The Newsletter of The Zen Studies Society
Eido T. Shimano Roshi, Abbot • SUMMER 1992 New York Zendo • Shobo-ji Dai Bosatsu Zendo • Kongo-ji
With the Readiness of Time An Important Announcement by Eido Shimano Roshi • During the Memorial Day sesshin, Everything is to be regarded as "so one day I delivered a teisho on the Blue called", such as so-called Me, so-called Rock Collection, Case No. 11. The main ·You, so-called Chair, so-called Table. subject goes as follows : This is the correct way to point to the essence of being. They are all so-called Master Obaku said. · to his But because of the language system, we disciples, "You are aU sediment avoid the use of the adjective, "so eaters. If you condnue to be as called". The more we repeat Me, You, Chair, and Table, the stronger these you are now, how can you realize preconceived notions become and This Matter. Don't you know that gradually we are well deceived and start in this great China there is no to believe that there is a chair instead of Zen teacher?" a so-called chair. As the Diamond Sutra A monk stood up and asked, says: "But how about all these Zen teachers who reside in various AU COIIfiiOSW tllillgs an liU a dnalla, monasteries and temples? What They refuse such dualistic judgements. A pluulllulll, a bubble lllld a are they?" Obaku said, "I did not Each one of us is Zen itself. There is sluldow- say that there is no Zen, but that no~ · ·to· add, there is nothing to there is no Zen teacher." subtract.. · · An lib a tkwdrop lllld a jlluh If you doll 't understand this last ofligh~llillg; Obaku's last statement is especially sentence, I dare say that you don't The] an lluu to be rqartled. crucial. To state it briefly and directly, understand what Zen is all about. What from the Zen perspective, from an Obaku said was quite right. "I did not The same is true of a Zen teacher. They insightful vista, there is not a thing in say that there is no Zen, but that there is are all so-called Zen teachers or at least this world which is not Zen itself. All no Zen teacher," and I would like to add it should be stated in quotes, "Zen external phenomena and internal that there is no Zen ~d \ no Zen Student Teacher". If someone knows this much, conditions are nothing but Zen. They go either, as there is nothing to teach, and he may deserve to be called a Zen beyond ~ uod or bad, not even neutral. there is nothing to learn. Teacher. Please turn to the next page. Announcement
With the readiness of time, I shall who has completed the required koan now make a public announcement: on studies, and who has certain knowledge the last day of the Kongo-Shobo 10 day of Buddhism, far more than average. A sesshin, October 11th, a Dharma person who knows generosity and Transmission Ceremony will take place compassion and has attained a degree of at Dai Bosatsu Zenda and Junpo Denis maturity as a human being. And most Kelly will become my Dharma heir. importantly, enigmatically there is some Needless to say, from a relative element that cannot be expressed in standpoint, nobody is perfect. We are all language. Some people call it Karma, but working on it, we are all "Not Yet". But it defies specification; it cannot be at the same time, some of us are ready to named. "teach" and some of us are qualified to It is not me, but through me, that be so-called "teachers". Junpo has been Dharma decides. Somehow with the my student for the past 13 years. I know readiness of time, Junpo is to be my him very well. He is ready. Dharma heir and is charged with the Some of you may ask, What does it tradition and the Soto Zen traditioo. I responsibility to carry this heavy Hakuin, mean to be a Rinzai Zen Dharma heir? can only speak of the Rinzai Zen Torei, Gempo, Soen lineage. I trust that First, Jet me say that there is a big tradition. In Rinzai Zen, a Dharma heir it will flourish under his care. difference between the Rinzai Zen is one who has gained genuine insight,
On December 8, the last day of But at least with the readiness of I have no immediate plans to retire Rohatsu sesshin, I shall conduct an time, it is with great confidence that I as the Abbot of either Zendo. I will official acknowledgement ceremony for make this public announcement that the continue my current work until the three Dharma Teachers, in their presence above named students will be regarded readiness of time dictates otherwise. All at Dai Bosatsu Zendo. They are : as Zen Teachers starting on December 8, ordained and senior students will remain 1992, after the ceremony at Dai Bosatsu as my students and I will be responsible Aiho Yasuko Shimano, the Director of Zendo. They are Zen Teachers for their training. I am aware that a few New York Zendo Sho~ji, acknowledged by me, the Abbot of The individuals are seriously considering to Zen Studies Society, although their be ordained at Dai Bosatsu Zendo. As Roko Sherry Chyatt, the Head of the organizations, except for the Shobo-ji, they are already practicing under me, Syracuse Zen Center, remain completely independent. their training and ordinations will go In November, during the Harvest foward as originally expected. Sesshin, I will conduct a Jukai After October 11th, however, all Agetsu Agatha Wydler Haduch, of the ceremony, which officially names those new students at Dai Bosatsu Zendo will Rinzai Zen Society, Zurich, who are to become so-called Zen be trained by Junpo. As my Dharma Switzerland. Buddhists. The future of Zen in the West heir, he will be called Junpo - Shi. From will be very much aided by their October 11, Aiho, Roko, and Agetsu will They are all long time dedicated Zen dedication, and they too may become be called Aiho-san, Roko-san and students and more importantly they have future Zen teachers. Agetsu-san. achieved insight. They know that It's been over 30 years since I came Dear brothers and sisters, this is the everything is to be regarded as "so to the United States. I established New end of my important announcement called" and they have demonstrated a York Zendo Shobo-ji and Dai Bosatsu willingness to give their lives to the Zendo Kongo-ji with the help of many Buddham Saranam Gacchami Dharma. In addition, they have within people. And that itself was a miracle, but Dhammam Saranam Gacchami their characters the gift of leadership. my mission does not end with just a Sangham Saranam Gacchami However, as it stands now, they are not physical establislunent. I feel that my yet my Dharma heirs. Maybe someday. further responsibility is to build a solid Gassho, Maybe not. Nobody knows; only Dharma foundation for the future of Zen in the Eido Tai Shimano, Abbot knows. West. • page 2 The Time is Now by Junpo Denis Kelly
Please let me invite you to a pany - limitations. He recommended zazen to "Yes?" he asked slowly. "Eido Roshi," I a celebration, and a ceremony on the me. He said it would improve my replied, "is all this really necessary?" second Sunday of October of this year. drununing, which was dismal at best! "No," he said, "but it's traditional!" On that day we are going to celebrate Zazen did little to inspire my drumming. The laughter that followed that meeting three events at Dai Bosatsu Zendo: the But it did eventually bring me to Dai of the minds reached into my core. From birthday of Eido Roshi; the successful Bosatsu Zendo, Eido Roshi, and at long that moment on we would be together in completion of the Kongo/Shobo Ten Day last to Inka. Dharma. Inseparable, Unstoppable! Sesshin and the graduation of Junpo I fU"St heard of Eido Roshi in 1976 I returned to California and practiced Denis Kelly. On that day, Junpo will get while reading an interview with him alone or with friends at my zendo in my his masters degree in Rinzai Zen published in Dawn Horse Journal. home. I returned to Dai Bosatsu for Buddhism. Inka, the ceremony of "Don't send me any PhD.' s," he said in sesshin only. In 1982 I took the precepts transmission of Buddha Mind, will be the inteview. "They already know privately with Eido Roshi at Shobo-ji. I performed on that morning. everything". It was his mixture of humor was given the name Junpo. Roshi said it During the formal ceremony, Eido and insight which motivated me to seek meant .. Dharma Cruiser..... You mean Roshi's Rinzai lineage will be officially Eido Roshi out like a medium weight battle ship that transmitted to its fU"St Western Dharma During the Summer of 1969 I began protects the fleet?" I asked. "No, like a heir. The bridge between so-called East regular Zazen practice at Zen Center San Toyota!" he said Again great laughter. and so-called West has been crossed. Francisco. For the next ten years I On July 4, 1984, during Anniversary This ceremony celebrates, annoWlCes and travelled and practiced at various centers Sesshin, I was ordained Junpo Kando. I establishes that fact We have arrived at and with various teachers around the returned to Corte Madera, California to this shore. Gate Gate Para Gate Parasam world, continuing my own form of establish Kanzeon Zen Yoga Center, now Gate Bodhi Svaha. pilgrimage. This led me to Sri Lanka Deer Run Zendo. In preparation for that event, allow and India in 1972 to Lama Govinda, Three and a half years later I entered me to briefly share the path which has Swami Garibala and Nanpaontka Thera. a deep personal and ethical crises. I led me to the ceremony, and to state In 1976 I traveled to Mount Baldy to recognized my position, closed Kanzeon where I will be standing as a newly practice with Joshu Sasaki, in 1977 to and returned to New York to discuss my recognized Dhanna successor, defender Boulder, Colorado and Trungpa plan to intensify my personal practice, to and teacher. Rinpoche, to Connecticut and Swami purify my character with Eido Roshi. My intellectual interest in Zen Satchitananda and finally, on July 4, At that time Eido Roshi requested I Buddhism began in 1965. In short, I 1979 to Dai Bosatsu Zendo, Eido Roshi return to Dai Bosatsu for one year as found Abhidharma and Mahayana and home. Shikaryo (Head Monk) because Bugyo, philosophy to make more sense than For a few days I stayed at the guest the Vice-Abbot and Head Monk at that anything I had ever encountered in house and went up to practice at the time wanted to take a leave of absence. Western thought I instantly knew myself monastery . When I met Eido Roshi our I said that if I was allowed to begin a Buddhist meeting was polite but cool. However, changes in the monastery, I would be All of the years of searching , uoubt and something Karmic, not speculative, honored to take over for him. Bugyo spiritual frustration vanished and I came brought me back to Fall Kessei in 1979, never returned; I took office in March back home! However, the understanding and I began koan practice in earnest. 1990. was there but not the realization. In fact, I remember the moment the The gratitude that I feel toward Eido any serious attempt at paramita practice, permanent connection between myself Roshi, Soen Roshi and all other lineage including Dhyana or zazen, eluded me. and Eido Roshi began. It was during the holders grows daily. But I am grateful Or should I say I successfully avoided it ftrst Kessei during Dokusan. Deep mu not just for the names we know and The work had yet to be done. ing , my forehead to the floor in greeting recite, but for all the nameless Tenzo's It wasn't until four years later, in bow, wafting for the keisak.u blows to and Jisha's and gardeners and workers 1969 - twenty three years ago, that a end and the dismissal bell to begin, I those who embody the Dharma, love it, non-traditional hook was set I had a stopped! I simply stopped mu - ing. nurture and sustain it. And to my parents dear friend at that time who played the Slowly the encouraging blows slowed and friends who helped me on the path. guitar. I noticed that over a very short down and stopped. In the pregnant Endless thanks. period of time he had made great silence that followed I slowly sat up and In particular I am grateful to Eido improvements in his playing. When I looked at Roshi. Just looked at him and Roshi for these past thirteen years of asked how he did it he said zazen. This smiled. His head cocked slightly to the patient, gentle and not so gentle koan concentration of mind allowed him to left. His right eyebrow was raised in encouragement and for the fonn. break through his creative and technical inquiry. information and transformation of Denis
page 3 Kelly to Junpo Kando. And for lhe honor, respect and impeccability of our relationship, for lhe standard of trulh and ZEN STUDIES SOCIETY excellence lhat our relationship has drawn out of me. I am grateful, as well, NEWS for the exquisite taste of lhe relentless discipline of Zazen, which through his ORDINATION IN MEMORIAM example, not his rhetoric, he has led me On October S 1992, during the We were saddened to learn of the to know. middle-day of lhe 10 day Sesshin, Reta dealh of Mary Farkas, lhe director and I have been the Vice-Abbot, Head Lawler will receive full ordination as a secretary of the F'U'st Zen Institute of Monk, Resident Director and Yoga Rinzai Zen Buddhist Nun. Reta is one of America, New York City. She passed Instructor at Dai Bosatsu Zendo for the founders of The Alaya Center, a away on June 7th, at the age of 81. A several years now. What changes will transpersonal process oriented Memorial Service was held on Sunday occur when I receive Inlca? psychotherapy center located in Boulder, July 12th, attended by many people from I will continue to work and study lhe Colorado. During her training, Reta will the various Buddhist communities in lhe koan system wilh Eido Roshi as long as divide her time between Dai Bosatsu area, including Eido Roshi and Aiho he continues to practice and teach. Zendo and The Alaya Center. Shimano from Zen Studies Society. For myself, after I receive lnka !here Mary Farkas served as director of will be business as usual except for the the Institute after lhe death of Sokei-an new responsibility of teaching all new Sasaki Roshi in 1945. He was the fust students and !hose current students who Zen master to settle permanently in lhe desire iL My approach to koan study will United States. She dedicated her life and be more insistent on a clear and work to publishing Sokei-an's articulate understanding of lhe process. voluminous lectures, translations and This clarity is a prerequisite to lhe connnentaries. practice of gosshan, or insight koans such as Mu. We also extend our sympalhy to Junpo Denis Kelly and his family. His These prerequisite koans I call brother, Patrick Kelly, passed away on foundation koans: koans to establish the June 24th at lhe beginning of most conducive philosophical and Anniversary Sesshin. Junpo was with his psychological space to practice within. A koan such as: Buddha Shakayamuni brother in San Fransico at that time. We also send our condolences to said the fU'st step upon the path is right PUBLICATIONS member understanding, articulate and express that We are pleased to announce that the lhe family of Sangha Pat understanding now! These are koans to second edition of Golden Wmd will be Falzarano. He passed away unexpectedly ten days after sitting Holy Days Sesshin. ensure lhe most intelligent and efficient published this September. This collection use of zazen and classical koan study. of !!:1!!!2 was first published in 1979 He practiced weekends at Dai Bosatsu Zendo and was a member of New Y orlc Most imponant will be lhe by Zen Studies Press and has been out establishment of lhe relationships of print for many years. These Zendo. between my so-called Inlca-self and the ttanscriptions provide a vivid, practical S page 5 nor stay in one place, yet there was an January 11, 1974 had it sent from Japan wearing this rakusu, as a Lay Buddhist underlying sense of being swept out to to New York. The sound of the "double in business. sea. drum" is still vibrating East to WesL Thus one cup of tea became a gong. Even though the construction was There is a big bonsho outside the Now we listen deeply to the sound of suspended, we still had to pay the main entrance to Dai Bosatsu. h looks the Bonsho morning and evening. h company according to our conlr8CtUal like a bell but sounds like a gong, and it penetrates the mountain as though it "Time and Materials". We bad already has an inten=sting story. A few years were the sound of the mountain itself, publicly announced the openina date all before the opening of Dai Bosatsu, we the sound of the universe, and it over the United States as well as in were living on the thitd floor of the circulates within our Zazen. Japan, and that this date would be July present Shobo-ji. One Sunday morning, · When Roshi went to Japan to do 4th, 1976 to coincide with the 200th someone rang the doorbell, and there some fund-raising, be spoke to a anniversary celebration of the United appeared a rather dignified Japanese Mainicbi News reporter about the Dai States Independence Day. businessman. He handed Roshi a cake Bosatsu Zcndo project Mr. and Mrs. The opening date and dedication date and his business card and said, "May I Tomoto, who arc tatami makas in Uji were approaching, we still bad to do the beg a bowl of Japanese green tea?" So City, Kyoto, read the newspaper article inside decoration, obtain the insauments, we invited hlm to come to the thitd floor and were vt:ty much moved by what and make such necessary items as the and when Roshi looked at his business Roshi bad to say. They decided to make cushions and tatami. We also had to plan card he was surprised to see that his an offering of 100 of their best tatami the opening cemnony, how to guest was Mr. Kiichiro Kataura, the mats to Dai Bosatsu Zendo. They began accommodate the guests, how to feed Chairman of Nomura Securities, the their endeavor to make the tatami on them, ttansport them, what gifts to give, prestigious Japanese financial institution. January 1, 1976 with sumise chanting, without exaggeration, hundreds of things So Rosbi asked him, "How did you and on April I, 1976 they shipped them had to be thought of. find the Sbobo-ji?" He said, "I so badly from Osaka harbor. All expenses were We were really in a panic. In fact, wanted to have a cup of green tea and it their own contribution. we were paralyzed as we bad no control occured to me that a Zen temple would At that time there were so many over the oil embargo. It was at this time bave some. So I looked in the Yellow things going on, so many bidden, sincere that Roshi relreated by himself to Sun Pages and found Shobo-ji." Roshi made Sangha EXISTING and WATCHING us Moon Hut on Dai Bosatsu mountain. hlm a bowl of tea and immediately and what we were doing. There was no Roshi wrote about this in the 1992 noticed that he had profound knowledge way to know who or how many or what Wimer Newsletter on page 3. What he in the art of tea. As the conversation they expected. My eyes were opened to managed to find in this retreal was some progressed, he learned that his guest had new dimensions of the world and a kind of light with which to break the been a student at Ryutaku-ji under certain element of Qlystery evolved. As problem, and through this small window, Oempo Rosbi's guidance. This is also a result, I learned humility and everything began to say "Yes" again. where Rosbi had trained, so tbat they sometimes became just a little afraid for were, in a way, already dharma brothers. this quiet Dharma movement THE HELP OF THE DHARMA AND We had a great time tbat day. OFFERINGS The following year, when Roshi was vows The standing wooden Buddha in the in Tokyo, he visited Mr. Kitaura and was Because of the financial difficulties, main zendo was cuved by Mr. Horin invited quite cordially into his beautiful we could not go ahead with the interior Matsuhisa and togedler with a beauliful office. Roshi mentioned, with no c:upeniJY work for the Zendo and lacquer shrine was given to us by Bishop expectation, "You know, I was Chinking dharma hall. Mr. T. Takebe was a Koin Takada of Yakushi-ji Temple in about building a bell tower with a gong Japanese architect working with a team Nara, Japan. at Dai Bosatsu." Mr. Kitaura of Japanese cupe:nters, and he said, The big sitting Baddba statue in the immediately asked. "May I donate it?", "Rosbi, don't wony about the payment. Dharma Hall was a gift from Mr. and and Rosbi responded, "Yes, please." So After you get your funds please pay us, Mrs. Jobn Burden. On September 14, Mr. Kitaura and his wife came to Dai but in the meantime, we will finish in 1973 it was flown from Hawaii and Bosatsu Zendo and walked around the time for the opening July 4th, 1976." arrived at midnight in New Y ark. In site trying to find the most appropriate They really worked bud from morning order to determine the correct spot. the most effectively resounding til night, and each took his own vows. proportions for its platform. Roshi had sound for his gong. Using Beecher Lake Some took the vow not to drink coffee us hold the buddha up, down, left and water we made sumi ink and wrote and tea, some vowed not to shave until right while be dcteDnined its correct inscriptions to be molded into the gong the project was completed, some t.odc no positioning. The platform could then be when it was finally cast in Japan. dinner. As I watched them wort, I felt designed and builL He came. to the opening ceremo.ny to that they too were being ordered from Roshi bought the hokku (dharma strike the first gong, and just before he SOMETHING. After everything wu drum) after a long search through the by was going to retire he came to speDd the over, we took Mr. and Mrs. Takabe to a ways of downtown Tolcyo, and on night and he asked Roshi to give him a Thai restaurant and to sec "The King and rakusu. After he died he was cremated I" with Yul Bramer. At the end of the page6 evarlng we settled the an:hir.ectural bill. We needed 100 alcqring sets and zazen sets for tho Inremational Opening Sesshin, June 27 to July 4. The Sangha and I started to make lhem but it was impossible to make them all before June 27. Then one day someone came to the monaste~y and seeing om predicament asked Roshi to please accept his donation and go out and purchase SO futons. blankets, shedS, pillows, and towels. Fifty of each of these items finally urived from a warehouse aod the deliveryman asked me, "What are you doing? Opening a hotel? What Jdnd of hotel is it?" I just really dido 't know how to explain to him what a monute~y was and I'm afraid that he was more puzzled when he left than when he anived. During consiiUCtion we did many, Opening ceremony of Dai Bosatsu Zendo-Kongo-ji, July 4, 1976. many sesshins at the guest house. We chanted the Diamond sutra with s&rong his busy schedule, he could only be Roshi and dokusan was done nen, and one person vowed to memorize absenl from Japan for two days, so we simultaneously by three roshis who are 32 chapters of this sutra. Whenever arranged for a helicopter to fly him from all Soen Roshi's dharma heirs. Sochu Roshi had the time, he helped him to New York to Beecher lake. I put 10 Roshi's place was the present dokusan memorize, line aft« lino, in the boat 011 white sheets on the ground to mark tho room. Kozen Roshi's place was the the lake. It was a beautiful sight to see landing area. Over 100 people drove up entrance to the monastery and Eido lhem out there together on the lab, to the monasteJy to participate in this Roshi's place was on the ground floor. lt except that I wished it was me in the rare Okucha ceremonial tea ritual. was quite a traffic mixer. boat instead of the student. One young man took a vow to do a 140 mile walking practice from Shobo-ji INTERNATIONAL OPENING DAI JULY 4th 1976 SBSSHIN Although there were many obstacles, to Dai Bosatsu, chantins "Na Mu Dai Before we acnaally opened we one after another we were able to Bosa" all the way aod canying a slick. thought it was important to have already overcome them all and at last the day, It took him four days to walk from had a sesshin, so invitations were sent to July 4th, 1976 came. How many times Manh•nan on Route 17, and when he each Zen cent« across the United States we had said "July 4th, 76, July 4th, 76," anived at the gate house he called Roshi and to many in Japan. especially d\U'ing the past 7 years. It was as to say that he was almost there. Ryutalcu-ji. Bach centu sent a though it had become out c:lharan:i. true Everyone then gathered 011 the monastery represenrative for five days, and nearly universal wOlds. steps to receive him as lbough he were a all the Zen teachers in the United States It was a beautiful clear day. The marathon numer. were found to be gathered there on July ceremony was held outside the entrance For about five years, Roshi did not 4, 1976. The students of the different area. We lined both the left and right drink any alcohol and I decided that cemers got to know one another, and that sides of the entrance with 300 chairs, every day I would chanl the Lotus sutra was the real significance of the and here were seated all Zen masters and Chaptu 2S, which is known as the International Sesshin. Zen reachers. The 300 chairs were not Kanzeon sutra. These were out vows to Frcm June 27 to July 4, the complete Dai Bosatsu. enough seating, and some sat on the hill Intematiooal Sesshin was held. We did the Thus we had suppcxt and help from near bonsho. so because, after all, Dai Bosatsu Zendo The ceremony started with the the SOMBTIUNG and were able to open is a Zen training center, and so a mere ignition of the light from Kasuga shrine, on July 4th, 1976 as scheduled. ceremony is not enough. Practice Ise sbrine, and Usa shrine in Japan. together by the Inremational Sangha was PRE-OPENING CEREMONIES which Rev. Koin Takada had brought and is essential. In fact, all the America a type On Juno 18, 1976, the grand master with him to in special of participants, regardless of their different canier. This light is considered to be the Soshitsu Sen XV of Uraseoke came to backgrounds, enjoyed very, very much of Dai Bosatsu Zendo to offer to the self perpetuating eternal light the being together as well as the Dai Bosatsu Dhanna a ritual of "Okucha". Because of Dharma, for Dai Bosatsu and New Yark style sesshin. Teisbo was given by Bido Zendo. page 7 dancing, and as I looked at the newly born monastery through the bonfire, it appeared to be far, far away from me. There is still a long way to go. Our way to Dai Bosatsu is not ended Yes, indeed, wbat Roshi said was rigbl, "The real mission started from July 4th, 1976". 0 TANNENBAUM Nevertheless, 1976 was the most wonderful and unforgetable year of my life. Lata-, one of the Sangha memben put words to the tune of 0 Tannenbaum and this became our anthem for quite some time. 0 Dai Bosatsu undo dear, You fill my Mart with gladMss. Three treasures shine so clearly Mre, TMy dim samsara' s trllldness. From East to West the Dharma's come, In time with BuddluJ' s doublt! drum. 0 Dai Bosatsu undo dear, You jill my Mart with gladMss. INVITATION FOR JULY 4, 1976 It was in the Spring of 1971 with one inlense thought, "ut Tnu Dharma Colllinue," thai ground was fint broken for the establishmenl of /111e17111lional Dai Bosatsu Zou1o Kongo-ji, by BeecMr We carefully managed to keep that when the fU'St gong is struck and there is Lake in the CaJskilf Mowatains, in the original light for quite some time, but thunder, that heaven and earth are State of New York. after about six months it was blown out expressing their joy, so that this place Through the suppoTt of all Buddhas, by a gust of wind So the present light in would be a real dbarma center in the Bodhisanvas, as well as the Sangha and both zendos is not the original Japanese wesL Some of the lady guests from innumerable Dharma frunds throughoul light, but the spirit continues and I trust Japan were wearing eXJraordinarily the world, it is now a1 last completed. this marches on generation after beautiful kimonos but they stood their TM Dharma, incomparably profound generation. ground, even though the rain meant they and minutely subtle, It was a solemn and dignified would neva- be able to wear them again. Is hardly met with, I!VI!n in luwlreds of ceremony in the Rinzai style, the Altogether there were SOO people thousands of millions of Yakushi-ji group took over and did a gathered there. After the ceremony was eons. beautiful Sange ceremony with strong over, Roshi did a greeting to all in We now can see it, listen to it, accept voice. Tben Rev. Keiyu Sakurai from attendance both in English and in and hold it. Nanzen-ji, Kyoto, read the message Japanese. His face was so shining and May we complett!ly UlldersiiUtd the expressing their gratirude for wbat Roshi gentle. It was the face of a man who bad Tathagata's tnu meaning. had accomplished in opening this accomplished a grea1 work. Again and monastery. again I was falling in love with him. He ut me I!JCpress my profolll'lll gralilwle Roshi chanted "Opening this finished his talk with the staremeut, "My thost! whost! concl!na has made this Dharma" and knocked three times on the real wen will begin now." I thougbl, opening possible, and humbly rl!quut front door. Then Mr. Kitaura, who Obi My goodness! your participalion in the Dt!dication donated the bell tower, struck the fU'St On the evening of July 4th, 1976, Ceremorry of /111e17111lional Dai Bosatsu bonsho, and it was immdediately while families gatheml and fireworks 'kndo Kongo-ji at One 0' clock in the followed by a clap of thunder and flared across the entire countty in AfteTIIOOn, Sllllday, the Fourth of July, driving rain. Mr. Hashizume, who celebration of the American Bi-anrenial, Nint!teen Hrutdrt!d and Snenty-Si%. actually designed the gong, added that it we built a bonfire by Beechet Lake. NA MU DAI BO SA has been said that from ancient times Happy singing, joyous talks. drinking, Eido Tai Shimano, Abbot • pageS NEWSESSHIN NEW YORK ZENDO SCHEDULE NEWS FRIDAY EVENING 6:15-6:45 Arrive mB CELEBRATION OF EIDO On Iune 15, Obaku School Mmk:s 7:00 Chanting. ROSID'S 60TH BIRTIIDAY visited and bad lunc:h at Sbobo-ji. After Zuen On Wednesday, September 23, after the wcdshop at Dai Bosatsu was over, 9:00 Sesahin Cautions tho evening Teisho, we will celebrate they came diMctly to Shobo-ji to pay 9dS-10 pn Newcomers Bido Rosbi's "KaDMki" 60th birthday. their respects to tho DbarmL They Orientation All members and non-membe:ts and chanted the Heart Sutra in Obaku style. friends and family are welcome to Aibo made a wonderful cuny rice lunch SATURDAY attend. which wu served to them. On Sanuday, September 26. at 1:00 at the Nippon Club, Mrs. Tomi Inoue OVER 250 HIGH SCHOOL 8:30am Doors Open will celebnte Bido Rosbi's "Kanreki" STUDENTS AT SHOBO-n 9:00-12:00 Morning Service, with an offering of Ceremonial Tea Studcnls from Medi11 Blair High Zazen. Ddcusan preceded by Roshi's talk. A reception School. Grace Owrch School and 12:00pn Lunch. Rest period will follow. There will be a $10 Brookfield High Scbool visited and did 1:30 Sarei donation. those interested please call Zazen on six occasions this Spring (April 2:30 Teisbo Mrs. Inoue at (718) 445-0247. 2. 24, 29 and May 6, 16, 28). They S:OO Supper 6:30..9:30 Zazen, Dokusan, listened seriously to the iosauction and ROHATSU WEEK and YEAR END appeared quite interested in learning Zen. Retire SESSHIN We hope that this will form a good While Dai Bosatsu Zendo is holding c:oonection and that in the years ahead SUNDAY its lraditional Robatsu sissbin from they may pursue this dharma connection. December 1-8, New York Zaldo will 8:30am-5pm Schedule same as correspond with Robatsu Week from 'IWO WEDDINGS AT NEW YORK Saturday December 1-S. From December 10..12. ZENDO SHOBO-n S:00-6:00 Zeodo cleaning, instead of the Art Sale there will be a Two weddings were performed here Informal_Tea. ~ Year End Sessbin. December 12 will be this Spring. One was for a Iapanese the last day of the 1992 Training Period. couple and the other for Nichole Reservatloni are ~· The Zendo re-qMmS on Ianuary 6, 1993. Normaodeau and Bruce Iett. Both On December 31st. New Years Eve weddings were very beautiful and quite Members Pulltime sso will be celebrated with Kanzeon touching for all anendants. We wish Non-mem.bcn Pulltime $75 chanting and Zazen. Roshi's talk and them health and happiness in their lives Part time $40 w day afterwards we will have a New Year's together. Call (212) 861-3.,333 Eve party on the 2nd floor. Members, with your paymcnL non-membe:ts. friends and family are all SOEN ROSHI-YASUTANI ROSHI welcome. SESSHIN Dear Sangha: Although the Zendo It was held March 13-lS with 4S will be closed for tho summer interim. atteudaots. This was the first sessbin of EIDO ROSHI'S TEISHO ON the Shobo-ji depends upon your Dana the year and Roshi bad just retumed WEDNESDAY ONCE A MONTH (supporting contribution), so please pay from India and Iapan. His Teisbo wu Every month we have a Teisho night your August dues on time. excellent and a great help to our on Wednesday at Sho~ji. with more practico. and more people attending and eager to listen. h is very helpful to our koan RINZAI AND OBAKU MONKS VISIT OEMPO ROSID-NYOOEN SENZAKI practice. The Zendo is always full. so SHOBO-JI SESSHIN please come early. On June 1, after their sesshin at Dai This wu the tint sessbin to use the Bosuau. Rev. Kogetsu T_.n Rosbi and newly atnu:Uu'ed acbedule and there were LESS IS MORE Shogen-ji monks and nuns u well as 35 47 people in full time attendance. The Because Shobo-ji is so well attended lay peoplo visited Sbobo-ji.for a dharma new schedule was very successful. by the Sangha for zazen. the thickness of gathering. We saved formal tea in the the cushions became thinner and thinner. Zendo and bad very Dice conversations So we sent 20 cushions up to Dai with them. Bosatsu. and with the help of Cbisbo, page 9 they've all been restored with fresh office which is being used by Charlotte kapok. Indeed, less will bring more. Mansfield, Roshi's seaewy wbett be is at New York Zeodo. THURSDAY PUBUC NIGHTS Thursday nights are becoming DEEP GRATITUDE TO ROSID increasingly popular and have all been ' The end of the Spring Training anended by a minimum of 65 people. ' Period was successfully and Zazen instruction and Dhanna talks by harmoniously completed. Despite • Roshi's busy schedule at Dai Bosatsu senior students are very helpful for beginners. The Thursday night mission is Zeodo, we appreciated his frequent imponant in providing a window of participation and guidance in our daily accessibility, making Zazen practice sittings, weekend sessbins, monthly available to a broader range of people in Teisbo and Japanese Dharma Class. the Metropolitan area. Roshi may also begin to do Dokusan on Wednesday evenings at Sbobo-ji when ALL DAY SI'ITING JUNE 20, he is at New York Zendo. SATURDAY It was dedicated to Rev. Donae OFFICERS' EFFORTS Zedo John Baber, for his burial at Dai During this full 7 month training period, offiCa"S w~e for each Bosatsu Zendo. Ov~ 30 people attended. commemoration in the Cll"dinuy sense of appointed Zazen meeting and because of their help, The dharma talk. dedicated to him was the word, but rath~ an expression of our given by Aiho Y asuko SIUmaDo, Director gratitude for what they have done for us. each meeting went very smoothly. The Sangha is cenainly very appreciative of of New York Zenda, aud was mtitled The atmosphere was very positive aud their efforts. Let true Dharma continue. "Coolness". It revolved uound two haiku joyous, the zendo was full to poans. overflowing, and we all enjoyed the Konoatari evening together with all our known and • We are grateful to those who have meni miyununono unknown, boch deceased and alive, made recent donations to The mina suzusbi Dhanna brothm and sisters. Newsletter. And we are evc:n m-;; grateful for the notes and cants sent Around this area GIFI'S to us in appreciatim for receiving iL Whatever I see Mr. Jin Takeda, an artist from Japan, It is imperativQ to keep the All is but cooL donated his powerful calligraphy "Enmei communication lines and to by Basho Jukku Karman Oyo". It has been hung in opc:n. sustain this precious link in Sangha the third floor meeting room. togetherness. If you have not Y ama suzushi Fran Pmiello dcnated a personal already, please send us a donatim homo imaya computer and printer, which is very to cover the cost of printing and nishi higashi much appreciated and being put to good mailing. All contributions are tax use by the community at large up at Dai deductible. We thank you again for Mountain coolness Bosatsu. your support • You may sc:nd them Dharma nets now spread Mrs. Y anagisawa from Japan visited to: East and WeaL with the Shogen-ji group and donated a THE NEWSLETTER by Soen Roshi beautifully carved wooden Kanzeoo statue, as well as two bell strikers. c/o Dai Bosatsu Zendo BCR 1 Box 171 Frances Cream~ brings so many SEGAKI. JULY 18, SATURDAY beautiful flowm for Thursday nights. Livinpton Manor, N.Y. U758 EVENING adding such a fresh bloom to the Zendo. On July 18, the traditional Segaki service took place in the garden zendo SHOBO-n THIRD FLOOR CHANGE 0-B ON Jt and the garden of Shobo-ji, to With the readiness of time and DA llOSATSU /I:NJ)ll commemorate our deceased family Banzan's dedicated efforts this Spring. members, friends and all known and the whole third floor and parts of the rhis Y<'Jrs 0-B<>n l.antnn Ceremony unknown Dharma brothers and sisters. second floor have been beautifully w ill tJkt· piJCl' on August IS - 1&. If Robert Green played the shalrubacbi and repaired and painted. The third floor now you art• in terested in coming. please there was special chanting followed by contains the Dokusan Room. Im)'O call l>ai Bosatsu Zcndo Eido Roshi's talk. He said that without (Roshi's room), Shikllyo (Director's IMMFDIA ru.Y tn reserve a plJ<'<' . these deceased individuals, none of us room), Tenzoryo (Kitchen), Meeting !'he cost will be SIOO for Jdults .1nd SSO for children under !.he ag<' of 1 1. would be here. So this was not a mere Room. and The Zen Studies Society's page 10 AUTUMN PROGRAMS The Zen/Yoga workshops at Dai DAI BOSATSU ZENDO Bosatsu were designed not only to introduce beginning students to the NEWS practice of Zazen but to broaden our practice to include the physical dimensions of yoga asanas and yogic UNPRECEDENTED FALL SESSHINS KANREKI breathing (pranayama). This, coupled By coincidence this year each of Dai In the East, the ideal length of life is with the power and clarity of living in a Bosatsu Zenda's three Fall Sesshins will said to be 120 years; the 60th bas special monastic setting, offers people a chance all have special Dharma events going on. significance, Dllllking the halfway point to taste Zen in a weekend. To register for any of these sesshins On October 11, 1992 at 2:00 pm we will This fall we will offer two Zen!Y oga please call Dai Bosatsu at 914 439 4566. celebrate Roshi's 60th birthday, Workshops (Sept 18-20 & Oct 23-25). "kanreki", and his transmission of the • KONGO/ SHOBO lO·DA Y With all of us being touched in one Dharma to Junpo Denis Kelly. SESSBIN way or another by the AIDS crises, at no Auendance will be by invitation only. To Dlllik 100 years since Master other time bas the power of zen practice Soyeo Shaku and other Zen pioneers been more needed. The Healing and brought the Dharma to the West and to Wellness Retreat for HIV+ People was Donge's great dream. Initiated in the celebrate the 60th birthday of Eido Rosbi BUDDHIST STUDIES CLASSES THIS Dai Bosatsu Zendo will host a second Spring of 1991 these workshop's offer FALL HIV+ people a chance to begin to look 10-Day Sessbin. Dai Bosatsu Zendo is happy to Eido Shimano Roshi will again lead at themselves and their challenging life announce that this fall six Buddhist fr page 11 THE BLUE CLIFF-HANGERS DBZ ON THE AIR WAVES Kokoku-ji Osho. The plaques displayed By the time this newsletter gets to During June, Eido Roshi was the names of Shogen Junior College and you the verdict will be in. and the interviewed by Larry Frankel of radio Kokoku-ji Temple. winner will be set for the great Dharma station WJFF, a local Catskills radio · Led by Hossan Daiho Hirose, a Battle of the century... softball! station. They discussed many topics: Zen group of eighteen Obaku School monks Last year the Sangha from the Zen practice and daily life at Dai Bosatsu and nuns practiced with the Sangha of Mountain Monastery, a well known Zen Zendo; the ways in which one can Dai Bosatsu f 0-AN COTTAGE Forming a circle around 0-An cottage and chanting Enmei Jukkll Kannon Gyo with great nen. the sangha led by Eido Rosbi performed a dedication and opening for the "Hut of Harmony". With the end of its construction and following Donge's intention, 0-An Cottage is now open for private use. The cabin is one room and is heated by a small wood stove. It has a bathroom with a shower, a gas stove/oven and room for two single tatami and futon mattresses. You may make your own meals or eat at the monastery. The fees for renting the cabin are as follows: 1 person price with meal per nigh! - $100 ($125) per week -$600 ($750) per mODlh-$2100 ($2625) l people price with meal per nigh! -$125 ($175) per week-$750 ($1050) per month-$2625 ($3675) page 13 Hogen John Sweeney has been sitting weekend workshops and six seven-day with a small autonomous group for sesshins a year. Daily sittings are held Grassroots nearly tbree years. Th~ are two sits and Monday through Thursday Mcmings a kinhin from 5:30 - 7 PM. For more from 5:30 to 7 AM. doors opeuing at Zen information you may call him at (203) 5:15. Bvenings from 6:30 to 9 PM. A 488 9752. program for beginners is held weekly Last year The ZZS Newsletter printed Wednesday nights. For information call a number of sitting groups and Zen BALTIMORE. MARYLAND - ZBN Gemo at (215) 625 2601 practice centers that have developed MEDITATION SOCIETY 9703 among students who have practiced at Tu1.semere Road. Rmdallstown. MD CHRISTIANSBURG, VIRGINIA - Dai Bosarsu Zendo, it was an 21133. Joshin Marcie Ziese, holds BLACKSBURG ZBN GROUP 2459 ova-whelming success. Continuing this regular sittings Thunrday evenings from Ellett Rd. OuistiansburJ, VA 2A073. tradition we once again offer this list 6:00 - 8:10 PM. A beginners group is Sittings are Sunday mornings from 9:00 including some changes and revisions held at JoJms · Hopldns University to 11 AM. and Thursday evenings from that have occurred. Tuesday S:OO to 6:30 PM. Also offered 5:30 to 7 PM. Occasional all day are weekend sesshins, all day sittings sittings. Please call Tenko Steven CORTE MADBRA. CALIFORNIA and a Dharma study group for more Feldman for more information at (703) DEER RUN ZENDO 25 Deer Run information please write or callJoshin at 382 9125. Road, Corte Madeta. Ca. 94925. (401) 521 2013. Since its opening two yean ago, Deer RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - 11m Run Zendo has become the bub of RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY- ZEN ZBN GROUP OF RICHMOND TI; Rinzai Zen Practice in the San Francisco MEDITATION IN RIDGEWOOD-:n; Aquarian Booksbop, 3519 Bllwood Ave. bay area. Havins converted his living Unitarian Society AudilCX'ium 113 Richmond v A. Tbe Zml Group of room into a spacious and beautiful place Cottage Place, Ridgewood NJ Ricbmond offetS evening sittings on to sit. Oodo Gordon Jcbnson and The Zen group of Ridgewood has in the Sundays from 6:30 to 9 PM. Cootact resident Risen Tracy LaRock have past two years grown to be a popular Melinda Nolen at (804) 353 0252. expanded their sitting and practice place of meditation for thoro who live schedules this last year. An additional just outside New York City. Muin WASHINGTON, D.C. KASHIN higblight is tbe annual "Dharma Day" a Bernard Spitz leads a regular sitting ZENDO GBNZO- n - 7004 9th Stred, weebod of practice and meditation with group Monday evenings from 7:30 to N.W., Washington. D.C. 20012. In Eido R.osbi. 9:30 PM. Along with short zen talk March Kubin Zendo celebrated its Regular morning sittings are held given by a zen student. For infonnatioo Twentieth Anniversary with a w~ Monday thru Friday 7 to 7:45 AM contact Muin at (201) 652 0313 sessbin led by Eido Rosbi. Wednesday eveoinp from 6:30 to 8, Regular sittings aro held on Tuesday followed by an informal dinna' (please SYRACUSE, NEW YORK- ,mli evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. and a call ahead). And Sunday mornings with CBNTER OF SYRACUSE. HOBN-JI Morning Setvice aad sit bold on Sunday chanting and zazen from 8 to 9:30 AM ZBNDO - 111 Coocord Place, Syracuse. . mornings from 8:30 to 11:00 AM. A In addition Cbib Beu:ina Vitell, a long NY 13210. Hoen-ji is located oo the lOp beginners night is held oo Wednesday time student of Bido Roshi will offer a floor of direclcr Rolto Sheny Cllayat's evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. In seosOry Awamtess class from 10 to hundred-year-old house. There are some addition there are All-day sittings 11:30 AM Fer more information. call 6S Sangha members. Zazen is held held once a month. and two Weekend (415) 924-5159. Tueadays from 8:30 to 9:30 AM; Sessbins a year. For information call 'lbursday eveninp from 6 to 8:00 PM; Kochi Katberino Woodworth at (202) BOULDBR. COLoRADO - 11m IDd Satutdays from 9:00 to Nooo. R.oko 829 1966. ALAYA CENTER 1350 Old Tale~ conducts a three-day scasbin in the Boulder Co 80303. Regular sittings are Spring and Fall. Next year HCHD will RENO , NEVADA GINZAN held Monday thru Thursday from 7 to celebrate its Twentieth Annivenuy with sn. VBR MOUNTAIN SANGHA 7:45 AM. Occasionally Olber sits and a weekald sessbin. For infonn.atioo Chanting and Zazen is offeftld twice Dharma activities are offered. For more contact Roko at (315) 479 9355. weekly: Sunday evenings from 6:00 to information call Thomas Huffman (303) 8:00 PM, and Thursday mornings from 449-5134. PHILADBLPHIA. PBNNSYLVANIA 7:00 to 8 AM For men information - ZBN CENTER OF PHILADELPHIA please call Bob or Jackie Christeusen at (702) 747 0007 or Roger Duncan (702) NEW HAVBN, NON-PRORT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID LIVINGSTON MANOR NEW YORK 12758 The Zen Studies Society Pennit No 8 Dal Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-JI HCR 1 Box171 Livingston Manor, New York 12758