Author: Genko Rainwater

Kakumyo Ratified as Abbot Voting closed March 22nd in the Abbot ratification process for Kakumyo and here are the results: 154 ballots were sent out to sangha members, and we got 85 responses (a 56% return rate) with 100% yes votes. The Board meets tonight to determine next steps, but barring impediments, his installation as… Read more »

Sometimes it can be hard to receive a significant gift graciously. We squirm, we deflect, we point out pitfalls, we imagine inadequacies, both in the gift, and in our worthiness. The teachings of the third turning of the wheel that describe our buddha nature, are one of these significant gifts. Kakumyo explores this symptom and… Read more »

Twice a year, the sangha has an opportunity to hear from our governing bodies, to ask questions and give feedback. The spring forum is sponsored by the Dharma Council. Some topics we will cover will be an overview of Dharma Council structure, the Leadership Development Team and how it fits in with the rest of… Read more »

Gyokuko works with the image of an eclipse, particularly at the stage of totality. As we find what is ours to do, searching for wholeness, we need to align both spatially and temporally in order to actualize it. This talk was given Sunday, April 9.

Wednesday’s work party was well-attended, the sunny warm weather bringing people outdoors to work together. Work progressed on several fronts, from continued organizing of storage inside the barn to spraying orchard trees with a nutrient mix, and weeding the permaculture beds in the garden. The recent rains have made the soil soft and perfect for… Read more »

Our practice includes the big “yes” of acceptance and the big “no” of impermanence. Our daily lives also include yes and no, as we choose how to meet conditions. We are in a time of uncertainty, intense emotion and cultural confusion. Many people are wondering how best to respond to the political situation. How does… Read more »

A neighborhood coalition studying ways to improve 82nd Avenue and environs rented Dharma Rain’s Sodo for an afternoon last Saturday, March 18. An estimated 50 or so people came to participate, first listening to a presentation and then giving suggestions around tables on maps. James Helms from Madison South said, “Awesome turnout, lots of excitement,… Read more »

We rely on the generosity of volunteers who do all kinds of work at the temple, as well as all of us continuing to pay pledges faithfully, in order both to keep our programs running and to make improvements to the buildings and grounds. In addition, special people sometimes bring offerings to the kitchen. Here’s… Read more »

This morning, Domyo from Bright Way Zen on the west side brought some of her students over to learn how to make wagessas. We give these to people who take the Precepts (see our post on last month’s DaiJukai), both here at Dharma Rain, and at affiliated groups like Bright Way. Sewing master Genko Rainwater… Read more »

Yogacara: Living with Engaged Compassion WHEN: Saturday, April 8, 10:00am – 4:00pm WHERE: Sodo, 8500 NE Siskiyou St, Portland COST: $80 members / $120 non-members Special guest Ben Connelly teaches this workshop, which will focus on key teachings from Yogacara: how to live a live of engaged compassion by cultivating mindfulness of emotions and interdependence.… Read more »

Inspired by Dogen’s Dharma Hall Discourse #68, “Jumping and Stumbling in a Fragrant World,” Bukkai will examine the life of practice of an ordinary bodhisattva in this 21st century world. This talk was given Sunday, March 19, 2017.

As spring emerges from a difficult winter, Wednesday work parties are again in full swing. The barn’s interior walls have now been constructed, and we are moving towards getting signed off on the building by the city and setting up our storage more permanently. Everything is out of the rented long-term storage unit, and now… Read more »

Before we turn completely toward spring, it seems useful to pay attention to the winter just past to see what it has taught us. Genko looks back at the challenging weather, illness, and darkness with curiosity, and is also interested in hearing from others what they have learned. This talk was given Sunday, March 12.

Six new lay Buddhists took the Precepts on February 19 this year in a joyous celebration. From left, the Ordinees are Abbey Pacia, Lisa King, Chad Ellis, Sega Kaposi, Marilyn Grisham, and Kate Reinhart. Interspersed with them are jishas Ko’in and Hoka (at each end) and Abbot Gyokuko Carlson in the middle.

Ango has begun again and so the bell rings for zazen. We are all called to intensify our practice and go deeper. How do we answer the call? Dip a toe? Dive in headfirst? Pretend deafness? This talk was given Sunday, March 5.

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