I encourage looking at these threads, topics and posts today ...
We are in the middle of reflections for Jukai on the Precept to Refrain from the Taking of Life ... LINK ... but anyone interested in the topic can join in too ...
Please sit our Treeleaf Weekly Zazenkai ... this time, on the theme of "everything fits" in the Clear Mirror ... LINK
We also have our 4 hour Monthly Zazenkai ... still open to sit any time ... LINK
Our new Treeleaf Podcast series now includes reflections on Koans of the Blue Cliff Record ... LINK
Our other daily and weekly sittings, and other events, continue ... all noted on the Treeleaf Calendar ... LINK
No problem in sometimes killing time, no need to be mindful 24/7 ... Need advice on cutting off a mind road ... LINK ...
For those with a serious interest in the meaning of early Buddhist legend ... For Buddhism History Wonks Only: The 1001 Lives of Buddha by B. Faure... LINK
I would like to mention again our member Antonio's iShakyo App ... it has a Zazen timer, some nice Zen phrases and a chance to try a little Sutra tracing on one's phone ... LINK
Our priest Ankai is working at a half-way house, putting the Bodhisattva Vows into practice for suffering sentient beings ... The Big Day ... LINK
Our Ordination Candidate Michael writes about practicing Zen and his Christianity together ... Essay by Michael Jika on Christianity and Zen ... LINK
We have had some small "Lend A Hand" acts submitted anonymously to inspire others ... PLEASE SEND MORE! ... LINK
In the "No Words Book Club" ... jump in any time ... we are dancing with Koan 8 and Koan 9 of the Blue Cliff Record ...
Our friendly Tea Houses are meeting ... LINK
Finally, I would like to highlight our little "Science News" thread this week (LINK) ... some really amazing stories which, if you ask me, are more eye opening than much in the news ... I really recommend a quick look through ... Buddhism and science can go hand in hand ...
And available now, hopefully into the far far future ... my book ... BUILDING the FUTURE BUDDHA: The Zen of A.I., Genes, Saving the World, and Travel to the Stars ... Please do me a favor and post an Amazon review if your feel like it (it all helps) ...
.
xd4xnsekldb8.jpg
And DON'T FORGET! ... the experiment continues, and we need you! ...
REQUEST - SatToday & Lend-A-Hand: Please LAH and SAT before CHAT! (LINK)
I am so glad if this place and the practice are benefiting you. If so, you might consider a DONATION to Treeleaf at this LINK, although there is absolutely no need or requirement to do so. Thank you.
A Re-MINDer on SIMPLICITY:
In a Zen Monastery, SILENCE or A FEW WISE WORDS are cherished over MANY WORDS. Thus, I advise folks to restrain the need to speak unless the heart truly calls. If you find yourself posting many times each day, maybe consider what truly needs to be said ... and when it is best just to answer with silence and an inner Gassho.
SILENCE OR A FEW HESITANT WORDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT OFTEN SPEAK MOST PROFOUNDLY. Post when it is truly important to you and needs to be spoken from the warm heart.
(BUT too much silence or shyness can also be excessive ... so take the Middle Way!)
As a powerful Zen practice about not falling into words and thoughts, simplifying ideas, not getting tangled, we ask people to keep sentences few in posting. However, it is not some law or hard rule at all. If someone really has something in their heart to say, and it is vital and cannot be said more concisely or silently, then say what one is called to say: In such case, no limit on words needed.
.
* * *
As well, to those who may get lost among the many threads and conversations in our Forum, please think of a monastery made of wood or brick, with 100 monks holding 10,000 conversations in the hallways, kitchen, Abbot's rooms and library (I assume no chatting in the Zendo where people sit Zazen).
Would you need or want to hear or join in all or most conversations? Of course not! You would, at best, pick and choose the conversations relevant and helpful to you.
So here too in our Sangha, NO NEED TO READ EVERY CONVERSATION: Try to note the ones that seem helpful to your Practice or interests, leave the rest. The above threads are a few suggestions.
Gassho, Jundo
(Sorry to run long)
SatTodayLAH
We are in the middle of reflections for Jukai on the Precept to Refrain from the Taking of Life ... LINK ... but anyone interested in the topic can join in too ...
Please sit our Treeleaf Weekly Zazenkai ... this time, on the theme of "everything fits" in the Clear Mirror ... LINK
We also have our 4 hour Monthly Zazenkai ... still open to sit any time ... LINK
Our new Treeleaf Podcast series now includes reflections on Koans of the Blue Cliff Record ... LINK
Our other daily and weekly sittings, and other events, continue ... all noted on the Treeleaf Calendar ... LINK
No problem in sometimes killing time, no need to be mindful 24/7 ... Need advice on cutting off a mind road ... LINK ...
For those with a serious interest in the meaning of early Buddhist legend ... For Buddhism History Wonks Only: The 1001 Lives of Buddha by B. Faure... LINK
I would like to mention again our member Antonio's iShakyo App ... it has a Zazen timer, some nice Zen phrases and a chance to try a little Sutra tracing on one's phone ... LINK
Our priest Ankai is working at a half-way house, putting the Bodhisattva Vows into practice for suffering sentient beings ... The Big Day ... LINK
Our Ordination Candidate Michael writes about practicing Zen and his Christianity together ... Essay by Michael Jika on Christianity and Zen ... LINK
We have had some small "Lend A Hand" acts submitted anonymously to inspire others ... PLEASE SEND MORE! ... LINK
In the "No Words Book Club" ... jump in any time ... we are dancing with Koan 8 and Koan 9 of the Blue Cliff Record ...
Our friendly Tea Houses are meeting ... LINK
Finally, I would like to highlight our little "Science News" thread this week (LINK) ... some really amazing stories which, if you ask me, are more eye opening than much in the news ... I really recommend a quick look through ... Buddhism and science can go hand in hand ...
And available now, hopefully into the far far future ... my book ... BUILDING the FUTURE BUDDHA: The Zen of A.I., Genes, Saving the World, and Travel to the Stars ... Please do me a favor and post an Amazon review if your feel like it (it all helps) ...
.
xd4xnsekldb8.jpgAnd DON'T FORGET! ... the experiment continues, and we need you! ...
REQUEST - SatToday & Lend-A-Hand: Please LAH and SAT before CHAT! (LINK)
I am so glad if this place and the practice are benefiting you. If so, you might consider a DONATION to Treeleaf at this LINK, although there is absolutely no need or requirement to do so. Thank you.
A Re-MINDer on SIMPLICITY:
In a Zen Monastery, SILENCE or A FEW WISE WORDS are cherished over MANY WORDS. Thus, I advise folks to restrain the need to speak unless the heart truly calls. If you find yourself posting many times each day, maybe consider what truly needs to be said ... and when it is best just to answer with silence and an inner Gassho.
SILENCE OR A FEW HESITANT WORDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT OFTEN SPEAK MOST PROFOUNDLY. Post when it is truly important to you and needs to be spoken from the warm heart.
(BUT too much silence or shyness can also be excessive ... so take the Middle Way!)
As a powerful Zen practice about not falling into words and thoughts, simplifying ideas, not getting tangled, we ask people to keep sentences few in posting. However, it is not some law or hard rule at all. If someone really has something in their heart to say, and it is vital and cannot be said more concisely or silently, then say what one is called to say: In such case, no limit on words needed.
.
* * *
As well, to those who may get lost among the many threads and conversations in our Forum, please think of a monastery made of wood or brick, with 100 monks holding 10,000 conversations in the hallways, kitchen, Abbot's rooms and library (I assume no chatting in the Zendo where people sit Zazen).
Would you need or want to hear or join in all or most conversations? Of course not! You would, at best, pick and choose the conversations relevant and helpful to you.
So here too in our Sangha, NO NEED TO READ EVERY CONVERSATION: Try to note the ones that seem helpful to your Practice or interests, leave the rest. The above threads are a few suggestions.
Gassho, Jundo
(Sorry to run long)
SatTodayLAH
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