I encourage looking at these threads, topics and posts today ...
Please sit our February 6th, 2016 - SPECIAL "NEHAN-E" 4-hour ZAZENKAI! ...
the Talk from the Zazenkai is up as a Podcast too ...
Also, tomorrow, our 90 minute (though timeless) February 12th-13th Treeleaf Weekly Zazenkai ...
One of our members from Japan asked about my priestly paperwork, especially for Japan ... Do you have a license? Jundo ...
The same fellow wanted to know if I drink alcohol before sitting (Answer: No. One should sit with a clear head) ... the thread is called "Sit at drunking alchoric" ...
Questions about the famous Zen Saying "Person of No Rank" ... is it about "everyone being equal," or about something that transcends equal and unequal? ...
Interpreting some difficult passages on Buddhanature by Dogen ... Dogen called me a moron! ... (I am sure he would not!!) ...
Some Golden Oldies ... February's Edition of Favorite Teachings honoring Treeleaf's 10th Anniversary!
One of our members lovely experience at Retreat (except for her poor finger) ... Weekend at Zen Mountain Monastery ...
Sitting with strong emotion ... yes, sometimes it happens, so what to do (or not do)? ... some good advice from several folks ...
A word or gratitude and appreciation for our friend ... Dosho is Retiring from Priest Training ...
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.
(too much silence or shyness can also be excessive ... so take the Middle Way!)
Also, 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.
Oh, and we do ask folks to note that they have SAT ZAZEN THE PREVIOUS DAY BEFORE POSTING IN THE FORUM (please read about that here):
Gassho, Jundo
Please sit our February 6th, 2016 - SPECIAL "NEHAN-E" 4-hour ZAZENKAI! ...
the Talk from the Zazenkai is up as a Podcast too ...
Also, tomorrow, our 90 minute (though timeless) February 12th-13th Treeleaf Weekly Zazenkai ...
One of our members from Japan asked about my priestly paperwork, especially for Japan ... Do you have a license? Jundo ...
The same fellow wanted to know if I drink alcohol before sitting (Answer: No. One should sit with a clear head) ... the thread is called "Sit at drunking alchoric" ...
Questions about the famous Zen Saying "Person of No Rank" ... is it about "everyone being equal," or about something that transcends equal and unequal? ...
Interpreting some difficult passages on Buddhanature by Dogen ... Dogen called me a moron! ... (I am sure he would not!!) ...
Some Golden Oldies ... February's Edition of Favorite Teachings honoring Treeleaf's 10th Anniversary!
One of our members lovely experience at Retreat (except for her poor finger) ... Weekend at Zen Mountain Monastery ...
Sitting with strong emotion ... yes, sometimes it happens, so what to do (or not do)? ... some good advice from several folks ...
A word or gratitude and appreciation for our friend ... Dosho is Retiring from Priest Training ...
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.
(too much silence or shyness can also be excessive ... so take the Middle Way!)
Also, 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.
Oh, and we do ask folks to note that they have SAT ZAZEN THE PREVIOUS DAY BEFORE POSTING IN THE FORUM (please read about that here):
Gassho, Jundo