Volume 17.4 Winter 2010-11 Plum Mountain News

the largest group we have had. Next I will be off to Wenatchee (2/18) for a service and short at the Cascade Unitarian Universalist Dear members and friends, were our Tenzos (chief cooks) this Fellowship. I will return on Genki sesshin keeping us well fed and nurtured. Takabayashi Roshi’s birthday, 2/21/11. Michael (Mukan) Blome was our Shika As usual, so much has happened in the (host/manager) and had everyone course of one quarter. John (Daikan) organized with samu (work ) This will be our founding abbot’s 78th Green and I attended the last Rohatsu assignments. Peter (Shinke) Ilgenfritz birthday and it is my personal request that sesshin (eight-day intensive made sure we all stayed in line as our everyone reading this write him a birthday celebrating the Historical Buddha’s Jikijitsu (timekeeper). Scott (Ishin) card, if they haven’t already. Even if you enlightenment) at Dai Bosatsu Zendo Stolnack kept the beat as our Densu have never met him, we wouldn’t be (DBZ) with Eido Shimano Roshi as (chant leader). Daikan and Ann (Kugyo) practicing together without his dedication and Abbot. He formally retired as the Abbot Rice were our Jisha (tea servers) and not commitment to the Dharma. Genki Roshi of (ZSS) on the last only kept the libations flowing but retired in 1998 and moved to Montana with day of Rohatsu, December 8th and is no compassionately tended to those getting his wife Genei, but we will always care for longer teaching students. We celebrated ill. My old friend Tom (Shodo) DeGroot him and will never adequately requite our New Years Day with a brunch potluck at was my Inji (abbot attendant) and debt of gratitude for his efforts on our behalf. Chobo-Ji and chanted the Heart Sutra a moderated the dokusan line. All of us Therefore if you are able, please include a gift dozen times keeping in mind the supported each other greatly which made of Dāna with your card. installation and celebration of Shinge for a very rich experience. Roko Jido Roshi as the new Abbot of ZSS going on that very We won’t be seeing either Rev. Genko day. You can read her installation Teisho Shortly after Rohatsu, I was off to merry Blackman or Charlie (Taishin) Blackman for a at http://www.daibosatsu.org/ old England to lead an annual three-day couple of weeks because they have just hekigan.html. I am told by those who sesshin (1/21-23) at the Staffordshire arrived in Vietnam for a tour and vacation. were in attendance at DBZ that the community center near Birmingham and Michael (Daizan) Lyons is also out for a ceremony felt like a “new breeze” and home of the Tatenhill Aikido Club. My month, as he just had surgery on his left foot. undoubtedly a new beginning I know he misses coming to the for American Rinzai Zen. zendo, but he requested that I send him a recording of our morning service so that he Immediately following our could continue to sit with us. New Year’s Day celebration, we began our Rohatsu, January 2nd, a t C a m p This issue of Plum Mountain Indianola on the Kitsap News is packed full of updates, Peninsula across Puget Sound announcements, and reports. from Seattle. There were 27 Please peruse this issue participants including two carefully so that you don’t miss from Oregon, four from out! I’ve included a California and one from transcription of my Teisho from Victoria, BC. It was a very the sixth day of Rohatsu on powerful sesshin, in part “ and Peace of because many of us got a Mind” with the hope that it is a serious cold that required catalyst for your own peace of focused effort to manage, but mind. It is a wet and windy this kind of effort can be very winter day in Seattle; if it is a useful in this setting. I’ve always Staffordshire Sesshin day like this when you receive this issue, perhaps you can curl up in a warm chair and believed that sesshin is the best place to primary host was Chris (Gyoshin) have a cold. However, I hope we also be edified by our offerings. Please stay warm Mooney Sensei who also served as and cozy. learned some lessons on how to reduce Tenzo for sesshin. Davinder Bath Sensei the potential spread of colds, which we brought a good size crew up from will implement at our upcoming Spring London and also transported me back to With gassho, Sesshin (3/26 – 4/1). Carolyn (Josen) London for my trip home. There were Stevens and Dee (Seishun) Endelman 26 people in attendance, which I think is Genjo

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addition, the book chosen for group The Eightfold Path also serves as a guide: Thoughts on Practice discussion for this coming intensive, The Right Understanding Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Right Thought by Genko Ni-Osho Nhat Hanh, addresses many of the practices Right Speech that help us to practice living in line with Right Action As I write this, the local prison community the precepts. Right Livelihood – custody and administrative staff, inmates, Right Effort and volunteers – is reeling from the recent Right Mindfulness murder of a young woman corrections Please join us in the coming weeks for any Right Contemplation officer in the chapel at Washington State and all of these activities. Reformatory. For those of us who knew When Difficulties Arise both the officer and the inmate suspected of Conflicts will inevitably arise within the killing her, it was and is an extremely sangha. The health of our sangha is not traumatic event, wrenching beyond words. Sangha Ethics Policy measured by the presence or absence of The prison is “in lockdown,” and it will be conflict as much as by our willingness to quite a while before some semblance of Draft: 1/26/11 find effective, responsible, and normalcy returns. At this time no volunteers compassionate means of resolving are allowed inside, all programs have been Commitment to Study and Practice interpersonal tensions as they arise. The cancelled, and the inmates are largely More than a set of rules, ethics involves a intention to attend to and learn from conflict confined to their cells. commitment to collective and individual is a clear application of Buddhist practice in study and practice of the precepts, including our daily lives; without this intention, a commitment to finding wise ways to work practice can too easily be a comfort rather It is almost impossible to imagine how this with conflict. The Chobo-Ji Sangha will could happen – how can one person kill than a deep transformative vehicle for our undertake both individual and collective lives. another? But all of us without exception study of the precepts, and how we can grow have the potential – the seed of this action – in our understanding and practice of them Buddhist conflict resolution is not based on in us. We have the seeds of all possible on a regular basis. actions in us, and it must be part of our good or bad, blame or guilt, winning or practice to encourage the seeds of skillful losing, offenders or victims. Rather it is Here are the precepts as expressed in our based on fully addressing the suffering of actions while discouraging those of harmful sutra book: actions. all concerned. Hurt, fear, and anger are taken seriously through forums in which Commandments of the Seven Buddhas everyone may speak honestly, safely, and o change or growth is possible without I shall not cause harm of any kind. N I shall live in and be a servant to all that is good. completely about their own direct steady practice and intention to shift how I shall cultivate the purity that is our nature. experiences and feelings. In looking for we respond to causes and conditions from a This is the full teaching of the awakened ones. resolution, Buddhist practice values selfish perspective to a more broad-minded dialogue over silence, reconciliation over perspective. This means we must practice The Ten Precepts estrangement, forgiveness over resentment, off the cushion as well as on. There is no I will be reverential and mindful with all life; I confession over accusation, and atonement question that is essential to opening will not kill or be ruled by violence. over punishment. our hearts and minds to the broader view, but without constant practice in our daily I will respect others’ property; I will not steal. The reconciliation policy is intended as a life activities, the insight gained through structure to allow for resolution of conflicts zazen may not translate into right action I will be conscious and loving in my within the sangha. when we are under pressure. relationships; I will not be ruled by lust. I will honor honesty and truth; I will not deceive. Reconciliation Policy Chobo-Ji is a community based on trust and The Chobo-Ji board has approved an ethics respect. All Sangha members are expected policy for our Sangha, printed on the pages I will exercise proper care of my body and mind; I will not be gluttonous or abuse intoxicants. to interact with one another in a manner that following this statement. This is meant to be reflects caring respect and are expected to a living document, meaning it will change I will remember that silence is precious; I will behave in an ethical manner flowing from and likely have clarifications added to it, not gossip or engage in frivolous conversation. the Precepts. especially as we begin a residential program. But it is also a living document in I will be humble; I will not exalt myself or judge If a community member has concerns about the sense that it is not simply a list of rules, others. how they are being treated by another but rather a call to active practice and member of the community or if they have discernment. I will be grateful for my life; I will not covet or be directed by envy or jealousy. concerns about another member’s ethical conduct within the community, they are We will soon be scheduling opportunities I will keep my mind at peace; I will not be encouraged to have a direct conversation for discussion and training on ethics for the directed by anger. with that person to address these concerns, entire Sangha, with the goal that all of us provide feedback and reach agreement will be able to attend in the near future. In I will esteem the three treasures, the Buddha about needed changes. Dharma, and Sangha.

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However, if the concerned Sangha member may have occurred, they will engage in of sexuality. The expression of sexual or does not feel safe to speak directly with the an investigation. In this case, the romantic interest in new Chobo-Ji members source of their concern, or if they have individual about whom the concern is or visitors may be particularly problematic spoken with that person and do not believe raised will be notified and given an and is inconsistent with Chobo-Ji's their concerns were addressed, they are opportunity for response. The full Board philosophy of creating a supportive and encouraged to follow this reconciliation will also be notified that an investigation welcoming environment. Chobo-Ji process: will be conducted. In some instances, an members should therefore be especially outside group may be asked to help with sensitive to visitors and new members and The Chobo-Ji board selects three members this. to their need for a safe, nurturing spiritual to oversee a process to hear and resolve environment. issues of interpersonal behavior and/or Potential Consequences of Ethical Breach ethics. Anyone having such concerns will There will be consequences for a Confidentiality be directed to this committee. Current determined breach of ethics. These will Students at Chobo-Ji should feel that they committee members are: Seishun Dee vary, of course, depending on the nature and can fully explore the Dharma and study the Endelman, Isshin Scott Stolnack, and Muka severity but may include anything up to self in an environment of trust. Chobo-Ji Linda Wehnes. legal action or expulsion from the Sangha. teachers shall not disclose information that they receive in dokusan or one-to- 1) The person bringing the one practice meetings. There is one concern will request a meeting area of exception: Clergy are legally with the source of their concern bound to report abuse of a child or with a member of the threatened physical harm to anyone. reconciliation committee present. The purpose of this meeting is to The confidential relationship talk through the concerns in a between student and teacher must facilitated setting. never become a means for imposing silence in situations where harm is 2) If this step does not resolve the being done. Should such a harmful matter or if the person bringing the situation arise, the student should concern does not want an informal feel free to speak to the appropriate meeting, s/he will put the individual – either to the teacher concerns/complaint in writing for directly, if possible, to a sangha the committee or may meet in friend, and/or to the Reconciliation person with at least two committee Committee. members to review the concern. The committee members can then Non-Discrimination Policy assist the person in writing up the Chobo-Ji is committed to promoting concern. and maintaining an open and diverse community. Any disrespectful, a. The written statement of concern may be Specific Ethical Statements discriminatory, or preferential treatment of brief, but should include the name(s) and It is not feasible to have a policy regarding others on the basis of race, gender, sexual a description of the problematic behavior, every potential ethical issue. It is important orientation, gender identity, marital status, the context and the concerned person’s to make our statement of ethics clear in the age, disability, income, ethnicity, or national feelings. following matters where breaches have origin is a violation of the Chobo-Ji ethical b. This written statement and all created much suffering in religious guidelines. conversations associated with the concern communities. will be treated as confidential throughout Positions of Trust this process. Sexual Harassment The Chobo-Ji community expresses its Sexual harassment is a matter of particular special trust in certain individuals in the 3) There may be several outcomes from this concern to a religious community in which positions of teachers, priests, directors, and meeting: students and teachers are connected by officers. Exploiting relationships, harming a. By mutual agreement, the concerned and strong bonds of spiritual interdependence others, or abusing influence breaches this the committee may decide on an informal and trust. Everyone who comes to Chobo-Ji trust, especially when such misconduct way to reconcile matters between the in any capacity has the right to be free from occurs under the pretense of teaching parties such as a facilitated meeting; sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can methods or Zen practice. Examples of b. The committee may engage in further consist of unwelcome sexual advances, misconduct include, but are not limited to, inquiry, notifying the individual about requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical violence, misappropriation of whom the concern was raised and giving physical conduct of a sexual nature which is community funds, breach of confidences, them an opportunity to respond to the unwelcome. Continued expression of sexual and sexual relations between a teacher and concern; interest directed at another Chobo-Ji student. Misconduct by those in positions of c. If the committee believes that a serious member or visitor to Chobo-Ji, after being trust can significantly undermine the breach of interpersonal behavior (such as informed that such interest is unwelcome, integrity of the community. harassment) or a serious breach of ethics or in a manner that is offensive, is a misuse

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The Board also commissioned artwork we invested $149,723 in improvements. We Residential Practice for the entry lobby by artist Philip Gray in have new windows, a new furnace, and honor of the Horton Street remodel numerous expenditures in preparation for project’s major donor. It will be a the remodel. Our liabilities total Center Update $1,090,709, which are mostly mortgage Compiled by Dee Seishun Endelman obligations, and our net worth is $1,149,350. I know that wealth is entirely relative, but it feels to me like we’re Policy Development become a respectably-sized business! John Daikan Green has drafted an outline of a policies handbook for the Horton Zen Current year income was $304,222, of House. The handbook will include which $149,796 was money raised for the provisions to cover the administrative new building, $20,000 from the November operations of the Zendo, the building, fund drive. We also collected $84,210 from our tenants – a new income stream in 2010. residents of the building and the Income from dues was $25,745 up from residential program. The Board has $20,046 last year. Income from of reviewed the irst draft of the policy $17,233 was comparable with last year. handbook and given its input to Daikan Total expenses for 2010 were $158,096. for further reinement. Costs related to the S. Horton building were wooden carved yin yang circle in a Native $100,022 including maintenance, property Genko Ni-Osho and Dee Seishun American salmon motif and should be a taxes, insurance, and utilities. You’ll note Endelman have written the Ethics and beautiful addition to the new Zendo. that tenant income of $84K did not cover Reconciliation Policy, and have edited it that expense 100%. The difference, based on comments from the Board. The The Design Team has completed the lion’s $15,812, represents what I think of as Board is in the process of approving the share of its substantial task, although Chobo-Ji's cost to inhabit the new space. inal Policy a summary of which is posted members will continue to monitor Of course, in 2010 we didn’t inhabit the building, so this was our carrying cost, but in the hall to the zendo and a full printed construction progress. Thanks so much to team members: Scott Ishin Stolnack once we’re in the new zendo, this is what it copy is in the zendo kitchen. will cost, more or less, for us to be there. (chair); Tom Shodo DeGroot; Diane JoAn Think of it as the rent we’ll have to pay on Rental and Maintenance St. Marie; Mike Lanning; Michael Daizan top of that paid by the residents. $15,812 Lyons; Genjo Marinello Osho and Steven comes to $1,318 month, which feels very We rented out a vacant unit to a member Paget. reasonable to me for the use of over 3,000 of the University Friends since, at the square feet of space. Our initial financial time of unit vacancy, there were no projections for the building have always Sangha members who applied. Since assumed some annual costs for Chobo-ji to then, several Sangha members have Financial Report be in the building, and now one year of voiced interest in being on the building’s history shows that our projections were waiting list. Josen Carolyn Stevens pretty well on target. Fusu/Treasurer As you probably know, Genjo moved his ur expenses for support of Genki Roshi s a group in the middle of an expansion O ofice to the new building several months A were $21,076. We increased his pension project, our finances haven’t followed our ago. Subsequently, the unit where Genjo payments by just over $2K, but paid for historic pattern for the last couple of years. fewer special expenses than in 2009. The and Carolyn wish to live became Buying a building, paying a mortgage, available, and they began renting it in airplane continues to hold its own with collecting rent and conducting a capital revenue covering expenses. We currently January. They will continue to reside at campaign have fundamentally changed our our current Zen House until the remodel have $25K set aside for a new engine, financial profile. Usually I begin these which will be required within the next two project is complete. reports with a discussion of current year years. income and expenses, but to make my Design and Construction point, I’ll start this year with our assets and liabilities. At 12/31/10, we had $169,225 in I will be making a financial report at the The City of Seattle has formally approved cash and cash equivalents (CDs), and total March membership meeting, so if you have a Conditional Use Permit for the building. assets of $2,070,384. Our assets are questions, please feel free to ask them then. As soon as the building permit is issued, primarily our two buildings and For a year now, Daigan Bob Timmer has improvements made to them. During our which we hope will be mid-March, we been assisting me with the monthly deposit twelve years of ownership of the Zen house and bill payments, and has been a huge will begin construction on the new on Capitol Hill we have invested $90,192 in help. I am very grateful to him, and to all Zendo. Construction is expected to take improvements. In contrast, during our first of you who so generously support Chobo-Ji between 90 and 120 days. year of ownership of the S. Horton building, with money, effort, and heart.

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sexualizing the dokusan interview? The Endless Dimension Annual Meeting stories in this book address all kinds of variations on the hazards of co-ed spiritual As is our custom, Chobo-Ji will have its practice, and the stakes are heightened by Universal Life annual meeting of the membership and the long-standing gender bias in Asian cultures. in memory of 1811 20th Avenue board on Sunday, March 13, at 11:30 after the mini-sesshin. The primary order of by Daiki Cadman business at the member meeting is the Zen men often lived their lives from election of the board for the coming year. childhood onward in monasteries, Entering the gate Current board members are: Genko Ni classically at the behest of their families. In Osho, President; Bob (Daigan) Timmer, Now the flagstone pathway contrast, Zen women's lives tended to Vice President; Scott (Ishin) Stolnack; unfold a little more like a western lay Done sesshins ago Carolyn (Josen) Stevens, Treasurer; Edward practitioner's life. As the families of these Labor intensive samu extensive (Daiki) Cadman; Tom (Shodo) deGroot; women were rarely supportive of their Dee (Seishun) Endelman; Diane (JoAn) Ste. Endless dimension practice, Zen women often spent their time Marie, Secretary; Genjo Osho, ex-officio. In pursuing family duties and making a living, Sitting in addition we will review financial reports rather than living in monastic settings. Their and continue our planning for the residential teachings embrace lay spiritual situations I Silence center. can relate to: practicing with loved ones; Dokusan practicing while working in the world; It is important that as many members as evolving training institutions to better fit the In the night possible plan to attend this meeting as a demands of worldly life. The author calls Memory challenged quorum in required. In addition, we their collective focus, “the transparent Endless responses postponed the drawing until this meeting for awareness of the ongoing love of life.” “Autumn Rain” the painting by Mike Now try again Hoffman which has been hanging in the Single candle zendo. Therefore, there is still a chance to Inner glow get a raffle ticket, $20, before the drawing. All proceeds for the painting will go to the Osho's Expansion Fund. Now here nowhere to go

Understanding Nudges Zen Women Into Review by Veins Jonathan Zengyoku Schwartz Ears A new book appeared on the Ruminations shelf at the library this fall called Zen Solitude Women by Myoan Grace Schireson (Wisdom, 2009). The material is engaging, Allowing timely and balanced, and liberating. It's a Liberation compilation of stories of female Zen students who became dharma heirs. The Look stories are joined together by the author's insights into these women's In! motivations and circumstances. Happily, the Finite narrative is not hard on a male reader. It It turns out there were quite a number of authenticated female Zen teachers in Japan, Eternity transcends gender bias, and I felt the relief of that perspective as I read along. China, Viet Nam, Korea, and ancient . They left behind written teachings, which had largely been forgotten. Perhaps that is Every woman poured her heart into her because, although mastery of seated practice. Many faced down very grim meditation does not favor either males or realities, and this endears them to me. I am females, cultural biases can and do. also quite taken by how timely reading this Scholars have recently sought out book became, as I was exposed to Genjo the ancestral feminine teachings and have Osho grappling with the "Eido Shimano begun translating them for us. The female ": how can a truly clear and skillful ancestors' rediscovered words have a fresh spiritual guide be so tragically deluded into and immediate pulse to them.

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And thus we become Seekers of the Way. “self” and “other.” However, even when we The Mumonkan And we sense —a kind of 6th sense— that do get a glimpse beyond our conceptual we’re not Home and we’re meant to be barriers, we still come away from such an Case 41 - Bodhidharma and Home. We feel as though we are lost, that experience with an itch for more that never somehow we have strayed. seems satisfied. We can’t stay in these Peace of Mind transitory states of transcendence, and moreover, they are intrinsically incomplete. Koan Hence, we begin a quest, start a search, and So we’re driven deeper on our quest. find ourselves on this journey together. At Bodhidharma sat in Zazen facing the wall. the start we may examine different The Second Patriarch, who had been practices, teachers and communities, trying At times we may come to a place of standing in the snow, cut off his arm and to find that method or teaching that will desperation called a Dark Night. In fact, I said, “Your disciple’s mind is not yet at bring us home or help us find what’s think if we’re honest about our journey or peace. I beg you, my teacher, please give it missing. quest together, everyone of us will peace.” Bodhidharma said, “Bring the mind experience a series of dark nights. These to me, and I will set it at rest.” The Second points of desperation often represent turning Perhaps this journey we are on begins points in our growth and maturation. I’ve Patriarch said, “I have searched for the unconsciously at birth. As we come into mind and it is finally unattainable.” been through enough of them now that this world by exiting the womb, I think we when another bout of Great Doubt, Bodhidharma said, “I have thoroughly set it feel expelled from Eden. In a way, we’re at rest for you.” desperation, or Dark Night arises, I’ve looking —at least initially— for a way back learned to go with it and not get too upset to the womb. In the beginning of our quest, Mumon’s Commentary about it. Now I know that by facing a dark we may take detours towards womb-like night and staying with it, one comes out the experiences. We may dive into sexuality, other side and something shifts. The broken-toothed old foreigner proudly addiction or some experiment that gives us came over —a hundred thousand miles a “direct” pathway to a realm of pure across the sea. This was as if he were comfort or pleasure. But somehow these This whole episode with Eido Shimano raising waves where there was no wind. methods just don’t satisfy the perpetual itch Roshi, who is my core teacher, has brought Toward his end, Bodhidharma could that we are not home yet. Continuing our me to another dark night. How can someone enlighten only one disciple, but even he was quest, the pendulum might swing, just as it who has penetrated the depths and can so crippled. Ni! Shasanro does not know even did for the historical Buddha, towards eloquently give the depths voice, who can four characters. extreme asceticism and deprivation. We see clearly through the doings of the ancient may think if we shed enough, maybe we’ll masters and can at times appear to easily Mumon’s Poem find what we’ve lost. walk with great presence, grace and magnetism be so unenlightened in some Coming from the West, and directly pointing— aspects of his life? How can someone who’s But we find that extreme asceticism and trained in Zen for nearly 60 years and has This great affair was caused by the transmission. deprivation doesn’t work either. We sense The trouble-maker who created a stir in Zen circles tasted the depths so completely, be at the that we’re still not home. This is what same time so convoluted in a part of his Is, after all, you. drives our spiritual quest, a great doubt; character that he can repeatedly create such really, it’s knowing that something’s a big mess and do such great harm? He missing. What is it? The Jikijitsu [time-keeper] said to me the caused harm not only to those with whom other day, “I had a great insight.” I said, he was intimately involved, but also to the “What was that?” He said, “I’m never On our journey, we occasionally get deep Sangha, which has to witness the whole going to get this job.” As in, “I’m never glimpses into Nature or we can be deeply thing. Indeed it brings up a Great Doubt. going to be perfect; there will always be moved by natural beauty. We may hear a What good is this practice if it can’t mistakes and corrections.” That is a great piece of music or see a painting that brings untangle such an internal karmic mess? insight. We’re always going to be whole, us to tears. At such times we may think, Aren’t we all capable of growing and but never complete. We’re never perfect, “This glimpse is speaking to me about changing throughout our lives as long as we but we’re already perfectly imperfect. From what’s missing!” Similarly, we may hear a have mental acuity? Can’t we learn from the beginning of Zen training, it’s always, scripture, saying or teaching that has the our mistakes and grow from them and “Not yet!” There’s no end to it. Once same effect. From this beginning, we may mature? That’s been my experience. I’ve you’ve begun, there’s no finish. And the follow the inspiration, religion, philosophy never met a single person who couldn’t be insight is that this life can be one of never or creative endeavor, always looking for humbled and grow from his or her mistakes. ending inquiry and learning. Great Inquiry what’s missing. The union we sometimes How can someone with nearly 60 years of must begin with Great Doubt. feel when being physically intimate can also training not have recovered and grown out give us a glimpse. Likewise, the union we of this error after repeated warnings? feel listening to or playing a masterful piece In order to begin the journey of inquiry, we of music can give us a glimpse. Mind- must feel that something is missing or lost. As the story of a new ethical breach altering drug experiences can also became known in July, I could feel myself We have some inkling that it’s hidden temporarily help us drop our artificial somewhere. Maybe I should go find it. entering a Great Doubt around this boundaries and borders between so-called conundrum. How could this be? But, I’ve

Page 6 Volume 17.4 Winter 2010-11 learned to be gentle with the process. Perhaps the easiest way is to run away from temple system in Japan, they likely would Rather than throwing up my hands and it. I’ve been so tempted to just leave Eido have kicked him out of the temple. There saying, “Well, it’s all been a delusion, I give Roshi and the Zen Studies Society. People was no authority here that could tell him to up,” I make an effort to persevere. It would have said to me, “Genjo, why don’t you stop teaching. Consequently, he could be easy to vilify my teacher, as many have stand on your own? Can’t you just stand on continue with his teaching and scholarly done — in fact if I hadn’t trained with him I your own?” And I’m thinking inside myself, endeavors by drawing on his talent for would have probably joined this chorus. “That’s not the problem.” I totally know I penetrating insights, his own charisma and But I think that either one of these paths, can stand on my own. I totally know I don’t dynamic energy, and go on. He could go on walking away or vilification, are a kind of need him for validation, verification or without really learning the lesson that was escape from the conundrum that his actions authority. But I also know that if I left — so plain to see, because there was no one represent. There’s some lesson about the and particularly if I left prematurely or in a who could actually say, “No, you cannot human condition here somewhere and I’m huff— that I will have missed gaining some teach until you have fully faced this working on learning it. In fact, I’m working lesson. Even if he doesn’t get it, I will have problem.” They could say, “That’s wrong, it through by giving these Dharma talks and lost something by not hanging in there to you have to stop it.” This was said many have been, since the summer. Many of the dregs. times. But no one had the authority to them are posted on the Internet and people actually say “No.” who listen have told me that they can hear an e v o l u t i o n i n m y Apparently, Soen Roshi, understanding. I can h i s t e a c h e r a n d m y hear it too. There’s a Dharma grandfather, gave new opening coming. to It’s not fully revealed Eido Roshi, but failed to yet, but there has been a record it properly in s h i f t i n m y o w n Japan. I believe he did development because of this because he was so Eido Roshi’s lack of angry with Eido Roshi for development. not stopping his bad behavior. Soen Roshi didn’t have any other So a good way to make authority than this from use of a dark night or Japan because Eido Roshi doubt is to stay with it. was here and no longer If we stay with it, we subject to Japanese Rinzai learn that we get through hierarchy. it one way or another. Perhaps you’re sitting here on the cushion and G iven that there was you have a Great n e v e r u n a n i m i t y t o Boredom, Great Itch, remove Eido Roshi as G r e a t S o r r o w o r abbot, he never had to something that seems insurmountable and Rohatsu 2011 Participants fully face the consequences throws you into a Great Doubt. You ask of his actions, which would have yourself: Why am I doing this? What good unquestionably thrown him into a Dark I don’t want to belabor this topic, but Night of Great Doubt. Over the years of his is it? I shouldn’t be here. I’m not good something is becoming clear to me about enough. The practice is not good enough. training, he, like all of us, must have faced how and why Eido Shimano Roshi did not many walls of Great Doubt. No one could The teacher is not good enough. learn the lesson that it is totally Something’s not good enough! (laughter) be as genuinely awake as he is without unacceptable to be physically intimate with facing and penetrating many walls. Without Don’t run away! —and I don’t see anyone one’s students. In the course of decades here doing that— sit through it, and you this determination and courage, he couldn’t he’s been confronted about this behavior have become such an inspirational teacher. will move to the other side of it. And on the many times, beginning with Robert Aiken other side of it, we discover that we’re just a But, in this critical area of his own Roshi. In previous waves of trouble, his development, he never had to fully face the little bit more mature, just a little bit more own core teacher scolded him mightily, aware or awake and there’s some lesson in wall of his own harmful actions. Many of American Zen teachers scolded him his students over the years have been so our life that we don’t have to learn again mightily, his own Sangha has scolded him because we’ve learned it. And that’s grateful to him for how much he has given mightily, his own Dharma Heirs have to the Dharma that our admiration and fantastic! But we really have to learn to go scolded him mightily. The problem is that into the doubt and not run away from it. gratitude has made it exceedingly difficult in each case, he was never prevented from to say “No” to him. I really get how hard it continuing to teach and lead. Therefore, he is to put that wall in front of him. There are many defense mechanisms that never had to learn the lesson. If he had we employ to stay away from the doubt. been under the authority of the hierarchical Continued on next page… Page 7 Volume 17.4 Winter 2010-11

abandoned temple, and started facing the the wall day and night, and beseeched Finally, in concert with never-ending wall in a shallow cave associated with the Bodhidharma for instruction. Bodhidharma criticism from the Internet, the American temple. Through this simple act, faced the wall and paid no attention to his Zen Teachers being bolder, the Zen Studies Bodhidharma gained great renown. “Did entreaties, to being sought out. And it is Society Board being bolder, and he being you hear about the monk who came all the said that, on December 9, heaven sent down older, the time became ready to fully say no. way from India? And he just sits facing a a heavy snow. Standing there, Shinko Once the most recent ethical breach became wall? This old guy, he just goes up to the beseeched Bodhidharma, “Please won’t you known in late June, with all the extra wall and sits. He stares at the wall. What teach me something? I would like to be support generated by the press, Internet and does he see facing that wall?” your disciple.” Bodhidharma sat facing the collegial connections, the Zen Studies wall, and didn’t even pay attention to him. Society board was in a position to say, “No, He probably thought, “Oh good god, here’s you can’t teach unless you have properly In Soto Zen, practitioners sit facing the this guy. He’s got some problem and he faced this. Yes, you’re a great teacher and, wall in the zendo, modeling Bodhidharma. wants me to fix it for him. I can’t fix no, you cannot teach unless you’ve fully What do they see facing the wall? Sounds anything for him, so I’m just going to sit faced the harm you have caused.” boring. And yet, it’s only when we face our here facing the wall. He’s likely a kook walls that they have an opportunity to anyway. Surely, he’ll go away if I just don’t crumble. If we don’t face them, we’re just pay attention to him.” (laughter) So he tried It may be that he will not face it, even boxed in by them. If we turn and face though he’s been told “No,” and it may be not paying attention to him; however, he whatever wall or artificial barrier we’ve started to get a bit of admiration for this guy that he never teaches again because of this. created in our lives, eventually it will But I think, for the very first time, he’s who came back every single day even crumble. But we must really face our walls though he was being ignored. going to have the opportunity to fully face for this to be the outcome. the consequences of his actions. You can’t go on and carry this around with you, When you do zazen, you can get a nice fire causing this harm. You cannot drag this and Bodhidharma knew this. He knew he could going in your hara, also known as the us through this again. No. face any wall, even a stone wall, and find tanden. In this way, Bodhidharma could sit the whole universe and beyond. Not boring there in the snow. Of course, I’m sure he for him in the least —vital and dynamic. had a robe or blanket around him, which What will he do with this great wall? I On the blank screen of the wall, he could don’t know. Maybe he’ll just go off into made a little cocoon, so he could just sit see the reflection of the whole universe. In there. But Shinko was just standing there in retirement and enjoy himself somehow. But fact, he could see right through the wall and if that is the case, this will be his loss. the snow and on that fateful night, tune into the good vibration, intrinsic December 9th, it is said the snow came up However, if he’s able to say to himself, wisdom or song being sung by the very root “Finally, someone said ‘no’ to me; now I’m to Shinko’s knees and the poor man’s tears of the universe. Not a problem for froze on his face. ready to sit and face the harm I have Bodhidharma! caused,” then, even in his late 70’s, he has an opportunity to have another Bodhidharma had finally had enough and breakthrough. Bodhidharma became renowned for his he turned and said to Shinko, “You’ve been zazen facing the wall, and there were a few standing a long time in the snow. What are true seekers who recognized that he was on you looking for? Go ahead and tell me.” I n this case of the Mumonkan, to something. He undoubtedly attracted all Bodhidharma sat facing the wall. Shinko said, “I beseech you, Master, with sorts of strange characters who thought, your compassion, pray open your gate of Bodhidharma came from India to China. “Oh, it looks like he has found a way He’d heard stories about how Chinese Dharma and save all us wretched beings! home.” One such strange character was the Start with me, please!” (laughter) Buddhism —which was already well Second Chinese Dharma Ancestor. Not established— was relying too heavily on the much is known about him. But we do know scriptures and philosophy of Buddhism — that he was attracted to Bodhidharma and The Master said, “The incomparable truth which are all quite beautiful— and the could see that Bodhidharma had something of the Buddha’s can only be realized by metaphors and the systems of Buddhism, going for him. Shinko, as he was known eternal striving…” Wow, think about which are also quite compelling. But then, was himself undoubtedly feeling a striving that never ceases. “…and by because of the rumor that Buddhism in great sense of desperation and doubt. He practicing what cannot be practiced, bearing China had lost some of its vitality and was in his own dark night and was hoping the unbearable. How can you, with your dynamism, late in his life —maybe in his that Bodhidharma would give some turning little virtue and your little wisdom and your 80’s or later— he made a 3-year boat word or teaching that would help him get pitiful plea and your easy self-conceited journey to China and ended up in front of through it. He went to Bodhidharma mind dare to aspire to true Emperor Wu, Case One in the Hekiganroku beseeching him for teaching. The following teaching?” (laughter) Poor guy, he’s been that we won’t go into right now, but suffice mythological account can be found in The standing there in the snow, coming every it to say he got the impression, “Uff! It’s a Record of Transmitting the Light and is day, the snow is up to his knees. Even so, good thing I came!” (laughter) paraphrased here: Bodhidharma cuts him right down to test his mettle, and thinks, “Maybe this will get rid of him!” He concludes his scolding B ut he didn’t go about trying to Shinko went over to the temple, Shorin-Ji, proselytize. In fact, he set up in a nearly with, “To teach you would be only so much where Bodhidharma was sitting in front of labor lost!”

Page 8 Volume 17.4 Winter 2010-11 (Dharma encounter with a master) and ask, say, our doubt has to be momentous before Hearing this admonition, Shinko was “How about a hint?” there can be a breakthrough. prepared; he secretly took out a sharp knife and cut off his left arm and put it before Bodhidharma, bleeding and gushing all It is at this point that Bodhidharma said, I remember my first weeklong sesshin, on over, he laid down his own arm —I assume “Tell you what —here’s my hint— bring me the third day, sitting zazen on the floor was with his right hand (laughter). Now, this mind that is not at peace. Find it for just awful! For everyone attending this Bodhidharma has to think, “Oh, my god, me, hand it to me. Show me this mind that Rohatsu, this is not your first sesshin, but I’ve got a real crackpot on my hands! But is not at peace and I’ll put it to rest for you. you remember your first sesshin! On the you’ve got to give it to him, he’s How about that? That’s a deal, okay? I’ll 3rd day, I was sure I was going to die! I sincere!” (laughter) And what made it give you the peace of mind you want. Just didn’t know how the rest of the fools in the sincere —and remember this is probably show me this mind!” room kept on going and everyone looked just a fable— was that Shinko somehow like stones sitting around the room. I did impress upon Bodhidharma that he was thought, weren’t their legs screaming in ready to give his life. By demonstrating pain? Why wasn’t everyone running away? that he was willing to die for the Dharma, I felt ashamed because I was about to run he was communicating that he would away! (laughter) But there was something rather die than not find Home. In effect he about my history —that I won’t go into was saying, “I’d rather just die now. Just right now— that had driven me to a place of kill me. Or I’ll jump off this cliff or I’ll desperation where I was willing to die. slit my throat because I’d rather be dead “Okay, my legs may break, my blood may than not be home. Life’s not worth living gush, I might explode, my hips might unless I can get to what it appears you’ve disintegrate, I might turn into a puddle of gotten to facing that wall.” cytoplasm (laughter). I’m sure that’s going to happen with one more sit, but hell, let it happen. I’m not going to get up, I’m not After seeing Shinko make this pledge that going to move and I’m not going run away.” he was willing to give his life, I decided I wouldn’t run away and it was Bodhidharma said, “It is true that the okay to die. And for me, this willingness to Buddhas and Awakened Ones throughout die was absolutely necessary for the next time, when they first seek after the truth thing to happen. give no heed to their bodies and are ready to die for the Dharma. You have now demonstrated this for me and I now have Bodhidharma provided the catalyst, “Bring faith in the sincerity of your seeking.” me the mind that is not at rest!” Or just Bodhidharma then welcomed Shinko into simply, “Show me the mind that is not at the Sangha. This welcoming might be rest” or even more concisely, “Show me the thought of as the first Zen Jukai in the mind.” Because Shinko was so pent up and Chinese lineage; Shinko received the ready to burst, this one little flick caused the Dharma name Eka. And then Shinko dam to break. Eka, now the Second asked, “Is it really possible to hear the Patriarch, said, “I can’t produce this mind. Buddha Dharma?” And Bodhidharma It doesn’t have a location. It doesn’t have a replied, “The Dharma cannot be attained form or place.” In the same instant, he by following others. You must instead see 1912 Bodhidharma image by Nakahara entered the vastness of the Void. directly into your own True Nature.” In Nantenbo,former abbot of Myoshin-Ji Unquestionably it was a very transformative other words, “Even though I’ve accepted experience, all of a sudden sitting there, he you into the Sangha and see that you have was at home! All of his tribulations and sufficient determination, the willingness to The epigraph reads: “A flower opens five doubts, at once, vanished. I should say more give your life for this quest, still I have petals and bears fruit – all in its nature.” accurately that they temporarily nothing to give you. I can’t give it to you. disappeared. Everything’s impermanent, You can only find what you’re looking for folks. Sorry. People think, “I’ve found it!” by looking deeply into your own True Bodhidharma’s words were the catalyst, the No, you haven’t. How can you find what is Nature.” straw that broke the camel’s back, because never lost? Nor can you keep the feeling, the camel was already heavily loaded! but you can have a great visit! In time we Shinko was already well into his dark night, come to know that, even when we’re not Shinko said, “But Master, when I look at he had already been facing the wall of his feeling it, we’re always at home. That’s my own True Nature, all I find is that my mind for some time. So far he had only what we call Great Faith. mind is not at peace. My mind is just a found blankness or a jumble of jumble of conflicting desires, attachments incomprehensibly knotted, conflicted and delusions, and I have no peace at all. I thoughts and a profound lack of peace. You It was when Eka was feeling thoroughly at can’t find this peace that you seem to have to be really sincere —or severe— in home that Bodhidharma said, “Well, I guess exemplify. Can’t you give it to me? How your doubt to be willing to give up your I’ve set your mind at rest for you!” The so- about a hint?” Yes, people come to Dokusan life. I don’t think it is an exaggeration to Continued on next page… Page 9 Volume 17.4 Winter 2010-11 called Second Patriarch was born because yet!” but Genki Roshi taught me, “Just Bodhidharma didn’t transmit anything. Eka beginning!” Year after year, he would give The Future of Zen found Home for himself, within himself. In Teisho and say [striking the table] “Just this time he developed such great faith and year, I’m beginning to penetrate ! Just Thoughts of Emily HoU Ross confidence in his own experience that he this year, I’m starting to understand Zen! went on to live up to the title Second Zen Just this year, it’s starting to come together. I have been studying your teishos on the Ancestor or Patriarch. I’m starting to see the world in a whole new Gateless Gate one after another. I feel way! Just now I’m beginning to see reality emancipated just seeing the teaching as it really is!” ren’t these Zen stories great? However, conveyed in Roman letters rather than A ideograms. Zen, which is fundamentally there is a conundrum in Zen that even after think any great artist, scientist, or any about the emancipation of all beings, is a major breakthrough experience, we say, I unfortunately sealed in some square box “Just beginning!” When I was ordained a person on a path of mastery feels exactly called Zen. In this enclosure the ancient dog priest in 1980, Genki Takabayashi Roshi, the same. If they don’t, they’re not really in the koan “Joshu’s ” has been our founding Abbot, painted me a on the path of mastery anymore. So I wish suffocating. In English this “dog” is so calligraphy that said, “Practice hard for the us all a good journey, as we near the end of joyfully alive! next 30 years!” And, as I was approaching our sesshin together. But remember if you my thirty-year mark, Eido Roshi said to me, feel a great itch or a great wall, turn and [Autumn 1938 letter from “Ah, forget it! Another 30 years!” This face it. Don’t coast; turn and face it. If to , found in Endless Vow.] much he knew well, and was able to need be, enter your own dark night, don’t be “transmit” to me: once you start the journey, afraid of it. Face your own wall and give there’s no end to it, which is also clearly yourself the chance to break through. In It’s no news that many of Genjo Osho’s true for him. Too bad that circumstances time, every wall will fall. Give yourself a teishos lately have grappled with how to never reached sufficient strength to compel chance to grow and mature. face a challenging, often humiliating, him to face the wall of his mind that caused situation while thoroughly exercising the so much harm. ith gassho, spirit of Zen. Osho-san has spoken of “life W koans,” seemingly insoluble puzzles or

o remember that even though you have Genjo riddles that appear as a matter of course as S one goes about being alive. “Who am I?” or had a breakthrough experience, genuinely “What is my purpose?” or even “How will I finding Home right where you are, feeling live without (my spouse, my job, my nothing but love towards yourself, the Closing Incense Poem retirement savings, etc.)?” may be familiar whole world and everyone in it, and nothing life koans to all of us. In many of his recent seems like a problem, that you are still just Rohatsu Sesshin 2011 teishos, Genjo Osho has declared his beginning. During and just past a teacher, Eido Shimano, as one of his present breakthrough experience we may conclude Shakyamuni saw the morning star. life koans. Listening to the words Genjo that the buffalo’s tail is already out, that Osho has shared on this topic reveals a gem. there is nothing to pass through. But one Bodhidharma faced a wall. Facing this koan has become a very rich and can get a false sense that, “It’s all passed Rinzai said the True Person listens. meaningful aspect of his practice, and a through the window! Therefore, I’m powerful catalyst for insight and growth. complete! Now I can just blissfully go off Who then hears the lapping waves? Furthermore, Genjo speaks of forging a and be the !” The reality is Blue Heron skims the shores of future for Zen by having the courage to lesson after lesson, breakthrough after Puget Sound. exhaust the life koan his teacher, Eido breakthrough, and dark night after dark Shimano, presents to him. night. However, there’s never the same Dark Night, not like that first one. Each successive dark night becomes a little In the introduction to Endless Vow: The easier, if only because of familiarity. You Spring Sesshin Zen Path of Soen Nakagawa, this same Eido can say to yourself, “Oh, been here, done Shimano shares his experience of his that!” It is good to have this confidence. teacher, Master Soen, calling him “the It’s not quite as scary, traumatic or difficult March 26th - April 1st biggest koan of my life.” It seems that the to go through the cycle when we realize that relationship of student to teacher, like that something is going to eventually shift. Please send a deposit by March 13th, of child to parent, gives rise to questions earlier if you want to guarantee a reserved that cannot be answered. As Zen is hile we have mental acuity, we can keep spot. Make your deposit check to Chobo-Ji. traditionally passed down from teacher to W student, creating a lineage of Dharma growing! Each new orbit of maturity brings The cost of sesshin is $210 (less dues). There will be optional zazen, Friday, 3/25, ancestors, we can wonder about the us closer to those nice adjectives like unanswered questions each fore-bearer has creative, spontaneous, free, compassionate, 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Sesshin formally begins promptly at 5 AM the morning of Saturday, presented to his heirs along the way. dynamic and lucid. These feelings do Contemplating the legacy of the become more accessible with maturity — March 26th, so plan to be there at least 20 min. early. Sesshin will end around 11 AM, unanswered questions is our collective but there’s always the next orbit out there koan. A thread of uncertainty in the fabric of somewhere. Eido Roshi taught me, “Not Friday morning.

Page 10 Volume 17.4 Winter 2010-11 Zen transmission exists, and it is a puzzle calligraphy, and correspondence with his Emily (HoU) Ross: that we, as students of Zen, face today. friend and mentor Nyogen Senzaki, who Densu (Chant Leader) was one of the first to initiate Zen training in the U.S., and was also among the first to Tom (Shodo) DeGroot: Reading Eido Shimano’s introduction at recognize Soen Nakagawa as a true Zen Densu Assistant this moment in time, and further reading the poet. Master Soen, despite his eccentricities, musings, poetry, and letters provided by became a greatly respected poet. His ability Jonathan (Zengyoku) Schwartz: Master Soen in Endless Vow, affords an to get to the heart of life in the stroke of a Jisha (Serves tea and takes care of zendo) interesting window into the evolution of heartbeat, using very few words, provides Zen. Let’s say Buddhism began as a seed, delight in and of itself. Yet, this book is Vince Warner: planted by the historical Buddha upon structured as a journal, with chronological Jisha Assistant awakening. Over the course of millennia, entries, which further allows a reader to the seed has grown into a great tree with a contemplate the role of a Ralph (Muzan) Leach: deep root system and a network of trunk monk during a turbulent period of world Inji (Abbot Assistant) and branches. The main branches further history. Reading Endless Vow gives an developed into a complex series of opportunity to appreciate the work of a Carolyn (Josen) Stevens: branching systems. Along the way, some curious student and a remarkable teacher Fusu (Treasurer and financial manager) branches have died off, while others have who saw great possibility for Zen outside of extended to form the canopy and show new his homeland. Rev. Genko Blackman growth and leaves. If we look at Buddhism & Edward (Daiki) Cadman: as the trunk of this tree, and Zen as one of Introductory Zazen its branches, we can trace the history and Yet, let’s not forget that Soen Nakagawa’s witness the evolution of Zen as it forks off Dharma heir, Eido Shimano, considers into various smaller branch systems. The Master Soen his greatest koan. Who was tips of the branches that remain alive, Soen Nakagawa? Perhaps this type of bearing leaves, represent the Zen Buddhist question, this form of koan, of the student Spring Intensive traditions that have made it to today’s questioning the master, is and has always Chobo-Ji’s Spring Intensive will start world. Considering this, we may wish to been an essential component of the th question where the leaves, the living evolution of Zen. Soen Nakagawa’s March 13 , with mini-sesshin on that day, manifestation of Zen, are now. We may memoir, from the point of view of this koan, and conclude on July 1st. The purpose of consider the future of Zen. How, and in then, can be considered within the context the intensive is to give students the which directions, will these living branches of Zen’s evolution. What of Master Soen’s maximum opportunity to release be able to develop and grow? mystery has become the fuel for his entanglements by giving one’s self to the students’ practice? How has the conversion Dharma. Anyone can participate who has… of that fuel become integral to our practice Soen Roshi is Genjo Osho’s Dharma today? Going a step further, reading Endless A) made three consecutive monthly dues Grandfather. He was an unusual Zen Vow might inspire a Zen student to consider contributions; and student, eccentric even, who followed the her or his own role in the evolution of Zen, spirit of Zen above obeying the forms. His B) attended at least one weeklong or mini and how her or his practice might contribute sesshin in the last quarter. fervor for practice coupled with his to Zen’s shifting future. irrepressible creativity led him on a path that included several trips across the ocean Then to participate commit to the following: to the United States and back. Despite 1) Attend two weeklong sesshins full-time living in Japan during wartime, writing (or nearly full-time) during the intensive. under the roar of bombers and New Posts This is the most important ingredient of the witnessing massive destruction inflicted by intensive and the only one that is non- the Allied forces, he was compelled to set Beginning March 1st negotiable. Also do 5 hrs. of zazen per forth the Buddha Dharma in the West. He week and most if not all mini-sesshins believed strongly that the practice of zazen had the power to transform, once Zen was Scott (Ishin) Stolnack: 2) Do a minimum of five hours of samu freed from the constricting box that Zen in Shika (Host - Manager) (working meditation - gardening or Japan had become. He thereby became a cleaning) per week. Most of these hours key figure in bringing Zen from east to Peter (Shinke) Ilgenfritz: can be in your own home, garden or west. Soen Nakagawa believed that the Dai-Tenzo (Chief cook for Sesshins) community, but at least one should be at the West was open enough to breathe life back temple. into the dog of Joshu’s Mu. By following Chris (Zenshin) Jeffries: this imperative, Soen Roshi created a Tenzo Assistant 4) Do a minimum of one hour of chanting legacy, which continues to touch us to this practice per week. For example, along with day. Sally (Zenka) Metcalf: daily chanting, attending regularly Jikijitsu (Timekeeper) scheduled Ryogon Shu practice would cover this. Reading Endless Vow is a treat. The book is Linda (Muka) Wehnes: a patchwork of poems, journal entries, Jikijitsu Assistant Continued on back page…

Page 11 5) Read two books, one assigned to Chobo-Ji Schedule We Are Located: at 1811 20th Ave., (one half- the group (The Heart of Buddha’s block north of Madison and south of Denny). Teaching) and the second selected Introduction to Zazen Street parking is available in front or between from our reading list Bookstore. Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. 19th and 20th on Denny, or off-street parking is Also, attend Sunday Book Intensive. available behind the house. After entering the Zazen front door, remove your shoes and socks in the 6) Keep a journal about your Monday - Friday, 5:30 a.m., 1 hr. practice, at least one paragraph per entry way and proceed to the Zendo (meditation Saturdays, 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. hall) upstairs. 206-328-3944 week, and email a minimum of one Sundays, 6:30 p.m., 1 hr. paragraph per week each Friday to Monday & Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., 1 hr. Genjo Osho on how the intensive is Dues and Fees: go to support the life of this working on you. temple. We have no outside support from any Dharma Talks organization. Dues are $60 a month or whatever 9) Come to Dokusan at least once a 1st and 3rd Sundays, 7:30 p.m., 1 hr. one can afford. Any amount received monthly week or if out of town try and (most Sundays during Spring Intensive) means that you will receive this quarterly schedule a Skype video call with newsletter, receive discounts on retreats, and be Genjo Osho. Sesshins: Quarterly week-long retreats considered an active member. last week in March, June, September and early January. The suggested fee for any morning or evening practice period, including Tuesday night Mini-Sesshins: Half day retreats introduction and Sunday night Dharma Talk is with breakfast, Dharma Talk and Dharma five dollars. The $5 fee is waived for all Interview. 5 - 11:30 a.m., Sundays: members. The suggested fee for mini-sesshins is 3/13, 4/10, 4/24, 5/15, 5/29, 6/12, 7/10... $20. Fees for the March, July, and September sesshins are $210, and Rohatsu Sesshin is $350. Spring Sesshin: 3/26/11 - 4/1/11 Members may subtract their monthly dues from Summer Sesshin: 6/25/11 - 7/1/11 the week-long sesshin cost. For more Autumn Sesshin: 9/24/11 - 9/30/11 Rohatsu Sesshin: 1/2/12 - 1/10/12 information see: www.choboji.org

Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji

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