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

It is never too late to join in our Annual 2-Day Rohatsu Retreat ... as much as you can, when you can, wherever you can ... available in "real time" record for all time ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...2022-MAIN-PAGE

A few Retreat preparatory lessons ... on practices like simple Oryoki, bowing and chanting ... are here as well ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...TORY%20LESSONS

Auspicious News! ... ANNOUNCEMENT: Dharma Transmission of Fukudō Kokuu ... and so the flame burns on ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...ud%C5%8D-Kokuu

LAST CALL for COMPLETING RAKUSU SEWING ... please talk to Bion about where you are in sewing if you have not recently done so ... he needs to check and confirm your work if not yet completed ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...usu-Sew-a-Long

Coming toward the home stretch ... Homeless Kodo's "TO YOU" - Chapters 30, 31 & 31 ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...979#post314979

... and keep an eye out for information on our upcoming readings in our NO WORDS BOOK CLUB!

On the Zen of Everything Podcast with Kirk and me ... Episode 88: Buddha Basics 10: Is Zen (Even) Buddhism? ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...en)%20Buddhism

Tonglen is always right at hand for you ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...RACTICE-CIRCLE

And it is that time of year ... folks with kids, especially, may want to take a peek at our Buddhist Family Holiday suggestions:
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...lidays-Webpage
and
https://www.sites.google.com/site/bu...yholidays/home




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