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

Our Zazenkai this week featured a remembrance of the Buddha's passing, and our relatives and friends who have passed too ... Nehan-e ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...-E-ZAZENKAI%21

... and there is an 'at home' ritual for Nehan-e, should you wish ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...-Zazenkai-2023

An addition to our "Beginner's Place" for newer members, to answer basic questions about Practice ... besides our "Talks for New Folks" series, we have added "Various Talks and Discussions -- Recommended to Newer Folks" ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...to-Newer-Folks

Another reflection from our Rev. Jinkan ... not walking this hard path alone ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...l=1#post319201

Insights from our Koushi, on the front lines of work ... Experiencing Layoffs as a Zen Unsui...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/member.php?14914-Koushi

The Future Geneaology of Zen Lineage ... [FutureBuddha (12)] Is Part of the Answer to World Peace in our Genes? (A Question) ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...8A-Question%29

In the No Words Book Club ... [Zen Teachings in Challenging Times] - (1) - Blowing in the Wind - Grace Schireson ... jump on in ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...TERS-BOOK-CLUB

In our Ecodharma group ... the discussions continue ... Active Hope Chapter 3 Coming From Gratitude ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...Practice-Group

Our Tea Houses happen from time to time ... check em out, maybe meet some folks ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...dly-Tea-Houses

On 'The ZEN of EVERYTHING! Podcast' ... Ep. 94 ... Zen and Creativity ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...ELEAF-Podcasts

Washin guided Tonglen yesterday ... you can still join in ... it is good to see him back at the wheel ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...bruary-19-2023

Also, his Sunday Zazen for Peace, from Ukraine ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...hin-in-Ukraine

Shokai is up to the 60s now ... The 108 GATES of DHARMA ILLUMINATION ...
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/foru...ON-with-Shokai



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