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Thread: TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY ANGO-JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT -- 2020 -- MAIN PAGE

  1. #1

    TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY ANGO-JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT -- 2020 -- 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, 2020.

    Please 'sit-a-long' with the LIVE NETCAST at the times below ... to be visible "live" on the screens below during those hours, and in our Treeleaf MEETING ROOMS (instructions to join are also below).

    AS WELL, 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). Our Chant Book now includes recitals, not only of the traditional list of Zen Ancestors, but also of our Female Ancestors, 'Differently Enabled' Ancestors, as well as all the many diverse Ancestors known and unknown.

    Before sitting, please review the various RETREAT POINTERS HERE(LINK to PDF).

    Some PREPARATORY LESSONS on topics such as Oryoki, Bowing and other daily procedures are also posted: LINK TO PREPARATORY LESSONS.

    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.

    I, (Jundo) will be guiding the sittings on Saturday and Sunday from Japan, and our Treeleaf Priests including Kyonin (from Mexico), Shingen and Shokai (from Canada), Kokuu (in the UK), Shugen, Sekishi, Byokan, Jakuden, Shoka. Geika and Shinshi (from the USA), Washin (in Ukraine) and Kotei (from Germany) with be leading other portions. Because of time zones and other circumstance, one or two portions have been pre-recorded. All 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

    Our Han (Wooden Block), which hangs outside the front door of our Treeleaf Zendo in Tsukuba, Japan:




    It calls all sitters to Zazen. Inscribed is the traditional verse ...

    "Life and death are the great matter.
    To waste time is a pity.
    All is impermanent and passes swiftly away.
    Time waits for no one."


    _____________________________________________

    How to Join Two-Way with Zoom

    You are encouraged to come into the Zoom sitting, with camera and microphone, or just leave the camera and mike turned off: Join live on Zoom at: TREELEAF Now OR at DIRECT ZOOM LINK, password (if needed): dogen
    Notes:

    - The full schedule of the retreat is on the Treeleaf NOW calendar (which will automagically adjust timezones): https://www.treeleaf.org/now/#calendar

    - When you first join, you'll need to choose an audio source (usually you can simply select "Join with Computer Audio" on desktop or "Call using Internet Audio" on mobile).

    - You can switch between the "speaker view" (the default view) and "gallery view" (a grid / Hollywood Squares / Brady Bunch style view):
    -- On desktop, click the "gallery view" / "speaker view" toggle button on the top right
    -- On mobile, swipe right for "gallery views" -- only 4 participants are shown at a time on mobile, so keep swiping right to go through different groups, swipe left to go back to the "gallery view"

    - If you are on a slow Internet connection and are experiencing drop-outs, try turning off video (you can always turn it on for a bit at the beginning and end to say hi and bow to everyone)

    _____________________________________________

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


    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

    Ceremony and Sitting begins -- minutes from start of video.



    _____________________________________________

    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

    Ceremony begins -- minutes from start of video.




    ___________________________________________

    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

    Sitting begins -- minutes from start of video.




    _____________________________________________


    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

    Ceremony begins -- minute from start of video.




    ____________________________________________

    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

    Sitting begins -- minute from start of video.




    ____________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 6
    (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

    Ceremony begins from start of video.




    ____________________________________________

    DAY 1 UNIT 7 (THIS UNIT MAY BE DONE RECLINING IF SO DESIRED)
    (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

    Ceremony and Sitting begins -- minutes from start of video.





    ______________________________________________


    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: Yaza = 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


    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-1

    Ceremony and Sitting begins -- minutes from start of video.




    _____________________________________________

    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

    Ceremony begins -- minutes from start of video.




    _____________________________________________

    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

    Sitting begins -- minutes from start of video.




    _____________________________________________

    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

    Ceremony begins -- minutes from start of video.




    ____________________________________________

    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



    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-5

    Sitting begins -- minutes from start of video.




    _____________________________________________

    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 ...

    RECORDING OF THE ABOVE IS HERE:
    Unit 2-6

    Unfortunately, the ceremony part of this video was lost due to technical difficulties. It opens just after the ceremony (in Zazen).








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



    Last edited by Jundo; 09-04-2021 at 03:41 AM. Reason: Updated youtube videos.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  2. #2
    TALKS during our ROHATSU RETREAT are about life, strength, joy, vibrancy ... although called "Death Poems," said to be the last words of Zen monks and haiku poets. Although superficially mournful at first glance, they are also filled with wisdom, existential power to live, positivity, humor and reminders of how precious is our life now. Zen folks just to not divide our entrances and exits on the stage of life, nor all the drama in between. We even celebrate the end of life as life well lived.

    If you would like to read an academic explanation about this genre of Japanese poetry, it's history and custom, please read from page 13 to 43 or so, here:
    https://www.academia.edu/32662080/Ja...Verge_of_Death

    Talks during our Retreat will be led by our Treeleaf Novice Priests, at the following times, and based on some or all of the poems below.

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

    Geika (Unit 1-3)

    MUMON GENSEN
    Died on the twenty-second day of the third month, 1390 at the age of sixty-eight

    Life is an ever-rolling wheel
    And every day is the right one.
    He who recites poems at his death
    Adds frost to snow.

    ["Adding frost to snow" is an expression of doing something which is extra or not needed]

    * * * *

    Life is like a cloud of mist
    Emerging from a mountain cave
    And death
    A floating moon
    In its celestial course.
    If you think too much.
    About the meaning they may have
    You'll be bound forever
    Like an ass to a stake.

    (These are two separate poems. They were spoken, apparently one after the other, just before Mumon's death.)

    ~~~~~

    KASO SODON
    Died on the twenty-seventh day of the sixth month, 1428 at the age of seventy-seven

    A drop of water freezes instantly-
    My seven years and seventy.
    All changes at a blow
    Springs of water welling from the fire.

    (Kaso was the teacher of [the famous Ikkyu Sojun]. His comparison of his seventy-seven-year-long life to "a drop of water (that) freezes instantly" symbolizes transience, the essence of this world of senses according to Buddhist doctrine [much as our bodies and "self" appear in the world from causes and conditions like liquid water turning to solid ice, then someday to melt back into the world]. The "blow" that changes all refers to enlightenment [like the solid ice of our "self" suddenly smashed with a blow]: a thing no longer contradicts its opposite [such as "self" vs. "not self"], and time and space are no longer perceived through the concepts of the ordinary mind. Life may seem to flee in a moment, but when the mind is freed of the veil of ignorance and illusion that comes between the mind and the truth, life and death are only opposite sides of the same coin --"water welling from the fire.")


    ~~~~~

    GOHEI
    Died on the seventh day of the seventh month, 1819

    A lone paulownia leaf
    falls through
    pure autumn air.

    Aki ya ima
    kiyoshi to kiri no
    hito-ha chiru

    (The paulownia (kiri) is a tree with large purple flowers, a member of the figwort family. A "lone paulownia leaf" appears in ancient Chinese poetry as a seasonal image for the first part of autumn. Even without the aid of autumn winds, the large leaves of the paulownia tree fall one by one. This sight suggests the beginning of autumn and the oncoming end of life. [But is it also the beginning of something too, as the seasons roll onward?]

    ~~~~~~

    KYOSHU
    Died on the sixteenth day ef the sixth month, 1769 at the age of eighty

    A journey of no return:
    the wanderer's sack is
    bottomless.

    Sokonuke ya
    kaeranu tabi no
    zudabukuro

    (Kyoshu prefaces his death poem with a phrase from Zen Buddhist writings: "I came from nowhere and go nowhere." The image of a bottomless sack which also fits the spirit of Zen, indicates that the wanderer's consciousness is freed from concepts like "life" and "death.")
    ================================================== ========

    Shinshi (Unit 1-5)

    BASSUI TOKUSHO
    Died on the twentieth day of the second month, 1387 at the age of sixty-one

    Look straight ahead.
    What's there?
    If you see it as it is
    You will never err.

    ~~~~~

    GIZAN ZENRAI
    Died on the twenty-eighth day of March, 1878 at the age of seventy-seven

    I was born into this world
    I leave it at my death.
    Into a thousand towns
    My legs have carried me,
    And countless homes
    What are all these?
    A moon reflected in the water
    A flower floating in the sky
    Ho!

    ("Ho!" is a translation of the word totsu, a kind of challenging cry uttered at the moment of enlightenment.) [The "moon reflected in the water" is usually a symbol of enlightenment, or the unbroken, reflected in all the individual, broken appearances of the world. A flower in the sky is like a mirage, an illusion.]

    ~~~~~

    SENGAI GIBON
    Died on the seventh day of the tenth month, 1837 at the age of eighty-eight

    He who comes knows only his coming
    He who goes knows only his end.
    To be saved from the chasm
    Why cling to the cliff?
    Clouds floating low
    Never know where the breezes will blow them.

    (Sengai is one of the most colorful figures in Japanese history: Zen monk, a painter, and a poet. His drawings and writings, both done with a flourish, vibrate with Zen insight and humor. Sengai gives one to understand, in many of his poems and sketches, that a "lifeless" life is not worth living. He once presented to a newlywed a marriage present, a senryu [poem] written in her honor and urging her thus:

    Young bride
    Be alive till they say to you
    Diel Die!

    In one of his sketches, a bent and bald old man is trying to outwit death. Above the picture Sengai wrote:

    If you say, "Come back later,"
    He will speedily come to snatch you away.
    Say rather, "I shall not be in till I'm ninety-nine."

    ~~~~~~

    ISAN
    Died in 1698

    For not honoring my parents
    while I lived, in my last hour
    I feel remorse.

    Issho oya ni
    ko o nasazaru koto o
    matsugo ni kuite

    ~~~~~~

    REN SEKI
    Died on the fifth day of the seventh month, 1789 at the age of eighty-eight

    I cleansed the mirror
    of my heart-now it reflects
    the moon.

    Harai arai
    kokoro no tsuki no
    kagami
    ================================================== ========

    Shokai (Unit 1-7)

    GOKU KYONEN
    Died on the eighth day of the tenth month, 1272 at the age of fifty-six

    The truth embodied in the Buddhas
    Of the future, present, past;
    The teaching we received from the
    [Ancestors] of our faith
    Can all be found at the tip of my stick.

    (When Goku felt his death was near, he ordered all his monk-disciples to gather around him. He sat at the pulpit, raised his stick, gave the floor a single tap with it, and said the poem above. When he finished he raised the stick again, tapped the floor once more and cried, "See! See!" Then, sitting upright, he died.)

    ~~~~~

    MUSHO JOSHO
    Died on the fifteenth day of the fifth month, 1306 at the age of seventy-three

    When it comes--just so!
    When it goes-just so!
    Both coming and going occur each day.
    The words I am speaking now-just so!

    (The sources tell us that on the day of his death, Musho summoned the other monks, arranged for his burial service, said his last words, and died sitting upright. "Just so!" or "Thus!" (nyoze) is a cry used by the Zen master to direct his pupil's attention to "things as they are" or to indicate that the student sees things clearly.)

    ~~~~~

    TAIGEN SOFU
    Died on the tenth day of the intercalary month, 1555 at the age of sixty

    I raise the mirror of my life
    Up to my face: sixty years.
    With a swing I smash the reflection
    The world as usual
    All in its place.

    ~~~~~

    HOKUSHI
    Died on the twelfth day of the eighth month, 1718

    I write, erase, rewrite,
    erase again, and then
    a poppy blooms.

    Kaite mitari
    keshitari hate wa
    keshi no hana

    (Hokushi's death poem is built around a pun. Keshi means "to erase" as well as "poppy," so the poem may be read, "I write, erase, rewrite, / erase again, and then / a flower erases." However it is read, the poem's intent remains the same-that nature eventually overwhelms culture. The poppy blooms in Japan at the beginning of summer, the season in which Hokushi died. Hokushi, a sword-sharpener, learned to write haiku from Basho. He would not hesitate to suggest changes in his teacher' s poems, and Basho praised him for his helpful criticism.)

    ~~~~~

    KOHA
    Died on the fourteenth day of August, 1897

    I cast the brush aside --
    from here on I'll speak to the moon
    face to face.

    Fude nagete
    tsuki ni mono iu
    bakari nari

    [The moon is often taken as a symbol of enlightenment.]
    ================================================== ========

    Kokuu (Unit 2-3)

    KOZAN ICHIKYO
    Died on the twelfth day of the second month, 1360 at the age of seventy-seven

    Empty-handed I entered the world
    Barefoot I leave it.
    My coming, my going
    Two simple happenings
    That got entangled.

    (A few days before his death, Kozan called his pupils together, ordered them to bury him without ceremony, and forbade them to hold services in his memory. He wrote this poem on the morning of his death, laid down his brush, and died sitting upright.)

    ~~~~~

    YAKUO TOKUKEN
    Died on the nineteenth day of the fifth month, 1320 at the age of seventy-six

    My six and seventy years are through.
    I was not born, I am not dead.
    Clouds floating on the high wide skies
    The moon curves through its million-mile course.

    (Two days before his death, Yakuo called his fellow monks together and said, "The words of a man before he dies are no small matter. This is a barrier that all must pass through. Tell me each of you what you think about that." The monks answered in various ways, and Yakuo neither approved nor disapproved. The next day he ordered his pupils to burn his body and forbade them to hold an elaborate burial ceremony. "Tomorrow morning," he said, "I shall eat the rice porridge with you for breakfast, and at noon I shall go." The following day at noon he wrote his final words, threw the brush from his hand, and died sitting upright.)


    ~~~~~

    CHOWA
    Died on the seventeenth day of the tenth month, 1715 at the age of seventy-eight

    This is one poem
    people won't dispute --
    the winds of winter.

    Kono ikku
    shugihan nashi
    kogarashi no

    ~~~~~

    ISSA
    Died on the nineteenth day of the eleventh month, 1827 at the age of sixty-five

    What matter if I live on-
    a tortoise lives
    a hundred times as long.

    A mama yo
    ikite mo kame no
    hyaku-bu ichi


    (Issa is considered one of Japan's greatest haiku poets. Among the common people of Japan he is perhaps loved more than any other poet, because of the many vicissitudes of his life, and because of the human simplicity of his poetry. Accounts of Issa's death do not indicate that he wrote a death poem: these two poems are held to be his death poems by popular tradition.

    An ancient Oriental belief features the tortoise as a symbol of long life, ascribing to it a life of ten thousand years. Should man live to be one hundred, his life would be no more than a hundredth part of the life of this shell-covered creature that drags its tail in the mud. Why then should a man ask for another year, a month, or a day?)

    ~~~~~

    RYOKAN
    Died on the sixth day of the first month, 1831 at the age of seventy-four

    Now it reveals its hidden side
    and now the other-thus it falls,
    an autumn leaf

    Ura o mise
    omote o misete
    chiru momiji

    (Ryokan is one of the most well-known of Japan's poets. At the age of seventeen he left his home and from then until his death lived as a Zen monk. Most of the time he supported himself by begging rice from door to door. He was always content with his lot. At times he would take part in the village children's games, or gather herbs with the women. Near the end of his life he became attached to a young Zen nun named Teishinni, who tended and fed him in his illness. His death poem may have been composed by another poet; it was spoken by Ryokan to Teishinni in his fast moments.)
    ================================================== ========

    Sekishi (Unit 2-5)


    KOGAKUSOKO
    Died on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, 1548 at the age of eighty-four

    My final words are these:
    As I fall I throw all on a high mountain peak
    Lo! All creation shatters; thus it is
    That I destroy Zen doctrine.

    ~~~~~

    ZOSO ROYO
    Died on the fifth day of the sixth month, 1276 at the age of eighty-four

    I pondered Buddha's teaching
    A full four and eighty years.
    The gates are all now locked about me.
    No one was ever here-
    Who then is he about to die,
    And why lament for nothing?
    Farewell!
    The night is dear,
    The moon shines calmly,
    The wind in the pines
    Is like a lyre's song.
    With no I and no other
    Who hears the sound?

    ~~~~~

    KOGETSU SOGAN
    Died on the first day of the tenth month, 1643 at the age of seventy

    Katsu!
    Katsu!
    Katsu!
    Katsu!

    (The word katsu cannot really be translated conceptually. It is a sharp cry used by the Zen teacher and pupil at the moment of enlightenment. The cry appears in many Chinese and Japanese Zen writings and can be heard even today within monastery walls.)


    ~~~~~

    KOKEI SOCHIN
    Died on the seventeenth day of the.first month, 1597 at the age of sixty-six

    For over sixty years
    I often cried Katsu! to no avail.
    And now, while dying,
    Once more to cry Katsu!
    Won't change a thing.

    (On the second day of the eighth month, 1596, the sixty-five year-old Kokei took ill. Certain he would die soon, he composed his death poem. When he had finished reciting it, he "died." After six hours, however, he revived and began preaching to the monks who had gathered around his bed. Kokei abandoned the world for good about five months later.)

    ~~~~~

    TAKUAN SOHO
    Died on the eleventh day of the twelfth month, 1645 at the age of seventy-three

    (Lying on his deathbed, Takuan at first refused to write a death poem. At last, he gave in to the entreaties of those surrounding him, took up his brush, and drew the character for "dream," [夢]. When he finished, he threw the brush down and died. Takuan had requested beforehand that his body be burned on a mountain, that no burial service be held, and that no tombstone be put up for him.)
    Last edited by Jundo; 12-02-2020 at 01:16 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  3. #3
    Dear All,

    Our 2020 Rohatsu Retreat main page is now formally open.

    Gassho, J

    STLah
    Last edited by Jundo; 12-07-2020 at 02:04 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  4. #4
    Treeleaf Priest / Engineer Sekishi's Avatar
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    Apr 2013
    Location
    Virginia, USA
    Quote Originally Posted by Jundo View Post
    Just to announce, here are the folks who will be hosting the various portions (and please keep in mind Sekishi, assisted by Shoka, who is doing so much behind the scenes to maintain the engine room).
    w00t!

    A few notes:

    1. All of the units posted above are also in the Treeleaf NOW calendar, automagically converted to your local timezone! https://www.treeleaf.org/now/
    2. The forum will be shutting down shortly (this thread and a few others will remain open however) until after the retreat is over.
    3. Deep bows to all who make this retreat possible and to all who practice.

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

  5. #5
    Enjoy this weekend Bodhisattvas.

    互助 - Gojo Bodhisattva

    互 - mutually;  reciprocally;  together
    助 - help;  rescue;  assist

    Gojo is no-one. Gojo is everyone. Together we manifest the hands of the Bodhisattvas!

    Please, bear witness and share reports of kindness and compassion in the world: gojo@treeleaf.org

  6. #6
    I wish that I could take credit for all the surrounding notes that our speakers our reading during their wise Talks, but almost all come from this book by Yoel Hoffman. I recommend it if anyone would like to read further on about this kind of "endless end" poetry ...

    https://www.tuttle.co.jp/products/sh...49/language:en


    Not "death" poems, but life poems ... and poems which leap through and beyond start and end ...

    Gassho, J

    STlah
    Last edited by Jundo; 12-06-2020 at 03:32 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  7. #7
    Let us dedicate this Retreat also to Shokai's nephew. Peace to him and to all who knew and loved him.

    I also felt that Shokai's silent teaching at the start of his Talk was just right for our techno-based Sangha ... a mouse quietly clicking, no words to be found. It was a lessen in calm patience and persistence. Lovely.

    A beautiful first day.

    Gassho, J

    STLah
    Last edited by Jundo; 12-06-2020 at 09:59 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  8. #8
    合掌,生開
    gassho, Shokai

    仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

    "Open to life in a benevolent way"

    https://sarushinzendo.wordpress.com/

  9. #9
    Thank you all.

    There is just this wave of gratitude in my heart right now.

    Gassho,

    Kyonin
    Hondō Kyōnin
    奔道 協忍

  10. #10
    Thank you everyone.

    Deep bows!
    Kotei.

    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.

  11. #11
    Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thank you all. So much work by our priests and such a great experience being with everyone for these two days.

    Deep bows,
    Hensho

    Sat today!
    lah
    Hensho: Knitting Strands / Stranded on a Reef
    "Knit on with confidence and hope through all crises." -Elizabeth Zimmerman

  12. #12
    Member Yokai's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
    Simply wonderful!
    Thank you Jundo and all the priests for this beautiful Rohatsu Retreat - a true team effort. Also much Metta to those battling with illness.
    Thank you dear Sangha, it's such a privilege to share with each of you.
    My first Rohatsu will resonate for long to come...

    Gassho, Chris sat/lah

  13. #13
    Thank you, Jundo and Treeleaf Team (all A team!) and all who sat. Please accept my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for this retreat and the teachings offered. You all poured such beauty and heart and so much of yourselves into them. Know they were received with the attitude, as Sekishi said, of holding Oryoki bowls.
    Gassho,
    Krista
    sat

  14. #14
    I have nothing but gratitude, joy and profound affection for all of you in my heart! Thank you for your effort and your support! You are amazing each and every one of you!

    SatToday
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  15. #15
    Deep bows to everyone who now and in the future came together to practice. All of you practicing with us is what makes the retreat possible.

    Thank you so much for your practice and dedication.

    Gassho,

    Shoka
    sat

  16. #16
    Treeleaf Priest / Engineer Sekishi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Virginia, USA
    Quote Originally Posted by KristaB View Post
    Thank you, Jundo and Treeleaf Team (all A team!) and all who sat. Please accept my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for this retreat and the teachings offered. You all poured such beauty and heart and so much of yourselves into them. Know they were received with the attitude, as Sekishi said, of holding Oryoki bowls.
    How lucky we all are to have each other! The three wheels: giver, receiver, and gift.

    Thank you to all who sat and will sit.

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

  17. #17
    Treeleaf Priest / Engineer Sekishi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Virginia, USA
    Note to all sitting with the youtube recordings: Unit 2-6 is incomplete. There were technical difficulties during the ceremony, so this video opens just after the ceremony (in Zazen).

    My apologies.

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

  18. #18
    Wow. Just wow. There is so much to unpack and digest from the past two days, but I cherished every minute of it. Thank you to each and every one of you for coming together to practice like this.

    And deep, deep bows to Jundo and the entire Treeleaf Priest/Unsui team for all of your dedication and hard work in making this happen. I am truly grateful for all of your guidance and support on this journey.

    Gassho,
    Rob

    -sat-A-LOT-today-


  19. #19
    Dear friends,

    Looking forward in the week before our Rohatsu Sesshin, I had a degree of concern, due to my long-term chronic pain.

    Now it is ended I am unable to leave.

    The Fish Never sleeps.

    There will be more moments and days of Zazen' to share.

    Sincere gratitude to all who made this possible.

    Al
    Stlah
    Beam me up Scottie.

  20. #20
    Treeleaf Priest / Engineer Sekishi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Virginia, USA
    Hi all,

    I just turned the rest of the forum back on. My brain is a little fizzled, so if anyone has any trouble reading or posting, let me know here (or a PM) and I'll fix whatever I goofed up.

    Deep bows to all,
    Sekishi
    #sat #lah
    Sekishi | 石志 | He/him | Better with a grain of salt, but best ignored entirely.

  21. #21
    Lovely.

    Nine Bows, Jundo

    STLah
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  22. #22
    Words can’t express the appreciation and thanks for everyone who participated, set things up, helped make this happen, and filled in where needed.

    It’s been wonderful to practice with all of you, spread across the globe but all right here together, no distance between us.

    Gassho,
    Jesse
    ST

    P.S. - To anyone sitting with the records or reading this for the future; listen to your body. I overdid the first day and needed crutches the next. It all is as it is but don’t push past the limit too far

  23. #23
    Much thanks to all and all and the dog and the cat, and that was the best Fukanzazengi I've ever had read to me. _()_

    gassho,
    shonin did a little lah ... and SAT!!!
    Visiting unsui: use salt

  24. #24
    Hi everyone

    Well done to those of you who sat this 'just as it is', would love to have joined you but timing not right for me this year, so will sit each part as time allows over the next couple of weeks - kind-of a 'santa' retreat for me, and I will do 108 prostrations before I start as a no-penance penance! I hope it changed everything and nothing for you

    Be at peace and take care friends

    Gassho Tokan (satlah)

  25. #25
    Treeleaf Priest / Engineer Sekishi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Virginia, USA
    Quote Originally Posted by Jesse View Post
    P.S. - To anyone sitting with the records or reading this for the future; listen to your body. I overdid the first day and needed crutches the next. It all is as it is but don’t push past the limit too far
    Yikes! I hope you have a speedy recovery Jesse!

    Much Metta,
    Sekishi
    #sat #lah
    Sekishi | 石志 | He/him | Better with a grain of salt, but best ignored entirely.

  26. #26
    Quote Originally Posted by Jesse View Post

    P.S. - To anyone sitting with the records or reading this for the future; listen to your body. I overdid the first day and needed crutches the next. It all is as it is but don’t push past the limit too far
    Yes, yikes! Please do feel better, and Metta to all aching legs and backs.

    Double Attention Everyone:

    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!



    Last edited by Jundo; 12-07-2020 at 04:33 AM.
    ALL OF LIFE IS OUR TEMPLE

  27. #27
    Thanks everyone for sitting and thanks especially to everyone putting it together!

    A retreat will teach you how to sit in the way your body will let you the hard way. If you are relatively young and able-bodied you might not think those instructions are for you, but from my own experience I assure you they are there for everyone.


    Kenny
    Sat Today

    Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

  28. #28
    Thank You all for the hard work you done putting this together, it was a great experience and I'm sad that it's over.

    Gassho
    John
    SatLAH
    Heitou
    平桃

  29. #29
    A deep boundless gratitude
    Thank you all and everyone!

    Nine bows,

    Gassho,
    Washin
    stlah
    Kaidō (皆道) Every Way
    Washin (和信) Harmony Trust
    ----
    I am a novice priest-in-training. Anything that I say must not be considered as teaching
    and should be taken with a 'grain of salt'.

  30. #30
    Despite not participating, I thought a lot about the Sangha this weekend and did a few Weekly Zazenkai's that I had missed. I am very happy that the retreat went so well and rejoice in your happiness

    Gassho, Tomás
    Sat

  31. #31
    Deep gratitude and deep bows to all. So much hard work, perseverance, dedication, grit, and joy.

    gassho,

    Peter

    sat

  32. #32
    Thank you to all who facilitated this retread and all that attended. It was lovely, it was special, even for the few bits that I was able to participate live. I'll sit this week with the recording. Shinshi - the description from your talk, of kayaking with your friend and the moon following stuck in my head. It is so beautiful that I regret I'm not a painter, it should be expressed artistically.


    Gassho
    Sat

  33. #33
    thank you and deep bows..



    aprapti

    hobo kore dojo / 歩歩是道場 / step, step, there is my place of practice

    Aprāpti (अप्राप्ति) non-attainment

  34. #34
    Everyone, thank you so much
    Nikolas
    Sat (or stood) today

  35. #35
    Quote Originally Posted by Ania View Post
    Thank you to all who facilitated this retread and all that attended. It was lovely, it was special, even for the few bits that I was able to participate live. I'll sit this week with the recording. Shinshi - the description from your talk, of kayaking with your friend and the moon following stuck in my head. It is so beautiful that I regret I'm not a painter, it should be expressed artistically.


    Gassho
    Sat
    Thank you, that means a lot to me.



    Gassho, Shinshi

    SaT-LaH
    空道 心志 Kudo Shinshi
    I am just a priest-in-training, any resemblance between what I post and actual teachings is purely coincidental.
    E84I - JAJ

  36. #36
    I just wanted to say thank you for this wonderful retreat. I am sure a lot went into making it happen, and it showed. Metta to the priests that were/are ill. Hope they are better soon.

    At the end of the first day I wanted to express my gratitude when Shokai asked if I had anything to share, but my mic wouldn't work! >_<

    So here it is: You all are amazing. Seriously -- I came away with much to think about from every single talk. Huge thanks to each of the priests for their insights. Samu, oryoki... it was all lovely and heartfelt.

    I do not want to make this too long, so I'll close out with that. Deep, deep gratitude. Thank you all.

    Gassho,

    Ryan S
    Sat Today/LAH

  37. #37
    I know I didn't manage to complete ango this year, I will try again next year, but I just wanted to say happy Rohatsu to all of you. I sat Zazen and I will sit a bit more after a break. Thank you all for your effort!

    Gassho,
    Mags
    ST

  38. #38
    Thank you all for a wonderful retreat.


    Gassho,
    Judy
    Sat

  39. #39
    Member Onka's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Location
    Rural Queensland, so-called Australia
    I would suggest that life stuff made up the majority of Rohatsu for me this year which was fine as I reframed it as Samu. Shikantaza multiple times a day was really lovely too. 2020 eh...
    Gassho
    Onka
    St
    穏 On (Calm)
    火 Ka (Fires)
    They/She.

  40. #40
    Member Seishin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    La Croix-Avranchin, Basse Normandie, France
    Thank you to everyone involved in all aspects of this year's Rohatsu. I have normally sat On Demand the last few years but bar the very late (for us Europeans) sessions, I joined as many Units as I could. Deep Bows to all who officiated.

    Sat


    Seishin

    Sei - Meticulous
    Shin - Heart

  41. #41
    sat parts of Rohatsu via YouTube, grateful to have the option to sit whenever health and technology allow.

    thank you for all the work and dedication that goes into this.

    , meian st lh
    My life is my temple and my practice.

  42. #42
    Thank you, Jundo, priests, and everyone for a lovely rohatsu. Glad so many practiced together. I just sat with the last unit and it was wonderful to listen to the Fukanzazengi while sitting, and the sitting itself was wonderful.

    Gassho,
    Onkai
    Sat/lah
    美道 Bidou Beautiful Way
    恩海 Onkai Merciful/Kind Ocean

    I have a lot to learn; take anything I say that sounds like teaching with a grain of salt.

  43. #43
    Thank you for this lovely retreat. I sat with some grief this year, and all the talks on death poems moved me greatly.

    Gassho,

    Nenka

    ST (a lot!)

  44. #44
    Thank you to Jundo and all who made this retreat what it was. I've still got a little bit more to go but I wanted to express appreciation for all of the hard work that went into this, and to thank all of the priests for the talks, poems, practices, etc. This was my first retreat, and my first time to sit live, and this retreat made me proud to take refuge in such a supportive and caring Sangha.

    Gassho,

    Josh
    SatToday/LaH

  45. #45


    Gassho
    Kyōsen
    Sat|LAH
    橋川
    kyō (bridge) | sen (river)

  46. #46
    Took me a week to sit through this Rohatsu, for those that sat the weekend at the weekend in its entirety must have taken superb endurance.
    There must have been an immense amount of work behind the scenes for this weekend to have been put on: thank you all so very much for the hard work, it’s greatly appreciated.
    I’m something of a reclusive misanthrope, so to enjoy sittingnotsitting with other people was something of a pleasant surprise.
    Many, many thanks to all.

    David

    Sat.
    I yam what I yam, that's all that I yam.
    Popeye.

  47. #47
    Quote Originally Posted by David View Post
    Took me a week to sit through this Rohatsu, for those that sat the weekend at the weekend in its entirety must have taken superb endurance.
    There must have been an immense amount of work behind the scenes for this weekend to have been put on: thank you all so very much for the hard work, it’s greatly appreciated.
    I’m something of a reclusive misanthrope, so to enjoy sittingnotsitting with other people was something of a pleasant surprise.
    Many, many thanks to all.

    David

    Sat.
    Thanks for sitting with us David! And yeah... it took a bit of endurance and determination (physically, for me)

    SatToday


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Bion
    -------------------------
    When you put Buddha’s activity into practice, only then are you a buddha. When you act like a fool, then you’re a fool. - Sawaki Roshi

  48. #48
    Hello all,

    I'm beginning my retreat today. Weather forecasters are predicting 12 to 18 inches of snow for my area, between today/tomorrow. What better time to retreat!

    Gassho,
    Kelly/Jinmei
    sittingallday/willlendahand

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