DATE CHANGE: Our 'AT HOME' 2-day ROHATSU RETREAT Dec 4-5

http://www.northsideaikido.com/pictures/zazen2.jpg

Due to Taigu's schedule, we have had to change our RETREAT DATES!

So, please note that our Annual 'AT HOME' Two Day 'ALL ONLINE' ROHATSU (Buddha's Enlightenment Day) RETREAT IS COMING UP ... and is now to be held on SUNDAY December 4th and MONDAY December 5th, 2011 JAPAN TIME (which will be earlier in your particular time zone).

If participating (and we expect that everyone will!), you will be able to sit with us live if the times are suitable to your time zone, or at a later time via recording, or in a combination thereof. Thanks to the wonders of how our Sangha sits, you can choose a time to sit the retreat that is convenient for you, and do not have to sit with us live. No difference when time and distance are all dropped from mind!

This Retreat celebrates the 'official' closure of our ANGO (100 day Special Practice Season), is a part of our current preparations for our JUKAI (Undertaking the Precepts) Ceremony in January, and marks ROHATSU ... the traditional holiday in Japan celebrating the time of the Buddha's Enlightenment.

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The week between December 1st and 8th is called Rohatsu Sesshin, which is a whole week of intensive zazen. The custom has its roots in the Buddha’s own attainment of enlightenment after a week of Zazen. Following the example of the Buddha, Zen monks meditate for a whole week, amid the cold weather of winter. The word R?hatsu (??) in Japanese literally means 8th Day of the 12th Month. It is the time we Buddhists celebrate the enlightenment of Buddha and rejoice in the path of peace and liberation from suffering.

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Zen Sangha all around the world will be holding week long Sesshin and shorter Retreats of a few days during this time. This year marks our 3rd Annual "All Online" 2-Day Retreat.

The schedule and content will be (with small changes) nearly the same as last year's, which you can see here (you can also watch video of each part from last year) ...

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... 10---.html

This year, Jundo will be leading the first day, and Taigu will be leading the second day.

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Because Treeleafers will be sitting in many time zones, let me explain how it works ... and I believe it will be surprisingly clear and easy to follow:

We will be sitting in Japan from 6AM to evening both Sunday and Monday (Japan time) . That means that the live netcast will actually run Saturday evening to Monday morning/afternoon in most of North America and Europe (equivalent times in New York and London are shown on last year's schedule linked above). Please calculate your equivalent local times.

So, here is how you can do the Retreat:

I - One way is to just sit from your morning to late night, in your time zone Sunday and Monday, using the recorded versions only (recordings of each segment, e.g., Zazen, Samu Work Practice, Oryoki, will be posted by us on the Treeleaf Blog as soon as we finish live sitting). You will follow us in "real time", but just a few hours after us in Japan. (You do not need to begin at 6am as we do, but we ask that you begin your day in your local time zone no earlier than 4am, and no later than 7am, adjusting the schedule accordingly)

II- The other way is to sit, as much as you can, with live segments, and then sit with any missed segments via their recorded version by simply adding the missed segments (segments, for example, that happened during your sleeping time) right on the end of each day. You will need to figure out the schedule to see which activities you can join live, which you will need to join later as a replay recording.

WE DO NOT CARE IF YOU CHANGE THE ORDER OF SEGMENTS, SO LONG AS ... AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ... YOU DO ALL SEGMENTS, AND OVER A SOLID TWO DAYS.

We have designed the schedule, as much as possible, so that you can do this. So, for example, the activities you miss while you are asleep (like Samu Work Practice) can be easily moved to the end. Other activities (such as meals) were positioned by me to be in about the right time so people in many time zones can join us 'live' (at least most of the time).

OF COURSE, IF YOU CANNOT SIT THAT WEEKEND ... IT IS AVAILABLE ANY OTHER DAY YOU CAN SIT. We do expect Jukai participants to make the efforts to complete the Retreat at the first opportunity.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Please feel free to devote Samu work periods to family/child care, extend or move Samu work periods as necessary to do so, or convert some "Zazen" periods to additional Samu. If you miss any Zazen, it would be nice if you do "make-up" Zazen by adding it at a convenient time. REMEMBER: All parental activities should be done with an attitude of Samu, and as much as possible, in Silence. All will be part of the Retreat!

OF COURSE, EVERYTHING IN MODERATION ... if the sitting ever feels too much, be sure to walk lots and lots of Kinhin (even if during a sitting period). And if the whole retreat becomes too much, or you feel ill, you may slow down ... , spread things out, shorten the sittings ... or STOP! Be sure that you have someone close by whom you can call, or who can check on you from time to time. If there is any question about health, do not take any chances.

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BELOW IN THIS THREAD I WILL POST A SERIES OF VIDEOS, AND WILL ASK THOSE WHO WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN OUR RETREAT TO WATCH AND REVIEW EACH IN PREPARATION BETWEEN NOW AND THE START. They will cover such hot topics as "How to Oryoki" "How to Bow" "How to Go To The Bathroom during a Retreat" (Really!) and many others.

Our Chant Book for the Retreat (some small changes from last year) is available for DOWNLOAD here (30 p. PDF). I ask you to print it out and place it in a nice binder.

https://sites.google.com/site/jundotree ... ects=0&d=1

REMEMBER: When we drop from mind all thought of 'now' 'then' 'here' and 'there' ... we will all be sitting together right when and where you are!

http://www.sotozen-net.or.jp/books/s...mo/0512/p3.jpg

Gassho, Jundo (and Taigu too)

IF YOU WILL SIT THE ONLINE RETREAT ...

... BE SURE TO WATCH this old 'SIT-A-LONG' TALK sometime soon:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s28pf8xQbVg[/youtube]

ALSO: WE ASK THAT ALL WHO PLAN TO SIT DOWNLOAD AND REVIEW THE FOLLOWING GUIDE TO SITTING THIS ONLINE RETREAT (PDF):

https://sites.google.com/site/jundotree ... ects=0&d=1

As well, between today and the Retreat, PLEASE WATCH AND REVIEW EACH OF THE FOLLOWING IN PREPARATION FOR OUR RETREAT (Average time about 10 minutes each) ... and they are also good for anyone to watch ...

SIT-A-LONG I: INTRODUCTION
http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... -2010.html

SIT-A-LONG II: HOW TO ENTER, SIT AND LEAVE THE ZEN HALL
http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... at-ii.html

SIT-A-LONG III: KINHIN
viewtopic.php?p=41787#p41787

SIT-A-LONG IV: BOWING
http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... owing.html

SIT-A-LONG V: WASHING, BRUSHING & NATURE's CALLING
http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... calls.html

SIT-A-LONG VI: ORYOKI Part 1 - How to Make an Oryoki Set
http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... art-i.html

SIT-A-LONG VII: ORYOKI Part 2
http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... rt-ii.html

Gassho to all folks sitting Retreat!

Awesome! Looking forward to this with great excitement.....and slight apprehension too!

Gassho,
John

be there with bells on... quite a sight to behold really :)

Gassho
Shohei

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Originally Posted by Shohei

be there with bells on... quite a sight to behold really :)

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It's quite chime-y. ;)

I'll be there as well...looking forward to it!

Gassho,
Dosho

Hi all,
I'm working on December 5th, but will try and sit as much of the retreat live on the 4th as I can ... although the time zones usually mean I sit things later and recorded ... which is probably what I'll do here too. In other words, I will be sitting with you. :D
Gassho

Hi everyone! :D

I'm happy I'll be able to sit live Sunday. Unfortunately, like Soen I won't be able to sit Monday because of work.
But I'll sit the all retreat the 10 and 11 and it will be shared with two people from my local Sangha!

thank you to Jundo, Taigu and everyone for making this possible!

Have a very nice day folks!
gassho,
Jinyu

I have decided to participate, real time on the 4th. This means I will start at 2 am (Pakistan) . If Cistercian monks can do it I can do it. I will need the schedule as download is too slow for steady streaming. I will have the computer running but it will end up a mess, I am picking. Network often crashes. The 5th is out – work
Cheers
m

Looking forward to this. I'll be sitting on G+, though I haven't figured out whether I'll be on Sun-Mon or Mon-Tues.

gassho,
Shujin

See you then!

I'm considering following the "live" schedule despite the 12hr difference, do some sleep shifting. Anyone else?

I will probably join live at 06:00 local time and then follow the recorded parts when it's rest time.
The time change is fine with family and work so all set :D

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Originally Posted by Matto

I'm considering following the "live" schedule despite the 12hr difference, do some sleep shifting. Anyone else?

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I have always sat the retreat live in the past, but this year I will probably have to do the retreat the following weekend because of the time change and my wife's work schedule. She just got a new job (Yay!), so taking that Monday off would be very difficult for her. I have considered doing Jundo's half live on Sunday and Taigu's half the following weekend, but am thinking it best to do the whole retreat as the intended 2 day sesshin when time permits.

Gassho,
Dosho

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Originally Posted by Dosho

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Originally Posted by Matto

I'm considering following the "live" schedule despite the 12hr difference, do some sleep shifting. Anyone else?

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I have always sat the retreat live in the past, but this year I will probably have to do the retreat the following weekend because of the time change and my wife's work schedule. She just got a new job (Yay!), so taking that Monday off would be very difficult for her. I have considered doing Jundo's half live on Sunday and Taigu's half the following weekend, but am thinking it best to do the whole retreat as the intended 2 day sesshin when time permits.

Gassho,
Dosho

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That is fine, all ways.

I look forward to sitting with you all.

Gassho, Jundo

I'll do my best, but I'll most likely following something like Dosho's schedule.

Hi Jundo Sensei,

I'm gathering all the needed information for our Rohatsu. While printing out the Retreat Pointers and links within, I found that 2 of the links could not be connected to. The manners in a formal Zen hall, and Prostrations. Is there another place to get working links on these?

Gassho,
John

I will have to sit a few days later. :(

I have to travel to Mexico City on the 5th, but I will do the retreat as soon as I get back home.

In the meantime I will watch the videos and gather everything I need.

Thank you, Jundo Sensei.

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Originally Posted by JRBrisson

Hi Jundo Sensei,

I'm gathering all the needed information for our Rohatsu. While printing out the Retreat Pointers and links within, I found that 2 of the links could not be connected to. The manners in a formal Zen hall, and Prostrations. Is there another place to get working links on these?

Gassho,
John

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Maybe I will refilm those in the coming days anyway. Stand by.

Today, I have to run out to the Chinese Embassy for Visas as we received the dates for heading to China to retrieve our new Daughter ... right between Rohatsu and New Years! Quite a holiday present!

Gassho, J

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Originally Posted by Jundo

Today, I have to run out to the Chinese Embassy for Visas as we received the dates for heading to China to retrieve our new Daughter ... right between Rohatsu and New Years! Quite a holiday present!

Gassho, J

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Great news! That's awesome.

Thanks for letting us know,
Jodi

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Jundo wrote:
Today, I have to run out to the Chinese Embassy for Visas as we received the dates for heading to China to retrieve our new Daughter ... right between Rohatsu and New Years! Quite a holiday present!

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Awesome! I'm going to share the happy news with my family now! Congratulations to you, Mina and Leon(the soon to be oniisan)!

Gassho,
John

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Originally Posted by Jundo

Maybe I will refilm those in the coming days anyway. Stand by.

Today, I have to run out to the Chinese Embassy for Visas as we received the dates for heading to China to retrieve our new Daughter ... right between Rohatsu and New Years! Quite a holiday present!

Gassho, J

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That's FANTASTIC news, Jundo! I am so happy and excited for you and your family. Please let us know how things go.

Our household is excited for you Jundo Sensei! We all expect a full report(with pictures!) upon your return in December :D

Gassho,
John

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Originally Posted by Jundo

Today, I have to run out to the Chinese Embassy for Visas as we received the dates for heading to China to retrieve our new Daughter ... right between Rohatsu and New Years! Quite a holiday present!

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Indeed! Wonderful news Jundo, wonderful news! :D

Gassho,
Dosho

Great news indeed! I know it has been a long, painful adoption process. Happy to see things finally resolve!

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Originally Posted by Jundo

Today, I have to run out to the Chinese Embassy for Visas as we received the dates for heading to China to retrieve our new Daughter ... right between Rohatsu and New Years! Quite a holiday present!

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I'm deeply touch by this news!
Congratulations to you and all your family! :D

Have a very nice day!
gassho,
Jinyu

What lovely news. Very good indeed.

deep gassho

undo

Congratulations Jundo! :-D

Ron

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Originally Posted by Matto

I'm considering following the "live" schedule despite the 12hr difference, do some sleep shifting. Anyone else?

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Same. Got a kitchen pass from the missus already and am re-arranging our guest bedroom to be the zen hall. Also for those on G+ I will also start intensive sitting from the 1st.

g

s

Congratulations Jundo, Mina and Leon :)

Gassho
Shohei

Wonderful news Jundo :D

I expect to be sitting there with you Jinyu on the 10th & 11th.

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Originally Posted by Matto

See you then!

I'm considering following the "live" schedule despite the 12hr difference, do some sleep shifting. Anyone else?

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A combination of live and recorded for me. I'm going to sit this one as many hours live as I can. The hours I do sleep I'll try to make up by sitting with the recorded. That's the plan anyway. Originally my wife was going to take the kids out for the weekend so I could do it undisturbed. Well that plan of hers changed so now I have to be more flexible in my Rohatsu routine as I may have to be at their beck and call at times. No complaints though, because its all good practice :D

Gassho,
John

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Originally Posted by JRBrisson

Originally my wife was going to take the kids out for the weekend so I could do it undisturbed. Well that plan of hers changed so now I have to be more flexible in my Rohatsu routine as I may have to be at their beck and call at times. No complaints though, because its all good practice :D

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Ah, already sitting a POWERFUL Retreat with that "no retreat" attitude!

Nine Bows, Jundo

I am fortunate that my wife is giving me time to participate "live," and was also able to get Monday off work. So, I will be participating on Japan time. For me (NY time), that works out to 4PM Saturday - 9:30AM Sunday, and again 4PM Sunday - 7:30AM Monday. With the big time difference, I'm going to do some "prep" because I'm not a teenager anymore and cannot function on zero sleep :)

So, my plan is to stay up really late Friday night (saturday morning) until about 4am, then sleep 'til about 11am. Get up, spend the afternoon with the family, then settle in for the retreat at 4pm. Then, after the retreat on Monday, sleep from about 7:30AM to maybe noon. Hopefully I'll be able to fall asleep again that night by midnight (maybe with a little medicated help).

Time to watch some videos...

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Originally Posted by Matto

I am fortunate that my wife is giving me time to participate "live," and was also able to get Monday off work. So, I will be participating on Japan time. For me (NY time), that works out to 4PM Saturday - 9:30AM Sunday, and again 4PM Sunday - 7:30AM Monday. With the big time difference, I'm going to do some "prep" because I'm not a teenager anymore and cannot function on zero sleep :)

So, my plan is to stay up really late Friday night (saturday morning) until about 4am, then sleep 'til about 11am. Get up, spend the afternoon with the family, then settle in for the retreat at 4pm. Then, after the retreat on Monday, sleep from about 7:30AM to maybe noon. Hopefully I'll be able to fall asleep again that night by midnight (maybe with a little medicated help).

Time to watch some videos...

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I'll be there with you Matt. Also thinking about doing an all night sit on the 7-8th. I will also do them online on G+ in case anyone wants to pop-in/join.

g

s

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Originally Posted by shards

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Originally Posted by Matto

I am fortunate that my wife is giving me time to participate "live," and was also able to get Monday off work. So, I will be participating on Japan time. For me (NY time), that works out to 4PM Saturday - 9:30AM Sunday, and again 4PM Sunday - 7:30AM Monday. With the big time difference, I'm going to do some "prep" because I'm not a teenager anymore and cannot function on zero sleep :)

So, my plan is to stay up really late Friday night (saturday morning) until about 4am, then sleep 'til about 11am. Get up, spend the afternoon with the family, then settle in for the retreat at 4pm. Then, after the retreat on Monday, sleep from about 7:30AM to maybe noon. Hopefully I'll be able to fall asleep again that night by midnight (maybe with a little medicated help).

Time to watch some videos...

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I'll be there with you Matt. Also thinking about doing an all night sit on the 7-8th. I will also do them online on G+ in case anyone wants to pop-in/join.

g

s

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Cool.. I'll leave G+ running as well

Looking forward to this too. Congrats to your family Jundo. Kids are the best

First of all, congratulations Jundo. Great news indeed!

I'll join the Rohatsu retreat for sure. I'll check how to align the segments to make it as profitable -or useless :) - as possible

Big gassho to everybody

Rimon

Our Chant Book for the 'AT HOME' 2-day ROHATSU RETREAT (Dec 4-5) is available for DOWNLOAD here (30 p. PDF). I ask you to print it out and place it in a nice binder.

https://sites.google.com/site/jundotree ... ects=0&d=1

There are some small changes from last year. HOWEVER, if you still have the Chant Book from last year (2010), you probably do not need to print it out again. Most of the changes were small corrections and typos, plus the following:

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On page 3: The first line of the "Verse of Atonement" now begins "All evil Karma ... " (to be the same as our weekly Zazenkais)

On pages 5 and 20: The "Gate Gate" Mantra at the end of the English 'Heart Sutra' is to be recited 1x only, not 3x.

On pages 15 and 20: I added dedication to victims of "and natural events" after "war and terrorism".

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PLEASE GO THROUGH THE BOOK AND NOTE THAT CEREMONIES WILL FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING PATTERNS ON Day 1 AND Day 2:

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Day 1 (Jundo):

The "Long Ceremony" includes the 'Heart Sutra' IN ENGLISH, the 'Identity of Relative and Absolute', the traditional List of Ancestors, the 'Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo'.

The "Short Ceremony" features Hakuin Zenji's Song of Zazen

At last sitting, we recite the 'Metta Verses'

Day 2 (Taigu):

The "Long Ceremony" includes the 'Heart Sutra' IN JAPANESE, the 'Daihishin Dharani', the List of Women Ancestors, the 'Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo'.

The "Short Ceremony" features the 'Heart Sutra' IN ENGLISH

At last sitting, recital by Taigu of the 'Fukanzazengi' IN ENGLISH

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The book also includes the Meal Chants for Oryoki Meals, various Gatha for washing and other events, and various chants for other times.

Keep the Chant Book by the side of your Zafu, within arms reach for easy access. If on the floor, do not place it directly on the ground, but with a cloth or towel below.

Gassho, Jundo

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Originally Posted by Jundo

On pages 5 and 20: The "Gate Gate" Mantra at the end of the English 'Heart Sutra' is to be recited 1x only, not 3x.

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I've been meaning to ask about that. Just curious -- why the change?

Gassho,

Jen

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Originally Posted by Jennifer G P

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Originally Posted by Jundo

On pages 5 and 20: The "Gate Gate" Mantra at the end of the English 'Heart Sutra' is to be recited 1x only, not 3x.

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I've been meaning to ask about that. Just curious -- why the change?

Gassho,

Jen

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I noticed the change during Zazenkai awhile back and have been wondering about this too!!

Gassho,
John

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Originally Posted by Matto

I am fortunate that my wife is giving me time to participate "live," and was also able to get Monday off work. So, I will be participating on Japan time. For me (NY time), that works out to 4PM Saturday - 9:30AM Sunday, and again 4PM Sunday - 7:30AM Monday. With the big time difference, I'm going to do some "prep" because I'm not a teenager anymore and cannot function on zero sleep :)

So, my plan is to stay up really late Friday night (saturday morning) until about 4am, then sleep 'til about 11am. Get up, spend the afternoon with the family, then settle in for the retreat at 4pm. Then, after the retreat on Monday, sleep from about 7:30AM to maybe noon. Hopefully I'll be able to fall asleep again that night by midnight (maybe with a little medicated help).

Time to watch some videos...

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I was thinking of doing the same, but now I'm really looking forward to having Monday off and spending the day sitting on my own while my husband is at work. Also, I'll have the opportunity to sit with others on Sunday afternoon. I'll probably join in for the start live and then work out my schedule with the recordings.

Great work on the Chant Book. Great to have this. Thank you.
Soen

I still need to talk about this with my husband and how to fit in the retreat with parenting our 2-year old. I may have to break it up in chunks. I will find a way to work it out somehow.

Thanks,
Jodi

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Originally Posted by jodi_h

I still need to talk about this with my husband and how to fit in the retreat with parenting our 2-year old. I may have to break it up in chunks. I will find a way to work it out somehow.

Thanks,
Jodi

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As a parent of two little guys, who will be sitting this retreat at home for the second time, I would say just do what you can. I'm going to make my best effort, but inevitably some type of child-related disaster will ensue. I'll work those times in as samu, and hope my head doesn't explode. :D

gassho,
Shujin

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Originally Posted by Jennifer G P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jundo

On pages 5 and 20: The "Gate Gate" Mantra at the end of the English 'Heart Sutra' is to be recited 1x only, not 3x.

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I've been meaning to ask about that. Just curious -- why the change?

Gassho,

Jen

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Hi,

Long story short ... I was chanting 3x in the Korean way (in Japan and China, it is 1x) just because I liked to sing it 3x! A Korean group I used to sit with years ago did so, and I just liked the sounds and "bounce" they had in their Heart Sutra recitations compared to more staid Japanese! When first making Treeleaf and our Chant Book, I just did so on a whim (that is why the "Heart Sutra" that accompanies our Zazen Timers is also in lively Korean)!

http://www.treeleaf.org/2011/09/online-zendo/

However, I recently decided to be a bit more in the way of our Soto tradition on this. Just because.

It does not matter. The Heart Sutra is not English, Lithuanian, Korean or Japanese ... 1x or 3x or 0x or Infinite-x ... yet all of those things!

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Originally Posted by Shujin

As a parent of two little guys, who will be sitting this retreat at home for the second time, I would say just do what you can. I'm going to make my best effort, but inevitably some type of child-related disaster will ensue. I'll work those times in as samu, and hope my head doesn't explode. :D

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Please recall our guide for parents ... because it is all Samu, all Zazen ...

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If your are a parent or otherwise have unavoidable obligations during the days of your Retreat, that is fine. In our ‘life as it is’ practice, there are no disturbances … even the disturbances. We will discuss how to make everything during the day and night part of the Retreat, even the events that seemingly bring you ‘back into the world’ ....

...

10. SAMU:

There will be work periods. This ‘Mindful Work’ is to be done as if it is the only action to be done, or which can be done, in the world at that moment. The mind is to drop all resistance, likes or dislikes about the work. It is to be done ‘mindfully’, meaning that we think only about the work we are doing at that moment when doing the work at that moment. ... For parents, this is an excellent opportunity for child care. However, more than usual, attempt to maintain silence, inner stillness and a sense of non-achievement. As our Retreat will be in whole or part recorded, one may move (or even add) ‘Samu’ periods on the schedule as needed for home duties. It is all ‘Zazen’ if approached as such.

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EVERYONE PARTICIPATING IN OUR RETREAT SHOULD BE SURE TO REVIEW THIS PDF ...

https://sites.google.com/site/jundotree ... ects=0&d=1

... and ALL OUR OTHER RETREAT POINTERS BEFORE SUNDAY ...

viewtopic.php?p=64033#p64033

( i understand there may be a couple of bad links there, and I am trying to restore those )

Gassho, J


Gassho, Jundo

Links 2 4 and 5, with a message to update flash.

All set and Ready.
Are other treeleafers sitting with google+ or the treeleaf zendo during the retreat?

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Originally Posted by Undo

Links 2 4 and 5, with a message to update flash.

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Hi Undo,

I just tested 2, 4 and 5 and they are working fine. I think the difficulty is just what it says: YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR FLASH.

http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Gassho, J

Sorry If I have missed this somewhere but I need to print out a schedule. I will work off the clock and timer according to that schedule and sit on real time . My internet connection is too unreliable to trust. Can someone point me in the right direction to this please.
Thanks
Michael

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Originally Posted by michaeljc

Sorry If I have missed this somewhere but I need to print out a schedule. I will work off the clock and timer according to that schedule and sit on real time . My internet connection is too unreliable to trust. Can someone point me in the right direction to this please.
Thanks
Michael

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I am sorry to hear of your connection issues. It is the sitting, however, that is the True Connection!

The webpage with the exact schedule for this year will be up later this week. It will be very close to the schedule for last year, with a few minor adjustments.

Here is last year's schedule ...

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... 10---.html

Gassho, J

Jundo thanks
m

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Jundo wrote:
Long story short ... I was chanting 3x in the Korean way (in Japan and China, it is 1x) just because I liked to sing it 3x! A Korean group I used to sit with years ago did so, and I just liked the sounds and "bounce" they had in their Heart Sutra recitations compared to more staid Japanese! When first making Treeleaf and our Chant Book, I just did so on a whim (that is why the "Heart Sutra" that accompanies our Zazen Timers is also in lively Korean)!

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Thank you for this answer Jundo Sensei.
In studying the Japanese version I did notice that it was chanted only once. I must admit that chanting it 3x was one of the things I greatly enjoyed.

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Jundo wrote:
It does not matter. The Heart Sutra is not English, Lithuanian, Korean or Japanese ... 1x or 3x or 0x or Infinite-x ... yet all of those things!

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Dropping all preferences, I quickly came to the same conclusion and just went with the change.

Gassho,
John

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Hi Undo,

I just tested 2, 4 and 5 and they are working fine. I think the difficulty is just what it says: YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR FLASH.

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I was using an ipad :oops:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/e...jpg?1282626490

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Originally Posted by Undo

Are other treeleafers sitting with google+ or the treeleaf zendo during the retreat?

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Shawn and I will both be sitting "live" (Japan time) and should be on Google+, or at least I will be during the zazen periods at the least.

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Originally Posted by Matto

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Undo

Are other treeleafers sitting with google+ or the treeleaf zendo during the retreat?

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Shawn and I will both be sitting "live" (Japan time) and should be on Google+, or at least I will be during the zazen periods at the least.

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Jep Jep...I'll have mine up and online. G+ has a pop up that asks if you are there around 60 minutes or so. As long as I don't miss that I plan on being on the entire sesshin.

g

s

I will try and join you if you don't mind me droping in on European time?
I've not used G+ before, do I need an invite or can I just search for treeleaf group?

Thanks

Undo

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Undo

I will try and join you if you don't mind me droping in on European time?

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Of course I don't mind! I open my sits to Treeleafers. We have a Treeleaf group on G+ so if you get setup just add the Treeleaf user and you should be able to see everyone else.

Treeleaf Sangha G+ Page:
https://plus.google.com/107488152513960611269/posts

G,

s

Been working on re-arranging our spare bedroom to be a makeshift Zendo for this weekend and I had a question about the Buddha placement. I had read in the guide that the altar should be in the middle of the room. Why is that? Just curious as to the logic/reasoning behind the placement. I've seen it mostly placed at the end of the zendo in the middle of the room but not in the middle. I'm assuming this is the traditional placement and the middle/far-end placement is a western adaptation?

I had to move the bed and some end tables and a bookshelf but was able to make room and still have enough for computers, zabuton/zafu and kinhin space. Also, it feels a bit funny sitting behind the Buddha...back to back as it were. So used to sitting in front of the altar all these years. :)

G

s

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shards

Been working on re-arranging our spare bedroom to be a makeshift Zendo for this weekend and I had a question about the Buddha placement. I had read in the guide that the altar should be in the middle of the room. Why is that? Just curious as to the logic/reasoning behind the placement. I've seen it mostly placed at the end of the zendo in the middle of the room but not in the middle. I'm assuming this is the traditional placement and the middle/far-end placement is a western adaptation?

I had to move the bed and some end tables and a bookshelf but was able to make room and still have enough for computers, zabuton/zafu and kinhin space. Also, it feels a bit funny sitting behind the Buddha...back to back as it were. So used to sitting in front of the altar all these years. :)

G

s

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The Buddha does not have to be in the middle of the room, and can be somewhere else. It comes just from the traditional design of large Zendos with Manjusri Bodhisattva (or a Buddha) in the middle ...

http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/imag...ette/zendo.gif

... and is meant to help to avoid walking directly in front of the Buddha/Manjusri, as one can walk respectfully behind to cross the room.

However, it is fine to have the Buddha elsewhere in the room, and if you have to walk in front of your statue to pass, maybe give a momentary pause and a little Gassho or nod of the head as "Excuse me". That is traditional too.

Before the retreat, please look at this short page published by Soto-shu of manners in the Zendo, see if you can pick up a couple of pointers. It is a little different from most folks, cause in Japan (as in our Tsukuba Zendo) the sitting is on raised platforms, not on the floor like most folks in the West.

http://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/pra ... n/manners/

Not everyone faces the wall either, but it is good to do so if you can. Soto Tradition is to face the wall, but in the west it is more of a mixed picture.

Gassho, Jundo

Hi All,

Spent the morning and then the rest of the day going over all the material for Rohatsu. It was great to review everything because I even found a number of things to adjust which I have been doing incorrectly during Zazenkai :oops: :D
My Oryoki set is all made up and I went over the video multiple times to practice throughout the day. Also Going to try to practice at least once each day prior to Rohatsu!

My schedule for Rohatsu will be as Follows:
Rohatsu starts 6am Sunday Japan time, which will be 3pm Saturday my time. I'll sit 3pm-10pm(Live)

Sleep from 10pm-5:30am, Sunday

Start 6am-3pm(Recorded version, from day #1, of what I missed while sleeping)

3pm(Start of day #2 with Taigu Sensei)-10pm(Live)

Sleep 10pm-5:30am, Monday(Vacation day, off from work)

Start 6am-3pm(Recorded version, from day #2, of what I missed while sleeping)

3pm-The rest of the week(Giving my wife lots of extra attention! :D)

Gassho,
John

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JRBrisson

My schedule for Rohatsu will be as Follows:
Rohatsu starts 6am Sunday Japan time, which will be 3pm Saturday my time. I'll sit 3pm-10pm(Live)

Sleep from 10pm-5:30am, Sunday

Start 6am-3pm(Recorded version, from day #1, of what I missed while sleeping)

3pm(Start of day #2 with Taigu Sensei)-10pm(Live)

Sleep 10pm-5:30am, Monday(Vacation day, off from work)

Start 6am-3pm(Recorded version, from day #2, of what I missed while sleeping)

3pm-The rest of the week(Giving my wife lots of extra attention! :D)

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That's a great schedule John...I'm going to try to sit live...but should I be overcome by sleep I will adapt with your proposed schedule. Thanks for sharing!

g

s

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shards

That's a great schedule John...I'm going to try to sit live...but should I be overcome by sleep I will adapt with your proposed schedule. Thanks for sharing!

g

s

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Just to say again ... we do recommend a mix of 'live' and 'recorded' segments so that everyone can sleep in a natural cycle.

Gassho, J

Can someone explain in detail how to use G+ please. Do we just sign in and find the treeleaf group in realtime on the G+ web site, or do I have to download something? Sorry to be a pain but tech is moving too fast for this old falla

m

Hi,

Sorry to ask a dumb question, but what time does the retreat start Japan time on Sunday. I will work out my timezone from there.

I will be sitting the Sunday but will be working Monday. I am looking forward to it..... in the now ofcoarse!!

Gassho

Ray

sorry, I have found the time. i hope I made some people laugh

Gassho

Quote:

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Originally Posted by michaeljc

Can someone explain in detail how to use G+ please. Do we just sign in and find the treeleaf group in realtime on the G+ web site, or do I have to download something? Sorry to be a pain but tech is moving too fast for this old falla

m

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No worries!

After you've signed up and can access G+, there is a link on the right side of the page that says "Start a hangout". When you click that it'll open up a new window where you can start a new hangout, or, on the right side of that pop-up join one that is already going, should someone be sitting already.





G

s

Attached files http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/image...8=600-hang.JPG http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/image...=601-hang2.JPG http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/image...=599-start.png

THE 'OFFICIAL' 2-DAY ROHATSU RETREAT WEB PAGE AND SCHEDULE IS UP !!

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... eafat.html

You will see a link to the live netcast, and this is also where links will be posted to each portion of the retreat as we go along, updating the links during the two days.

The schedule is exactly the same a last year. Equivalent times are posted for North America and Europe so that folks can calculate which portions can be joined 'live' and which portions can be joined 'recorded' (but stil alive!).

BE THERE AND SIT SQUARE!

Gassho, J

my better half now won't be flying home until early saturday morning. this will be interesting.

Yep and I have just learned that we have a holiday Monday. I was worried about getting through 1 day :?

Thought I'd share a Google calendar with everyone as it could be helpful:

Japan GMT+9:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?s ... ode=AGENDA

Bangkok GMT+7:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?s ... ode=AGENDA

Germany GMT+1:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?s ... ode=AGENDA

Ireland GMT:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?s ... ode=AGENDA

New York GMT-5:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?s ... ode=AGENDA

Chicago GMT-6:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?s ... ode=AGENDA

Los Angeles GMT-8:
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?s ... ode=AGENDA


gassho,

Shawn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jundo

THE 'OFFICIAL' 2-DAY ROHATSU RETREAT WEB PAGE AND SCHEDULE IS UP !!

http://www.treeleaf.org/sit-a-long/with ... eafat.html

You will see a link to the live netcast, and this is also where links will be posted to each portion of the retreat as we go along, updating the links during the two days.

The schedule is exactly the same a last year. Equivalent times are posted for North America and Europe so that folks can calculate which portions can be joined 'live' and which portions can be joined 'recorded' (but stil alive!).

BE THERE AND SIT SQUARE!

Gassho, J

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Just a note that I corrected the schedule just now to be Sunday-Monday (not Saturday-Sunday as last year). Otherwise, the times are the same.

Gassho, J

I cannot remember my password for Google+ :oops: :oops: :oops:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JRBrisson

My schedule for Rohatsu will be as Follows:
Rohatsu starts 6am Sunday Japan time, which will be 3pm Saturday my time. I'll sit 3pm-10pm(Live)

Sleep from 10pm-5:30am, Sunday

Start 6am-3pm(Recorded version, from day #1, of what I missed while sleeping)

3pm(Start of day #2 with Taigu Sensei)-10pm(Live)

Sleep 10pm-5:30am, Monday(Vacation day, off from work)

Start 6am-3pm(Recorded version, from day #2, of what I missed while sleeping)

3pm-The rest of the week(Giving my wife lots of extra attention! :D)

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That's a great schedule John...I'm going to try to sit live...but should I be overcome by sleep I will adapt with your proposed schedule. Thanks for sharing!

g

s

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Ditto... that is a good schedule!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jundo

Just to say again ... we do recommend a mix of 'live' and 'recorded' segments so that everyone can sleep in a natural cycle.

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Gonna try it anyway! ;)

Hey y'all, I'll be on G+ Sunday from 0600-2330 EST, with breaks for samu & such. Will be sitting the second day on Monday, from approx. 0600-2130 EST. Looking forward to sitting with everyone.

gassho,
Shujin

OK, think I have everything ready. Haven't had much time to practice Oryoki, so will just do my best to follow along. My bum ankle is acting up a bit with the cold weather, so may have to do more kinhin than listed, but hopefully it will hold up!

Hope everyone has a "not good, not bad" Rohatsu! :D

I am ready!!!! :D
Thanks a lot for the opportunity
It´s my first real sesshin with my real sangha. I had others "virtual" sesshins with my "virtual" Soto sangha here, but this is special.
See you there
Senryu

If joining on Google+, please be sure to click the "Mute Mic" option!

End of Rohatsu... just want to say Thanks to Jundo, Taigu, and the entire Sangha.

_/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/_

Jundo/Taigu/All - thank you. This was the first group sitting I have been part of in over 10 years. My 2 am starts worked out OK with some naps thrown in here and there. Got most of the streaming too. From out of nowhere I came to finally realise the significance in sewing the rakusu.

kind regards

Michael

To Jundo and Taigu, all those who sat Rohatsu, those sitting it still, as well as those who will sit it: thank you for your practice and for sharing it.
Best wishes and kind regards.
Gassho,

I'm about halfway through my attempts at the retreat. Samu was manually heaving leaves over my back wall.

Thanks senseis and sangha for this rohatsu sesshin...I really enjoy it.
Gassho _()_
Senryu

Thank you for a wonderful retreat. My back and knees sing of the joy that's in my heart for such a lovely practice.

Jundo & Taigu...a very special thank you to you both.

Deep bows,

Shawn

It was a pleasure to sit with you all.
Thanks to everyone, especially all those friends, family and colleagues who helped us sit together.

Gassho

undo

Well done to those completing the whole retreat. I dropped in once live and twice recorded on Sunday and late Saturday but was tied by 'other things'. I will make better efforts to arrange my time next time around.
Gassho to all, with thanks and 9 bows to Jundo and Taigu.

Dear All,

Thank you to every-One (get it? ... "every-ONe" ... 8) ) who sat sits will sit this retreat.

I am in communist China today, where I cannot access Youtube or Justin.tv at all, so I cannot access the Retreat from here ... but I see it in my heart.

Gassho, Jundo

Just finished tonight. I am grateful beyond words for the opportunity to sit this retreat in my own home. Thank you Jundo & Taigu, and thanks to those who sat, and will sit. Thank you to those who sat along with me on G+; your company was the best of motivations.

gassho,
Shujin

Deep bows to all. My knees hurt, my heart is joyful. Also much gratitude to my husband for his support, and the Google+ circle of undeterred sitters. Now off to carry water and chop wood :D

Finished yesterday evening, Gassho and thanks to everybody,
Peter

So glad this is posted online... just no way I could do this in real time. Thankfully I will be able to catch up. Although there is noting quite like the sense of community when done as it happens, I guess the point is to drop all that. Deep gratitude to Jundo for making this available and everyone at Treeleaf who participated.

Gassho,
Jisen/BrianW

Hi all,

I just wanted to let folks know that I'll be sitting the retreat this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, substituting US Eastern Time for Japan time on the schedule. Of course those who have already sat as well as those who will sit later are always sitting with me in every moment, but I still thought it worth mentioning. :)

Deep bows to all who undertake this retreat, anywhere in space and time...all right here!

Gassho,
Dosho

Hey Dosho,

Perhaps I will try to catch a segment with you. Can't do the entire retreat this weekend as I got talked into being "Santa" for an animal rescue organization, which I have been working for (my Samu). In addition, my dad went in the hospital today and not sure when I will be needed. Nevertheless, if Sunday looks good I may try to coordinate.....I will convert to Eastern Standard time as well. Even if we don't connect we may be sitting at the same time. Hope to get the retreat in its entirety at a bit later date.

Gassho,
Jisen/BrianW

Hi all,

Just a quick note to say that I got through the first day of the retreat but wasn't feeling very well throughout, so I'll have to do the second day another time.

Off to bed...my thanks to all who have sat, are sitting, or will sit!

Gassho,
Dosho

I finished up yesterday. YouTube worked like a dream!

Gassho

Jen

--Hope you feel better, Dosho!

Well after a week off visiting my parents, a week working to close the year at my little business and a week just taking it easy, I am finally ready to do Rohatsu.

I will do it tomorrow (Dec. 21st) and on Thursday (Dec. 22nd).

It's my first Rohatsu, so wish me luck!

Happy sitting and happy solstice to you!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chocobuda

I will do it tomorrow (Dec. 21st) and on Thursday (Dec. 22nd).

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Nindo

Happy sitting and happy solstice to you!

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Thanks Nindo!

It all went pretty good. I have done retreats before but this one was intense! I enjoyed it a lot and learned a lot as well.

It gave me lots to think about.