Dear All,
As you know, we've asked folks to write “SAT TODAY” next to their signature before posting in this Forum. "SAT TODAY" means that someone has sat Zazen sometime during the past day, and that they will have “sat before chatting” in the Forum. Overall, I think that the request has had a positive effect on serious practice here.
Signing "SatToday" - Please "Sat" before Forum "Chat" (LINK)
Now, to enliven and activate our rather quiet Treeleaf “ENGAGED & CHARITABLE PROJECTS CENTER (LINK) we're going to try something similar:
I am asking that all Treeleaf members, in some way, perform an extra “good deed” each day (something that they do not otherwise daily do) dedicated in their heart to Treeleaf Sangha. When they do so, they should put “LAH” or “Lent A Hand” next to their signature too, as a way to show their participation by having done a special deed during the previous day. For example:
“SatTodayLAH” or “ST/Lent A Hand” etc.
This should be a Practice done each day. It can be simple, sometimes more. Be "on the lookout" for each day's special deed. The “good deeds” can be big or small, ranging from helping a senior citizen cross the street, up to curing cancer! From saying a small kind word to someone who looks like they need a smile that day, to finally bringing peace in the Middle East! Donating a penny or a million dollars to a charity. Most may take a moment, some may take all day. If someone has a physical disability or the like, then writing an email to support a social cause or posting something kind online will count. Making a financial donation to a charity you do not otherwise make will count. Any size, big or small, is welcome. They can be very imaginative or most ordinary. We leave it to your own conscience and heart. Yes, of course, many of these things are acts that our good people at Treeleaf would "have done anyway", but just should be a little “extra something” that you suddenly do and dedicate to this Sangha in your heart. It can be part of a regularly scheduled weekly volunteer or like activity, but even there we ask that you add a little something extra, a special extra act or deed of some kind, that you dedicate to this "Lend A Hand" Project.
One difference from “Sat Today” is that "LAH"will not be a “requirement” in any way, no asking someone not to post or join in here, and no criticism or “finger wag” by me in any way if you don’t do this or put “LAH” on your post. I will regularly offer just positive encouragement. I do, however, reserve the right maybe to make a pouty face sometimes if folks don’t.The point of all this is simply to build a group spirit of charity, and a sense of participation as a Sangha community “Team Project.” By other folks seeing “LAH,” we are not bragging in any way (there should be no indication by you whatsoever of how or what you did) … and offering an extra smile or rescuing a child from a burning building are all the same. We leave it to individual conscience, circumstances and your heart and feeling each day.
HOWEVER, we will ask folks to submit ANONYMOUSLY their stories of “Good Deeds” from time to time to our “GOJO BODHISATTVA” anonymous publication system:
GOJO BODHISATTVA LINK
Submit to Gojo, the Treeleaf Bodhisattva of cooperative compassion, by sending an email to: gojo@treeleaf.org
By telling these stories ANONYMOUSLY, the good deed doer takes little credit, yet your posting will serve to motivate and inspire countless others. (You can write an email with your deed to our ombudsman for GOJO who will remove your name and identifying information before posting. Everyone can then read the story, but nobody except the confidential ombudsman will know who did so). In fact, in traditional Buddhist belief it is the GIVER who is indebted to the RECIPIENT for an opportunity of merit, as much as the other way around. We try not to be too proud or take too much credit, but it is okay to feel good about it too. Giver, Gift and Receiver are truly one.
We need this, to show that Zen Practice is not merely sitting alone, but is also gathering as a community and team to bring some good, big and small, into our communities and the world. This is our Practice too. I confess to having stolen this idea completely from several like movements around the world (this kind of good idea is free to steal with only good Karma resulting).
For example "Pay It Forward" "Pass It On" and the like:
So, we are asking our Treeleaf Folks, one and all, to join in this great experiment from today!
Gassho, Jundo
SatTodayLAH
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Byokan
I am fortunate in that I am in a position where I can help people and animals all day and make a living off of it. My business will probably never be as personally profitable as it was under my predecessor, but that's because I choose to trade in financial reward for "right livelihood" as often as I want. (I am getting used to the idea that he would think me foolish, but it feels right and it's ok to be a business owner that doesn't bow to the all-powerful money god.)
to the band The Hokey Pokers for their fantastic and uplifting songs so they can continue their world tour in case they run out of funds. 
) or fail to complete whatever your expected duties are... it creates the same mental resistance as other aspects of practice, including Zazen, and pushes you out of your comfort zone... But it's pretty clear that the whole point is to serve the Sangha, the local community, and the world. Daily assignments are given on all of those levels. 
