Author: Genko Rainwater
What is the value of a human birth? We are reminded now and then that to be born a human being is special, of high merit. Why? What does this say about other beings? What does it say about how we should be living our lives? This talk was given Sunday, July 24.
Yesterday we had two different non-profit groups working side by side on the property. Groundworks made raised beds for a community garden space that they will administer. And Oregon Tradeswomen is framing inside the Workshop (also known as the Barn). They will be coming one day a week for a month. Wednesday’s work party saw… Read more »
What does it mean to practice with the daily news that arrives on the doorstep (or laptop) every day – tragedies from Orlando to Istanbul back to Dallas along with endless opinions and updates – and then return to our daily activity? Are we aware of our karmic habits receiving breaking news events and the… Read more »
Many of us find a sense of identity in being part of a group, a family, a tribe. But sometimes conflict arises when we want our own independent identity and distrust the tendency to succumb to group-think. This conflict leads right to the central koan that we all grapple with – Who Am I? To… Read more »
At long last, we now have our own mailbox on the property and have notified the post office to begin delivering and picking up mail from that box. We are beginning the process of updating our stationery and web site so that mail can come directly to us on the property. We will likely keep… Read more »
Look! Up in the Sky! It’s a bird! It’s a – uh – helium balloon??? Yes, it’s a helium balloon. It’s green, and floating high above Siskiyou Square, with a camera, attached to a tether held by PSU Geology students. They are studying GPS mapping, and are using our property as a training project. We… Read more »
Finding our way through life decisions and the spiritual quest means clarifying our ideals and aspirations. Rarely can we see very far into the future but we can find inner and outer guidance. This talk was given on Sunday, July 3.
We are finishing this stage of the “barn” (workshop) this week. All of the pieces are up, and Wednesday the repetitive “brrrrrrp, brrrrrrrp” went on all day long as volunteers tightened nuts and bolts. Kakumyo and Fujaku removed supports and scaffolding, and you can finally see how big it really is. In a few weeks,… Read more »
Held one Saturday evening each month, Movie Night is a chance to practice the dharma in an enjoyable way by gathering to watch a movie, snack on treats, and participate in a short discussion about the dharma points of the movie. We are currently looking for movie presenters who would be willing to bring a… Read more »
Already?! Well, some people like to plan ahead, and it’s not a bad idea to start thinking now of what classes you might be interested in. Regular Wednesday night classes, open to everyone, are September 7-October 5 – “Song of the Grass Hut,” taught by Fumyo October 12-November 30 – Foundational Teachings, taught by Gyokuko… Read more »
Water is often used as a metaphor for Dharma. The choice to immerse ourselves completely or have a sip now and then is a personal one. How do we choose? How do we honor our own choice and the different choices others make? This talk was given on Sunday, June 26.
This last Sunday, in addition to our regular Sunday program, several people marched in the annual Pride Parade downtown. It was scheduled to step off at 11am, but because we were so far back in line, we didn’t actually start moving until 1:20pm, so people were able to come join us who had participated in… Read more »
Beloved Sangha and Friends, In difficult times like these, it is important that we stand together in compassion, dignity and respect for all people. I invite you to march with me and others from Dharma Rain Zen Center in Portland’s LGBTQ Pride Parade on Sunday, June 19. (More information is below.) Let us gather in… Read more »
We are in the process of discerning matters great and small throughout our lives. As Buddhists, how do we approach the “big” decisions about the shape and form our lives will take? Is there a difference between “deciding” and “discerning”? And what constitutes “success”? Thomas Bruner shares his process of discerning whether to ordain as… Read more »
Frog Song Montessori Preschool is now enrolling for fall classes. They are hosting an open house this Friday, June 10, from 5-7pm. Frog Song is open to 3- to 5 year-olds and is accepting applications for fall enrollment and summer camp. Please drop by to learn about our program! The classroom is located in Uji… Read more »
We are having a quiet week, as one of three summer vacation schedule weeks during the summer. No morning program this week. This last Sunday, we had our annual Dharma School skits. For the first time ever, the parent groups also presented a skit. Wednesday work parties have resumed, and are a great way to… Read more »