Year: 2016
On December 18, 2016, Kakumyo ended his kessei term with a Jodo ceremony. It began with a procession from Uji to the Sodo. Once at the Sodo, Kakumyo took off his regular gold kesa, and put on a new brown one. The hall was filled with sangha members, lay disciples, DRZC lay and… Read more »
This Sunday marks the end of Kakumyo’s Kessei term, the year of “abbot-with-training-wheels.” As with the shuso term, it ends with a testing ceremony, like Ko’in did last week. He will present several verses, and then those in attendance have an opportunity to ask a question. If Kakumyo passes, he is then qualified to become… Read more »
In spite of the weather, work has been continuing on the barn, which is now all enclosed and nearing lockability. That is, doors are in the process of being installed, and moisture barrier has been put up. The photo shows Ikuo, Kakumyo, and Joel working on that. Those of us who live at and near… Read more »
Frog Song is on winter break until January. This term, the children and teachers established three agreements for the classroom, drawing pictures of them and referencing them in connection with things that happen during the day. The agreements are: We are safe We are kind We help each other Precepts for preschoolers! And remarkably reminiscent… Read more »
From eastern Oregon, comes this news from Mugaku, who works with two prison groups there, Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla, and Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) in Pendleton. Mugaku is wearing an orange shirt in these pictures. Hi everybody, this is the first picture of our TRCI group I have ever seen. All… Read more »
This Sunday, the current shuso, Nicole Ko’in Newsom, will take her “final exam,” presenting a verse and answering questions from teachers and sangha members. Come help “prod the loaf” to see whether she’s done. This will take the place of the usual Dharma Talk. Join us this Sunday, December 11, for zazen, sanzen and Shuso… Read more »
We are in the midst of Rohatsu Sesshin this week. There is work practice going on with the barn, with planting, painting, cooking, and sewing. Wednesday morning’s frost in the Japanese garden gave way to yesterday and today’s cold weather storm, while 20-30 people diligently sit and practice. Regular Wednesday work parties return next week,… Read more »
This Sunday, Genko explores bodhicitta, or Way-Seeking Mind. A few months ago, someone asked where it comes from, which brings to mind the old koan: “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” What is bodhicitta? Is it something we cultivate? Something that just happens if we sit still long enough? Where is it, and… Read more »
Visible progress on the barn! Yesterday’s work party did a lot of good work, and the north wall of the barn/workshop is now up. Its shape is clear, showing where window and doors will be. The south wall is well begun. In the Sodo, volunteers added shelves in the pantry to gain more usable storage… Read more »
Now that our Sodo is completed, for the first time we are able to offer hospitality and have our annual joint New Year’s Eve celebration here this year. Join us and Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple (along with some folks from Great Vow Zen Monastery) here at the Sodo for a wonderful way to bring… Read more »
This Sunday, Kakumyo will explore how we can look at the election in dharmic terms. Who are we now? Personally and collectively we are challenged to respond with clarity and integrity. What support, direction and perspective does Buddhism offer at this time? What might apply to us as individuals, as a temple, as members of… Read more »
“Dharma Rain has been a bright pathway for me in discovering the dharma and discovering how Zen practice is such a good thing for my life. The community is so inviting and helpful, it didn’t take long for me to see that this sangha was going to play a very important part in supporting and… Read more »
On Wednesday, several people came out from Great Vow Zen Monastery to participate in our regular work practice day. Many got together to help move the tall pole sign from the back of the truck to where it will stand up on its base. Ropes were attached so people could hold it while it was… Read more »
A sizable portion of our Sangha could be described as ‘growing old’. For those of us in that demographic, is this just the bad news of deteriorating body and diminishing capabilities or can it also present us with a unique opportunity to deepen our practice? Kyogen once said that there are certain aspects of practice… Read more »
Work continues, slowly, on the barn interior framing, as well as finishing tasks inside the Sodo. The tomato plants are all done and black, but a solitary pumpkin is still ripening. The seasonal changes invite us to turn inward and reflect on the year just past. It is wonderful to have facilities, including parking, so… Read more »
Buddhist history is filled with stories of mystical and supernatural power. Dogen said mystical power “is the tea and meals of Buddhists.” What can this mean for our practice today? Are there such things as miracles? This talk was given Sunday, November 13.