FEELING LOST AROUND THE COMMUNITY? Contact our "SANGHA BUDDHIES"

Dear All, and especially New Members,

Are you feeling a little lost wandering the halls of our Forum? Hard to find things? Wondering about some of our activities and how to participate?

Please feel free to contact one or more of the "Sangha Buddhies" volunteers below and they can help. They are older members who are all nice folks, and would like to show you around, help you find things around here, answer basic questions. Always nice to make a new friend or two.

Just drop them a PM any time (links provided):

I am going to ask each of our volunteers to write a few sentences about themself, which I will post.

Onshō (Keith) (Ontario, Canada)
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/member.php?55054-Onsho

Quote:

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Hello! Im Onshō (they/them). I am a queer, non-binary small town Ontario Canadian. I live in a little old farmhouse with a little dog, a cuddly cat, and my loving partner Tristan. I love exploring the world though traditional cuisine, tending to my veggie garden, going on intimidating hikes and studying Buddhism in front of the fire. Treeleaf has been a incredible addition to my life, everyone is so kind and nurturing. It takes a bit of time to find your way around the Sangha. I am more than happy to help show you around, introduce you, and get you started in the sitting rooms if you would like a little support. You can ask me anything and I’ll see you around the zendo :)

---

KellyRok (Pennsylvania, USA)
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/memb...12152-KellyRok

Quote:

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I have been practicing Zen since 2007; but officially joined Treeleaf in 2008. I have held many jobs; but the most important one has been as a stay at home mom to two amazing boys (14 and 16). I enjoy music, reading, and hiking. Treeleaf has always been “here” for me even though my family has moved to 6 different places in the U.S. since my kids were born.

---

Gassho to All, J

SatTodayLAH

Thank you for directing me to this page. I have learned that I can bookmark a page like this and see it again. Ah, the beginning of a pattern! That is good! I have learned what ST and satoday means and that you would ask that we do that before posting. I do not yet know what lah means at the end of many posts. Each day is an adventure. I am setting up my little corner for sitting. It is best for me to do it the same place each day when possible. Not because the teachings require it, but because that is how my particular brain works. My practice for the last two days has been hours of samu in the pottery studio making bowls for a charity event. Gassho to the helpers listed above, and to all, Marian

Marian;
See the initial post in this thread for the meaning of LAH (Lend a Hand)

gassho, Shokai
stlah

Yes, here you go, Marian :)

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...l=1#post199351

Gassho
Byōkan
sat + lah

Hi old friends and new. Although I'm "old" member in more ways than one, because I was raised with adding machines, drafting boards, typewriters, slide rules, and TV, we seemed to have survived in 1974 when I graduated from college. However, about 1980, computers began to hit the campuses, and by 1993 when I earned my last degree, computers had become the norm at universities. Part of the reason I failed to "be renewed" in my last teaching stint was my inability with computers, the other being my insistence on a personal approach to teaching with a strong disbelief against "grading." In the two most important teaching jobs I had in South Dakota I blanket graded classes with A and B grades passing everyone who came to class and "did" the work. However, I myself never really mastered the computer. My wife and I bought one about the time my little one was born, and though they became complete masters of the things, I have always treated them as glorified typing machines. Please, calm poetry needs help to navigate and to understand the simplest ideas in computers. For example, I rely highly on the written "word" because that was how I was trained. I'm a trained writer not a computer "kid." I need help. Thank you.
Tai Shi
sat
Gassho

I will say this, that I doubted my own computer ability, but with the aid of HP software I changed the bios in my computer with no difficulty and remembered an old password which was long out of reach. I am not so computer illiterate and just sometimes get lost in the maze of topics and threads on our Forum, and do wonder about those in need of Zen and our compassion who do not have skills. So be it, Treeleaf is truly a training camp for as Jundo would say, "All of life is a Temple." He is my teacher and I have learned from my wonderful wife and compassionate caregiver not to judge doctors who do good and make promises because they only hope the best for their patients. All doctors have pledged their lives with specialized training and sometimes outstanding additional degrees and outside work with those unable to pay. They all give long hours and great sacrifice to home and family so that others may live, and as Marjorie says, "I could not do it."

Tai Shi
sat
Gassho

Taishi;

It's good to see that you now have a more balanced perception of the Sangha concept that your meds are sorted out. One small Correction if I may, "All of Life is Our Temple."

My sincerest best wishes to you and family'

gassho, Shokai
stlah

Hello All,

I'm new here. Just a quick question. I sat last evening and on the calendar there was a link that says, "Treeleaf NOW 2.0" then a link that connected to Zoom. For this mornings sit, I clicked the sitting room link and it took me to Google Hangouts but no one was there. I then clicked the link that I used last evening and was able to sit with someone. Are the scheduled sits occurring via Zoom only or are they occurring via Google Hangouts, too?

Gassho

Hi Steven

Google Hangouts is no more so all sits are occurring via Zoom now. We are, however, still in the process of making sure that all links point to Zoom rather than Hangouts.

I will message Sekishi (our cyberpriest!) to let him know.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kokuu

Hi Steven

Google Hangouts is no more so all sits are occurring via Zoom now. We are, however, still in the process of making sure that all links point to Zoom rather than Hangouts.

I will message Sekishi (our cyberpriest!) to let him know.

Gassho
Kokuu
-sattoday/lah-

---

Wonderful, thank you, Kokuu! _/|\_

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Yogi_Steven

Wonderful, thank you, Kokuu! _/|\_

---

Hi Steven,

As we transition from Google Hangouts to Zoom, we are unfortunately still using both. I wish this were not so (because it is super confusing), but for at least the next week or two, it is the situation we are stuck with.

Here is my best understanding of where things stand today.

The short version: except for the Zazenkai and a few sittings and meetings, most get-togethers are still on Hangouts in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/

The longer version:

- The Friday Zazenkai uses Zoom. A link and meeting ID will always be posted in the Zazenkai thread.
- Most scheduled daily sittings still use the Hangouts-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/
- Some scheduled daily sittings (Onkai's and mine) are testing the Zoom-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in the Treeleaf NOW 2.0 testing area: https://www.treeleaf.org/now2/
- Most of the Ango meetings are using the Hangouts-based "Meeting Room" in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/
- My Ango meeting (Thurdays) is testing the Zoom-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in the Treeleaf NOW 2.0 testing area: https://www.treeleaf.org/now2/

It is my hope that we will be able to complete the migration to Zoom in the next week, at which point there will be an announcement about it and the old Treeleaf NOW will go away along with any use of Hangouts.

I hope that makes sense.

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat

[gassholook]

I think Zoom is way easier. That's just my experience.

Gassho
Sat/lah

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sekishi

Hi Steven,

As we transition from Google Hangouts to Zoom, we are unfortunately still using both. I wish this were not so (because it is super confusing), but for at least the next week or two, it is the situation we are stuck with.

Here is my best understanding of where things stand today.

The short version: except for the Zazenkai and a few sittings and meetings, most get-togethers are still on Hangouts in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/

The longer version:

- The Friday Zazenkai uses Zoom. A link and meeting ID will always be posted in the Zazenkai thread.
- Most scheduled daily sittings still use the Hangouts-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/
- Some scheduled daily sittings (Onkai's and mine) are testing the Zoom-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in the Treeleaf NOW 2.0 testing area: https://www.treeleaf.org/now2/
- Most of the Ango meetings are using the Hangouts-based "Meeting Room" in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/
- My Ango meeting (Thurdays) is testing the Zoom-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in the Treeleaf NOW 2.0 testing area: https://www.treeleaf.org/now2/

It is my hope that we will be able to complete the migration to Zoom in the next week, at which point there will be an announcement about it and the old Treeleaf NOW will go away along with any use of Hangouts.

I hope that makes sense.

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat

---

This makes sense, Sekishi. Thank you for the clarification.

Gassho

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sekishi

Hi Steven,

As we transition from Google Hangouts to Zoom, we are unfortunately still using both. I wish this were not so (because it is super confusing), but for at least the next week or two, it is the situation we are stuck with.

Here is my best understanding of where things stand today.

The short version: except for the Zazenkai and a few sittings and meetings, most get-togethers are still on Hangouts in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/

The longer version:

- The Friday Zazenkai uses Zoom. A link and meeting ID will always be posted in the Zazenkai thread.
- Most scheduled daily sittings still use the Hangouts-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/
- Some scheduled daily sittings (Onkai's and mine) are testing the Zoom-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in the Treeleaf NOW 2.0 testing area: https://www.treeleaf.org/now2/
- Most of the Ango meetings are using the Hangouts-based "Meeting Room" in Treeleaf NOW: https://www.treeleaf.org/now/
- My Ango meeting (Thurdays) is testing the Zoom-based "Scheduled Sitting Room" in the Treeleaf NOW 2.0 testing area: https://www.treeleaf.org/now2/

It is my hope that we will be able to complete the migration to Zoom in the next week, at which point there will be an announcement about it and the old Treeleaf NOW will go away along with any use of Hangouts.

I hope that makes sense.

Gassho,
Sekishi
#sat

---

I would also add that anyone wanting sit with the morning unscheduled but almost scheduled Euro Crew Sit in the FSR, we've been beta testing Zoom via the now2 link for a while now, should anyone wish to join us. Although we start at irregular intervals there is normally someone sitting between 0730 and 0830 Central European Time. Usual crew would be me, Kotei, Ryudo, Richard and Neal please feel free to join us. Issac from South Korea has joined us in the past. Issac if you wondered where we've gone PM me and I'll send the NOW2 FSR Zoom link.

Sat

Shokai, I stand corrected and with great pleasure and compassion to all who seek Buddha is our Refuge, Dharma is our Refuge, Sangha is our Refuge, "All Of Life Is 'Our' Temple." This has been the case since I opened my hands to thought, since I sat quietly counting breathe, since sat with empty thought, since just sitting, Shikantaza. I have found my posts full of myself, and I am quite concerned about my puffed up "know it all" attitude. I concern myself with what I think I know. I am sincerely concerned about my annoying attitude when the solution for me plainly to sit Shikantaza-- even use of Japanese words is conceited. I will write in threads where I know a little, Poetry, and I invite anyone who will to come to Poetry-- try your writing hand because so many great poets never, never set a foot in formal study or studied entirely different subjects or were homeschooled-- one of the first American poets-- Anne Bradstreet wrote verses anthologized in almost every American Literature anthology. As a woman in precolonial America-- she remains one of the voices that began North American tradition. As a woman little was recognized until the 1980s.
Taishi
sat/lah
Gassho

I’m not sure if here is the right thread to ask this question. Is there a thread for personal ideas, examples and stories of “lend a hand” (LAH)? It seems this would be a great way for people like me (because I’m relatively newish to Treeleaf) to get ideas and it would also be a great way to pat each other on the back and keep LAH vital. The only trick would be to keep it from people trying to one up each other though I don’t think many here would (and would that be such a bad thing if it were kept friendly?)

Thanks,
Tom

LAH Sat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StoBird

I’m not sure if here is the right thread to ask this question. Is there a thread for personal ideas, examples and stories of “lend a hand” (LAH)? It seems this would be a great way for people like me (because I’m relatively newish to Treeleaf) to get ideas and it would also be a great way to pat each other on the back and keep LAH vital. The only trick would be to keep it from people trying to one up each other though I don’t think many here would (and would that be such a bad thing if it were kept friendly?)

Thanks,
Tom

LAH Sat


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

---

Hi Again, Tom,

Yes, there is ... although it has been quiet for awhile, and people are just Lending a Hand on their own. However, the point of the thread is not to brag or take credit, but merely to inspire others with examples, just as you say ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...JO-BODHISATTVA

More on "Lend A Hand" here ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...Lend-A-Hand%29

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLentAHand

Is there a place where all zoom channels are posted? I have seen several like the european tea house, cafe zen, etc mentioned but have no idea where or how to find them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by serenewolf

Is there a place where all zoom channels are posted? I have seen several like the european tea house, cafe zen, etc mentioned but have no idea where or how to find them.

---

David,

Links to the rooms for each event are listed on the calendar events, look for the "Calendar" link under the main header.

Also you can bookmark https://www.treeleaf.org/now/ which has the calendar and dropdown links to all the rooms.

Gassho,

Shoka
sat

Hello. I am very pleased to join you at TreeLeaf. I would welcome a friend to guide me in this online world? I am living with a sight impairment, but still living, none-the-less! In Gassho, Al (UK)... ST

For all “channels” in the upper right corner of the pages of “threads” as you say channels, there is a rectangle into which you might type the specific topic of your choice. For example you might type poetry and all threads with poetry will appear. You might types compassion and all threads with Compassion will be listed or Haiku will be listed, and so on. Remember the point of the Forum is direction toward sitting practice. I have been with the Zendo almost 6 years and these are two things I only recently discovered. Thank you for your practice. This tool exists in computer format only.
Gassho
sat
Tai Shi


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Allister

Hello. I am very pleased to join you at TreeLeaf. I would welcome a friend to guide me in this online world? I am living with a sight impairment, but still living, none-the-less! In Gassho, Al (UK)... ST

---

Hi Allister,

We'll be in touch shortly, and have somebody to help. Welcome again.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Allister

Hello. I am very pleased to join you at TreeLeaf. I would welcome a friend to guide me in this online world? I am living with a sight impairment, but still living, none-the-less! In Gassho, Al (UK)... ST

---

Hi Allister,

The buddy system here is sort of self service. :) At the top of the thread is a list of all the folks who have volunteered to be a buddy, a little description that they wrote, and a link to their Treeleaf page.

For example here is the one for Meitou

Meitou (Sardinia, Italy)
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/member.php?15859-Meitou

Quote:

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My name is Meitou, I've been practicing Buddhism for eight years and a member of Treeleaf since February 2017. Originally from Britain, I live on the island of Sardinia with my husband and four cats, speak English and Italian, love to read and paint and would be happy to help you find your away around this wonderful community.

---

So, if you select her you would click on the link and that would take you to here page here at Treeleaf.

On that page, underneath her picture, there is a link to "Send Private Message". Click that and you can write her asking if she is available. Usually folks are available but if not just try your next choice. :)

Let me know if that isn't clear or you need more help.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

Im so lost, is there still a blog or thread to discuss the podcasts?

Maybe confused being on mobile only.

- greg

Sat today

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gregor

Im so lost, is there still a blog or thread to discuss the podcasts?

Maybe confused being on mobile only.

- greg

Sat today

---

Hi Gregor,

All the podcasts are here ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...ELEAF-Podcasts

And here is a little Treeleaf Map to help find things ...

A Treeleaf GUIDEBOOK & MAP (PDF)
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...-MAP-%28PDF%29

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Gregor

Im so lost, is there still a blog or thread to discuss the podcasts?

Maybe confused being on mobile only.

- greg

Sat today

---

Hi Gregor! Are you using Tapatalk for mobile? How do you navigate the forum?

[emoji1374] SatToday

Using chrome browser right now.

Did find Jundo's "recommended threads"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gregor

Using chrome browser right now.

Did find Jundo's "recommended threads"

---

If you’re less accustomed to the forum format, Tapatalk for mobile might provide a more familiar experience. I struggle with the desktop version as well, as I’m not used to forums.
If you need help, I’d be happy to assist within my limitations!

[emoji1374] SatToday

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gregor

Using chrome browser right now.

Did find Jundo's "recommended threads"

---

In the mobile version

From the main landing page for the Forums select

Practices

then select

Go to Sub-Forums

And then 6 down you will see

"ZEN of EVERYTHING" & TREELEAF Podcasts

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

Thank you to Jundo for the map and Bion,
And Shinshi for the great guidance. Finding my way again ( around Treeleaf & on the path).

Gassho,

Greg

Sat today

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gregor

Thank you to Jundo for the map and Bion,
And Shinshi for the great guidance. Finding my way again ( around Treeleaf & on the path).

Gassho,

Greg

Sat today

---

Huh? Isn't this place just exactly the same as the day you first came in 2007? Seems so to me!

I am like a frog in the fry pan where I barely notice the change in the heat. :p

Gassho, J

STLah

Maybe it's the same and I forgot 🙃

Hello everyone,

I recently joined Treeleaf so I'm just discovering all the great resources you have here,
and when I saw the book you are reading now at the book club (Zen Teachings in Challenging Times) I ordered it, it should arrive today.

So now I'm wondering how does the book club work, how often do you discuss each chapter,
and can I still join even though I'm arriving a bit late?

Thank you in advance,

Gassho gassho2

Alina
ST

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Alina

Hello everyone,

I recently joined Treeleaf so I'm just discovering all the great resources you have here,
and when I saw the book you are reading now at the book club (Zen Teachings in Challenging Times) I ordered it, it should arrive today.

So now I'm wondering how does the book club work, how often do you discuss each chapter,
and can I still join even though I'm arriving a bit late?

Thank you in advance,

Gassho gassho2

Alina
ST

---

Hi, Alina. I am not entirely familiar with the book club, but, I believe you can simply join in right where the discussion is and can do the previous readings at your pace. Feel free to express your thoughts on the material studied.
You can find each chapter discussed here: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...TERS-BOOK-CLUB

Fortunately, this time around, the readings come with accompanying live special events, where some of the authors of the essays come and visit us to give lectures and have discussions. You can find the past special events with guests on our Treeleaf Special Events playlist on YouTube, here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...2GezW5aMyym49x

Sorry, everyone, for running a bit long.

[emoji1374] Sat Today

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Alina

Hello everyone,

I recently joined Treeleaf so I'm just discovering all the great resources you have here,
and when I saw the book you are reading now at the book club (Zen Teachings in Challenging Times) I ordered it, it should arrive today.

So now I'm wondering how does the book club work, how often do you discuss each chapter,
and can I still join even though I'm arriving a bit late?

Thank you in advance,

Gassho gassho2

Alina
ST

---

Hi Alina

I second everything Bion said and would simply add that this book in particular, is a collection of essays, so there is no place to start except whichever chapter we are reading right now. It is good to follow a book through from start to finish, as the forum discussions help our understanding, but it is always nice to see more people participating. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year so there'll be a good book coming up real soon! Just my humble views...

Gassho, Tokan

satlah

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bion

Hi, Alina. I am not entirely familiar with the book club, but, I believe you can simply join in right where the discussion is and can do the previous readings at your pace. Feel free to express your thoughts on the material studied.
You can find each chapter discussed here: https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...TERS-BOOK-CLUB

Fortunately, this time around, the readings come with accompanying live special events, where some of the authors of the essays come and visit us to give lectures and have discussions. You can find the past special events with guests on our Treeleaf Special Events playlist on YouTube, here:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...2GezW5aMyym49x

Sorry, everyone, for running a bit long.

[emoji1374] Sat Today

---

Hi Alina,

Yes, I had locked up some of the older essay discussions, but I just grabbed the keys and unlocked them for you if you want to jump in. Never too late.

We have not had the threads really turn into discussions so much, but folks have been leaving impressions from the readings, and sometimes it stimulates some discussion.

Welcome again, and make yourself at home.

Gassho, Jundo

satTodayLAH

Thank you Jundo, Bion and Tokan for your replies.

I'll follow Tokan's advice and go straight to the chapter the group is reading, and then continue with previous chapters.

Gassho gassho2

Alina
Sat at the FSR

Hi everyone. I poked around but didn’t see an answer to this — on the Treeleaf NOW! pages of the website, there is a box at the top with Japanese or Chinese characters. Does this just say Treeleaf NOW! or is there a translation that you can point me to?

I hope this is an Ok place to post a general question.If there is a better place, please feel free to point me to that too, for the next time. Thank you.

Gassho
Dave
Sat today

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dave C

Hi everyone. I poked around but didn’t see an answer to this — on the Treeleaf NOW! pages of the website, there is a box at the top with Japanese or Chinese characters. Does this just say Treeleaf NOW! or is there a translation that you can point me to?

---

Hi Dave,
I believe it is "Konoha Zendo" (Treeleaf Zendo). Kanji written by Gudo Wafu Nishijima Roshi, the teacher of our teacher.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kotei

Hi Dave,
I believe it is "Konoha Zendo" (Treeleaf Zendo). Kanji written by Gudo Wafu Nishijima Roshi, the teacher of our teacher.

Gassho,
Kotei sat/lah today.

---

Really? Is that what it is? I thought all these years it said "This Way to the Gift Shop." :p

Yes, that is Treeleaf Zendo, brushed by Nishijima Roshi when we opened the doors here in 2016. Another version, brushed by him, is over the doors of our Zazen hall in Tsukuba, Japan.

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/attac...7&d=1473848877

Gassho, Jundo

stlah

That’s great. Thank you
Dave
Sat today

Test post. Returning to this forum; before I left I was having technical issues with posting.