hands and walk, innocent.
Thousands of words, myriad interpretations,
Are only to free you from obstructions.
If you want to know the undying person in the hut,
Don't separate from this skin bag here and now.

Shih-t'ou (700-790)

I hope that is ok for everyone,

Gassho,

Ryokudo.

Ryokudo
07-04-2021, 07:12 PM
Our cat, Master Tinky, lost his tail in just that same way. He never complained, never said he missed it, never compared himself to other cats with longer tails (actually, most Japanese cats have stumpy tails anyway, so he fit right in). It also never slowed him down or seemed to effect his balance in any way. Just like humans, who can do without our tails! :)

Japanese bobtail cats:

https://hiyodon.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cat-18-1030-01.jpg

Gassho, J

STLah

I was talking the other day about my teeth falling out and I said it's fine as I shouldn't be so attached to them anyway [morehappy]. Maybe its the same for Connie?

As for a blind man watching over her.....well I've seen Zatoichi and he seems to be incredibly able to look after himself and his pals!

In gassho my brother,

Ryokudo

aprapti
07-05-2021, 08:08 PM
hi guys, i had a visit of the internet-bodhisattva again this evening.. ;) he switched off my wifi twice and gave me some training with the paramita of patience..
may be more luck tomorrow..

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Tai Shi
07-05-2021, 08:25 PM
Did you know this was going to happen?
Gassho
sat/ lah
Tai Shi


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Ryokudo
07-05-2021, 10:11 PM
hi guys, i had a visit of the internet-bodhisattva again this evening.. ;) he switched off my wifi twice and gave me some training with the paramita of patience..
may be more luck tomorrow..

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Hey Aprapti,

You were there, whether you were there or not, it just makes us a real 21st century zendo!!

Internet in, internet out, we do the hokey cokey and we turn about [claps].

It's just kinda internet-age cool.

Gassho mi hermano,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Yuki
07-06-2021, 12:13 AM
Hi everybody !

Good to be back among our group, even if only for one week !
My IPad stop working a while during zazen because it was too hot here, in my backyard. Some shades helps me to be back on time for the last part of our chanting, happily.
Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage is a nice choice… I could read it in Japanese later this week if you want. « Kusayane no an no uta » is really a great zen text.

See you tomorrow !

Yuki 雪

Sat today at 12:17 pm, (Tucson hour), 15:17 pm (Chicoutimi hour), 16:17 pm (Brasil hour), 20:17 pm (London hour), 21:17 pm (Paris hour), 22:17pm (Bruxelles hour) and 04:17 (Tokyo hour)… [evil2]

Ryokudo
07-06-2021, 10:38 AM
Hi everybody !

Good to be back among our group, even if only for one week !
My IPad stop working a while during zazen because it was too hot here, in my backyard. Some shades helps me to be back on time for the last part of our chanting, happily.
Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage is a nice choice… I could read it in Japanese later this week if you want. « Kusayane no an no uta » is really a great zen text.

See you tomorrow !

Yuki 雪

Sat today at 12:17 pm, (Tucson hour), 15:17 pm (Chicoutimi hour), 16:17 pm (Brasil hour), 20:17 pm (London hour), 21:17 pm (Paris hour), 22:17pm (Bruxelles hour) and 04:17 (Tokyo hour)… [evil2]

Hey Yuki,

Lets go it in Japanese today! Can you post the text in Japanese?

Cheers

Ryo

Yuki
07-06-2021, 01:08 PM
Hi Ryokudo,

Even if I didn’t sit today, I post the Japanese text at your request.
:eek:
___________________

Kusayane no an no uta

Kachinonai kusa no koya o tatemashita.
Tabetaato wa, rirakkusu shite o hirune o shimasu.
Kansei suru to, shinsen'na zassō ga arawaremashita.
Ima dewa zassō ni ōwa rete sunde imasu.

Koya no hito wa shizuka ni koko ni sunde imasu,
Uchigawa, sotogawa, matawa sonoaida ni hari tsuite imasen.
Sezoku-tekina hitobito ga sunde iru basho, kare wa sunde imasen.
Sezoku-tekina hitobito ga aisuru ryōiki, kare wa itoshite imasen.

Koya wa chīsaidesuga, zen sekai ga fukuma rete imasu.
Ju Heihō fīto de, rōjin wa katachi to sono seishitsu o terashimasu.
Idaina norimono bosatsu wa machigainaku shinrai shite imasu.
Chūtohanpana, matawa hikui no wa fushigi ni omowazu ni haira remasen.
Kono koya wa horobiru ka dō ka?

Kusari yasui ka dō ka ni kakawarazu,-moto no masutā ga sonzai shimasu,
Minami matawa kita, azuma matawa nishi ni sunde imasen.
Shikkari to antei-sei nimotozuite, sore o koeru koto wa dekimasen.
Midori no matsu no moto no kagayaku mado —
Hisui no kyūden ya shuiro no tō wa sore to hikaku suru koto wa dekimasen.

Atama o ōtte suwatte iru dake de, subete ga yasunde imasu.
Shitagatte, kono yama no sōryo wa mattaku rikai shite imasen.
Koko ni sunde iru to, kare wa mohaya jiyū ni naru tame ni hataraite imasen.
Dare ga hokorashige ni seki o tehai shi, gesuto o yūwaku shiyou to shimasu ka?

Hikari o mawashite naka o terashi, modotte kudasai.
Sōzō o zessuru kōdaina jōhō-gen ni chokumen shi tari, se o muke tari suru koto wa dekimasen.
Senzo no kyōshi ni ai, karera no shidō ni seitsū shi,
Kusa o tabanete koya o tate, akiramenaide kudasai.

Nanbyakunen mo tebanashite, kanzen ni rirakkusu shite kudasai.
Te o aite, mujitsu de aruki nasai.
Nan sen mo no kotoba, musū no kaishaku,
Shōgai-mono kara anata o kaihō suru dakedesu.
Koya de fujimi no hito o shiritainara,
Ima koko de kono sukin baggu kara hanarenaide kudasai

_________________

See you today !

Yuki 雪

Anchi
07-07-2021, 06:41 AM
Hi everybody !

''Kusayane no an no uta '' song is beautiful in Japanese.
Thank you Yuki. gassho2

Aprāpti , chanting was a wonderful '' Four Vows'' in Dutch.
Thank you Aprāpti. gassho2

It’s great to sit and chant in so good company ! gassho1

See you tomorrow !

Gassho

aprapti
07-08-2021, 09:31 PM
see you guys on monday..

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Ryokudo
07-14-2021, 06:15 PM
Hi All,

I am currently snowed under in client meetings so will not make tonight, or at least not until midway through.

However I'm sure you can sort out the session without my interfering anyway :)

Gassho,

Ryokudo

aprapti
07-15-2021, 11:43 AM
Hi All,

I am currently snowed under in client meetings so will not make tonight, or at least not until midway through.

However I'm sure you can sort out the session without my interfering anyway :)

we swim and try to keep our heads above the water.. :D

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Ryokudo
07-15-2021, 03:13 PM
we swim and try to keep our heads above the water.. :D

gassho2

aprapti

sat

Yes mi hermano, and sometimes you just have to dive through the waves go underwater. We always return to the surface and our lungs are all the fitter for it.

Anyway, working late is just a particularly brutal form of zazen...……….[evilgrin]gassho2

In gassho,

Ryokudo

SAT/LAH

Anchi
07-19-2021, 09:12 AM
Hi Chanting Brothers,

l will be busy with dogs in the afternoon on Monday and Wednesday.[scared]
I probably won't be there .....I will try but no promises.

May your practice be a cause of happiness! gassho1

Wishing you all a good week! gassho2

With deep bows,
nobody [monk]

Yuki
07-19-2021, 08:27 PM
Hey,

Back from camping, found an empty room at Chanting and Zazen Circle. Filled it with Sanki Raimon, chanted HAKUIN ZENJI ZAZEN WASAN in Japanese, Jin ho san shi and Shi Gu Sei Gan Mon, always in Japanese.
:buddha:

Yuki

Of course, I also sat …………….[...]

Anchi
07-20-2021, 02:43 PM
Welcome back Yuki! gassho1

On Saturday i found an empty room at ⭕️Chanting and Zazen Circle it was me with my shadow.[scared]
I'm sure it won't be an empty room today. :D

It is always pleasant and joyful to sit with You and everybody.gassho2

See you soon :encouragement:

Gassho

Yuki
07-26-2021, 08:20 PM
Hi everybody !

Aprapti and me decided to follow this program this week.

Sanki Raimon ( Japanese)
SANKI RAIMON
三帰礼文(さんきらいもん)


LEADER : JI KIE BUTSU 自帰依仏(じきえぶつ)

ALL : TO GAN SHU JÔ 当願衆生(とうがんしゅじょう)
TAI GE DAI JÔ 体解大道(たいげだいどう)
OTSU MU JÔ I 発無上意(ほつむじょうい)



LEADER : JI KIE HO 自帰依法(じきえほう)

ALL : TO GAN SHU JÔ 当願衆生(とうがんしゅじょう)
JIN NYU KYO ZO 深入経蔵(じんにゅうきょうぞう)
CHI E NYO KAI 智慧如海(ちえにょかい)


LEADER : JI KIE SO 自帰依僧(じきえそう)

ALL : TO GAN SHU JÔ 当願衆生(とうがんしゅじょう)
TÔ RI DAI SHU 統理大衆(とうりだいしゅう)
IS-SAI MU GE 一切無礙(いっさいむげ)

Precious Mirror Samadhi (English)

(Hōkyō zanmai 宝鏡三昧)
The dharma of thusness is intimately
transmitted by buddhas and ancestors.
Now you have it; preserve it well.
◎ A silver bowl filled with snow, a heron hidden in the moon.
Taken as similar, they are not the same; not distinguished, their places are known.
The meaning does not reside in the words, but a pivotal moment brings it forth.
Move and you are trapped,
miss and you fall into doubt and vacillation.
Turning away and touching are both wrong, for it is like a massive fire.
Just to portray it in literary form is to stain it with defilement.
In darkest night it is perfectly clear; in the light of dawn it is hidden.
It is a standard for all things; its use removes all suffering.

Although it is not constructed, it is not beyond words.
Like facing a precious mirror;
form and reflection behold each other.
You are not it,
but in truth it is you.
Like a newborn child,
it is fully endowed with five aspects.
No going, no coming, no arising, no abiding; "Baba wawa" - is anything said or not?
In the end it says nothing,
for the words are not yet right.
In the hexagram "double fire,"
when main and subsidiary lines are transposed,
piled up they become three; the permutations make five.
Like the taste of the five-flavored herb, like the five-pronged vajra.
Wondrously embraced within the complete, drumming and singing begin together.
Penetrate the source and travel the pathways, embrace the territory and treasure the roads.

You would do well to respect this; do not neglect it.
Natural and wondrous,
it is not a matter of delusion or enlightenment.
Within causes and conditions, time and season, it is serene and illuminating.
So minute it enters where there is no gap, so vast it transcends dimension.
A hairsbreadth deviation, and you are out of tune.
Now there are sudden and gradual,
in which teachings and approaches arise.
With teachings and approaches distinguished, each has its standard.
Whether teachings and approaches are mastered or not, reality constantly flows,
Outside still and inside trembling, like tethered colts or cowering rats.
The ancient sages grieved for them, and offered them the dharma.
Led by their inverted views, they take black for white.

When inverted thinking stops,
the affirming mind naturally accords.
If you want to follow in the ancient tracks, please observe the sages of the past.
One on the verge of realizing the buddha way contemplated a tree for ten kalpas.
◎ Like a battle-scarred tiger,
like a horse with shanks gone grey.
Because some are vulgar, jeweled tables and ornate robes.
Because others are wide-eyed, cats and white oxen.
◎ With his archer's skill,
Yi hit the mark at a hundred paces.
But when arrows meet head-on, how could it be a matter of skill?
The wooden man starts to sing, the stone woman gets up dancing.
It is not reached by feelings or consciousness; how could it involve deliberation?
Ministers serve their lords, children obey their parents.

Not obeying is not filial, Failure to serve is no help.
With practice hidden, function secretly, like a fool, like an idiot.
● Just to continue in this way
● is called the host within the host.

Dedication

Zazen

Haïkus

Four vows (Dutch)

We are waiting for you !

Yuki

Of course, I sat today [yinyang]

Anchi
07-27-2021, 06:41 AM
Aloha everybody, [wave]

It sounds lovely, as ever, it is lovely how the circle is ever changing.[claps]

Thank you Yuki & Aprāpti gassho1

It’s great to sit and chant in so good company ! :encouragement:

See you tomorrow ! gassho2

In Gassho,
nobody [monk]

Ryokudo
07-27-2021, 01:00 PM
Hey all I'm back from hols sgassho2o I shall see you later, my zen family.

And it's great that you have sat empty zen in the room. Always we are all there, just at different times and not visible. [morehappy]

In deep gassho,

Ryokudo.

SAT/LAH

aprapti
07-27-2021, 03:10 PM
Hi everybody !

Aprapti and me decided to follow this program this week.

(...)

Four vows (Dutch)

We are waiting for you !





maybe 3 times vows in dutch is a bit overdone.. ;)

gassho2


aprapti

sat