Author: Genko Rainwater
This week we have been on Denkoe Sesshin, with up to 25 people practicing in the zendo in the evenings. Kakumyo explores the value of this in his talk on Sunday. This talk was given Sunday, April 22.
Spring Sangha Forum will be this Sunday, in place of the dharma talk. The forum includes about 30 minutes of presentations by the Dharma Council, Board, Mandala Council, and Dharma Garden council. These will be followed by a 30-minute discussion period so the councils can hear what curiosities, concerns, questions, and suggestions you have. Listen… Read more »
We sometimes get requests for an audio recording of our Sunday morning service. Good news! We now have this recording, which you are welcome to listen to and/or download. This can be helpful when traveling, for those who are home-bound, or for those just wanting help memorizing the chants. Sarah weeds in the rain, wearing… Read more »
At this week’s Dharma Talk, we played a recording of a talk given by Kyogen. He discussed our liturgical calendar, and the seasons and teachings associated with each part of it. He then focused specifically on the upcoming Denkoe retreat, and the study of the Denkoroku. This very special Dharma Talk allowed us to hear… Read more »
On a rainy Thursday, this view from the densho bell shows Rocky Butte wreathed in mist, and trees and shrubs in their new green colors. This week’s work has focused on moving out of the 85th house, taking most of the furniture, temple things, and residents’ stuff to be stored temporarily in the barn, pending… Read more »
April 16-22 marks our annual Denkoe Sesshin, where we study a fascicle from the Denkoroku, Keizan’s study of transmission stories of ancestors from the time of Shakyamuni Buddha to Koun Ejo. This is a way of honoring and learning from our ancestors. Registration is required by April 12 for meals and overnights, though zazen and… Read more »
We all have high expectations. In the workplace, in our social lives, in our Zen practice. The idea that we ourselves or others in whom we are invested can meet those expectations often creates anxiety when the idea comes up against reality. Come share your thoughts as Gyokuko shares some of hers. This talk was… Read more »
Come help paint trim tomorrow! We are inviting everyone to come to a trim-painting party tomorrow from 9am to 3pm. Kakumyo has been working with plumbers, electricians and handymen to get the duplexes up to speed. Two units now have electricity hooked up, with lights and heat that works. The unit shown (with the front… Read more »
Genko looks at how the Three Refuges (also called the Three Jewels or Three Treasures) can provide a place of safety and support for us in our practice. What is refuge? What is safety? How do we work with these in our lives? This talk was given Sunday, March 25.
The push is on to get the duplexes ready. Here, Pacific Power hooks up electricity (though it’s still not on inside the buildings) in preparation for the electricians to come in next week to finish the inside. A plumbing inspection yesterday allows us to begin covering walls in the south building. The north building is… Read more »
On Saturday, March 17, lots of people turned out to work on the duplexes, on landscaping, and gardening. We got a lot done in the way of preparation for painting, some painting in the afternoon, texturing the first unit, spreading gravel and dirt outside, weeding, and other tasks. In addition, this was the day that… Read more »
Kakumyo looks at how we work with well-established karma and confusion. He consults the Samanaphala Sutra for help. This talk was given Sunday, March 18.
The plumbers have been working extra time and extra hard, and so has Kakumyo. We’ve passed one plumbing inspection, which allows sheetrock and texturing to finish in the north building, and have one more to proceed with the south building. Residents are planning to move in the first week of April. We’re on track to… Read more »
What is the role of study in Zen? We have inherited a tradition “without dependence on words and letters,” and yet books and stories are key parts of our life of practice. How do we balance intellectual work and learning with a focus on meditation and daily activity? This talk was given Sunday, March 11.
Spring is coming in fits and starts, as is usual with March, one day sunny, the next stormy, windy, and rainy. Several flowering plants are blooming – here are rosemary, forsythia, and plum trees. Frogs and birds are singing, geese are flying, and ducks are on the ponds. It will be a while before we… Read more »
Stepping up wholeheartedly. Jumping in with both feet. Being ordained into your life. We have many ways to talk about authenticity, transparency, and integrity in practice. This Sunday, Jyoshin will talk about putting our whole lives on the altar and practicing under the Buddha’s gaze. This talk was given on Sunday, March 4. Unfortunately, the… Read more »