April 8th Recommended Threads

I encourage looking at these threads, topics and posts today ...

Please sit with our many weekly Treeleaf Zazenkai ... and our 4-hour monthly Zazenkai too ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...ENKAI-NETCASTS

Hey, it's Buddha's Birthday (in Japan anyway) ... we will celebrate at out Zazenkai this coming weekend too ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...th-in-Japan%29

Don't miss Kokuu's new series of classes on Haiku ... 5-7-5 ... in our Art Circle ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...EAF-ART-CIRCLE

Shokai speaks ... Speaking on the Ten Powers ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...the-Ten-Powers

A little Origami anyone ... fold away your cares and woes ... Everything is practice ... even bunches of folded paper
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...f-folded-paper

Work, Career and Zen ... How Zen and Contemplative Practice Affect Career ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...-Affect-Career

Sometimes it is good to simplify ... Downsizing, attachments, and Stuff ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...ents-and-Stuff

Spring is here, the cherry blossoms are blooming in Japan ... Blooming ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...16776-Blooming

Some excellent instructions on "Chair Zazen" ... but with a caution from me on some good stuff that they leave out ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...for-ChairZazen



Reminder ... Especially for newer folks ... FEELING LOST AROUND THE COMMUNITY? Contact our "Sangha Buddhies" ... friends to help people find their way around ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...angha-Buddhies




And DON'T FORGET! ... the experiment continues, and we need you! ... A TREELEAF EXPERIMENT with EVERYONE’S PARTICIPATION REQUESTED: “LAH” (Lend A Hand)
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...Lend-A-Hand%29

http://lendahand.s3.amazonaws.com/wp.../treehands.jpg

I am so glad if this place and the practice are benefiting you. If so, you might consider a DONATION to Treeleaf at this LINK, although there is absolutely no need or requirement to do so. Thank you.



A Re-MINDer on SIMPLICITY:

In a Zen Monastery, SILENCE or A FEW WISE WORDS are cherished over MANY WORDS. Thus, I advise folks to restrain the need to speak unless the heart truly calls. If you find yourself posting many times each day, maybe consider what truly needs to be said ... and when it is best just to answer with silence and an inner Gassho.

SILENCE OR A FEW HESITANT WORDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT OFTEN SPEAK MOST PROFOUNDLY. Post when it is truly important to you and needs to be spoken from the warm heart.

(BUT too much silence or shyness can also be excessive ... so take the Middle Way!)

Also, to those who may get lost among the many threads and conversations in our Forum, please think of a monastery made of wood or brick, with 100 monks holding 10,000 conversations in the hallways, kitchen, Abbot's rooms and library (I assume no chatting in the Zendo where people sit Zazen).

Would you need or want to hear or join in all or most conversations? Of course not! You would, at best, pick and choose the conversations relevant and helpful to you.

So here too in our Sangha, NO NEED TO READ EVERY CONVERSATION: Try to note the ones that seem helpful to your Practice or interests, leave the rest. The above threads are a few suggestions.



Oh, and we do ask folks to note that they have SAT ZAZEN DURING THE LAST DAY BEFORE POSTING IN THE FORUM (please read about that here):

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ore-Forum-Chat

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLAH

Just a note that Kokuu's Haiku Club and lessons have their own corner of the Forum now, within our Treeleaf Art Circle ...

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...138-Haiku-Club

Thank you Jundo. gassho1

I was interested to read about sitting in a chair.

I have been reluctant to try sitting in a chair for our practice due to inner stubbornness about how I think things should be. However after trying it out on Saturday I may well reconsider. I found it remarkably comfortable, with less battling of the mind to contend with.

I can sit comfortably on my cushion for 20 to 30 minutes (my usual daily sitting duration), however for longer sitting periods I may use a chair. It will take some experimentation, potentially mixing sitting on the cushion with sitting on the chair. I have also taken short kinhin breaks when sitting became challenging.

Gassho,

Frank

Sat today, lent a hand.