P L U M M O U N T A I N N E W S

Volume 13.4 Winter 2006-07

Dear!members!and!friends, tion) in the evening concludes around 10 this further later in this issue. On the PM the first couple of nights and then morning of the 8th day of our Rohatsu, TItis has been a very eventful quarter. progressively gets later as the week goes which celebrates the Historical Buddha’s Just after returning from Rohatsu at Dai on. By the last night, everyone was stay- awakening, we had a Tokudo (Ordination) Bosatsu (DBZ) in New York, the ing in the zendo (meditation hall) past Ceremony for Brenda (Zenmu) Nightin- House roof blew off during one of Se- midnight. The last five nights of Rohatsu gale. Zenmu lives with her husband and attle’s biggest wind- family in Saskatchewan, storms on record. Well Canada, but has agreed to not the whole roof, but spend at least half of each some very big chunks of year in the States doing it. This left us scram- formal Zen training for the bling to make temporary foreseeable future. We repairs to prevent major will also have more on water damage. After the this auspicious event later third temporary patch, we in this issue, but let me got some tarps hammered say now how pleased I was down to hold until the that Zenmu’s dozen guests roof replacement could from up north reported that begin, which is going on they felt very welcomed as I type this letter. It is and accepted by our a good thing that Presi- for the ceremony dent Bush has assured us which began at 5 AM, that global warming is January 12th. just a flawed theory; oth- erwise, I might be Borrowing from DBZ’s tempted to believe in Al Rohatsu, our Rohatsu pro- Gore’s film, An Incon- gressively increased the venient Truth, that hints structured sitting time over that events like Seattle’s the course of the eight wind storm, the severity Eido Roshi with Chobo-ji Participants at DBZ Rohatsu days. By the end, we of Hurricane Katrina, were formally sitting included an “Om” kinhin (walking medi- until midnight with yaza (unstructured sit- and the rapid loss of polar ice are harbin- tation) that I found to be inspiring and in- gers of catastrophic change in the Earth’s ting) going on all night. If you are new to vigorating; therefore, we tried it at Chobo- Zen, you may feel this is extreme, but climate brought on by human ignorance ji’s Rohatsu (1/4 – 1/12) with good effect. and avarice. please read my Talk in this issue During the course of Rohatsu, all partici- before drawing this conclusion. The Dai- pants became both exhausted and also Tenzo (Chief Cook) this was Going to Rohatsu at DBZ was amazing. somehow full of vibrant fresh energy. Charlie (Taishin) Blackman; he was as- First of all, I was joined by Chobo-ji sisted by Bob (Daigan) Timmer. Together members Rodger (Tozan) Park, Brenda As usual the temple was closed for the with other senior Chobo-ji students they (Zenmu) Nightingale, Bob (Daigan) Tim- week between the Christmas and the New skillfully produced delicious “temple mer, and, of course, Peter (Shinkon) Years and then reopened on New Year’s food” three times a day, which is no small Glynn, who is a resident at DBZ. To- day with our annual chant, bell ringing feat. Our Shika (host/manager) was Dee gether we made a very strong contingent and potluck brunch. Soon thereafter, we (Seishun) Endelman; she kept Rohatsu or- among the 45 participants. Eido Roshi began our own Rohatsu at Camp Indianola ganized and running smoothly. Holding and Roko Ni Osho, Eido Roshi’s Dharma on the Kitsap peninsula. We had 27 par- us punctually to our expanded schedule Heir, were in fine form and provided ex- ticipants this year, which is a good size was our Jikijitsu (Time Keeper), John cellent leadership. Shinkon was DBZ’s for us, not small and not crowded. The (Daikan) Green. The Jisha (tea server) for Jisha, a very demanding post at a training first full day we had a Jukai (Precept) this Rohatsu was Zenmu, backed up by monastery, and was in charge of caring for Ceremony for Matthew Perez. Matthew Edward (Daiki) Cadman. With Zenmu’s all participants. It looked as though it has trained with us for some time now, home cooking touch we were served some went very smoothly for him. At DBZ’s and has also been training at the tradi- delectable fare. My assistant (Inji) was Rohatsu, each morning starts at 3 AM. tional Japanese Tea ceremony with Rev. The final structured sit (period of medita- Genko Kathy Blackman. We will go into Continued on next page… Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 2

Continued from previous page… bourg Dojo in time to help with sesshin He reached out to Genko who then made preparations. Josen was the Tenzo; other contact with my daughter Adrienne. The Scott (Ishin) Stolnack; he got a few more Birankai (International Aikido) Sangha three of them then went down to the vet’s assignments helping with the Tokudo took other posts, and I was Jikijitsu. office to be with Bruno. Bruno was ceremony, and I was grateful for his pres- There were 25 participants. At the conclu- happy to see them and wanted to be ence. I was also grateful for Genko’s pres- sion of that evening we checked our picked up and held, which they did in ence overseeing the midday whisked green Seattle email to discover that our dog and turn. Josen and I knew that night that tea, assisting Bruno’s bodily Zenmu during the departure was im- Tokudo cere- minent, but we mony, and coor- did not know dinating our final when in the next Dokuson (Dharma 24 hours the Interview) very event would take early Friday place. During our morning. The sleep that night Densu (Chant Bruno came to Leader) was Linda me in a dream. I (Muka) Wehnes was holding him who performed saying my good- superbly in this byes; he was lick- post. Last but ing my tears. I not least, Tom awoke aware that (Shodo) DeGroot, this was likely one of our most the moment of experienced mem- his bodily release, bers, was our Jo- and Carolyn kai, Keisaku (waking stick) assis- Participants in Strasbourg Sesshin agreed. The next morning we were tant. not surprised to learn that Bruno’s Chobo-ji’s mascot , Bruno, physical release was at the same hour as Daiki and I helped lead a well attended was very ill. Though it was late evening the dream. Coincidence? You could say half-day sesshin with the Reiun-zan in Strasbourg, it was only the middle of so; I think not. Ellensburg/Wenatchee Sangha at the El- the afternoon in Seattle. At Randal lensburg Ecumenical Church, Saturday, (Daigetsu) Tanabe’s suggestion, who is In addition to what has already been men- January 20th. Then on the evening of often Bruno’s caretaker while we are away, tioned, you will find in this issue a Fund January 24th, Carolyn (Josen) and I made we called the vet where Bruno was Appeal for our new roof, an announcement our annual trek to Europe to lead a three- brought for treatment. Right when we of our upcoming Annual Meeting (3/11), day sesshin in Strasbourg, France. We phoned, the vet was consulting with Dai- where every year we elect our Board of Di- spent the first night in Zurich, and sat getsu about Bruno’s condition. It turned rectors, an announcement for Spring Ses- with the Shogen-dojo Sangha and Rev. out that he had a swollen dysfunctional shin (3/24 – 3/30), and a listing of new Shokan Marcel Urech who is also a long liver, swollen heart and poorly functioning posts for Spring training beginning March time student of Eido Shimano Roshi. kidneys. In other words, Bruno had no 1st. As usual we will be having a Spring Shokan and I have often sat next to each chance to survive and needed to be “put Intensive beginning at mini-sesshin March other at DBZ’s , so it was won- down.” This would have been a difficult 11th and concluding with Summer Ses- derful to sit with him in his hometown of decision for Daigetsu to make in our ab- shin (6/23 – 6/29). Zurich. We shared a simple meal with sence, so it was quite fortuitous that we him and a few members of the Sangha be- called when we did. As many are already aware, Genki Taka- fore retiring after a long day of travel. I’m bayashi Roshi (our founding Abbot) will afraid I wasn’t in my best form and be in Seattle on April 8th, to celebrate knocked over the flowers at the dojo en- the 2,550 anniversary of the Historical trance! Of course Shokan was very gra- Buddha’s birth, and to elevate Genko to cious about it, but I know many of you Ni Osho (full priest) at a 10 AM cere- have knocked over the flowers in Chobo- mony to be held that day. Therefore, our ji’s foyer, and now I know how you feel. Zurich was cold, snowy and beautiful, mini-sesshin normally scheduled for that what little we saw of it. I hope to visit morning will be moved to the following longer one day. The next morning, Fri- week (4/15) and please note that Genko day, Jan. 26th, we caught a train to Stras- Bruno was with us nine years. Though will give the that day. If at bourg. he was 13 years old and his energy was all possible, please plan to attend these declining before we left, he seemed to events honoring Genko. She has dedi- have no complaints about life before our cated a decade of her life to her path as Gabriel Valibouze, Sensei met us at the unsui (cloud and water person, i.e. Zen train station and we arrived at the Stras- departure. The vet said, “It was just his time.” Daigetsu wisely called in support. monk). Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 3 Just before spring sesshin I will be at- Annual Meeting Spring Sesshin tending another happy event at DBZ. Shinkon will have his Tokudo (unsui or- Sunday, March 11th March 24th - 30th dination) on March 21st. Because of Shinkon’s long association with Chobo-ji, Eido Shimano Roshi has asked me to be a Our Annual Meeting will be held at Please send a deposit by March 11th, co-celebrant, to which I have happily 11:30 am after the Sunday, March 11th earlier if you want to guarantee a re- agreed. mini-sesshin (5 - 11:15 am). At this served spot. Make your deposit check meeting we elect our Board of Directors to Chobo-ji. The cost of sesshin is Finally, here is a list of some upcoming for the year. The Board is the legal and $210 (less dues). Sesshin begins promptly at 5 am the morning of Satur- events in the life of Chobo-ji. Genki Ro- fiscal guardian of the temple. If you are day, March 24th, so plan to be there at shi’s birthday is coming up Feb. 21st, he interested in serving, please let Genko will be beginning his 75th year. See Ro- least 20 min. early. Sesshin will end know beforehand. The Board meets about around 11 am, Friday morning. shi’s 74th birthday poem below. I will be four times a year. A quorum of at least the guest speaker at the Center for Spiri- half of our active (i.e. dues paying) mem- tual Living on Sunday, Feb. 25th. My bers is required, so please plan to attend topic will be on synchronicity of Dharma Relations. I’ll be in San Diego for a this important meeting. three-day sesshin with Chiba Sensei, April 20 –23. There will be a Wenatchee mini- New Zen House Roof sesshin the weekend of April 28-29. The wheel of Dharma is always turning, and Fund Appeal things are hopping in our Sangha. As we move towards spring, please take care and give generously from the bounty of our Seattle had a major windstorm the December 14th. A significant portion of the Zen practice. House’s metal roof blew off that night. The metal roof was put on several years be- fore we moved in. Unfortunately for us, the roof was not installed properly; it was put directly on top of several layers of deteriorating roof. As a result, the metal roof With gassho, became loose as the old sub-layers of roofing continued to deteriorate. This is what allowed the roof to be picked up by the strong wind. Our insurance company is Genjo picking up the cost of replacing the missing and damaged segments, but the Chobo- ji Board determined that given the improper installation of the metal roof, that we should get a whole new roof. Therefore the Board got several bids and selected a 74th Birthday Poem contractor to replace the metal roof with a new shingle one. by Genki MuHoOn Roshi The cost of the new roof with tear down and installation is $17,000 The cost of new gutters to go with the new roof is $1,600 The cost of temporary repairs was $1,600 Total Cost: $20,200

Insurance Claim: -$5,200 In Mu Ho’s Garden Savings: -$6,000 Fund Appeal: $9,000 High Pine Tree, A bird is playing. Our insurance company has paid out so far: $2,264 and we expect to get an addi- tional settlement of about $3,000. This means the cost of the roof and repairs to us Gentle wind, is around $15,000. Where does it go? Passing cloud, We had $11, 000 in our saving’s account, which is held for just such emergencies. Running water, In addition, we have sufficient liquid assets to temporarily cover the whole cost. But considering that we do want to continue to pay down our Zen House mortgage Genki’s Zen and keep a healthy reserve of say $5,000 minimum, this means that we will need to Is doing nothing. raise $9,000.

Chobo-ji has about 40 active dues paying members, if we simply divided the costs Making tea that would come to $225 per person. Of course, at any given moment, some of us He drinks the Universe. are more flush than others, and it may be that a few large donations will be able to cover our expenses and reserve. If you have not done so already, please consider now giving what you can. We would like to conclude the Fund Appeal by Spring Sesshin, March 24th. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.

Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 4 Hekiganroku: Second day of our Rohatsu Sesshin and earlier today I loudly called out Daizan’s we’re beginning to smooth out most of name because he was sleeping away. But Seppo’s Turtle-Nosed the kinks. However, occasionally I’ve who knows, perhaps when I called out, been finding myself confused by how we “Daizan!” the shock of that call might be Snake, Case 22 do things here at our Rohatsu, relative to his moment of Great Enlightenment! I’ll how we do things at home in Seattle or at have to wait until we are alone together in (2rd day, Rohatsu Sesshin, 2007) the Dokusan room to find out! (laughter) Transcription help from Dee Seishun Dai Bosatsu Zendo in New York. Every- one in their posts is doing a very good job, but occasionally there are some slips. We flip all the time between bumpkin For example, before I come to the main and Buddha! It is as Master Rinzai said Engo’s Introduction: altar for a Dharma Talk, there should be a about the “the True Person Without long stick of incense laid across the top of Rank,” the one beyond self-deluded ego The great universe is boundless. As for the incense bowl and the powdered incense identity. He said, “The True Person with- how small it is, it is like an atom. Grasp- lid should be already open. That’s just out Rank [i.e. that One Shining alone] is ing and releasing, developing and declin- part of the ritual of how we do things. always going out and coming in through ing, are not in others’ hands; they are all And normally the Densu (Chant Leader) your face.” Bumpkin, Buddha, bumpkin, in your own. If you want to get rid of en- takes care of this preparation, but if the Buddha, bumpkin, Buddha. All the time! cumbrances and cut through entangle- Densu doesn’t get to it the Shika (sesshin ments, you must transcend form and host/manager) or Inji (Abbot attendant) One side of a coin cannot be separated sound and remove all trace of the activity should catch it. These little details are from the other. Both sides together make of mind; then you will be in an impregna- important to be mindful of. In this case, one coin. Likewise we cannot separate ble position and absolutely independent, the Shika and Inji are the backup for the Buddha from bumpkin. Therefore, we’re like a thousand-fathom cliff. Tell me, Densu. Sometimes, we send a substitute not here at sesshin trying to become Bud- who was ever like this? See the follow- Tenzo (cook) to the kitchen to spell the dha and avoid bumpkin, we are here trying ing. Dai Tenzo (Chief Cook). We back each to realize that we are already whole! Try- other up. ing to realize and accept that Buddha and bumpkin are always going out and coming Main Subject This morning, I missed a step by not do- through our face all the time. Sometimes ing zazen inspection early enough and this we feel like a nut, sometimes we don’t. Seppo, speaking to the assembly, said, threw the Shika off, so I did the Han “There is a turtle-nosed snake on the (wood striker) myself this morning, which It is true that with practice we indeed be- South Mountain. You should have a is normally the Shika’s job to do. At a come more skillful performers. In the good look at it.” Chokei said, “Today, in break I queried the Shika, “What readiness of time, we mature into more this temple, there is obviously one man happened?” She said, “Foolish me! I fully articulate artisans of life, we become who has lost his life.” Later, a monk re- thought I was to follow yesterday’s in- more able to accept and manifest the True lated this to Gensha, who said, “Only structions!” (laughter) That’s just the Person without Rank. Itzhak Perlman, the Brother Ryo (meaning Chokei) can answer right answer. (laughter) Of course, im- world-class virtuoso violinist, makes it like that; as for me, I am different.” “How mediately, I understood that it was my look so easy. Even in the midst of his are you different?” asked the monk. Gen- mistake and I said so, “Oh, my mistake!” own maladies and suffering, his perform- sha said, “What use is there in making use I knew someone goofed! (laughter) But ance reveals effortlessness. And, how is of the South Mountain?” Ummon threw her answer was perfect. “How foolish of that? Only through lots of practice! his staff down in front of Seppo and made me to think it would be done like yester- Think of how many dark nights he must a gesture as if he were afraid of it. day. I’m so sorry not to have picked up have gone through to make it look so on the new cue!” This is the Zen way. easy. Think about how much pain and Setcho’s Verse We move beyond right and wrong and be- suffering he must have faced to present as come free to just do what needs doing un- such a virtuoso. der the current circumstances. In this way Mount Seppo was too steep to climb; we are ready to go with the ever-changing e’re already whole and we’re never Only the skilled could try it. flow of the moment. It is always chang- W Chokei and Gensha made nothing of it; ing. There is no intrinsic right or wrong complete. And, in the short time allowed How many truly lost their lives? way of doing things. Of course we are all to us, we continue to train. This is all we struggling to be more attentive and mind- can do. Life itself requires us to practice Ummon knew how to beat the bushes; ful; on the other hand, no matter how at- and train. You should think of the whole The snake—its nature so—was nowhere tentive we have been there will be times earth as a monastery. Just to meet life re- to be found. when we have to just make it up as we go. quires Great Determination, training. Life The staff, suddenly flung down, is always presenting new challenges. Opened its mouth right after Seppo. When we realize this much, we come to a Within an hour, you can experience your place like Rohatsu to turn up the heat a being manifesting as a bumpkin or a Bud- bit, to see if by amplifying the suffering It strikes like lightning; dha. Even within one sit (period of seated If you try to look for it, you fail; we can learn what we need to learn a little meditation) you may experience yourself sooner than later. Rohatsu is like run- Now it is hidden on this peak of Nyuho; being brightly alert one moment and at If you want to see it, look at it directly. ning a marathon; it stretches our endurance other times about to fall over asleep. So, and puts us on our growing edge. You Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 5 may run everyday but there’s a difference can’t determine this for you. I might Last night doing Yaza (unstructured when you run a marathon. Or, if you’re challenge you on it, but I also trust you to sitting), I realized everyone else had gone an Aikidoist, you go to a seminar, where be your own master. You must determine to bed. It was about 11:30 p.m., maybe most of every day is spent exhausting this for yourself; no one can determine it someone returned after that, but for a oneself on the mat. We’re exhausting our- for you. while I was alone in the Zendo and it felt selves in zazen (seated meditation). Ex- good. It feels good to exhaust yourself hausting ourselves so that we are totally We know that Genko has some very completely. The first night at 10 p.m., I spent. There’s something right about get- complicated health issues. It’s truly was so exhausted, I couldn’t drag myself ting totally spent, throwing everything amazing that she can walk from one end of to Yaza. I don’t know if anyone else was into it! the room to the other. And at this Ro- here in the zendo or not; I was asleep. Af- hatsu, she may have to say, “That’s it, ter 30 years of Zen training I’m now con- Eido Roshi, Abbot of Dai Bosatsu, is won’t be doing this sit!” And though she fident that without trying to pace, save, or fond of saying (and it’s so true), “Don’t must also face her own doubts, I will protect my energy I can throw myself into pace yourself. Exhaust yourself completely trust her determination. If practice and still take care. I don’t know completely!” The neat thing about this is, she’s not here in the zendo with us, we’ll how this sesshin will go, but I’ll bet that, if you exhaust yourself completely, self is completely understand. No question. Her as time goes on that most of us will pick exhausted. And when self is exhausted call. The same goes for everyone else in up energy, and Yaza every night won’t be then, without a doubt, there will be a re- this room. a problem. Then again, we don’t know lease into what we call great freedom or how it will go. There could be a night emancipation. As Hakuin told when it’s just a brick wall; can’t crawl to us the other day, it is as easy as hitting Yaza. Okay, no right, no wrong. Do the floor, it can’t be missed. So, remem- your best! But WATCH OUT for the ber that you have come to Rohatsu to ex- snake of self-deception! haust yourself completely! The notes about today’s say that af- It’s a little like a runner who pushes past ter Setcho made his verse, all of a sudden their sense of physical limitation and he gave a shout and said to the assembly, reaches what is referred to as “the second “Look out beneath your feet!” wind.” When we start to cruse, it feels as though we can just go on and on. This is Seppo was a very prominent Zen Master what we are shooting for when we talk in 9th Century China during the peek about in Zazen. blossoming of Chinese Zen. He had many Dharma Heirs including Zen Mas- One time I made a commitment to do an ters Chokei, Gensha and Ummon. So entire Rohatsu with every zazen period in what is this turtle-nosed snake that Zen full lotus (both legs crossed). I think it Master Seppo is talking about? He said, was probably 1979, the year before my “There is a turtle-nosed snake on the Tokudo (monk ordination) ceremony. I South Mountain. You should have a was trying to prepare myself for going off good look at it.” This is one of those to Japan, so I thought, “Okay, I’ll do ses- places where it is necessary to have access shin in full lotus.” Sometime during the to some good footnotes on Chinese my- third or fourth day of this sesshin, I felt thology. Evidently, a turtle-nosed snake pretty exhausted! There was lots of pain is one ugly, old, venomous snake that but I continued to throw myself into it. swallows you whole. It represents in Zen Not trying to pace myself, just giving it literature the Great Death we must all face my all to see what would happen. My in the course of Zen training. Whether we knees got swollen. At the start of a cer- face our “mortality” through dropping our tain sit, I pulled up one leg and then I be- corporeal bodies, or prior to this, by being gan to pull up the second leg over the first swallowed by the Great Death, this great and went, “OW!” (laughter) Spontane- However, if you’re protecting yourself, matter will be met one way or the other. ously this shout came out of me, I you cannot hope to exhaust yourself. This great matter challenges, tests and de- laughed and said out loud “not this one” Won’t happen. Absolutely guaranteed. vours us, and—through the process of and put the sore leg down for half-lotus. T here’s a difference between protecting training—eventually spits us out minus Now this was not a defeat or surrender. It yourself and taking care. Zen master Rin- our shell or cocoon of a separated self- was simply, “Well, this body isn’t doing zai often concluded his discourse with, hood. full-lotus this sit.” “Take care.” He meant, take care to prac- tice and then take care to practice more! What we call “self” is an important co- How do you learn to trust yourself? Go straight on, and give your all! Occa- coon but if you stay in there too long, it Well, that’s a good one. You must take sionally, we’ll run into a brick wall. The gets rather smelly. We want to come out, good care of your body, but you must also body just will not go. Oh well, that’s we want to be free of our cocoon, but we strive not to pamper yourself. How do fine. If you need to move then just move, you know the difference? I don’t know. I if you need to bow out, then bow out. Continued on next page… Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 6

Continued from previous page… said, “In this moment, how do you face , I got bogged down in my fear, at- the turtle-nosed snake?” or “Where are you tachments, remnants of unresolved per- are afraid to loose our “self.” The snake after you have been swallowed by the sonal history and Eido Roshi said to me, of life and death is always lurking near by; turtle-nosed snake?” “Genjo, what about Mu? Where’s Mu?” realizing that we are going to be swal- Oh, right, right, right! Yes! Okay, let’s lowed one way or the other, and not want- Ummon is also present. He too was a begin at the beginning. Muu. I want to ing to die having never really lived, we senior student of Seppo and became one of immerse myself in Mu, abandon myself in risk breaking through. Breaking through the most famous Zen masters of all time. Mu. Immerse, immerse, extinguish, ex- sometimes appears as a “Shit wiping Ummon takes his walking staff, tinguish, exhaust, exhaust, exhaust. Mu, stick” as Zen Master Ummon one day pro- and—when Seppo puts out his challenge Mu, Muuuuu, until like hitting the claims. It can also appear as Rinzai’s, —throws down his staff and then acts as ground, “Ahhhhh. Okay.” And we con- “That One Shining Alone.” But look out though the staff has turned into a snake tinue to face the inconceivable again and beneath your feet. Mortality is lurking and then perhaps says in words or ges- again until there is nothing left, not even near by; don’t be deceived again and again tures, “Ooohhh!, I’m so scared!” This is a the inconceivable! by your self-deceptions. Instead, throw grand response! Just great! It’s Ummon’s yourself completely into this practice and style. There are several people in this room training, enter what we call the Great who, because of getting bogged down in Doubt and allow yourself to be swallowed The koan is, “How would you have re- one koan or another, or their own assess- by the Great Death! A great sage once ment of their delusions and attachments said, “You must lose your life, to save sponded to Seppo? What would your style be?” have said, “Oh, I need to work on Mu your life.” again.” Good. At this Rohatsu let’s all ou know, IT is the same whether it ap- dive into Mu completely; in other words, Seppo says to the assembly, “There’s a Y may we all become completely exhausted turtle-nosed snake on the South Mountain. pears as the “oak tree in the front garden” and immersed. Remember, in this prac- You should have a look at it.” South or “three pounds of flax” or “dried shit on tice there is no getting it right or getting it Mountain is a reference to the mountain stick” or “a snake in the grass.” It is al- wrong, we simply and completely exhaust where Seppo’s temple is located. So he’s ways the same, and also always different ourselves, that’s all. Our attachments saying something like, “Here I am. Come and unique. How do we freely and tran- build up like plaque! (laughter) You’ve examine me. You should have a good scendently respond to ever changing cir- got to go in for a cleaning now and then! look at this old snake.” Now this isn’t cumstances? How do you respond to the You can really start to smell (laughter). boasting ego. This is, “Here! Come on; pain? What is your response to the fa- Mu, Mu, Mu—deep floss (laughter). give it your best shot! Step up. Let’s tigue? How do you meet exhaustion? dance. Let’s see what happens.” If you How will you face your own death? Does were an Aikidoist, he might call you to the dog have a Buddha nature? What is Ummon knew how to beat the bushes; the mat and demand your best attack. It’s your response? Muuuu, Muuu, Muuu. The snake —its nature so— an invitation, and a challenge. “Come on. Joshu, of course, just said, “Mu.” was nowhere to be found. Throw something this way.” The staff, suddenly flung down, What’s your style? Many people in this Opened its mouth right after Seppo.” Chokei said, “Oh, look out! Today, in room have glimpsed “Mu.” As you work [As in, Ummon steals the show!] this temple, there’s obviously one man with traditional Zen koans you are peri- who has lost his life.” There’s another odically required to face “Mu.” Even It strikes like lightning translation that goes something like, though you’ve had a glimpse, you must [Ummon’s brightness.] “Look out! Today many are going to face the turtle-nosed snake again and If you try to look for it, you fail; die!” In any case, Chokei is implying, again. As in, “What is the sound of one [It can’t be grasped!] “Ah, oh, look out! I wouldn’t attack him hand clapping?” or Gutei’s one finger or Now it is hidden on this peak of Nyuho; if I were you!” (laughter) “Because he has Boddidharma’s peace of mind or Um- If you want to see it, look at it directly.” already died, everyone who goes up mon’s “Kan!” or Rinzai’s “Katsu!” Again against him is going to perish!” and again, we must be swallowed by the ineffable. Again and again we must ex- Where are you not looking at it? The haust the trappings of self! Not just once, Chokei is saying what every teacher sun is shining. The waves are lapping. don’t settle for merely a glimmer. Don’t The seagulls are flying. The pain is wants to hear! Later, a monk who over- be satisfied! heard Chokei’s response asked another pounding. Though it can’t be held, it is everywhere you look. Nothing is absent; senior student of Seppo’s, Gensha, what fter apprenticing nearly twenty years he thought of it. Gensha said, “Brother A therefore, there is nothing to find! Ex- Chokei may put it that way but I’m differ- with Genki Roshi, a little more than ten haust yourself completely! Don’t ent.” “Well, how are you different?” asked years ago I started up with Eido Roshi. I pander…and take care. the monk. Gensha said, “What use is went to Dai Bosatsu and met the snake. He’s swallowed me whole several times. there in making use of the South With gassho, Mountain?” I think Gensha is saying Scared me to death! Now was this Eido there is no need to refer to the South Roshi or was it my own fears, delusions Genjo Mountain or to oneself. The turtle-nosed and attachments? Early in my work with snake is sufficient. So Seppo could have Eido Roshi, after working through a few Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 7 Rohatsu Sesshin 2007 Jukai Ceremony Closing Incense Poem On Friday, January 5th, the first full day of Chobo-ji’s Rohatsu Sesshin, Matthew Siddhartha awakens to the Perez formally accepted the Buddhist pre- bright morning star. cepts. He has been an active participant in our Sangha for some time, and has com- Rohatsu Sangha listens to the pleted more than the requisite two week- long sesshins. In his application letter cold, still silence. Matthew wrote,

Who can say what this is? I came to Seattle and found Chobo-ji after several years of primarily practicing Zen Eagle soars above Puget Sound, on my own. From my first visits to the leaving no trace. temple, I have felt supported in my prac- tice and welcome in the community. Over the past year and a half, I have been ex- posed to a warm and gentle Zen that I feel is of particular benefit to my naturally se- New Posts rious disposition… and a Dharma Name. A Dharma Name is Beginning March 1st selected by the abbot to be an inspiration Furthermore, at Chobo-ji , I feel that I am for realizing one’s full potential. Mat- Rev. Genko Blackman: Shika! surrounded by teachers: Genko, all the de- thew’s new Dharma Name is MyoDo (Host - Manager) voted senior students, and other novices as which means Bright Way. well. Every sesshin, I am amazed and en- Diane JoAn Ste Marie: Shika couraged by the collective effort… Jukai candidates need to petition in writ- Assistant ing at least one month prior to the cere- This Sangha is a community that I am not mony, saying why they feel the time is Bob Daigan Timmer: Dai-Tenzo only eager to belong to but also inspirred ripe to take this step. Jukai candidates (Chief cook for Sesshins) to serve. I feel that Chobo-ji helps me to usually have attended regular zazen at tap into my greatest potential. Through Chobo-ji for a minimum of six months Dee Seishun Endelman: Tenzo involment in the life of the temple, I have (including at least two week-long Assistant begun to experience how this is not sesshins), have become regular financial merely “my Zen practice,” but Ourr Zen supporters of the temple, and feel ready to Mary Choko Cabaniss-Ballard: Practice. My feelings of regard for, conn- give themselves to the Three Treasures Jikijitsu (Timekeeper) nection to, and intimacy with this com- (Buddha, Dharma & Sangha). In other munity only seem to get deeper and purer words, they find themselves inspired by Tom Shodo DeGroot: Jikijitsu as time goes by… practice, feel that the training opens their Assistant Heart-Mind, and want to serve the temple During the Jukai Ceremony Matthew ac- community. Edward Daiki Cadman: Densu! knowledged his respect (Chant Leader) for Zen practice and Bud- dhist principles by giv- Charlie Taishin Blackman: Densu! ing himself to the Three Assistant Treasures (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), Ryan Hosen Grant: Jisha! chanting the Bodhisattva (Serves tea and takes care of zendo) vows and leading the Sangha in reciting the Mattew Myodo Perez: Jisha! Ten Precepts. Assistant Scott Ishin Stolnack: Inji! After that Matthew re- (Abbot Assistant) ceived a Rakusu (symbolic pieces of the Carolyn Josen Stevens: Fusu! historical Buddha’s robe (Treasurer and financial manager) worn around the neck)

Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 8 Tokudo Ceremony During the ceremony, Zenmu was asked The ceremony concluded with an informal to reafirm her acceptance of the Command- tea for all Rohatsu participants and the ments of the Seven Buddhas, and pledge dozen guests that came from Canada to be Brenda Zenmu Nightingale petitioned to herself again to the Three Treasures and to with Zenmu that day. Many days later become an unsui (cloud and water person the care of all beings. She consented to Zenmu wrote the following in a leter to or Zen monk) shortly after doing her Jukai allow Genjo Osho-san to work with her to Genjo: (lay precept ceremony), on December 8th, diligently strip away all delusions of sepa- 2003. She completed all the requirements rated self-hood, as evidenced by self-cen- As I put on the robes and then the Kesa I set forth below in December, 2006, and tered behavior. Zenmu was then asked to felt, for the first time in my life, away was ordained the final morning of Chobo- formally commit to the path of “leaving from an instrument performance, that feel- ji’s Rohatsu Sesshin, Friday, January 12th home” by acknowledging that the Dharma ing which can- of this year. Here are the steps one is re- is like a great sea, once entered an unsui not be described quired to complete before ordination: must go deeper and deeper until “self” is of beauty, truth lost and True Nature realized. strength, unity I) Complete at least two Chobo-ji inten- connection, awe sives over the course of two years, or At this point, Genjo Osho removed the and humble alternatively, complete six week-long last bit of hair on her head, and Rev. gratitude. As I Chobo-ji sesshins. Genko Blackman helped her put on her un- looked at the II) Do Jukai. sui robes. Genjo Osho then gave Zenmu pieces and III) Write a formal letter stating your rea- her second unsui Dharma Name, which is patches of the sons and desire. Kesa and en- IV) Solicit the advice of any living nu- folded it around clear family relatives about your in- me, it felt as tention to “leave home.” though all the pieces and V) Move to Seattle if you don’t already patches of “my live here, or minimally make plans life” came to- to reside in Seattle during both the gether as a Fall and Spring Intensives. (At this whole. time, I don’t believe it is possible actively to oversee training from a distance.) Rev. Zenmu will be travelling with VI) Complete an additional year of at- Genjo Osho to DBZ for Peter Shinkon tending all four Chobo-ji quarterly Glynn’s Tokudo Ceremony to be held at week-long sesshins full time, and Dai-Sei (Great Star). This was followed by DBZ, March 21st. She will then stay and travel with me at least once to Dai- the presentation of her Kesa, the rectangu- be a Dharma sister with Shinkon through Bosatsu Monastery for sesshin. lar piece of patchwork cloth worn over the DBZ Spring Kessei training intensive. left shoulder on formal occasions, and is She will return to Seattle for Chobo-ji’s VII) Make or purchase (with assistance symbolic of the robe worn by the Histori- Fall training intensive. offered by the Sangha) all the robes cal Buddha. After reafirming The Ten Pre- and work clothes needed for ordina- cepts, Zenmu made three prostrations three tion. times. Once in front of the icon of the VIII) Cut one’s hair short in preparation Historical Buddha, once in front of her or- for head shaving (ordained women dination teacher, Genjo Osho-san, and then must first have their head shaved, but to the Sangha and invited guests. subsequently are allowed to keep their hair short, except when doing he service was concluded with the fol- kessei.) T lowing words by Genjo Osho-san: IX) Commit to doing at least one kessei (monastic training intensive --mini- The infinite worlds are all empty, like lo- mum of three months), preferably at tus blossoms growing without water. The Dai-Bosatsu monastery, within the Mind is clear and pure in you. The bowed first two years of ordination. head is a deep . May the Three X) Commit to attending all Chobo-Ji Treasures, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, training intensives, or equivalent, for encourage and protect you, and may you ten years. forever serve and care for all beings. I pre- sent you, Rev. DaiSei ZenMu Brenda Nightingale. Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4 Page 9 Spring Intensive About Dai Bai Zan Schedule Cho Bo Zen Ji Chobo-ji’s Spring’s Intensive will start Introduction to Zen March 11th, with mini-sesshin on that Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm day, and conclude on June 29th at the close In 1978, Zen Master Genki Takabayashi Zazen! of Summer Sesshin. To join you must be was invited by the Seattle Zen Center, Monday - Friday, 5:30 am, 1 hr. a member in good standing. Good stand- founded by Dr. Glenn Webb (at the time a Saturdays, 6:30 - 8:00 am ing means you have: UW Art History professor), to become the Sundays, 6:30 pm, 1 hr. resident teacher. He accepted, and by 1983 he formalized his teaching style around a Dharma Talks A) made three consecutive monthly dues 1st and 3rd Sundays, 7:30 pm, 1 hr. contributions and small group of students, and founded Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji, translated as Great Sesshins: Quarterly week-long retreats Plum Mountain Listening to the Dharma last week in March, June, September B) attended at least one half-day mini- Zen Temple. and early January. sesshin or week-long sesshin in the last Mini-Sesshins: Half day retreats with quarter. Before Genki Roshi came to Seattle, he breakfast, Dharma Talk and Dharma trained for nearly twenty years at Daitoku- Interview. 5 - 11:30 am, Sundays: Then to participate in the intensive you Ji, the head Rinzai temple in Japan. In ad- 3/11, 4/15, 5/13, 6/10, 7/8, 8/12 must agree to the following: dition, Genki Roshi directed a Rinzai tem- ple in Kamakura, Japan. He entered the Spring Sesshin: 3/24/07 - 3/30/07 1) Attend group zazen at least five out of monastery when he was 11 years old. Summer Sesshin: 6/23/07 - 6/29/07 seven days a week. Autumn Sesshin: 9/22/07- 9/28/07 After twenty years Rohatsu Sesshin: 1/3/08 - 1/11/08 2) Commit to attending all mini-sesshins of tirelessly giving and week-long sesshins during the himself to the We Are Located: at 1811 20th training intensive. transmission of Ave., (one half-block north of Madison Buddha Dharma to and south of Denny). Street parking is 3) Join the Dharma dialogs held at the United States, available in front or between 19th and 20th 7:30 pm most 1st and 3rd Sundays. in 1997 he retired on Denny, or off-street parking is available as our teacher, got behind the house. After entering the front 4) Make an attempt to go to every married and moved door, remove your shoes and socks in the Dharma Interview offered during the to Montana. There entry way and proceed to the Zendo intensive. (Dharma Interview will be he is planting the (meditation hall) upstairs. 206-328-3944 offered each Sunday night that Genjo is seeds for yet an- in town.) other American Zen Dues and Fees: go to support the group, and doing life of this temple. We have no outside 5) Do at least one hour of samu (working the activities he support from any organization. meditation – gardening or cleaning) for loves best: garden- the temple per week. ing, pottery, and Dues are $60 a month or whatever one can cooking. afford. Any amount received monthly 6) Read at least one assigned (mutually means that you will receive this quarterly agreed upon) book on Zen history or newsletter, receive discounts on retreats, practice. Genjo Osho began his Zen training in and be considered an active member. 1975, was ordained in 1980, became an 7) Make plans to attend an additional ses- Osho (full priest) in 1990, and our Abbot The suggested fee for any morning or eve- shin (3 days minimum), preferably at a in 1999. In 1981-82 he trained at Ryutaku- ning practice period, including Tuesday more formal training center, such as ji in Japan. Genjo Osho is assisted by night introduction and Sunday night Great Vow Monastery or Dai-Bosatsu Rev. Genko Kathy Blackman. In addition Dharma Talk is five dollars. The $5 fee is Monastery. (This requirement does not to his Zen duties, Genjo Osho is a psy- waived for all members. have to be met during the intensive but chotherapist in private practice, a certifi- cated spiritual director, married to wife, The suggested fee for mini-sesshins is must be planned and completed within $20. Fees for the March, July, and Sep- a year of the intensive). Carolyn, and father to daughter, Adrienne. Our temple is in the Rinzai Zen School. tember sesshins are $210, and Rohatsu Sesshin is $320. Members may subtract For those ChoBo-Ji members who live Since Genki Roshi retired, Genjo Osho- san has continued his training with Eido their monthly dues from the week-long outside of Seattle, creative adjustments are sesshin cost. For more information see: possible, please speak to Genjo Osho-san. T. Shimano Roshi, abbot of Dai Bosatsu Monastery in New York. www.choboji.org Plum Mountain News Vol. 13.4