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

Volume 16.2 Summer 2009

Dear!members!and!friends, fresher course on the use of the Jihatsu planning to continue to do service in pal- (nested eating bowls) after Saturday liative care. Chobo-Ji is not really Summer really came on strong the last on August 15th. Senior students set the equipped to fully support unsui training at week of July, with record heat in Seattle example for others; therefore, senior stu- this time; nevertheless, through our ex- and around the region. In the for dents are particularly encouraged to attend pansion, we will undoubtedly move to- zazen at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, July this refresher course. wards a more comprehensive training en- 29th, the temperature had cooled down to vironment. I know many are saddened 101 F. By the end of the sit, the three of As many of you already know, after tak- that Zenmu will not be with us to help us present were soaked as though we had ing an extended break from Chobo-Ji prac- develop and refine our practice. In a letter been in a sauna; I guess we had. The tice, Rev. Zenmu Nightingale has decided she wrote me dated July 15th announcing zendo garden is singed at the edges, but to transfer the continuation of her her decision to train at DBZ, Zenmu said with lots of care and water it has survived. training to Eido Roshi and DBZ. I do not that she bows down deeply in gratitude to pretend to know all the reasons for this, the and me “for all that has been offered.” I wrote back, “I return your bow Back at the beginning of June, Chobo-Ji’s but there was a breakdown of direct com- munication between her and me that con- on behalf of the entire Chobo-Ji Sangha, Myodo and Seimu were ordained by Eido for all that you have given to us. May we Roshi at Dai Bosatsu Zendo (DBZ) Mon- tributed to this decision. Many of us were hoping that after a restorative break, all continue to give ourselves to the astery in the Catskill Mountains of New .” York, as unsui (cloud and water persons - Zenmu would return to process any diffi- culties, but this was not to be. Of course, Zen monks). This brings the number of ur Summer Sesshin 2009 was a great monks training full-time at DBZ who got I have no objection to her desire or will- O their start at Chobo-Ji to four. Of course ingness to train at DBZ, as it likely has success. Twenty-four people signed up, everyone but our newest members know the very best Rinzai Zen training in the but two canceled at the last moment. This Shinkon, who was ordained in March world. Moreover, I am happy to report meant that we had just enough room for 2007 and is well known to us, having that she plans to continue her study of tea everyone to sit at our dining tables to- trained with our Sangha (community) for at the Urasenke Branch in Vancouver, gether, but it was tight. Our Dai-Tenzo over ten years. Last June Stefan Streit, B.C. for two weeklong intensive study (Chief cook) was Tom (Shodo) DeGroot, now Giun (Good Cloud) was ordained at periods each year, which will coincide who did a wonderful job, with the assis- DBZ. Stefan spent only a short time at with spring and fall Ikebana workshops. Chobo-Ji before traveling to DBZ for Also, when not training at DBZ, she is Continued on next page… more intensive training. There will be more on the ordinations of Myodo and Seimu later in this issue.

Speaking of more intensive training, Chobo-Ji expansion plans continue to be refined, and hopefully we will be able to offer a residential practice to those inter- ested in the near future. We held a meet- ing on July 12th to refine and forward our collective vision, and there is a report on that meeting in this issue. In addition, Edward (Daiki) Cadman and Michael (Daizan) Lyons are heading up a Program Committee, to begin setting up additional practice opportunities for both Chobo-Ji members and a wider community audi- ence. Programs will delve into Zen arts such as calligraphy, tea service, flower ar- ranging, and other offerings to be an- nounced later this year or early next. Rev. Genko Blackman and I are working on ways to refine and expand the form of our practice. Our first will be a re- Middle Day Meal, Summer Sesshin 2009 Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 2

Continued from previous page… on a houseboat on Sauvie Island, with an sue, Genki Roshi’s health is very unpre- old friend of Roko’s. After we arrived at dictable these days and he has been stead- tance of Michael (Mukan) Blome, prepar- Great Vow, we participated in one of the ily losing weight. Genki Roshi, Genei ing scrumptious meals to support our most congenial and productive meetings and I were planning on sharing a meal training. Genko Blackman Ni-Osho, gave of the AZTA. The group was small, but Sunday night, but when Genki Roshi a very moving talk on the second day, many of the participants had been actively tested his blood sugar it was very high about Case 46 of the Mumonkan, pursuing Zen training for over forty years. and we ended up going to the emergency “Stepping from a 100 foot Pole.” This It was a blessing to be surrounded by sen- room. That evening Genki Roshi spent talk included some references to an oil ior Dharma brothers and sisters who have the first night in his 77 years in hospital. leak only a few feet from Beecher Lake on persevered these many years in giving Genki Roshi has now recommitted to DBZ property; read more about this later themselves wholeheartedly to the Dharma. watching his diet more carefully and in this issue. As is our custom, she also We met from July 9 - 11. On the second monitoring his blood sugar at least twice a prepared whisked powdered green tea for day of the meeting I was asked to give a day. We can help Genki Roshi in his ef- us after Teisho on middle day, which al- formal Teisho to the gathered AZTA par- forts to remain healthy by agreeing among ways brings us closer to our founding Ab- ticipants and Great Vow residents. My ourselves to not enable poor eating and talk was on Case 15 of the Mumonkan, drinking habits. I am asking all of us not “Tozan Gets 60 blows.” This talk was in- to send “care” packages that include alco- spired in part by my Teisho that is tran- hol or other goodies that can be easily scribed in this issue from the last day of abused. After his brief hospitalization, Summer Sesshin, which touched on this Roshi made an appointment with a nutri- case. I came back a little early so that I tionist and diabetic nurse, and they were would be fresh for our mini-sesshin and able to give him a lot of material, in Japa- expansion meeting on July 12th. I had nese, that should be useful. We need to one more opportunity to be with Shinge support these efforts as best we can from Roshi, Monday night, July 13th, when afar. Carolyn and I were invited to share dinner bot, Genki Takabayashi Roshi, since he at Michael (Ryushin) Sobel’s house In addition to the many offerings in this made each tea bowl. The Shika (manager) nearby. Shinge Roshi was in good form issue that I’ve already mentioned, you will responsibilities were shared by Charlie throughout, and I am so pleased to have find an article by Genko Ni-Osho on post (TaiShin) Blackman and John (Daikan) her supportive presence in my life. prison meditation practice, “Coming Green; Bob (Daigan) Timmer also had a Home Sangha”, the Summer Sesshin clos- turn at this post. They all did a fine job One outcome of the AZTA meeting was ing incense poem, a list of new posts for keeping us organized and occupied during that I became the manager of the AZTA the autumn training season, several an- samu (work meditation) periods. Besides web presence and database. Fortunately, I nouncements including Autumn Sesshin cleaning and beautifying our own prop- have been able to enlist the considerable (Sept. 26 - Oct. 2) and the Autumn Inten- erty, our samu projects included cleanup skills of Jaye (Seiho) Morris to help me sive (beginning Sept. 13th). Finally, I of the Madison parking strip, work in the with this. In truth, he has been doing all want to report that Chobo-Ji now has for- UW Arboretum Japanese Garden, and a the work of transferring and updating the mal reconciliation and sexual harassment work party to Genko’s house to help with site and has agreed to be Webmaster for policies. Should we ever need them, they her garden. Our Jikijitsu (time keeper) us. In addition, after completing the up- are now in place. Though they are just a was Edward (Daiki) Cadman, who kept us grade of the AZTA site, Seiho has agreed work in progress, these policies pave the punctual and on track throughout the day. to help Chobo-Ji with a makeover of our way for other policy statements that we pinch-hitting as our Densu (Chant Leader) site. I am very grateful for his help. will need as the group expands. A copy post was Tobin (Fudo) Youngs, who did of the reconciliation policy can be found an amazing job for his first time out. The ust recently, I returned from Walla on line by following the “Literature” link (tea server) post was held down by J Walla, WA, where I led a mini-sesshin on at www.choboji.org to “Sesshin and Sally (Zenka) Metcalf and Virginia Zendo Guidelines.” The Chobo-Ji board (Myosin) Dunthorne; they provided delec- Aug. 2nd for about a dozen participants. The following day I did an informal has approved Dee (Seishun) Endelman, table treats at just the right moments. Dee Scott (Ishin) Stolnack and Linda (Muka) (Seishun) Endelman was my Inji for nearly thirty participants in a dance studio with no air conditioning. Wehnes to serve as our reconciliation (assistant) this sesshin, and her support to committee. me has been invaluable. Given the heat of the day, I was surprised that we were able to stick it out. The Walla Walla Dharma Sangha sponsored May True Dharma continue to unfold Shinge Roko Roshi, my older Dharma both events, and my hosts were Chris and through the actions of Chobo-Ji’s Sangha. sister, who leads the Zen Center of Syra- Janaki Howard. I believe this was my cuse (Hoen-ji), stayed overnight at Chobo- sixth visit as a Dharma Teacher to Walla With gassho, Ji, July 8th. The next day she and I trav- Walla, and I look forward to many more. eled to the American Zen Teacher Associa- Genjo tion annual conference, which this year rom Walla Walla, I flew directly to was held at the Great Vow in F Clatskanie, Oregon. We had a truly won- Hamilton, MT, to visit with my mother, derful, informative, and mutually suppor- my aunt and Genki Roshi and his spouse tive drive south and then had a late lunch Leslie (Genei). As reported in our last is- Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 3

old, corroded connectors. Oil was seeping DBZ Oil Leak through the soil across the lawn and DBZ Ordinations Emergency threatening to contaminate Beecher Lake, which flows into the Beaverkill River and Chobo-Ji students Matthew (Myodo) its tributaries throughout the Catskills. Perez and Christina (Seimu) Grant were This June, residents at Dai Bosatsu ordained by Eido Shimano Roshi, at Dai Zendo Kongo-Ji, the monastery in the Fortunately, a team of specialists was Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-Ji, on June 3rd, Catskill Mountains we are closely affili- called in to clean it up before the oil 2009, Gempo Roshi’s memorial day ated with, discovered a serious fuel oil seeped into the lake. Now all of the con- (Chobo-Ji’s Dharma Great Grandfather). leak beneath Joraku-an (Beecher House), taminated soil has been removed and dis- In attendance were many people from the the historic house next to Beecher Lake at posed of in an ecologically responsible wider DBZ Sangha including Genjo Osho, the center of the DBZ propery. Lines manner by a professional environmental Genko Blackman Ni-Osho, and John hooked up to the fuel oil tanks beneath the agency. Additional soil samples will be (Daikan) Green. house were leaking in many places due to taken and examined by a geologist for traces of contaminants, and removed if necessary. The fuel tank beneath Joraku- an has been unearthed, emptied and dis- carded. As a preventative measure, the other fuel tanks on the property will have to be removed.

As you can imagine, this process has been very costly. So far, DBZ has in- curred expenses totaling more than $30,000 for the clean-up effort at Joraku- an alone. The removal of the other tanks on the property is projected to cost another $20,000. DBZ’s 2009 fundraising cam- paign, launched only weeks ago, helps de- fray their normal operating costs. These Myodo received the monk’s name Zuiho unforeseen expenses are far beyond any- (Auspicious Phoenix) and Seimu’s new thing that they have planned for in their name is Jodo (Way of Tolerance). yearly budget, and drastically exceed their limited resources. With this ordination, Zuiho and Jodo ome of you have given generously to have committed to train for 1,000 days at S Dai Bosatsu, giving themselves heart, support the DBZ over the years, and it is body, and mind to dedicated Zen practice also known that some have already made a with the support and instruction of Eido contribution to help with this emergency. Roshi and the DBZ Sangha. We honor Thank you so much. However, consider- their commitment and send them strong ing the extraordinary costs that have been Nen to further the flowering of dharma and incurred, additional support is still ur- the strong connection between DBZ East gently needed. Please help them to pre- and West. serve the pristine beauty of Beecher Lake and the grounds of Dai Bosatsu Zendo, which have supported the flowering of True Dharma in the West for over thirty yeas.

Tax deductible checks can be made out to Chobo-Ji, with “Environmental Emer- gency” in the “for” line, or mail your con- tribution directly to:

Dai Bosatsu Zendo, 23 Beecher Lake Road, Livingston Manor, NY 12758

Unsui Bows (Sampai) Continued on next page…

Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 4

Continued from previous page… Autumn Sesshin Fall Intensive Sept. 26th - Oct. 2nd This upcoming Intensive, which will go from 9/13 - 12/13 and resume on 1/2/09 lease send a deposit by Sept. 13th, ear- P and conclude 1/10, the last day of Rohatsu lier if you want to guarantee a reserved Sesshin, is your chance to commit to a spot. Make your deposit check to Chobo- Ji. The cost of sesshin is $210 (less more rigorous practice. To join you must dues). Sesshin begins promptly at 5 am be a member in good standing and agree to the morning of Saturday, Sept. 26th, so the following: plan to be there at least 20 min. early. Sesshin will end around 11 am, Friday 1) Attend group zazen at least five out of morning, October 2nd. seven days a week 2) Commit to attending all sesshins full- time during the training intensive (including monthly mini-sesshins) New Posts 3) Join the Dharma dialogs held at Beginning September 1st 7:30 pm, 1st and 3rd Sundays

Rev. Zuiho Matthew Perez Bob (DaiGan) Timmer: 4) Make an effort to attend weekly Doku- and his Mother Shika!(Host - Manager) san (Dokusan will be offered each Sun- day and Wednsday nights that Genjo is Michael (MuKan) Blome: owards the end of the ceremony Genjo in town.) T Dai-Tenzo (Chief cook for Sesshins) Osho offered Words of Encouragement: 5) Do at least one hour of samu (working I am so proud and tickled by this day. Carolyn (Josen) Stevens: meditation – gardening or cleaning) for You could not be in a better place to do Tenzo Assistant the temple per week. your Zen training. When did the two of you really begin your Zen training? In John (DaiKan) Green: 6) Read at least one assigned (mutually many ways we could say today, with this Jikijitsu (Timekeeper) agreed upon) book on Zen history or ordination ceremony. Or perhaps it was practice, writing a brief report that may at your Jukai (Dharma Precept) ceremo- Charlie (Taishin) Blackman: be published in PMN. nies that took place within a few months Jikijitsu Assistant of each other in 2007? Was it the day you were conceived in your mother’s womb? P eter (Shinke) Ilgenfritz: 7) Attend an additional mini-sesshin dur- I tell you truly this day has no begin- Densu! (Chant Leader) ing this period, this can be in Elens- ning.… Know that you both have the full burg, Wenatchee or elsewhere. support and prayers of everyone here and Sally (Zenka) Metcalf: from many who could not be with you to- Densu!Assistant day. Do your best. Congratulations! Virginia (Myoshin) Dunthorne: Jisha!(Serves tea and takes care of zendo) Diane (Joan) Ste. Marie is happy to cele- Dee (Seishun) Endelman: brate the birth of her granddaughter Lu- cille Annabel Ortiz Bennet, born 7/14/09, Jisha!Assistant 6lb 3oz. Scot (Ishin) Stolnack: Inji!(Abbot Assistant) Tea Name

Carolyn (Josen) Stevens: As many of you know, Genko Ni-Osho Fusu!(Treasurer and financial manager) has been studying Chado (the way of tea) ever since her first kessei living and train- Rev. Genko Blackman ing at Dai Bosatsu Zendo in 2000. A & Edward (Daiki) Cadman: practitioner of tea from was also Introductory Zazen training at DBZ at the time and offered free tea lessons and tea gatherings to the Rev. Jodo Christina Grant unsuis each week. Genko fell in love with Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 5 tea, and upon Expansion Meeting The meeting concluded with the partici- returning to pants giving authority to the Board to Seattle contin- purchase a property that meets these re- ued tea studies A Sangha meeting was held after mini- quirements. The Board will, of course, with the local sesshin, Sunday, July 12. The purpose of endeavor to keep Sangha members “in the branch of the the meeting was to get input from the loop.” However, if a property becomes U r a s e n k e Sangha regarding the various property available and we need to act quickly, par- school of tea. types that the Expansion Committee has ticipants agreed that the Board is author- In the years been examining as part of our plan to de- ized to buy that property without addi- since, she has velop a residential practice center. Eight- tional Sangha oversight. found many een Sangha members attended. opportunities to use tea Genjo spoke and shared his thoughts bowls and about the expansion project. He said that other utensils from his perspective, buying an apartment Coming Home made by Genki building made the most sense because it Sangha Takabayashi would allow room for a larger zendo and Roshi. living quarters for residential students and A Prison Dharma Practice Opportunity it appeared the most financially sound op- by Rev. Genko Blackman After a number of years of intensive train- tion. He also commented that now is the ing and practice in tea, this August 7 time because we have the funds and the As you know, several of us at Chobo-Ji Genko was awarded her chamei (tea name), price of buildings is relatively low. have been involved in meditation groups Soko, indicating acceptance into the Ura- at King County jail and in the Washing- senke tea family. Urasenke tea names all As a representative of the Expansion ton state Department of Corrections prison begin with the character “so,” taken from Committee, Bob (Daigan) Timmer then system, as well as being pen pals with in- the name of Sen Soshitsu, the iemoto, or reviewed the various options the Expan- mates across the country. Recently I have hereditary head of the Urasenke branch of sion Committee was considering and gave been part of a group of volunteers inter- the Sen family. This represents the close an example of each: ested in working with inmates as they re- tie to the Urasenke family, in the same lease back into our community, and help- way that both Genjo and Genko, along o A large house; ing them find support for their practice with others ordained by Genki Roshi, re- o An apartment building; upon release. Beginning August 5, we ceived the character “gen” in their ordina- o A church which could be renovated w i ll b e s p o n s o r in g a meditation and guest tion names. with living spaces; speaker session on the first and third o Expanding in the current Wednesday evenings, 7 - 9 pm, at 1930 The second character of the tea name is neighborhood; 6th Avenue South, Suite #101 (cross chosen by Sen Soshitsu from the name of o Maintaining the status quo. street is Holgate). Our vision is to have a the practitioner, in this case, “ko” from mix of newly released inmates together with community members present at each Genko. This “ko” means fragrance, or in- Following these presentations, there was cense. When Genki Roshi gave Genko her meeting. The group is known as the Com- a period for small group discussion that ing Home Sangha. name, he said that “ko” was a reminder to focused on which option(s) people pre- combust completely, leaving nothing be- ferred, where the expansion should hap- hind but the fragrance of the Dharma. pen, and what additional features might be There are a couple of ways in which How wonderful to have both tea family included. The majority of participants fa- Chobo-Ji members can participate. For and Zen family in one name. vored a property option that would allow starters, on evenings when someone from for residential practice, preferably an apart- Chobo-Ji is speaking (Genjo is scheduled The chamei is awarded by the iemoto ment building (for financial reasons). The for September 16), it would be nice to upon recommendation of the teacher after a majority thought the best location would have a few Chobo-Ji members present so certain level of training and practice has be between Jackson and Northgate and that attendees can get to know a bit about been achieved. Although exciting to re- Aurora and Lake Washington. Other pref- our group, and so that more Chobo-Ji ceive the chamei, it was pretty humbling erences included the following: Ideally members can connect with this large seg- to have this happen at the beginning of a our property would be in a quiet neighbor- ment of our population. If you are inter- three-day tea intensive, sitting next to a hood, would have disabled access, and our ested in coming, please let me know so I tea teacher in her 80’s, a chamei holder of Zen practice would ‘fit’ with the neighbor- have a sense of how many might attend. many years, who continues to train in the hood (i.e. the neighbors would not be dis- basics after many decades of tea. There is mayed by people in black robes walking If you are or become interested in partici- nothing like begin- the neighborhood sidewalks.) Additional pating more regularly, we will be looking ner’s mind! features to look for included garden space to expand the core group of volunteers and on-street parking. Most agreed that who can facilitate these meetings, help to there is no rush to move, that it is more recruit guests speakers, keep track of important to find the property that is right schedules and so on. Please also let me for us. know if you think this might be some- thing you would like to do. Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 6

passionate towards all beings great and midday meal, calling out ‘dear Hekiganroku: Case 93 small, animate and inanimate. Also, by ’], he was not simple Taiko’s “You Fox Devil” being fully aware in this moment, you minded.” A monk asked will naturally be called to do what needs Chokei, “Kingyu’s action – what did this (6th day, Summer Sesshin, 2009) doing today, which will best prepare you dance mean?” Chokei says, “He seems to Transcription help from Seishun for “tomorrow.” observe reflection and thanksgiving before midday meal”, which is exactly what we Main Subject: A monk asked Case 93 is rather short because, for one do when we chant the before break- Taiko, “What is the meaning of Chokei’s thing, there is no introduction by Zen fast and the midday meal. They are chants words, ‘He seems to observe reflection and Master Engo. Engo was born in 1063, 11 of reflection and thanksgiving. So Chokei thanksgiving before the midday meal?’” years after the bodily departure of Zen said that this dance was Kingyu’s form of Taiko performed a dance. The monk made Master Setcho, who originally compiled reflection and thanksgiving. Chokei sees bows. Taiko said, “What makes you the in the Hekiganroku. Engo Kingyu’s wild dance as the most ordinary make the bows?” The monk performed a probably wrote introductions to all 100 normal activity. Yet if you or I saw dance. Taiko said, “You fox-devil!” koans in this collection, but some of them Kingyu, or if you were out doing samu have been lost. Though this case is short, [work meditation] before lunch, and in- it gives reference to an earlier case, Case stead of hearing the indicating meal- Setcho’s Verse: 74. And for those of you who were time, I came onto the steps and did a around for the Teisho on that case, you dance, and called out, “Bodhisattvas! might remember the midday mealtime Bodhisattvas! Come take your meal!” One arrow glanced off, dance of Kingyu Osho. In today’s case a You might think this was a little strange the second struck deep; monk asked Zen Master Taiko, who lived (laughter). Chokei claims this activity Don’t tell me yellow leaves are gold. in the 9th and 10th Centuries and suc- seems completely ordinary to him. You If the waves of Sokei were all the same, ceeded Sekiso, about Zen Master Chokei’s might think Kingyu is simple minded, Many would drown on land. but Setcho reminds us, “Kingyu was not simple minded.” Isn’t that good As I speak there are less to know! (laughter) than 24 hours left of this Summer Sesshin. This is our final push. It’s Case 93 reflects on this tempting to start thinking earlier case. Setcho must about our ordinary lives have felt that Taiko’s re- and all the things we need sponse to Chokei’s com- to do, but please don’t mentary was significant leave Summer Sesshin enough that it has mer- before it is completed. ited its own case. A From doing all this zazen, monk asked Zen Master it’s quite natural that Taiko, “What was the we’re ready for more ac- meaning of Chokei’s tion. Hopefully, by the words?” What did conclusion of sesshin, Chokei mean when he we’ll bring more peace of implied that Kingyu’s ac- mind and some deeper in- tions were so natural and sight on how to proceed ordinary? Taiko immedi- in our actions, and that’s ately performed a dance! good. However, let’s not The monk made bows, proceed before we have which is to indicate ap- soaked up as much of the breeze, the Summer Sesshin 2009 Participants proval, as in “Oh, I see, I sun and the wind chimes as we can, al- understand, I approve of your lowing us to deepen our root in the eter- commentary on Kingyu’s dance. Each response.” And Taiko came back with, nity of this present moment. Our effort is midday meal Zen Master Kingyu would “Why are you making your bows?” In directed to being here, now, with each personally bring out the pail of boiled rice other words, “What is it that you think breath, and each action. for his monks and dance calling out, “Dear you understand?” The monk responded by Bodhisattvas, come and take your meal!” also performing a dance. This is a lot of Chokei much later told an inquiring monk dancing! At this, Taiko said, “You fox This mind extends over the whole uni- that Kingyu “seems to observe reflection devil!” Is this praise or criticism? It verse and transcends yesterday, today and and thanksgiving before the midday could be either way. “You fox devil!” tomorrow. If we are fully present in this meal.” could mean “you are very cunning,” or it moment, room and body, then we will could mean, “You thief! You stole my easily realize that “our” mind is not sepa- response!” perhaps some of both. rate from this Mind, extending over the Setcho immediately enters a commentary, whole universe and beyond. With this re- “Although Kingyu did this [rather crazy- alization, we can’t help but become com- looking behavior of dancing before every Most often “Fox Zen” implies that there Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 7 is some sort of cunning or witty imitation tion. In which case, it is relatively simple with the (waking stick)! Poor To- going on, a kind of superficial play, lack- to generate different similes, allegories, zan must have thought, “I came so far, I ing much depth. Hence Taiko’s comment metaphors, gestures or verses to the same answered his questions simply, honestly can easily be seen as a criticism of the . On the other hand, if you have only and directly, and yet the Master gives me monk’s dance in response to “What is it superficially penetrated the koan you’ll be sixty blows, as if I’ve insulted him terri- that you see?” Setcho says, “One arrow stuck with one “answer” or way to re- bly! Where is my fault?!?” Sixty blows glanced off, the second struck deep.” The spond. Until you are able to freely turn with a keisaku, even our flimsy keisaku, first arrow is Taiko’s dance in response to over the koan in three or four different would be quite a few blows! If you’d the monk’s question. The second arrow is ways, you haven’t yet adequately investi- traveled a thousand miles to Chobo-Ji and Taiko’s rebuke, “You fox devil!” Setcho gated it. the first time you came to Dokusan, you says, “The second struck deep.” Ooh, that got hit with a keisaku sixty times, you got him! Then Setcho says, “Don’t tell In addition, you should be able to look at too would likely be completely dumb- me yellow leaves are gold.” In autumn, any koan from a 180-degree perspective, founded, angry and dejected! This action many leaves are golden, but they’re not and still find a response that does not lose of Ummon threw poor Tozan into a dark made of gold. So don’t tell me that yel- sight of the underlying transcendent im- night. low leaves are gold. Gold, in this case, port. In other words, when a koan is thor- represents what’s real and “yellow” a poor oughly examined, you can start with either However, the next day Tozan returned for substitute. an absolute or relative approach and al- more! He came back! He didn’t leave! I ways reach the transcendent point of the am sure he thought about leaving, he Before I go on, as you may well be aware, koan. If the koan has only been superfi- might have even started on his way, but there are many books about koan training. cially penetrated, your response will likely somewhere in the night he courageously I’ve got a few of them upstairs in the li- get mired in a relativistic or absolute ap- decided to stay. Could you imagine that brary and most of them are very good in proach. It all turns on whether or not you you would do the same if you were in this that they don’t talk about responses very have investigated the koan thoroughly situation? I think most of us would leave. much. In Case 91, “Enkan and the Rhi- enough to have true insight into this mat- Leaving would be so much easier! But he noceros Fan” we observed how several Zen ter. In other words, has the koan really didn’t leave. Tozan came back to face and masters responded to the same koan. done its work on you, has it been a cata- confront Ummon and says, “I thought Each one had a different take, or angle, lyst broadening and deepening your per- about it all night. Yesterday, you hit me and yet all of the responses were more spective? with sixty blows, for the life of me, I than satisfactory. Each master approached can’t see where my fault was.” Ummon the koan using different language and dif- This is one of the things I love about shouted, “You rice bag (you bag of shit)! ferent gestures, each response original. Rinzai Zen and its use of koans; there are How can you go prowling around the But some books proclaim that the way to no pat “answers.” It is possible to write a country like this?” Ummon scolded To- respond to such and such koan is like this book about each koan and only have sur- zan terribly for just asking what was his and that, giving some sort of canned re- veyed some of the possible approaches one fault. But Ummon’s timing was impecca- sponse. could take. Even after reading such a ble! Because Ummon was a well-seasoned book, unless you have had your own true master, he could place his blows and his A long time ago, I admit to reading one insight, you will be thoroughly confused! scolding with perfect timing, at least of these books (laughter)! And I was Hence reading books about how to re- that’s how we suppose it was. Tozan on down at Bodhi , with Joshu spond to koans is of no use. Such books hearing Ummon’s second rebuke, had a Sasaki Roshi and there was a certain koan will either confuse you or get you stuck in sudden awakening, right there on the spot that I was given where I had read the an imitation. and saw through the error of his ways; “answer” and gave it in Dokusan. Much with his heart open he had great apprecia- to my shame and embarrassment, Joshu Someone came to Dokusan this morning tion and gratitude for Ummon. Tears, I’m Sasaki Roshi immediately scolded me, sure, were streaming down his face and with a novel response to “Tozan Gets Ummon accepted this opening, knowing “You’ve been reading books!! Get out of Sixty Blows,” Case 15 in the Mumonkan. here!” (laughter) Well, I closed that book full well that Tozan would one day go far In this case we learn that Tozan has come in penetrating this matter. and never looked at it again. a long way -more than 1000 miles- to visit Zen Master Ummon. Ummon says, When working with koans you may well “Where have you come from?” Tozan re- Surely Ummon, Joshu and Rinzai had off intuit a well-known response, one that sponds simply and genuinely and says days when one of these ploys didn’t go so may indeed be similar to one you could something akin to, “Well, I came from the well and the person left. It is not the Zen find in a book; however, the person in the other side of the country. I’ve been walk- master’s intention to lose a good student, role of Zen Master will ask, “Can you say ing for a year to come and visit you.” but it happens all the time, and the Zen it another way?” This question is a way Ummon, “When did you get started?” literature is full of episodes when the in- of checking to see if you really penetrated Tozan, “I started on such and such a date.” quiring monk doesn’t get it. By radically what the koan is pointing at. When you Ummon, “And where have you trained pushing on the mature student, it is the have fully and genuinely investigated a recently?” Tozan, “At such and such a Zen master’s hope that the student will koan, then you have already turned it over temple.” Ummon, “When did you leave bounce back with more determination and many times and realize there are at least there?” Tozan, “On such and such a date.” a new level of insight. However, it several different ways to respond that will At this Ummon gives the poor guy, who give an appropriate token of your percep- has traveled so far to see him, sixty blows Continued on next page… Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 8

Continued from previous page… and it was far from any kind of imitation. and take your meal! You’ve been working hard! It’s lunchtime.” Chokei says, “This doesn’t always work out; nevertheless, Before we are born, during life, and after is Kingyu’s dance of reflection and without risk there would be no growth. we die, we already have what we need. thanksgiving.” Taiko, when asked about Anyway, getting back to Dokusan this For example we need lungs to breathe; Chokei’s words, also does a dance. The morning, the student was responding to therefore we have lungs and instinctually monk, thinking ‘that’s what I have to do,’ the question, “What did Toksuan under- we know how to breathe. When we take does a little dance, too. It’s not wrong stand when he had a penetrating insight?” that first breath, we’ve never done it be- but it’s not gold either. And to this question I was told the fol- fore, but at just the right moment, there lowing story: are lungs, air, and the capacity and will to There are times in koan work when we breathe. And even when there is a great can accept some golden leaves and there “There was a time when I was going to a illness or calamity and we are about to are other times when we have to wait for very important meeting and I had to get die, we have everything we need to die. the gold. Waiting for the gold requires there because my job depended on it. My By and large, when we are ill, there is great patience in addition to great doubt, daughter and husband were with me; I was someone –a parent, friend, partner, or in a great faith and great determination. It planning on dropping them off at a park pinch our adult persona– to take care. We doesn’t matter at all how long it takes, we before my appointment. So I’m racing have what we need. When we’re getting say, “in the readiness of time” the gold along in my old VW van, going down the old, when we’re disabled in various will appear. It’s hard to wait. It’s hard to highway and all of a sudden, BAM, KER- ways… Barbara, for example, across the be patient. I know it’s difficult; when we PLUNK! So I stopped the car, of course, street –at least during sesshin– has what receive a koan, we want to “get it.” I can wondering what in the hell had happened, she needs, as one of us each day of sesshin tell you that it is equally difficult for what I’d run over? My husband goes to those posing the questions. It’s important the back and says, ‘the engine’s fallen that we all develop trust in the process. out!’ You know the engine on a VW van Teachers, no matter what discipline, all is in the back and it’s dragging on the want the student to “get it” and the good road! ‘We aren’t going anywhere, we’re teachers know they can’t give it to you; going to have to call a tow truck,’ he said. they really can’t teach you anything. You And I said, ‘No, no, if we wait for a tow have to discover the truth for yourself; truck, I’ll never get there!’ (laughter) My only you can have true insight. The husband says, ‘But the engine fell out! teacher can do a little modeling, and per- We’re going nowhere. We have to call a haps point the way, but that’s the best tow truck.’ And I said, ‘First let’s see they can do. No one can give you the what we have in the van that might help.’” gold; each of us must accomplish that for (laughter) ourselves. Unless we have learned the les- son with our whole being, not just our in- This is real faith! (laughter) The en- tellect, our truth may be golden but never gine’s fallen out, but you’re hoping in the gold. back of the van there might be something that will help get you going. What did In Setcho’s verse we hear, “If the waves of they have? There were a few wood blocks, Sokei were all the same, many would some gardening tools, including a shovel, drown on dry land.” Sokei is a reference and some snow tire chains. The person in goes over to help out. We just need to to the sixth Chinese Zen Ancestor. Sokei this situation then said, “All right, I’m convince her that, outside of sesshin, she was the name of the place where Eno Dai sure we can do something with this! Let’s needs to be in a place where she can just Kan Zenji, the 6th patriarch, lived and use the block and the shovel and leverage as readily get her needs met. Barbara is practiced and this name became associated the engine up and push it back into place.” very stubborn, in a beautiful way. She re- with him. “Many would drown on land,” Then they supported the engine with the alizes that as soon as she goes into a care means that if the relied on imita- snow tire chains, somehow suspended facility where everything is taken care of, tion or what you could read, then the line- from the shovel, which hung out the back! her life up to this point will be over. age would drown even on dry land and not They started the thing up, and it went! She’ll be entering a new and perhaps final be of use to anyone. Unfortunately, there (laughter) I tell you, sometimes what you phase of this lifetime and I think she is are branches of Zen that have digressed hear in Dokusan is really outrageous. aware that life passes all too quickly for and regressed into merely imitations of (laughter) I said, “What does this have to all of us. For this reason, she resists en- their illustrious history. It’s true in Japan; do with what Tokusan learned?” t ering this next phase; nevertheless, right it’s true in China and also true in the (laughter) And I’m told, “Right where now she has what she needs, as we all do, USA. In China because of the Cultural you are, you have everything you need.” even when it comes to taking our last Revolution and religious repression of the This –needless to say– is not the tradi- breath. Communist state, most if not all of the tional response! (laughter) But after shar- senior lineage holders were eliminated, so ing some moments of silence, contemplat- In Zen, we have this saying, “There’s no all that was left was imitation and what ing this amazing journey from birth to place to go and nothing to do.” And yet you could read in books. Therefore much death, we went on to the next koan. You there’s a lot of living to be done. Kingyu of Chinese Zen doesn’t have the depth of- won’t find this response in any koan book performed a dance. “Bodhisattvas, come fered by the continuity found in some

Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2 Page 9 lineages in Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Unfortunately, the materials I’ve seen About Dai Bai Zan Schedule coming from the Zen lineages still repre- sented in China don’t have much power or Cho Bo Zen Ji Introduction to Zazen clarity, at least from what I have seen. Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm Even in Japan there are lineages of Rinzai, In 1978, Zen Master Genki Takabayashi Zazen! Soto and Obaku Zen schools that are very was invited by the Seattle Zen Center, Monday - Friday, 5:30 am, 1 hr. bland. My assessment of American Zen founded by Dr. Glenn Webb (at the time a Saturdays, 6:30 - 8:00 am. is that most of it is just pablum. UW Art History professor), to become the Sundays, 6:30 pm, 1 hr. resident teacher. He accepted, and by Monday & Wednesday, 7:30 pm, 1 hr. I have been practicing Zen for 30 years 1983 he formalized his teaching style now; however, wherever we are in our around a small group of students, and Dharma Talks journey we are just beginning. Recently I founded Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji, 1st and 3rd Sundays, 7:30 pm, 1 hr. was named a Dharma Heir of Eido Shi- translated as Great Sesshins: Quarterly week-long retreats mano Roshi. I’m very new at this role Plum Mountain last week in March, June, September and I have already made some mistakes. Listening to the and early January. There have been errors in judgment that Dharma Zen Tem- Half day retreats with have definitely caused the Sangha and me ple. Mini-Sesshins: some pain. Yet, none of us would be here breakfast, Dharma Talk and Dharma working with and on each other if our col- Before Genki Ro- Interview. 5 - 11:30 am, Sundays: lective practice weren’t real. So let’s con- shi came to Seattle, 9/13, 10/11, 11/8, 12/13, 2/14 tinue and give our best through the re- he trained for mainder of Summer Sesshin 2009. nearly twenty years Autumn Sesshin: 9/26/09- 10/2/09 at Daitoku-Ji, the Rohatsu Sesshin: 1/2/10 - 1/10/10 With gassho, Spring Sesshin: 3/20/10 - 3/26/10 head Rinzai temple Summer Sesshin: 6/26/10 - 7/2/10 in Japan. In addi- tion, Genki Roshi at 1811 20th Genjo directed a Rinzai We Are Located: temple in Kama- Ave., (one half-block north of Madison kura, Japan. He en- and south of Denny). Street parking is Summer Sesshin 2008 tered the monastery available in front or between 19th and 20th Closing Incense Poem when he was 11 on Denny, or off-street parking is available years old. behind the house. After entering the front door, remove your shoes and socks in the Wind chime or squawk of crow, After 20 years of tirelessly giving him- entry way and proceed to the Zendo With one note (meditation hall) upstairs. 206-328-3944 the symphony is known. self to the transmission of Buddha Dharma to the West, in 1997 he retired as our teacher, got married and moved to Dues and Fees: go to support the Is this a Zen dream Montana. In retirement he does the activi- life of this temple. We have no outside or a dream of Zen? ties he loves best: gardening, pottery, cal- support from any organization. ligraphy, writing and cooking. Many Who can testify to the truth? visit him in the hope of learning some- Dues are $60 a month or whatever one can thing about a Zen life. afford. Any amount received monthly Flash of lightning in a summer cloud. means that you will receive this quarterly Genjo Osho began his Zen training in newsletter, receive discounts on retreats, 1975, was ordained in 1980, and became and be considered an active member. Potluck Invitation our Abbot in 1999. In 1981-82 he trained The suggested fee for any morning or eve- at Ryutaku-Ji in Japan. Genjo Osho is as- ning practice period, including Tuesday sisted by Genko Kathy Blackman Ni night introduction and Sunday night aishin and Genko would like to invite T Osho. In addition to his Zen duties, Dharma Talk is five dollars. The $5 fee is you to a potluck at our home, Sunday, Genjo Osho is a psychotherapist in private waived for all members. August 16, 1 - 4 pm. This is a bon voy- practice and a certificated spiritual director. age party for Tobin (Fudo) Youngs and a Our temple is in the Rinzai Zen School. The suggested fee for mini-sesshins is way to thank all of you who gave support Since Genki Roshi retired, Genjo Osho- $20. Fees for the March, July, and Sep- to us earlier this year, through your won- san has continued his training with Eido tember sesshins are $210, and Rohatsu derful meals, help around the house, and strong nen. T. Shimano Roshi, Abbot of Dai Bosatsu Sesshin is $350. Members may subtract Kongo-Ji monastery in New York. On their monthly dues from the week-long Please let us know if you are able to at- May 21, 2008, Eido Roshi confirmed sesshin cost. For more information see: tend. RSVP by phone or email. Genjo Osho as one of his Dharma Heirs. www.choboji.org Plum Mountain News Vol. 16.2