My Zazen Challenge

[Jigetsu]

Like everyone, sometimes I develop a bad habit of not sitting. I've decided that instead of looking for excuses I am instead going to make a commitment, a vow (to myself and to all beings) to sit every day for one entire year. Rain or shine, healthy or sick, I can sit Zazen for at the very least 10 minutes a day. Thanks to Jundo I even know how to sit in the event I catch the flu!

http://www.treeleaf.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=64281#p64281

I'll update every so often so that I might be held accountable by the sangha and of course if anyone wants to take this challenge with me, I'd welcome the company.

_/_

Jigetsu

[Geika]

I think I'll take you up on that.

[Hoyu]

Sounds like reasonable goal(goalless goal that is :wink: ) to me! Will you be sitting on G+ so others can join in your sits?

Gassho,
Hoyu

[Risho]

Awesome! I'll join you guys on G+ when I can. I'm in the eastern timezone.

Gassho,

Risho

[Kaishin]

Funny, I was just thinking about doing something similar, as in the past couple of weeks with illness and other craziness, I've really been practicing poorly.

I'm game.

When are you officially starting?

[Jigetsu]

I planned on officially starting this evening! No time like the present. :D In so far as G+, I'd love to once I figure out how to use it. :)

[Myozan Kodo]

Hi Jigetsu,
Good luck with your practice.
Gassho
Myozan

[Kaishin]

Cool, well, maybe we should post daily. Only takes 10 seconds to post a quick message saying "Day X: Sat!" :)

[Jigetsu]

It was on my mind to post after my sit. Just that I sat and not the duration, it's not a competition. ;) ;) I'm game to do that!

[Risho]

good idea; ok I'm sitting right now :) i missed the morning due to a hectic work day.

[Jigetsu]

April 20th, 2012 - Sat Zazen (day 1 of 365)

:)

[Nenka]

Re-commit to sit! Great idea!

Gassho

Jen
(day 1 of 365 also)

[Kaishin]

Re-commit to sit!
Nice! :)

1/365 check

[Jundo]

Re-commit to sit!
Nice! :)

1/365 check

Lovely! Count me in!

Gassho, J

[Hoyu]

1/365 :D

[Yugen]

Check - 1/365.

I'm with you!

Gassho,
Yugen

[Hoyu]

2(early morning Zazenkai :D )/365

Being as though it will span a whole years worth of lifes ups and downs I think it would be nice if we post a little extra info from time to time. It doesn't have to be like keeping a journal or anything too involved. Just noting those little rubber meets the road moments of our practice and our sitting in spite of them.

For example:

185/356 (Bad cold today :( "Sitting with what is" is great practice!)

What do you all think of this idea?

Gassho,
Hoyu

[Geika]

1 was yesterday. It was about ten minutes long, caught in the last minutes before my boyfriend got home and turned on all the electronics in our little studio.

I haven't done today's yet. I think I will take some private time in the bathroom to do so.

[Hoyu]

I haven't done today's yet. I think I will take some private time in the bathroom to do so.

As good a place as any. Our practice has no boundaries!
http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... calls.html (http://http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with-jundo-and-taigu/archives/2009/12/retreat-retreat-v---nature-calls.html)

Gassho,
Hoyu

[Jigetsu]

Had a rough day mentally, I tend to be my own worst critic. Sitting alleviated some of that stress! 2/365.

Jigetsu

[Shohei]

Mind if I join you? ( a day or 2 late)

Gassho
Shohei

[Dosho]

Hi all,

I applaud what you all are doing, but for me sitting isn't somehting I'm going to promise that I will do every single day. I'm a recovering perfectionist, so I'm going to pledge not to concern myself with sitting every day. I'm merely going to promise that when I do sit that I shall make it count! And I truly believe that by the end of a year's time I'll have sat more with that pledge then the one you are proposing. But I'm not knocking it...NOT AT ALL...it's awesome! Just different ways up the mountain and I know what gets me to the cushion.

Good luck to all.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Jigetsu]

Mind if I join you? ( a day or 2 late)

Gassho
Shohei

Of course!!

[Kaishin]

2/365 check

long day... Wife and I passed out on couch after putting kids to bed, next thing I know we wake up and it's almost 11pm. Of course I wanted to just move right to bed, but what excuse not to sit for even 10 minutes? No excuse!

_/_

[Kaishin]

3/365 check

Headache zazen

[Hoyu]

3/365


Headache zazen
Ouch! Hope it feels better soon _/_

[Jigetsu]

Eyes couldn't decide if they should be open or closed. 3/365

[Risho]

I've lost count. lol. But I'm consistent. I'm happy for this thread; sometimes I feel bad for missing zazaen. It's nice to have us all supporting each others practice.

Gassho,

Risho

[Ekai]

I will join in too starting from yesterday since Sunday is the official first day of the week. :D So I sat yesterday evening for 15 min. I try to sit for 30 min. at a crazy 4:30 am :shock: with a group on Google+. However, I am streaming most of the time without the webcam. I need to download the Google+ app for the ipad, I keep forgetting to do that. Sometimes I oversleep (go figure being that it's 4:30 am) or Hunter wakes up so end up sitting in the evening between 9:30-10:00 pm.

1/365

Gassho,
Ekai

[Nenka]

I'm happy for this thread; sometimes I feel bad for missing zazaen. It's nice to have us all supporting each others practice.

Gassho,

Risho

Yeah. I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I need a kick in the ass. Consistency is a problem for me; I miss one day . . . and then I miss two . . . and then . . .

Gassho

Jen
3/365
(and 1 oriyoki of 52--I've revived my post-jukai idea of practicing it once a week)

[Dosho]

Hi all,

When I first read through this thread I was thinking of folks like me who sometimes turn sitting everyday into pressure. But then I read Risho's post and decided to jump in because I want to support what you guys are doing. And I actually encourage those closet perfectionists like me to join in too...it's ok to "fail" and you are no less dedicated...I think this thread can be for us too. Unless anyone objects, I/we are in!

Gassho,
Dosho



I've lost count. lol. But I'm consistent. I'm happy for this thread; sometimes I feel bad for missing zazaen. It's nice to have us all supporting each others practice.

[Jigetsu]

Unless anyone objects, I/we are in!

Gassho,
Dosho


No objections here! All are welcome. :D

[Shohei]

1/365 - sat a while last night. Set up for tonight.

gassho
Shohei

[alan.r]

I'll play too.

Sat this morning and will sit this evening. 1/365.

Gassho,
Alan

ps. are people going to post everyday? 2/365, 3/365? Wouldn't the thread begin to get a little unweildy? Perhaps just weekly updates? I guess it doesn't matter.

[Jigetsu]

I'll play too.

Sat this morning and will sit this evening. 1/365.

Gassho,
Alan

ps. are people going to post everyday? 2/365, 3/365? Wouldn't the thread begin to get a little unweildy? Perhaps just weekly updates? I guess it doesn't matter.

That's a fine question I'd leave for the mods. :)

[Tosh]

I like a quote from a Joh Kabbat Zinn book; he says "You don't have to enjoy it, you just have to do it!"

It's one of those simple, not easy things. :mrgreen:

[Omoi Otoshi]

Good luck everybody! :D

Gassho,
Pontus

[Jinyo]

Yep - I can be really inconsistent. Let's all encourage eachother.

Will probably leave a note when I'm not managing :)

Gassho

Willow

[Kaishin]

Unwieldy how? Not like it's a deep discussion! Anyone not participating can ignore the thread anyway. I post every day, if nothing else to keep myself honest.

[Geika]

Two was in the bathroom...
Three was reclining on the pillows...

[Kaishin]

4/365

Coming down with a cold zazen

[Jundo]

ps. are people going to post everyday? 2/365, 3/365? Wouldn't the thread begin to get a little unweildy? Perhaps just weekly updates? I guess it doesn't matter.

Keep er going!

Not a matter ultimately of "long or short" ... and even one moment's sitting holds all time and space ... one day manifests every day, and there's nothing to achieve (thus we diligently sit each day, gaining non-gaining!) ...

... but no limit on how long this thread either! Plenty of bandwidth. 8)

Gassho, J

[Dosho]

1/365

Gassho,
Dosho

[Shohei]

I am getting less healthy, but 2/365 (a short sit before falling over lastnight)

Gassho
Shohei

[Yugen]

Tuesday 4/365 - Sitting in the mornings for 15' to start the day.... I'd like to build that habit. Sitting 30' in the evening on G+... I find the company and support very helpful and invigorating to practice. It's nice to know there are friends out there to sit with.

Gassho,
Yugen

[Jigetsu]

Ambitiously tried to sit on the bank of the downtown river waiting for the annual Fiesta River parade. I was surrounded by people and worked to just sit in the moment however it was. I managed several minutes before my 6 year old daughter plopped down beside me, hugged me and said "Thank you for bringing us to the parade Daddy!" Zazen _is_ all of life. 4/365

_/_
Jigetsu

[SoR]

Count me in. I sat last night before bed. Day 1/365 done!

-Sam

[Nenka]

ps. are people going to post everyday? 2/365, 3/365? Wouldn't the thread begin to get a little unweildy? Perhaps just weekly updates? I guess it doesn't matter.

Well, there's always the signature line!

Gassho

Jen

[alan.r]

Well, there's always the signature line!

Gassho

Jen

Jen, thank you! That's a great idea!

The only reason I even asked was for completely selfish reasons. Sometimes I just don't want to be on the computer at all, especially in the summer, even if it's for a ten-second post; one ten second post leads me to checking all my emails, blogs, news sites, weather, book reviews, etc. Also, I usually step away and disappear to meditate in woods or someplace for at least a couple weeks in the summer. I rarely miss zazen (though mornings can be difficult before work), but I know I would completely forget to post here. Signature line for me and perhaps I'll do an update here and there. In any case, half hour sit this morning and will do a longer sit this evening: 2/365.

Gassho,
Alan

[Hoyu]

ps. are people going to post everyday? 2/365, 3/365? Wouldn't the thread begin to get a little unweildy? Perhaps just weekly updates? I guess it doesn't matter.

Well, there's always the signature line!

Gassho

Jen
Great idea Nenka! I was also wondering about the everyday post thing before Alan posted his idea. I liked his suggestion and decided to just post 1 end of week recap. Now I think I'll switch to the adding it to the signature line instead :D

Just another idea I had for the way I'm going to keep track of my sitting is to go the rout of something similar to a boxers record. Just in case I miss a day here or there :shock: :lol:

Something like this:
Let's say it's the end of the year. 350/15/365
Out of 365 days I sat 350 and missed 15. This way I will have a new target for next year....any number greater than 350(of course 365 would still be the main (targetless) target of course :wink: )

Gassho,
Hoyu

[SoR]

I like the signature line idea. Although, I'm also going to include the date I last updated my signature.

[Dosho]

Hi all,

I'm a little confused about the signature line plan...does that mean you will not be posting daily? I may be missing the point, but the reason I signed on was to offer daily support to folks who wanted to take up the challenge. Does changing the signature line and not posting daily do that? Or is the idea to post daily? And, if that's the case, why do we need to change our signature lines?

Gassho,
Dosho

[Risho]

5/365

[Dosho]

2/365. Didn't feel like sitting this afternoon, but did anyway. Thank you Jigetsu.

Gassho,
Dosho

[SoR]

Good point Dosho. I think the signature will perhaps point attention to the thread at least. So, at sat this afternoon, day 2/365 done!

-Sam

[Hoyu]

Dosho you make a great point! If we only leave our updates to our signature the interaction in this thread would most likely stagnate. Sam also makes a great point about drawing attention to this thread through it being in the signature. Hummmmm.....what to do??? I guess I'll just do both! :D

4/0/365
I seriously considered skipping last night's Zazen. Leon(my son) and I had a Karate demonstration which went pretty late into the evening. I hopped on G+ expecting to sit alone because of the time, but was pleasantly surprised to see Yugen, Shugen, and Chris(who's Dharma name I can't remember :oops: ) all sitting together :D
It's always energizing to sit with sangha mates!

Gassho,
Hoyu

[will]

I sit at 6:30 in the morning, then take a shower and do kinhin for about 15 minutes. I find this a good time to do Zazen, as your day hasn't started yet, an there are less distractions.

Gassho

W

[Kaishin]

I'm sticking with the daily post.

5/0/365

Full-on sick headache sore throat stuffy nose groggy zazen

[threethirty]

this is a fantastic idea. I made a facebook page (that links back to this post) hoping that this idea might spread https://www.facebook.com/ReCommitToSit (http://https://www.facebook.com/ReCommitToSit)

[Kaishin]

6/0/365

headcold zazen

[SoR]

3/0/365 done! Interesting sit tonight. My dog, Captain Nemo, decided to come sit in front of me for a while. He stuck his nose right in the middle of the cosmic mudra and insisted I pet him for a few minutes. :lol:

[Dosho]

3/365...sat with Treeleafers on G+ this evening...thanks guys.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Risho]

6/365

[Jigetsu]

Forgot to post yesterday, but I sat. 5/365.

Stole Zazen time today while the kiddos were showering! 6/365

[Shokai]

Myozan suggested I post this here to add to the incentive on this thread. This was taken yesterday when our little group suddenly grew to six sitters. Peter and I have been sitting together @ 5:30am EST for over a year now. We started in the sitting room and went thru some tough times when Mebeam started turfing out Mac users this time last year. Google + has been a godsend (that is provided there is/are a god( :shock: ) and the intensity of Ango partnership steeled our resolve to sit everyday.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4_FvVwmns3U/T5jb55z2w4I/AAAAAAAAAco/2dZlGmr8KD8/w497-h373/zazen2.jpg

Myozan, Ray, Marek and Gary (sometimes Chris, Ann and Nigel) joined us on a regular basis somewhere along the way and then Jodi dropped in. This is particularly encouraging because she gets herself up one hour earlier in Central time !! (I think Dokan even tried that early hour on a couple of occasions) And, now we have this warm fellowship and we do what we can to nurture it. So, what's next, you say :lol: :lol:
Well, the challenge would appear to be that we push the max 10 of Google+ hangouts; waiting for the day when something even more powerful can be embedded into the TreeLeaf site. Always pushing forward and upward; not very zen of us is it Jundo :roll:
So, please, if youcan, we'd love to have you join us :D

p.s. If anyone is wondering why i'm facing the camera, I was doing the screen capture thing at the time

[Jinyo]

Shokai - excellent - must try and sort out google + - though the time zones are probably not OK.
Also - I'm a complete fidget - everyone else looks so Zen like :oops:

Anyway day 4/365 and have been sitting thru toothache and a macarbre extraction without proper pain relief that's gone all wrong :shock:

Gassho

Willow

[Shokai]

Metta to you Willow, tooth things are not nice. We should have them all pulled out when we're born. Same as the appendix; now there's a nasty add-on don't you think? :lol:
Take care, carry on and
Thank you for your practice

p.s. That's 9:30 or 10:30 in the morning your time, you and Gary must be in the same zone

[Kaishin]

7/0/365

[SoR]

4/0/365 done at Manhattan Chogyesa Zen Temple. 2 x 30 minutes with walking in between. I told my teacher, Do Am Sunim about the challenge and he said "Things change in life, every day and every moment. It is good to have something like this with you every day if it motivates your practice."

[Dosho]

4/365

G, D

[Risho]

8/365

[Jigetsu]

My sit was short, again for child related issues, but I sat yesterday. :) 7/0/365

[Nenka]

7/0/365 as of today, and 2/0/52 for my weekly oriyoki challenge.

[alan.r]

I've missed posting on here (I knew I would, and only my third day in(summer is absolutely away from computer time for me since I'm a teacher)), but I've sat twice a day, morning and evening: 5/0/365. Also, since next week is my last week of semester and grades must be in, I'll be able to sit my first zazenkai (!), though I won't be able to sit live.

Hope everyone's practice is going wonderfully even if it's going suckily.

Gassho,
Alan

[Kaishin]

8/0/365

Strange town hotel zazen

[Dosho]

5/365...sat the live zazenkai with sangha mates!

Gassho,
Dosho

[SoR]

5/0/365 done!

[Jigetsu]

Ah, imperfection. I work in sales, it's the end of the month. My brain was so full when I came home yesterday I forgot to empty it. I will make up for it with an extra long sit today! 7/1/365.

[Jinyo]

7/365

Willow

[Shinko]

I'm a week behind you as I just found this thread.. but count me In!

I actually found Treeleaf via a 90 day Commit to sit a few years ago, its good practice!

1/365

[Kaishin]

9/0/365

Hotel redux zazen

[Dosho]

6/365

Gassho,
Dosho

[SoR]

6/0/365 done.

[Kaishin]

10/0/365

Back home zazen

[CoreyW]

This sounds great! For me this may be just what I need to push me into better practice :wink: !
So starting today 1/365

-CoreyW

[Dosho]

7/365

Gassho,
Dosho

[SoR]

7/0/365 done.

[Jigetsu]

9/1/365 :D

[SoR]

8/0/365 :D

[Geika]

I have missed more than anyone. But well, that's me. I have no privacy. I'm finding ways to improvise, though.

[Kaishin]

11/0/365

Coughing fits zazen

[Dosho]

8/365

[CoreyW]

2/365

Gassho,
CoreyW

[Jigetsu]

10/1/365 (Yesterday)

I need to try and get in on one of these Google+ sits. :D

[SoR]

9/0/365

[Risho]

12/365

[Hogo]

May 1, 2012
Why not, all for supporting the group and curious to see how hi the thread count can go :D
01/365

[Kaishin]

12/0/365

[Dosho]

9/365

[CoreyW]

3/365

Gassho,
CoreyW

[Shokai]

Awesome effort folks! I also count 17 TreeLeafers sitting regularly on Google+

[Jigetsu]

11/1/365 (Yesterday)

[alan.r]

Oh wow, six days I've neglected to post on here. Still, 11/0/365, shikantaza twice a day as usual, but now with a slight flu thing.

[SoR]

10/0/365

[Kaishin]

13/0/365

[Dosho]

10/365

[Hogo]

02/365

[Jigetsu]

12/1/365 (Yesterday)

[Hogo]

03/365

[Kaishin]

14/14/0/365

Added another number in there to keep track of consecutive days of sitting, so

Total # sat / # sat in a row without missing / # missed / # goal

[Risho]

13/365

[Dosho]

10/365

[Jinyo]

12/365

[Hogo]

04/365

[Jigetsu]

15/1/365 - Caught up. Great 20 m sit today. I was surprised when the ending bell rang, seemed to go by quickly!

[Nenka]

15/0/365

[Kaishin]

16/16/0/365

[Hogo]

05/365

[Dosho]

12/365

Sat the zazenkai yesterday, sat just 5 minutes today...but I know that if it hadn't been for your challenge Jigetsu, I would not have sat at all today. I was tired, headache, nasty sunburn, excuse #4, excuse #5, etc., etc. 5 minutes? Can I do that?

Yes, of course I can...thank you all.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Risho]

16/365

[Dosho]

I just looked back and realized I posted "10/365" twice on consecutive days and then 12/365 two days later. So, I'm not sure how many days I've done and instead of spending any time figuring that out, I'm going to go sit. :)

Gassho,
Dosho

[Jundo]

Ya know ...

really ... each and every sitting is also and always 1/1. Always will be too, no matter how many.

So, let's all not be too much into counting and keeping score even as the days pass.

Gassho, Jundo

[Dokan]

Ya know ...

really ... each and every sitting is also and always 1/1. Always will be too, no matter how many.

So, let's all not be too much into counting and keeping score even as the days pass.

Thanks Jundo. I purposely avoided this challenge because I know my personality all too well. Glad to see all who are sitting but I know my goal-oriented mind and it would have been a hang-up for me...maybe I should sit with that. :roll:

Gassho,

Dokan

[Gary]

Ya know ...

really ... each and every sitting is also and always 1/1. Always will be too, no matter how many.

So, let's all not be too much into counting and keeping score even as the days pass.

Thanks Jundo. I purposely avoided this challenge because I know my personality all too well. Glad to see all who are sitting but I know my goal-oriented mind and it would have been a hang-up for me...maybe I should sit with that. :roll:

Gassho,

Dokan

I agree with Dokan I'd probably be the same. I'd be sitting for the challenge rather than sitting just for sitting, I had a similar issue when I starting using insight timer.

Gassho
Gary

[Dosho]

Ya know ...

really ... each and every sitting is also and always 1/1. Always will be too, no matter how many.

So, let's all not be too much into counting and keeping score even as the days pass.

Gassho, Jundo

I have begun to feel this way as the days have passed even though it has helped me get to the cushion during a tough time, but I did want to offer support to those sitting. However, you are quite right, there is really no reason to keep score and unintentionally cling to those numbers.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Heisoku]

Quote from Buddhism now:
There is no termination for the true training or zen life.

[Kaishin]

18/365

[Jigetsu]

I like it Jundo. :) Easier to keep track when it's always 1/1. :D

[Kaishin]

21/365

[Geika]

My pattern seems to be around every other day...

9/11/365 as of 9 May 2012

[alan.r]

Ya know ...

really ... each and every sitting is also and always 1/1. Always will be too, no matter how many.

So, let's all not be too much into counting and keeping score even as the days pass.

Gassho, Jundo

I have begun to feel this way as the days have passed even though it has helped me get to the cushion during a tough time, but I did want to offer support to those sitting. However, you are quite right, there is really no reason to keep score and unintentionally cling to those numbers.

Gassho,
Dosho

I think I'm backing out of the challenge for this reason. Dosho, in the same way you wanted to offer support, so did/do I. But I'm not really posting here anyway, and it's beginning to seem strange that my zazen is a number. So anyway, I'm gone, but wish everyone else a lovely practice.

Gassho,
Alan

[Nenka]

22/1/365.

Gassho

Jen

[Gregor]

I'm Going to start today. Put me down for 1/0/365 on may 15, 2012.

[Kaishin]

26/0/365

[Jundo]

1/1

Gassho, J

[Dosho]

1/1

Gassho,
Dosho

[Nenka]

25/2/365

[Shokai]

Great Stats folks, Keep em coming 8)

[Ola Nelsson]

Im in!
/Ola

[Ola Nelsson]

1/365.. Clouds today are my students (or at least there grades.. and my cold)

Gassho
/Ola

[Kaishin]

33/0/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

Count me in. For the next year I undertake to sit zazen for at least 10 minutes each day.

1/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

2/365

May all beings be at peace!

[Nenka]

31/3/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

3/365

May all beings be free of pain and suffering!

[Khalil Bodhi]

4/365

May all beings be safe and protected!

[Khalil Bodhi]

5/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

6/365

[Jundo]

1/1 :)

Gassho, Jundo

[Shohei]

1/1 :)

Gassho, Jundo

_/_

[Khalil Bodhi]

7/365 (1/1 too)

Gassho,

Mike

[Jundo]

7/365 (1/1 too)


Now, that's a winning combination! :D

[Mp]

Hey there Jigetsu ... might I be a late start at 1/365?

Gassho,
Michael

[Khalil Bodhi]

8/365...sleepy zazen.

[Kaishin]

37/4/365

Have been greatly increasing my exercise lately, which has disrupted my zazen schedule. Trying to get things settled. Usually a night sitter but will probably have to switch to morning on some days.

[Khalil Bodhi]

9/365

[Mp]

3/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

10/365

[Nenka]

39/4/365

[Kaishin]

38/4/365

[richss]

Lurker check-in time. 15/365

Since I joined about two weeks ago I've sat daily. My surprise is that no matter how early I get up my three year old wants to come in round the 10 minute mark. :? Monkey mind is becoming more of a daily passenger than the driver and my sits are getting longer. :)

Any tips for doing zazen when traveling? I have a 2 week trip coming up and think I'm going to have to pay the bag fees so my zafu come with.

Gassho,

Dr. Ricardo

[Khalil Bodhi]

11/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

12/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

13/365

[Geika]

I lost count a long time ago!


Any tips for doing zazen when traveling? I have a 2 week trip coming up and think I'm going to have to pay the bag fees so my zafu come with.

I wouldn't worry about bringing my zafu unless I knew I would be getting ample alone-time for formal practice. Since I usually travel with family or friends, I try to get some practice in when I find a moment alone. I'll do this sitting upright on the edge of a chair.

[richss]

I lost count a long time ago!


Any tips for doing zazen when traveling? I have a 2 week trip coming up and think I'm going to have to pay the bag fees so my zafu come with.

I wouldn't worry about bringing my zafu unless I knew I would be getting ample alone-time for formal practice. Since I usually travel with family or friends, I try to get some practice in when I find a moment alone. I'll do this sitting upright on the edge of a chair.

I am traveling solo for work. I will hopefully have a goodly amount of time in the AM to practice before meetings/conference sessions. I'm also going to do my first zazenkai one evening since I'll have the extra time. :)

[Geika]

I am traveling solo for work. I will hopefully have a goodly amount of time in the AM to practice before meetings/conference sessions. I'm also going to do my first zazenkai one evening since I'll have the extra time. :)

Oh, then by all means... :D

[Khalil Bodhi]

I lost count a long time ago!


Any tips for doing zazen when traveling? I have a 2 week trip coming up and think I'm going to have to pay the bag fees so my zafu come with.

I wouldn't worry about bringing my zafu unless I knew I would be getting ample alone-time for formal practice. Since I usually travel with family or friends, I try to get some practice in when I find a moment alone. I'll do this sitting upright on the edge of a chair.

I am traveling solo for work. I will hopefully have a goodly amount of time in the AM to practice before meetings/conference sessions. I'm also going to do my first zazenkai one evening since I'll have the extra time. :)

Sadhu! (I don't yet know if there is a Zennie expression for this) Congratulations on your determination to the practice. All the best.

Gassho,

Mike

[richss]

Sadhu! (I don't yet know if there is a Zennie expression for this) Congratulations on your determination to the practice. All the best.

Gassho,

Mike

I'm trying to follow that old rule that it takes 3-4 weeks of consistently doing something for it to become a habit.

[Khalil Bodhi]

14/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

15/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

16/365

[Jundo]

1/1 (which is also 16/365 and all the other numbers too) :D

KEEP GOING!

Gassho, J

[Mp]

11/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

11/365

Sadhu!

[richss]

21/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

17/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

18/365

[Nenka]

49

[Khalil Bodhi]

I haven't missed a day but my count may be off...22/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

May all beings be happy! 23/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

May all beings be free from pain and sorrow! 24/365

[Kyonin]

It's the Universe. It's reality. I just sit, even when not sitting.

You guys inspire me.

Thank you.

[Khalil Bodhi]

Happy Fathers' Day! 25/365gassho1

[Khalil Bodhi]

Happy Monday! 26/365

[Nenka]

53, I think. Got a little sloppy in my practice last week.

But here we are! :TL:

Jen

[Khalil Bodhi]

Happy Monday! 26/365

Excellent!

[Khalil Bodhi]

28/365...I think I missed a post somehow.

[Jundo]

28/365...I think I missed a post somehow.

One cannot possibly miss a post even though we might miss a post. Thus, you should diligently and sincerely seek to post in this thread each day, never missing a single post.

One cannot possibly miss a sit even though we might miss a sit. Thus, you should diligently and sincerely seek to sit each day, never missing a single sit.

Thus, we are challenged to keep sitting and make the sitting real in life, even as there is no "we" to challenge and the sitting is ever already sat!

Such is the "My Zazen Challenge" Koan:)

Gassho, Jundo

[Khalil Bodhi]

29/365...

Rev. Jundo,

Great koan, now can someone tell me what it means...:) Just kidding. Anyway, during today's sleeping sit the story of the man who preferred fake dragons to real one keep repeating itself in my head. Sometimes I wonder if I'm romanticizing zazen...Metta to all!

Gassho,

Mike

[Kyonin]

One cannot possibly miss a post even though we might miss a post. Thus, you should diligently and sincerely seek to post in this thread each day, never missing a single post.

One cannot possibly miss a sit even though we might miss a sit. Thus, you should diligently and sincerely seek to sit each day, never missing a single sit.

Thus, we are challenged to keep sitting and make the sitting real in life, even as there is no "we" to challenge and the sitting is ever already sat!

Such is the "My Zazen Challenge" Koan:)

When we practice we sit even when we can't.


Gassho :)

[Mp]

1/1 :)

Gassho, Jundo

Nice, love it Jundo. :)

Gassho,
Michael

oh yes ... 24/365

[Kaishin]

Been a rough few weeks

37/25/365

[Nengyo]

I guess this zazen challenge is as good as any. Count me in. So far I'm 0/365.

[Dosho]

Been a rough few weeks

37/25/365

Make sure you read Jundo's post above...rough weeks are practice too and shouldn't be counted as missed days, in my opinion at least...not to suck up to the teacher or anything. ;)

Gassho,
Dosho

[Nenka]

I think I'm at something like 56/8/365.

Or maybe it's 1/1/10,000.

Fuzzy math.

Gassho

Jen

[Nengyo]

1/365 It was much needed. For some reason I woke up stressed out and angry...

[Khalil Bodhi]

30/365...good night everyone!

[Khalil Bodhi]

31/365...Good morning everyone!

[Khalil Bodhi]

32/365...no coffee zazen.

[Mp]

32/365...no coffee zazen.

Nice! :)

27/365

[Jigetsu]

On my new zafu, 1/365 - 1/1. :) Next sit, California! (Starting over, or just beginning, or always just beginning!)

[Nengyo]

3/365 although the last two were fairly short.

[Khalil Bodhi]

33/365...broiling mind-body zazen...I almost couldn't keep myself on my zabuton...

[Koshin]

23/365 since June 3, not easy to sit daily but so far so good :)

[Kaishin]

39/27/365 ..

[Seisou]

Sorry, I am late to this thread. I have been traveling and my sitting has been...well,lax.
1/365
Jeff

[Nengyo]

4/365 Watched the zazenkai. Nice to see I'm not the only one that meditates in the midst of a crazy two year old...

[Khalil Bodhi]

34/365...not enough sleep zazen.

[Seisou]

2/365:encouragement:

[Khalil Bodhi]

35/365...trying not to get caught up in the idea of a good sit...

Gassho
__/\__
Mike

[Khalil Bodhi]

36/365...seeing the dukkha in the impulse to add or take away from just this...

Gassho
__/\__
Mike

[Jundo]

...seeing the dukkha in the impulse to add or take away from just this...



... is Truly Seeing ...

Gassho, J

[Nengyo]

7/365 I'm going to be the best meditator ever! :p

[Jundo]

7/365 I'm going to be the best meditator ever! :p

http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/gra050610l.jpg

[Seisou]

Days 3 & 4/365. Ain't nothing to this.
Jeff

[Dosho]

Days 3 & 4/365. Ain't nothing to this.

Actually, there is nothing to this. ;)

Gassho,
Dosho

[Khalil Bodhi]

7/365 I'm going to be the best meditator ever! :p


Go Team Catfish! Knock 'em dead!

[Khalil Bodhi]

37/365...trying to stay with whatever arises and receive it with gratitude.

Gassho
__/\__

[Khalil Bodhi]

38/365...

Gassho
__/\__

[Seisou]

5 & 6/365
Gassho
Jeff

[Nengyo]

9/356 wooo!

[Khalil Bodhi]

39/365...

Gassho
__/\__

[Seisou]

7 & 8/365
Gassho

[richss]

44/2/365 (sat/missed/Goal)

Not sure how to report once we've missed. While I was out on travel I had two days where I simply could not work it into my schedule. I insta'd a couple times (not much else to do on an airplane).

My trip really threw off my sitting mojo for a bit. Lots of stormy clouds and strong desire to get off the pillow. This past week I've been a little bit more in the groove. I still cannot get past 20 minutes before my legs are very asleep and it gets quite uncomfortable, but I am going to try to push it to 25 minutes starting tomorrow.

[Seisou]

9/365.....

[Jundo]

44/2/365 (sat/missed/Goal)

Not sure how to report once we've missed. While I was out on travel I had two days where I simply could not work it into my schedule. I insta'd a couple times (not much else to do on an airplane).

My trip really threw off my sitting mojo for a bit. Lots of stormy clouds and strong desire to get off the pillow. This past week I've been a little bit more in the groove. I still cannot get past 20 minutes before my legs are very asleep and it gets quite uncomfortable, but I am going to try to push it to 25 minutes starting tomorrow.

I have written this here before


One cannot possibly miss a sit even though we might miss a sit. Thus, you should diligently and sincerely seek to sit each day, never missing a single sit.

Thus, we are challenged to keep sitting and make the sitting real in life, even as there is no "we" to challenge and the sitting is ever already sat!

Such is the "My Zazen Challenge" Koan:)


Also, it is not about how long or short one sits, and is truly beyond time ... although it is good to sit longer if you can.

Counter-intuitive perhaps, but if you sit longer, trying harder to get somewhere or to get something ... it is not Shikantaza.

If you sit, diligently and sincerely, beyond long or short, trying hard with nowhere to get, dropping to the marrow all need to get ... one truly gets somewhere, and it is Shikantaza.


Gassho, J

[Nengyo]

12/365 only 353 more til I re-set my counter!

[Seisou]

Re-set? Wait...what?...you mean were supposed to keep doing this?:D

[Nenka]

63. I've lost track of how many days I've missed (not-missed?) [smile]

Jen

[Khalil Bodhi]

40/365...
41/365...
42/365...

I have, indubitably, missed posting the last few days. On Tuesday I'm off to visit fmaily in Ecuador so I will be sitting off-line for a bit. Metta.

Gassho
__/\__

[Seisou]

10/365
11/365
Jeff

[Nengyo]

13/365
14/365

[Khalil Bodhi]

43/365

Gratitude for everyone sharing their practice. Metta to all!

Gassho
__/\__
Mike

[Seisou]

And to you also Mike.
12/365
13/365

[Nengyo]

15/365 sleepy sleepy

[Nenka]

Just finished 68. :cool:

Gassho

Jen

[Khalil Bodhi]

44/365

Gassho
__/\__
Mike

[Khalil Bodhi]

Just finished 68. :cool:

Gassho

Jen

[claps]

Gassho
__/\__
Mike

[Mp]

Just finished 68. :cool:

Gassho

Jen

Nice work Jen. :)

41/365

Gassho,
Michael

[Khalil Bodhi]

45/365

Gassho
__/\__
Mike

[Khalil Bodhi]

Nice work Jen. :)

41/365

Gassho,
Michael

Not so shabby either Michael! :p

[Mp]

Not so shabby either Michael! :p

Gassho Mike! Oh yah, great name you have there. :)

Michael

[Seisou]

14,15,16 & 17/365
Gassho

[Jundo]

14,15,16 & 17/365
Gassho

1,1,1 & 1/0 gassho2

[Seisou]

Point taken. gassho1

[Seisou]

Oh...and 18/365 or 0/0 or ...well...you understand.

[Nenka]

Rock on, guys! [wave]

Gassho,

74 and non-counting

[richss]

My counting is over. Sitting continues.

Gassho,

Richard

[Shokai]

-4/365 but back on track this am [monk]