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

For our Jukai/Angoers ... Precept reflections have begun ... PRECEPTS I - JUKAI and THE THREE REFUGES
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...595#post161595

and

Ango Practice Partner Exercise #1
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ner-Exercise-1

Please sit with our September 11th-12th Treeleaf Weekly Zazenkai ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...eekly-Zazenkai

Some folks defrosted these old leftovers and seem to find them tasty ... Master Dogen's 'INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE COOK' (REPOST)
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...K-%28REPOST%29

A lovely essay on Compassion and suffering ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...-and-suffering

The writer covers a "host" of themes this week ... Grass Hut - 28 - "Host and Guests" ...
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...ost-and-Guests

... and many more good threads.



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.

(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 THE PREVIOUS DAY BEFORE POSTING IN THE FORUM (please read about that here):

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

Gassho, Jundo

SatToday!