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

Please sit with our monthly 4-hour Zazenkai ... continuing the Saga of Vimalakirti ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...eleaf-ZAZENKAI

... plus our other weekly Zazenkai and daily sittings, all found here:
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...TTING-NETCASTS

... and on the calendar too ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/now/#calendar

Time to speak in sober tones ... PRECEPTS VII - To Refrain from Intoxication ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...m-Intoxication

... and that's no lie ... PRECEPTS VI - To Refrain from Untruth ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...n-from-Untruth

The Vimalakirti Sutra talks are being turned into a series of audio Treeleaf Podcast episodes (thank you, Bion) ... and the first two talks are now available ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...i-Sutra-Series

The Zen of Everything Podcast looked at Tradition ... and an excellent new Tradition is to listen to our podcast ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...e-61-Tradition

Shikantaza "Works" ... but not in the same way that many folks think meditation must 'work' ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...ikantaza-Works

Speaking of Tradition ... an old Zen classic, cherished to this day ... Finding Trust in Mind - The Hsin Hsin Ming ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...Hsin-Hsin-Ming

Giving to the Homeless, generosity, the Precepts ... and how the law often gets in the way ... 2nd Precept and giving food to homeless people
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...omeless-people

Volunteers, listening and Jizo in Hell ... Walking with Jizō ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...with-Jiz%C5%8D

A funny old Japanese Zen movie will be shown online soon, with subtitles ... hard to find ... "Fancy Dance" Online Showing
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...Online-Showing

Trying to find books on Soto Zen and Shikantaza for an early teen ... not so easy ... Soto Zen introduction for youngsters ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...for-youngsters

Form and Emptiness in Heart Sutra ... plus a caution about reading some Deshimaru Roshi books ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...in-Heart-Sutra

In the "no words" book club ... The Zen Master's Dance - 6 - Fukan Zazengi (p. 29 to middle of p. 32) ... If we are 'already Buddha' then why read this book?
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...dle-of-p-32%29

Feel free to drop into a tea house sometime ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...dly-Tea-Houses

Get your tongue Tonglening ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...?165-PRACTICES





And DON'T FORGET! ... the experiment continues, and we need you! ... A TREELEAF EXPERIMENT with EVERYONE’S PARTICIPATION REQUESTED: “LAH” (Lend A Hand)
http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showt...Lend-A-Hand%29




I am so glad if this place and the practice are benefiting you. If so, you might consider a DONATION to Treeleaf at this LINK, although there is absolutely no need or requirement to do so. Thank you.



A Re-MINDer on SIMPLICITY:


In a Zen Monastery, SILENCE or A FEW WISE WORDS are cherished over MANY WORDS. Thus, I advise folks to restrain the need to speak unless the heart truly calls. If you find yourself posting many times each day, maybe consider what truly needs to be said ... and when it is best just to answer with silence and an inner Gassho.

SILENCE OR A FEW HESITANT WORDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT OFTEN SPEAK MOST PROFOUNDLY. Post when it is truly important to you and needs to be spoken from the warm heart.

(BUT too much silence or shyness can also be excessive ... so take the Middle Way!)

As a powerful Zen practice about not falling into words and thoughts, simplifying ideas, not getting tangled, we ask people to keep sentences few in posting. However, it is not some law or hard rule at all. If someone really has something in their heart to say, and it is vital and cannot be said more concisely or silently, then say what one is called to say: In such case, no limit on words needed.

A Request to Sangha Members: "Three Sacred Sentences" Practice
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...ences-Practice

* * *


As well, to those who may get lost among the many threads and conversations in our Forum, please think of a monastery made of wood or brick, with 100 monks holding 10,000 conversations in the hallways, kitchen, Abbot's rooms and library (I assume no chatting in the Zendo where people sit Zazen).

Would you need or want to hear or join in all or most conversations? Of course not! You would, at best, pick and choose the conversations relevant and helpful to you.

So here too in our Sangha, NO NEED TO READ EVERY CONVERSATION: Try to note the ones that seem helpful to your Practice or interests, leave the rest. The above threads are a few suggestions.

Oh, and we do ask folks to note that they have SAT ZAZEN DURING THE LAST DAY BEFORE POSTING IN THE FORUM (please read about that here):


Gassho, Jundo

(Sorry to run long)

SatTodayLAH