Year: 2017

We want to be “more” aware, but doing so is not actually a process of becoming aware of more. It’s more a matter of lessening the obstacles to awareness. As we clarify mind, the play of arising phenomena includes some that were previously submerged. On Sunday we explore this dynamic, and see how it might… Read more »

The photo shows the difference between the north duplex (to the left), which has new siding around the bottom half, and the south duplex, which doesn’t yet, but is being prepped to receive it. This week’s Wednesday work party was sparse, likely because of heat and smoke and generally unhealthy conditions to be outside. Still,… Read more »

The Sun Face Buddha lives for 1,800 years. The Moon Face Buddha lives for one day. But the length of the life is not what makes either a Buddha. This talk was given Sunday, August 27.

As a lay person, sometimes it is a challenge to integrate practice into our lives. How do we practice with what is? How do we allow the unique experiences of our lives to unfold with the awareness and attention of practice? Carrie Schulz offers a student talk exploring this. This talk was given Sunday, September… Read more »

Painted Mountain corn was developed by Dave Christensen in the 1970s to withstand the cold temperatures and arid soil of Montana. It was created by open pollinating up to 70 different varieties of ancient corn from northern tribes of Native Americans (particularly the Mandans) and also heirloom stock from the homesteaders of the plains. For… Read more »

We’re looking for a small rowboat or canoe to put in the Dharma Rain playground. It should be in fairly good condition, not rotting or splintery, but it definitely doesn’t have to be sea-worthy! Please contact Shin’yu [shinyu at dharma-rain.org] if you have such a boat to donate. We can arrange pick-up. This week work… Read more »

by Jyoshin Clay Editor’s Note: This talk was given August 20, 2017. The recording failed for it, so Jyoshin graciously shared her notes. “Hide and Reveal,” by Ken Arnold What you cannot see, What sunlight hides in the artful Tangle of spring, Draws you in. Notice how the moss on this stone Layers down its… Read more »

We habitually locate ourselves, or rather our sense of self, at the center of our own story, our own narrative, the center of our drama. Often when people come to practice, there is a sense that giving up our story is part of the task of the practitioner and fear of losing ourselves arises. However,… Read more »

Work on the duplexes continues. This week we’ve been working on utilities, especially plumbing, and removing some siding that we are replacing with other siding. The torn-up land with caution tape will likely continue to be a presence for another week or so, until we can get some inspections completed. Wednesday Work Parties We have… Read more »

On June 14, 2017, Wy’East Zen Center celebrated the lay disciple ordination of Kimberly Choan Wood-Saldana (in grey robe above), taking Jyoshin as her teacher. She is flanked by Shintai (blue rakusu) and Jyoshin (gold rakusu), who are Dharma Rain teachers serving the group. Next to Jyoshin are Gyokuko Carlson, abbot of Dharma Rain, and… Read more »

The source of respect is the unlimited heart of Buddha Nature. Jealousy and envy arise when we entertain the anxiety that there is not enough of something for us. Starting from the Buddha’s generous predictions of Buddhahood for his disciples, Gyokuko will explore our practice of giving and receiving respect. This talk was given Sunday,… Read more »

The AZTA (American Zen Teachers Association) conference last week brought together teachers from all over the country to share information and do a little business. The sessions were helpful and interesting, and the schmoozing in between times were also helpful. It was a remarkable conference for harmony. The photo shows everyone who attended except Gyokuko,… Read more »

The AZTA (American Zen Teachers Association) conference has been meeting here since Wednesday night. In between sessions, the participants engage in lively discussions comparing notes about practices in different temples, etc. Our esteemed tenzo Shin’yu, aided by dedicated volunteers, has been making wonderful meals for conference participants. This week’s work on the duplexes consisted mainly… Read more »

This Sunday, August 6, at 10:30am, you are cordially invited to witness as Kakumyo is officially installed as co-abbot in an Ascending the Mountain ceremony. All are invited to witness and participate in this exciting and significant step in the growth of our temple. Note that there will be NO Regular Sunday morning program that… Read more »

Memory is unpredictable. Certain events remain vivid; others fade away. Many of us will lose memories as we age. What is it in our practice that is remembered, no matter what? How do we retain wisdom even in forgetfulness? This talk was given Sunday, July 30.

We are in high summer, and this time of year, morning and evening light comes from the north, bathing the north side of the Sodo in a beautiful glow. This week work continues on the duplexes, getting them ready to lower on to the foundations soon. Tai’an shows one aspect of “exploratory demo.” The garden… Read more »

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