Originally Posted by
Shugen
Thank you Jakuden!
Now, the document looks like a lot to try to remember but do not worry! It is perfectly fine to print it out or bring it up on a tablet to refer to. I do.
Also, do not beconcerned about making a "mistake"! The only one that will see it will be you. We are not recording. We may at a later date but not yet. This is Oryoki [U]practice[U]. We will be taking it nice and slow.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to post them on the thread. Your question could also help a sangha mate!
I will end with a story about the first time I did Oryoki at a retreat:
The very first retreat I every went to was at the Toledo Zen Center. I had been with Treeleaf for about a year so was very new and unsure of myself. I did not know anyone at the center and went on my own. During Oryoki at a center, there are servers, so someone brings you food and picks up the "hungry ghost" offering. The offering is place at the end of your setsu (cleaning utensil) and when the server comes by to pick it up, you gently press down on the end of your setsu so it is easier for them to grab. I wasn't the only one nervous apparently. A person about 2 people down the line pressed down so hard on the end of the setsu that it launched a piece of carrot across the room and hit me. I did not see it happen, all I knew was that someone was throwing food! I refrained from retaliating so no food fight in the zendo that day. I ignored it and found out what happened later. We all had a good laugh. It helped break the tension and bring everyone closer together.
Gassho,
Shugen
Sattoday/LAH