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Thread: TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY ANGO-JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT -- 2015 -- (MAIN PAGE)

  1. #1

    TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY ANGO-JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT -- 2015 -- (MAIN PAGE)




    WELCOME ...

    ... to our TREELEAF 'ALWAYS AT HOME' Two Day 'ALL ONLINE' ROHATSU (Buddha's Enlightenment Day) RETREAT, being held by LIVE NETCAST on Saturday/Sunday December 5th and 6th, 2015.

    Please 'sit-a-long' with the LIVE NETCAST at the times below ... to be visible "live" on our Treeleaf Google+ Page during those hours:





    HOWEVER, you may still join the Retreat and sit-a-long at ANY AND ALL TIME after, by the real time recorded version at the links below (no different from the original!).

    The full sitting schedule is below, and you may download our CHANT BOOK HERE(LINK to PDF).


    and please review the various RETREAT POINTERS HERE(LINK to PDF).


    Recordings of each segment are posted below in time order ... and if we drop from mind all thought of 'now' 'then' 'here' and 'there' ... we will all be sitting together right when and where you are!

    This Retreat celebrates the 'official' closure of our ANGO (90 day Special Practice Season) at Treeleaf, is a part of 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.

    Jundo will be guiding the sittings on Saturday and Sunday from Japan, and our Treeleaf Priests including Fugen (from Sweden), Dosho, Yugen, Jiken and Shugen (from USA), Shokai and Shingen (from Canada) and Kyonin (from Mexico) with be leading other portions. Because of time zones and other circumstance, the portions by some of the fellows will have been pre-recorded. Other portions will be live.

    In case of technical problems, please just go along as best you can with the schedule ... we sit with "what is".. .

    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!

    Our thanks to Sangha Member William Anderson for presenting a 15-Minute YOGA LESSON TO HELP US STRETCH DURING ANY BREAK TIME (LINK HERE)

    Please write and let us know how it goes. Gassho, Jundo

    _____________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 1
    (Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 6am / NY 9am / London 2pm / Japan 11pm)
    (ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE, Calculated from LA TIME)


    DAY 1
    06:00-06:40 AM Entrance by Officiant (Jundo) & Zazen. If you usually wear a Rakusu, DO NOT wear it yet (keep it in its bag) until Takkesage (Kesa Verse) later in morning.
    06:40-06:50 Kinhin *(All Kinhin times can be bathroom break)
    06:50-07:20 Zazen
    07:20-07:30 Kinhin

    07:30-08:05 Zazen + Kesa Verse
    08:05-08:50 "Long" Service.Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when hear ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
    08:50-09:20 REST PERIOD


    RECORDING OF ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 1-1



    https://plus.google.com/events/ceh1u...vmov6ttofa4600


    _____________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 2
    (Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 9:20am / NY 12:20pm / London 5:20pm / Japan Sun 2:20am)


    09:20-09:50 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
    09:50-10:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.


    RECORDING OF ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 1-2 Oryoki

    https://plus.google.com/events/cdtg9...fv02tssbc09muk


    ___________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 3
    (Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 10:30am / NY 1:30pm / London 6:30pm / Sun Japan 3:30am)



    10:30-11:10 Zazen
    11:10-11:20 Kinhin
    11:20-12:00 Zazen & Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening Sutra

    12:00-12:10 Kinhin
    12:10-12:45 Zazen
    12:45-13:10 REST PERIOD


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 1-3

    https://plus.google.com/events/cseh4...14uuk5en0as3tg


    _____________________________________________


    DAY 1 UNIT 4
    (Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 1:10pm / NY 4:10pm / London 9:10pm / Sun Japan 6:10am)


    13:10-13:40 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
    13:40-14:10 REST PERIOD


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE
    Unit 1-4 Samu

    https://plus.google.com/events/cv4sf...idrg1pusn07re4


    ____________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 5
    (Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 2:10pm / NY 5:10pm / London 10:10pm / Sun Japan 7:10am)



    14:10-14:40 Zazen
    14:40-14:50 Kinhin
    14:50-15:30 Zazen & Dharma Talk

    15:30-15:40 Kinhin
    15:40-16:10 Zazen
    16:10-16:40 REST PERIOD


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 1-5

    https://plus.google.com/events/cbphd...3ksdkp0shgia2o


    ____________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 6 [PRE-RECORDED]
    (Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 4:40pm / NY 7:40pm / London SUNDAY 12:40am / Sun Japan 9:40am)


    16:40-17:10 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
    17:10-17:40 REST PERIOD


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 1-6 Samu


    ____________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 7
    (Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY LA 5:40pm / NY 8:40pm / SUNDAY London 1:40am / Sun Japan 10:40am)


    17:40-18:20 "Short" Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
    18:20-18:30 Kinhin

    18:30-19:00 Zazen & Dharma Talk
    19:00-19:10 Kinhin
    19:10-19:40 Metta Chant & Zazen Close with Verse of Atonement & Four Vows


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit-1-7

    https://plus.google.com/events/c31lc...22lopbk9f4koqo



    ______________________________________________


    DAY 1 UNIT 8
    ( No Live Netcast from SATURDAY LA 7:40pm / NY 10:40pm / SUNDAY London 3:40am / Sun Japan 12:40am)
    PLEASE CATCH UP WITH MISSED OVERNIGHT UNITS!


    (Optional: Waza = Tradition of 'All Night Zazen' ... but we recommend you sleep instead.
    See you in the morning)


    19:40 PM-
    (Day 2)
    05:45 AM
    BATH & SLEEP

    NO RECORDING OF ABOVE

    However, this may be a good time for the 15-Minute YOGA LESSON TO HELP US STRETCH (LINK HERE) presented by our Sangha Member William.



    ____________________________________________
    ____________________________________________


    DAY 2 UNIT 1
    (Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 6:00am / NY 9:00am / London 2:00pm / Japan 11:00pm)
    (ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE, Calculated from LA TIME)


    06:00-06:30 AM Zazen Begin sitting without instruction. If you usually wear a Rakusu, DO NOT wear it yet (keep it in its bag) until Takkesage (Kesa Verse) later in morning.
    06:30-06:40 Kinhin
    06:40-07:10 Zazen
    07:10-07:20 Kinhin

    07:20-07:55 Zazen + Kesa Verse When instructed, place on Kesa and recite Kesa Verse. All others, hands in Gassho.
    07:55-08:30 "Long" Service Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when hear ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
    08:30-09:00 REST PERIOD

    NOTE: FIRST 20 MINUTES of FIRST ZAZEN SITTING IS MISSING FROM THIS RECORDING. PLEASE SELF-SIT.

    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-1

    https://plus.google.com/events/c1d04...9jdksfjjdamk5g


    _____________________________________________

    DAY 2 UNIT 2
    (Live Netcast:Start = SUNDAY LA 9:00am / NY NOON / London 5:00pm / Japan Mon 2:00am)


    09:00-09:30 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
    09:30-10:10 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-2 Oryoki

    https://plus.google.com/events/csatd...a3n02dckv97vuo


    _____________________________________________

    DAY 2 UNIT 3
    (Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 10:10am / NY 1:10pm / London 6:10pm / Japan Mon 3:10am)


    10:10-10:40 Zazen & Dharma Talk
    10:40-10:50 Kinhin
    10:50-11:20 Zazen
    11:20-11:50 REST PERIOD


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-3

    https://plus.google.com/events/cch28...5nq8vt549336jk


    _____________________________________________

    DAY 2 UNIT 4
    (Live Netcast:Start = SUNDAY LA 11:50am / NY 2:50pm / London 7:50pm / Japan Mon 4:50am)


    11:50-12:20 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
    12:20-12:50 REST PERIOD


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-4 Samu

    https://plus.google.com/events/c15rr...5abb9kesk2kvjc


    ____________________________________________

    DAY 2 UNIT 5
    (Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 12:50pm / NY 3:50pm / London 8:50pm / Japan Mon 5:50am)


    12:50-13:20 Zazen
    13:20-13:30 Kinhin
    13:30-14:00 Zazen & Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Closing Sutra

    14:00-14:10 Kinhin
    14:10-14:40 Zazen
    14:40-15:10 REST PERIOD

    NOTE: FIRST 40 MINUTES, which is FIRST ZAZEN and FIRST KINHIN, are MISSING FROM THIS RECORDING. PLEASE SELF-SIT


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-5

    https://plus.google.com/events/cmfb8...CKnV463-q4LpNw


    _____________________________________________

    DAY 2 UNIT 6 - CLOSING
    (Live Netcast: Start = SUNDAY LA 3:10pm / NY 6:10pm / London 11:10pm / Japan Mon 8:10am)


    15:10-15:50 "Short" Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
    15:50-16:00 Kinhin
    16:00-16:25 Fukanzazengi & Zazen
    16:25-16:30 Verse of Atonement & Four Vows ... Closing Words ...

    NOTE: DUE TO TECHNICAL NON-DIFFICULTIES, PLEASE SIT with VIDEO 1 for the CEREMONY, and then switch to VIDEO 2 for all ZAZEN and FESTIVITIES thereafter. VIDEO 2 begins shortly after the bell has rung for Zazen.


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-6

    PART I - CEREMONY

    https://plus.google.com/events/cu89g...70p57ft0409ifk

    PART II







    Nine Bows to All Who Sat This Retreat Together ...






    Last edited by Jundo; 12-19-2015 at 07:42 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  2. #2
    OUR READING FOR THIS RETREAT:

    Dharma Talks during the Retreat by Fugen, Shingen, Shugen, Yugen and Kyonin will be based on the following text, said by historians to be the only writing with some likelihood of having actually been written by Bodhidharma or someone in his close circle.

    =====================

    Outline of Practice [also called the "Treatise on the Two Entrances and Four Practices"]
    The Zen Teaching of Bodhidharma
    Translated by Red Pine


    MANY roads lead to the Path, but basically there are only two: reason and practice. To enter by reason means to realize the essence through instruction and to believe that all living things share the same true nature, which isn't apparent because it's shrouded by sensation and delusion. Those who turn from delusion back to reality, who meditate on walls,' the absence of self and other, the oneness of mortal and sage, and who remain unmoved even by scriptures are in complete and unspoken agreement with reason. Without moving, without effort, they enter, we say, by reason.

    To enter by practice refers to four all-inclusive practices: Suffering injustice, adapting to conditions, seeking nothing, and practicing the Dharma.

    First, suffering injustice. When those who search for the Path encounter adversity, they should think to themselves, "In Countless ages gone by, I've turned from the essential to the trivial and wandered through all manner of existence, often angry without cause and guilty of numberless transgressions. Now, though I do no wrong, I'm punished by my past. Neither gods nor men can foresee when an evil deed will bear its fruit. I accept it with an open heart and without complaint of injustice. The sutras say "when you meet with adversity don't be upset because it makes sense." With such understanding you're in harmony with reason. And by suffering injustice you enter the Path.

    Second, adapting to conditions. As mortals, we're ruled by conditions, not by ourselves. All the suffering and joy we experience depend on conditions. If we should be blessed by some great reward, such as fame or fortune, it's the fruit of a seed planted by us in the past. When conditions change, it ends. Why delight In Its existence? But while success and failure depend on conditions, the mind neither waxes nor wanes. Those who remain unmoved by the wind of joy silently follow the Path.

    Third, seeking nothing. People of this world are deluded. They're always longing for something-always, in a word, seeking. But the wise wake up. They choose reason over custom. They fix their minds on the sublime and let their bodies change with the seasons. All phenomena are empty. They contain nothing worth desiring. Calamity forever alternates with Prosperity. To dwell in the three realms is to dwell in a burning house. To have a body is to suffer. Does anyone with a body know peace? Those who understand this detach themselves from all that exists and stop imagining or seeking anything. The sutras say, "To seek is to suffer. To seek nothing is bliss." When you seek nothing, you're on the Path.

    Fourth, practicing the Dharma. The Dharma is the truth that all natures are pure. By this truth, all appearances are empty. Defilement and attachment, subject and object don't exist. The sutras say, "The Dharma includes no being because it's free from the impurity of being, and the Dharma includes no self because it's free from the impurity of self." Those wise enough to believe and understand these truths are bound to practice according to the Dharma. And since that which is real includes nothing worth begrudging, they give their body, life, and property in charity, without regret, without the vanity of giver, gift, or recipient, and without bias or attachment. And to eliminate impurity they teach others, but without becoming attached to form. Thus, through their own practice they're able to help others and glorify the Way of Enlightenment. And as with charity, they also practice the other virtues. But while practicing the six virtues to eliminate delusion, they practice nothing at all. This is what's meant by practicing the Dharma.
    If you would like an alternative translation for reference:

    Treatise on the Two Entrances and Four Practices
    attributed to Bodhidharma
    Translated by John R. McRae
    In: The Northern School and the Formation of Early Ch'an Buddhism


    There are many ways of entering into enlightenment, but all of them may effectively be subsumed under two categories: the "entrance of principle" and the "entrance of practice".

    The entrance of principle is to become enlightened to the Truth on the basis of the teaching. One must have a profound faith in the fact that one and the same True Nature is possessed of all sentient beings, both ordinary and enlightened, and that this True Nature is only covered up and made imperceptible by false sense impressions.
    If one discards the false and takes refuge in the True, one resides frozen in "wall contemplation", in which self and other, ordinary person and sage, are one and the same; one resides fixedly without wavering, never again to be swayed by written teachings. To be thus mysteriously identified with the True Principle, to be without discrimination, serene and inactive: This is called the entrance of principle.

    The entrance of practice refers to the "four practices" which encompass all other practices. They are the "practice of retribution of enmity," the "practice of acceptance of circumstances," the "practice of the absence of craving," and the "practice of accordance with the Dharma."
    What is the practice of the retribution of enmity? When the practitioner of Buddhist spiritual training experiences suffering, he should think to himself:
    "For innumerable eons I have wandered through the various states of existence, forsaking the fundamental for the derivative, generating a great deal of enmity and distaste and bringing an unlimited amount of injury and discord upon others. My present suffering constitutes the fruition of my past crimes and karma, rather than anything bequeathed to me from any heavenly or human being. I shall accept it patiently and contentedly, without complaint."
    When you react to events in this fashion, you can be in accord with Principle, therefore this is called practice of the retribution of enmity.

    The second is the practice of the acceptance of circumstances. Sentient beings have no unchanging self and are entirely subject to the impact of their circumstances. Whether one experiences suffering or pleasure, both are generated from one's circumstances. If one experiences fame, fortune, and other forms of superior karmic retribution, this is the result of past causes.
    Although one may experience good fortune now, when the circumstances responsible for its present manifestation are exhausted, it will disappear. How could one take joy in good fortune? Since success and failure depend on circumstances, the mind should remain unchanged. It should be unmoved even by the winds of good fortune, but mysteriously in accordance with the Tao. Therefore, this is called the practice of acceptance of circumstances.

    The third is the practice of the absence of craving. The various kinds of covetousness and attachment that people experience in their never-ending ignorance are referred to as craving. The wise person is enlightened to the Truth, the essential principle which is contrary to human convention. He pacifies his mind in inactivity and accepts whatever happens to him. Understanding that all existence is nonsubstantial, he is without desire. The sutra says: "To have craving entails suffering; to be without craving means joy." Understand clearly that to be without craving is equivalent to the true practice of the Path.

    The fourth is the practice of accordance with the Dharma. The absolute principle of essential purity is called Dharma. According to this principle, all characteristics are nonsubstantial and there is no defilement and no attachment, no "this" and "that." Since this Dharma is without parsimony, one should practice the perfection of dana (selfless giving), giving of one's body, life, and possessions without any regret. In this way one benefits self as well as others ornamenting the path of enlightenment.
    And for Zen history wonks and geeks ... Zen Historian Jeffrey Broughton comments on the history and interpretation of the text on pages 68 to 74 of the following PDF ...
    http://terebess.hu/zen/Earliest.pdf
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  3. #3
    NOTE ON TWO-WAY JOINING OF HANGOUTS FOR REGISTERED TREELEAF GOOGLE+ SANGHA MEMBERS

    Each Unit of the Retreat will have its own individual Hangout. You should receive an email invitation to each and all of the Hangouts for the retreat prior to netcast start time. However, many times the email invitations do not arrive. If not, please go here:

    https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/116930...0706458/events

    If your have already registered for Treeleaf Google+ Hangouts, find the Hangout for the Unit you wish to join (for example, it will be marked "Day 1 Unit 6" for the corresponding Unit on the schedule). Click, follow the instructions and come on in as a "two way" participant.

    Also, Dosho, Kyonin and Shingen will be participating in most Units of the Retreat, and will post a link to most Hangouts here in this thread or at the Treeleaf Google+ page. Look for the link.

    And if none of that works for you, you can join in "one way" by clicking on the corresponding YouTube screen above and watching the Netcast live or recorded later.

    We apologize that there is a limit of only 9 members to join "two way" for any Unit. If you have already sat in a Unit, and it looks like a Hangout has become crowded, you may wish to hang back a few minutes to allow others a chance to join in on later Units. You can then come back in if there is still space. Thank you.

    See you there!
    Last edited by Jundo; 11-29-2015 at 04:49 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  4. #4
    Dear All,

    The main Retreat Page is now open.

    Gassho, J
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  5. #5
    Joyo
    Guest
    Thank you, looking forward to it.

    Gassho,
    Joyo
    sat today

  6. #6
    Hi Everyone,

    It appears that we are having some unusual "technical non-problem" this year in which youtube is shaving many of the longer recordings to 2 hours. So, we are losing some parts at the start here and there. All that can be done is to encourage folks to sit silently and keep time according to the schedule for missing portions. The "missing" portions appear most to be sitting ... and sitting can never be missing even when missing. So, just sit.

    In all things, we just sit with what is.

    Gassho, Jundo
    Last edited by Jundo; 12-06-2015 at 05:25 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  7. #7
    Deep gratitude and bows to all!
    Rodney SatToday

  8. #8
    Hello all,

    I want to thank you all who participated in Rohatstu and Ango 2015. It was moving and encouraging to see you all online, practicing together. Our global Sangha lives and breathes thanks to you and the unstoppable work of my Unsui brothers. And of course I want to thank Jundo for all his love and all he does for us.

    Tonight more than ever, I'm happy and proud to be part of Treeleaf.

    Much love to all,

    Kyonin
    Hondō Kyōnin
    奔道 協忍

  9. #9
    This sesshin was frustrating at times, excruciating for parts of it and also deeply nourishing, rewarding and liberating........like every " live " sesshin I sat.
    Thank you to everyone who sat, I could feel your presence.
    9 bows,
    Marina sat ( a lot ) today

  10. #10
    Well, I sat live; live-ish (my computer lags, what can I say); with the recording; a little bit on camera (that doesn't work too well either); and supplemented bits I missed near the end there with some segments from previous years (hi, Taigu! Miss ya.)

    It was all awesome.

    Seriously, you guys did a really good job putting this together. I am so proud of you all, and so honored to have been able to take part.

    Deep bows,

    Jen

    sat today

  11. #11
    I should have learned to trust all of you more by now, that when you say something is do-able... it is. I could have stayed in the retreat bubble easily a couple more days. (Ever think of doing a longer sesshin??)

    As it is, I made the mistake of peeking at my accumulated e-mails and messages tonight, and am now already trying to figure out how to maintain the hard-won equilibrium from the weekend. Eh, who am I kidding, it's shot to hell. LOL. Monday morning cometh.

    http://www.tricycle.com/special-section/between-state This article popped up in my feed and seemed timely, as I try, and learn, and seek, yet seek to not be a seeker.... How will I take what I have learned out into the chaos of life tomorrow?

    Thank you all so much for your generous time and teaching, I have learned from every one of you and owe you all giant hugs if we ever meet in person!

    Gassho,
    Sierra
    Also sat lots today!

  12. #12
    Yugen
    Guest

    TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY ANGO-JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT -- 2015 -- (MAIN PAGE)

    It's all of you who make the Sangha - who motivate us to show up and polish up our game, to serve and be of service. Your dedication renews my sense of wonder at the power of our practice together.

    Yes, I think beginning to plan longer sesshin is something we should consider.

    Deep bows
    Yugen




    Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world - Dokkodo - sat2day

  13. #13
    Mp
    Guest
    Hello everyone,

    Wow! What can I say ... another beautiful moment in time. Thank you Jundo for taking the time in guiding, sharing, and trusting in us. Thank you to my fellow Unsui for being there, sharing and supporting one another. And thank you to this beautiful Sangha who made these moments magical, I love and have immense gratitude for you all. It is a time I will never forget! =)

    Deep bows
    Shingen

    #sattoday

  14. #14
    Hi.

    Thank you leafers, we wouldn't be here, doing this, without you.

    And guys, Thumbs up, really good!

    Mtfbwy
    Fugen

    #Sat2day
    Life is our temple and its all good practice
    Blog: http://fugenblog.blogspot.com/

  15. #15
    Hello dear Sangha,

    this was the first time, I've sat that much. Wasn't thinking that I'd make it through the retreat. But I did. Challenging?, yes. Rewarding?, ohh yes.
    A big thank you to our Unsui and Jundo and all of you, for making this possible. I very much appreciate it.
    I am even thankful for the technical non-problems on broadcasting, which gave me the needed little push, to participating a small portion two-way.

    Deep bows.
    Gassho,
    Ralf sattoday.

    義道 冴庭 / Gidō Kotei.
    Being a novice priest doesn't mean my writing about the Dharma is more substantial than yours. Actually, it might well be the other way round.

  16. #16
    Hi all. Hope you all had a wonderful Rohatsu. This weekend was really busy for me so I wasn't able to be with you. This coming weekend I plan on sitting to the recording. Much love and metta to you all!

    Gassho,
    Hotetsu

    #SatToday

    Sent from my LGMS345 using Tapatalk
    Forever is so very temporary...

  17. #17
    Thanks to all.


    Gassho
    Myosha sat today
    "Recognize suffering, remove suffering." - Shakyamuni Buddha when asked, "Uhm . . .what?"

  18. #18
    The Rohatsu was amazing! Even with the non issues. I'll watch the almost "lost episode" to end it today

    I have never sat so long and of corse life happened - laundry can't wash its self; food can't cook it's self; floors don't mop themselves; even dad don't do things by himself. Jundo's words were in my head "sit with everything that happens, family, work, and a thing else at home and make it a part of the retreat" well, something like that anyway, haha. I sat, walked kinhin, and did everything else on breaks and even though I had to cut kinhin short and even a sitting I did everything mindfully (that was the difference).

    Thank you for everything that each of you did to make the Rohatsu the success that it was with or without the technical issues it was a success for me.

    Thank you everyone for being with me throughout the retreat we did it together and we was never alone.

    Deep bows to you all

    Metta

    Clarisse Sat2Day


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  19. #19
    And I'm even ok with the autocorrect issues in the comment that I posted. Autocorrect don't like me, hahaha!

    Gassho

    Clarisse


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  20. #20
    Hi everyone.

    This Rohatsu retreat was a great experience of mine indeed. It was really challening because I encountered some strange technical 'problems' (some of the live netcasts appeared to be without sound, so I had to simultaneously switch on the current recorded version which enabled me to listen to it with 20-30 seconds delay and find a middle way between the eye and the ear) and got sick right on the eve of the sesshin. Nevertheless I have somehow made it all along with no unit missed eventually. Now I've got a nice collection of the videos of sits and wonderful Dharma Talks that I'll be re-watching during the next weeks.

    Thank you Jundo, thank you all Unsui for organizing such a great event.
    Thank you all Treeleafers for practising together.

    Deep bows.

    Gassho
    Sergey
    sat today

  21. #21
    Day 1. Body/brain says: "oh, we're not on the hamster wheel. Must be sleepy time"

    Day 2. Body/brain says: "enough sleepy time, back on the hamster wheel!"

    .... crows cawed.... clocks ticked.


    Thank you and gassho.... need to catch up on one unit.


    Daizan
    sat today

  22. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by Daizan View Post
    Day 1. Body/brain says: "oh, we're not on the hamster wheel. Must be sleepy time"

    Day 2. Body/brain says: "enough sleepy time, back on the hamster wheel!"

    .... crows cawed.... clocks ticked.


    Thank you and gassho.... need to catch up on one unit.


    Daizan
    sat today
    I had one clock that ticked so it spent both days in the bathroom with the door closed (except during showers).

    Gassho

    Clarisse Sat2Day


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  23. #23
    Thanks everyone! My body is sore and I am happy about it!?!? This was my first Rohatsu Retreat and I shall do it again. Thanks to everyone!
    Gassho to all sentient beings
    Gassho to all the Inos
    Gassho Jundo
    _/|\_

  24. #24
    Thank you all, especially Jundo and the unsui team who gave such good teachings and the tech team and everyone who had a role in putting the retreat together. And then thank you to all those who sat, on-screen and off - if you had told me a month ago I would feel the presence of a sangha so strongly when sitting 'on my own' at home I'd have thought you were crazy

    What a joy to discover the wonders of samu, too. My bathroom tiles have never looked cleaner! I did, OF COURSE, put away all thoughts of attainment and notions of clean and dirty.... but I still made my kids gaze in wonder at the sparkle coming off the grout the next morning

    Looking forward to next year already. Deep bows to you all.

    Gassho,
    Libby

    sat today

  25. #25
    Hey all,

    I really do not know how I finished this thing last night. I was in excruciating pain every time I sat. I just reminded myself that there are others who experience worse pain everyday of their lives, and that sometimes you cannot escape from bad things. I want to thank all the priests, you really made this thing special, every talk was enlightening. And of course thank you Jundo and all who sat. I think that this zendo is one of the most awesome and unique things ever devised. To be able to sit a retreat at home was awesome.

    Gassho,
    Dillon

  26. #26
    Thanks to all who sat, and will sit. The sessions ran seamlessly together. It was great to get to know our unsui better; they did a great job.
    All's well that ends well. So much has happened since that sesshin closing ceremony in 2014, like water flowing downstream.
    _/st\_ Shinzan
    Last edited by Shinzan; 12-07-2015 at 03:33 PM.

  27. #27
    Thank you to everyone who sat and will sit. Deep bows to Jundo and Unsui for making it all happen. It doesn't come together without dedication.

    I would also like to thank the people in our lives who support our practice and allowed us to come together. Deep bows to the significant others, families and friends.

    For me that is my better half, who planned his work ahead so he could give up the office for me to use. And when there was an emergency, he waited patiently for the ceremony to end before coming in the office. And also my dog who sat most of the retreat with us without trying to climb in my lap all day long. I think she learned a new trick, "Zazen" translation get on your chair and settle in.

    Deep bows to all.

    Shoka
    sattoday

  28. #28
    Mp
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Shoka View Post
    And also my dog who sat most of the retreat with us without trying to climb in my lap all day long.
    Oh yes, I so know that. But my Bodhi I tell you ... he so now knows when the Verse of Atonement and the Four Vows are called, he is up like a shot. Too smart those little ones are.

    Gassho
    Shingen

    #sattoday

  29. #29
    Treeleaf Priest / Engineer Sekishi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Virginia, USA
    Quote Originally Posted by Shingen View Post
    Oh yes, I so know that. But my Bodhi I tell you ... he so now knows when the Verse of Atonement and the Four Vows are called, he is up like a shot. Too smart those little ones are.
    Nine bows for our quadruped friends who bring such joy to our practice.

    When the robe verse starts, Sunny appears from wherever he was snoozing to sit Zazen.

    Also, he is a very willing "hungry ghost" for Oryoki.

    Gassho,
    Sekishi
    #sattoday
    Sekishi | 石志 | He/him | Better with a grain of salt, but best ignored entirely.

  30. #30
    Deep gratitude and bows to all !


    With All Best Dharma Wishes !!


    omom
    Life itself is the only teacher.
    一 Joko Beck


    STLah
    安知 Anchi

  31. #31
    My first time sitting for so long. I learned so much about myself and non-self.

    A few times I really could have used a good swat with a keisaku.

    Much gratitude.

    Gassho,
    Ken
    SatToday
    The strength and beneficence of the soft and yielding.
    Water achieves clarity through stillness.

  32. #32
    Ken too funny. I too was considering looking around for a yardstick for a self whack. Haha
    Gassho
    Rodney SatToday



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    Banto (aka Rodney)
    万磴 (Myriad StoneSteps)

  33. #33
    Quote Originally Posted by Rodney View Post
    Ken too funny. I too was considering looking around for a yardstick for a self whack. Haha
    Gassho
    Rodney SatToday



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    In the future, I am looking to develop one that can be plugged into a USB connection and I can swat you remotely from here.

    Actually, Nishijima and most of his students avoid the Kyosaku. Originally, it was a little stick for a gentle prod, not a wacker. Nishijima once said this in a radio interview ...

    While on the subject of Zazen practice I would like to say something about the use of the kyosaku, the
    wooden stick used by some people to strike participants on the shoulders during practice to stop them
    dozing off. I once watched a documentary on the TV about new company employees straight out of school
    who were sent to a Zazen retreat as part of their induction course. During the retreat, someone was using
    the kyosaku while they practiced. Later in the program, one of the participants was telling of his
    experiences on the retreat, and he said that he never wants to join a retreat again because of the indignity of
    receiving the kyosaku. I think that teaching people Zazen in this way is utterly wrong. Although the
    kyosaku is much used in Zazen practice today, I never use it. My reason is that Master Dogen never once
    mentioned the use of the kyosaku in any of his writings. He was meticulous in his descriptions of all the
    Buddhist customs and traditions. If he had approved of its use, he would have written about it, describing in
    detail its form and the way it is used. There is no such description in any of his works. This convinces me
    that the kyosaku was not used at all in his time. It is likely that people started to use it at a much later
    date.
    Another reason against using the kyosaku is that it disturbs our practice. It is essential that we
    individually take responsibility for our own posture during Zazen as far as possible. Practice in which an
    authority figure makes us do it has little value. We must make ourselves practice. It is up to us to make
    sure that we are sitting straight. To use the kyosaku to wake practitioners up so that they will not
    embarrass themselves before the others is not useful.
    Gassho, Jundo
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  34. #34
    Quote Originally Posted by Jundo View Post
    In the future, I am looking to develop one that can be plugged into a USB connection and I can swat you remotely from here.

    Actually, Nishijima and most of his students avoid the Kyosaku. Originally, it was a little stick for a gentle prod, not a wacker. Nishijima once said this in a radio interview ...



    Gassho, Jundo
    I would run away from Buddhism too if I had to get whacked with the Kuodaku it looks pretty extreme to me hahaha!

    Gassho

    Clarisse Sat2Day


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  35. #35
    Interesting on Dogen from Nishijima, Jundo. Thanks!
    I love the remote/USB idea! I'd like to have an option on that for a cattle prod. For me, for my kids and my staff hhaaaaa!
    Joking aside, I did always wonder if my sitting would include anticipation of the whack and listening for the footsteps behind.


    ;o)

    RodneySatToday

  36. #36
    Quote Originally Posted by Rodney View Post
    Interesting on Dogen from Nishijima, Jundo. Thanks!
    I love the remote/USB idea! I'd like to have an option on that for a cattle prod. For me, for my kids and my staff hhaaaaa!
    Joking aside, I did always wonder if my sitting would include anticipation of the whack and listening for the footsteps behind.


    ;o)

    RodneySatToday
    Hahaha! No pain - no pain! I bet I wouldn't sleep knowing that I could get hit by that. Maybe not even sleep at night too!! yup still looks extreme to me

    Gassho

    Clarisse Sat2Day


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  37. #37
    Nindo
    Guest
    Wonderful. I sat with you for a little bit on Saturday morning. I am so looking forward now to my retreat in 10 days, knowing that it will be a collage of unsui at different locations, and still all together throughout time and space.

    My 2 performances of the Messiah oratory went really well. It was my first time performing the piece (choir, alto). The orchestra, soloists and especially the conductor were marvellous. For now, I'm not thinking about the fact that as long as I want to stay in this choir, I will have a conflict the first weekend of December. That's for next year to worry about.

    Quote Originally Posted by Rodney View Post
    Joking aside, I did always wonder if my sitting would include anticipation of the whack and listening for the footsteps behind.
    Rodney, when I sat with a Zen Mountain Monastery affiliated group, one had to request the whack. The monitor walks through the zendo, and when he/ she is directly behind you or in front of you, you make a sitting bow. Then you get whacked and bow to each other again. It hurts far less than you would think from the sound it makes. It is like acupressure if applied correctly and relieves tension. I got to appreciate it.

    Gassho
    Nindo
    sattoday

  38. #38
    Quote Originally Posted by Nindo View Post
    It hurts far less than you would think from the sound it makes.
    That depends on who is wielding the stick, their mood, aim, strength and sometime sadism.

    Gassho, J

    SatToday
    Last edited by Jundo; 12-08-2015 at 09:00 PM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  39. #39
    Many thanks to Jundo and Unsui for a great first Rohatsu/sesshin experience. I sat it in as close to real time as possible, an eight year old wanting grampi's time to decorate for the holidays and read "The Night Before Christmas" is hard to deny.

    As for "the stick", I found it helpful. It was used with care and compassion in the Rinzi group I sat with long ago.

    Gassho,
    John

    s@2day

  40. #40
    Thanks for the hard work everyone.

    Gassho
    Randy
    sattoday

  41. #41
    I enjoyed sitting Rohatsu with everyone. Thanks to each of those who lead this year.

    Deep bows,
    Matt
    #SatToday

  42. #42
    Sitting this weekend. Great job of you all.
    Deep Bows to all.
    Gi Shu-George
    Gi Shu -George

  43. #43
    Back from travelling; finally get to sit a belated Rohatsu this weekend!

    Gassho,
    Anshu

    -st-

  44. #44
    Mp
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by Anshu Bryson View Post
    Back from travelling; finally get to sit a belated Rohatsu this weekend!

    Gassho,
    Anshu

    -st-
    Welcome back happy traveler. =)

    Gassho
    Shingen

    #sattoday

  45. #45
    Quote Originally Posted by Shingen View Post
    Welcome back happy traveler. =)

    Gassho
    Shingen

    #sattoday
    Thank you Shingen!

    Gassho,
    Anshu

    _/st\_

  46. #46
    Nindo
    Guest
    Will sit tomorrow and Friday, throughout all space and time.


    Gassho
    Nindo

  47. #47
    Nindo
    Guest
    Well that was quite wonderful. Deep bows to all who made it happen, on the screen and behind the scenes. Having so many different hosts made it almost too much fun!
    Thank you all for sitting together. What a great sangha.

    Special thanks to Shingen for catching the end (bootlegged ).

    Units 1-1 and 2-1 are working from start to finish now. No need for replacements.

    Alas, there are no late departures for the trip to Sweden. Unit 1-3 Video says "Live event has ended". Anticipating Fugen's response, it WAS good practice to sit 3 long (!) periods on my own in silence.

    Samu is dangerous. Don't do it immediately before you start a 2 week vacation. Once you start looking at those spots on the wall and dust in the corner ... you won't have a vacation.
    Where does dust come from anyway???

    ¿Qué te pasa, calabaza?
    Nada Nada, Limonada
    Because, what can you do on a -20C day other than sitting?

    Nel, pastel.

    Al rato, vato

    9 bows,
    Nindo

    sattoday I guess ...

  48. #48
    Member Getchi's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    Between Sea and Sky, Australia.
    Have just finished the retreat, thankyou to all who made it so great and for the opportunity to sit whenever I can. Though between looking after kids and all teh other daily chores ive found myself in a mental sitting mode quite a lot during the day. I think im starting to slowly get it

    Hopefully I can get on to my sewing now, again thankyou all for believing in this project and donating valuable time to help all those who have asked for it

    Geoff
    SatToday
    Nothing to do? Why not Sit?

  49. #49
    Nindo
    Guest
    High five, Geoff!

    Gassho
    Nindo
    sattoday

  50. #50


    Pure joy.

    Thank you so much Jundo, Unsui, Engineers, all who sat and will sit, absent friends, ancestors, ok the whole world. Special meows to my kitty who sat the whole thing with me.





    Deep bows,
    Lisa
    sat today

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