Month: February 2015
The title of this talk refers to a relatively early (1980) collection in English of writings of masters in the Soto Zen lineage. Bukkai explored the ordinary moments in which we share eternity in our awakening practice. This talk was given Sunday, March 1.
Donations from Sangha members are the fuel behind Lotus Blooming – Dharma Rain’s campaign to Plant Zen in Siskiyou Square. Phase I of Lotus Blooming includes completion of the Sodo, Dormitories, Workshop and Offices. Our fundraising goal for Phase I is $1 million. So far, almost half of Dharma Rain members have donated or pledged… Read more »
Yesterday’s work party accomplished a lot. Workers on the Oak Savannah created a spiral walkway around a central outdoor classroom area. If you look closely at the center of the photo above, you can see Gyokuko (wearing a blue-green jacket) giving a tour to a visitor. At right you see some of the wonderful sangha… Read more »
Our resident handyman extraordinaire, Doug Hull, is in the process of building stairs, a deck, and a ramp in front of the new portable building, which will make it easier for everyone to come in to the construction trailer, which will soon house the office and other events. He hopes to have these finished by… Read more »
“Standing on the shoulders of giants” is a well-known aphorism that describes how we discover truth by building on the previous discoveries of those who came before us. This is also an apt description of the process whereby we learn to experience the truth of our own Buddha natures by building on the experience and… Read more »
A lot of work has been going on at Siskiyou, showing dramatic results for all of the many generous donations from sangha members. Dharma Rain’s new construction trailer, a large double-wide, was delivered and put together this week. Wednesday evening sitting and classes, as well as other meetings and events, will soon have ample space.… Read more »
We just updated the Lotus Blooming page! Dharma Rain Zen Center’s capital campaign for Planting Zen in Siskiyou Square is an effort to transform a brownfield into a space for spiritual practice, community connection and native habitat. Dharma Rain is committed to raising $1 million in individual donations to make Phase I of this inspiring… Read more »
This is a summary describing the month’s work of the temple’s three major decision-making bodies. A governance notebook with approved minutes is filed in the temple office. A list of current Council members and areas of concern, individual charges to leadership and temple job positions are listed on the temple website. Previous summaries are listed… Read more »
Last Sunday we celebrated our annual Nehan Festival, and Gyokuko gave the Dharma Talk. This week Kakumyo picks up two themes that Gyokuko talked about, and explores them further. This talk was given Sunday, February 15.
The north side of the roof is almost finished, except for the skylights. Siding is also going up on the exterior, over a moisture barrier that will be painted. The photo at left is of the front door of the Sodo. The photo at right was taken from Siskiyou St looking north to the front… Read more »
Our annual Nehan Festival commemorates the parinirvana of the Buddha and his final teaching. This involves a special service in place of Full Morning Service. This year, Gyokuko gave the Dharma Talk associated with Nehan on February 8.
The south side of the roof is done, and looking mighty handsome. The north side is about half done as of Friday morning. Wednesday’s work party went to Tillstrom Tree Farm to dig up trees to bring back to the property. It is exciting to now have recognizable evergreen trees, bigger than the small bare… Read more »