Category: Blog
Painting the Barn and Conex This week’s nice weather has allowed us (finally!) to finish painting the outside of the barn and the Conex. Zonnyo stands on top of the Conex (Natalie also assisted with the top); Joel works on the front of the barn, and Yoan paints the front of the Conex (also assisted… Read more »
Pilgrimage has been a part of Buddhism since the very beginning. In this student talk, Tsuho discussed his travels to Japan and India and how we can use place as a method for practice. This talk was given Sunday, April 30.
On April 7, six new Lay Disciples were ordained with their teachers Kakumyo and Jiko. They received rakusus and a new Dharma Name. The photo shows the ordinees approaching the altar in the back of the hall. From left are Eric Kosen Johnson, Stacy Zonnyo Riger, Richard Hanshin Schuler, Harry Ban’an Hesselgesser, Jane Myoho Endacott,… Read more »
Kaishin’s student talk focuses on the mandala model that informs our organizational structure. The mandala comes to us from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, which is distinct in key ways from Zen. Within the Tibetan tradition the mandala provides a conceptual model for the energetic and inter-dependent underpinning of the human psyche. Kaishin considers a few… Read more »
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 »
Support Dharma Rain and look good doing it by purchasing a Dharma Rain t-shirt! Shirts are available in four styles and an array of sizes, and proceeds will go directly to Dharma Rain’s operating fund. You can opt to have the shirt mailed to you for a small fee, or pick it up at Uji… 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.