We Are All in This Together (1)

[Heiso]

Thank you everyone, it's good to know that you are all out there and we really are in this together (that phrase may have a bit of a hollow ring for many Brits!)

Gassho,

Heiso

StLah

[rgthomas]

Hey Guys -

I'm pretty new here, but felt compelled me to reach out.

Such a tough and curious time! I work for a public school system and it was just announced yesterday that our last day of school was a week ago last Thursday when we broke for what we thought was just going to be a couple of weeks. My daughter's in 4th grade and wrestling with the fact that she won't see her friends for god-knows-how-long. My son is happy to be away from the shifting anxiety-ridden social chess games that are typical of 6th grade. My wife, who works from home, is just trying to keep afloat amidst what is now a crowded workplace and a heavy, heavy world. I'm obviously making light here and completely recognize the GA-zillion ways that our family is blessed by something as our problems are "little p" problems that pale in face of those that many others must bear.

Despite all of this, I can't help but notice that spring is POPPING here and there are the MOST BEAUTIFUL flowers in bloom everywhere you look. The creek by our house is absolutely gorgeous and, if you pause, you can hear the water trickling adorned with birdsong. I'm amazed at how the world is born anew each year.

In education, we have "thought partners" to help you understand a common problem. What do you zennies call that, "non-thought partners"?

At any rate, I could use one right now.

Mainly I'm interested in questions about practice, ethics (specifically, The Mind of Clover), and just how beautiful spring is.

Gassho,

-Ryan

Sat Today

[Heitou]

Jundo, Thank You so much doe these videos they are inspiring and I am looking forward to the next one. My thoughts on all of this is that (if I understand correctly) a lot of Sanghas looked down on Tree Leaf to begin with because we were not a standing Temple but look at them now, they are doing the same thing. I have a true connection hear and enjoy everything, you have done an outstanding job and I am proud to be a part of it. Keep up the good work.

Gassho
John
LAH
Not SatToday

[Jinyo]

Thank you for this thread.

Things in the UK looking really bad now. My sister lives in NZ and the response of the government there so much quicker and on the mark.
Prayer and meditation feel like the same thing just now - I pray for all of our workers bravely working on the frontline to try and preserve lives.

The degree of suffering both economic and emotional has reached tragic proportions. In hindsight we may discover silver linings - like re-discovering closeness within our family units and the care and concern of friendships and how totally interconnected we all are. But ... just now - I'm simply sitting with the anxiety and the sorrow and the anger.

I'm also feeling incredibly lucky to have a safe house and lovely garden and even food delivery because my partner and I are prioritized as vulnerable/high risk . Sitting in gratitude too.

But oh to be able to simply hug the people we care about.

Metta to all,

Gassho

Jinyo

sat today

[Jundo]

... What do I do pent-up in this house, no 12-step meetings to go to, and 5 of 50 break-out cases in our little town. I'm wondering if I can find that online 12-step meeting again.
Tai Shi
sat/need lah
Gassho

It seems that there are many. I am sure that you can find some good ones ...

https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200323/coronavirus-12-step-alcohol-drug-prevention-programs-meet-online

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[Archpoet]

Dear Tai Shi,

I too am working on a poetry book, and I too have come to a temporary hiatus on it.
Perhaps we could both take something from the fact that it's rarely the writing that needs reassessment: rather the editing.

Gassho my friend!
Chris

#sat

[Tai Do]

Tai Shi, much metta to you, your wife and all your family. May you all be free from this disease and May we through this time with minimal harm. Be well!
Gassho,
Mateus
Sat/LAH

[Tai Shi]

Thank you Jundo. My doctor prescribed a non-narcotic pain relief patch. I am able to wear it 12 hrs a day. I sat zazen successfully today in the afternoon. There is a scheduled zazen in 22 minutes. I will be there. Thank you, Jundo; I reviewed your Dharma talk. I remember my Precept vows on January 10th, 2016.
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

[Tai Do]

I'm glad you are doing better, Tai Shi, and that you managed to sit and recite metta today. Thank you for sitting with us.
Gassho,
Mateus
Sat/LAH

[MyoHo]

Thank you Jundo and thank you Treeleaf.

Gassho

Myoho

Sat

[Seishin]

Busy week away from the forum, so just seen these messages. Just wanted to say thank you Jundo and to all of mankind, stay safe and well if you can. Metta to all sentient beings.

Sat

[Tai Shi]

Listening to an orchestral version of Papagano, grateful for The Magic Flute, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Did not appreciate his music until my 50 s and I want the Requiem to be sung at my funeral. Yet, you can play a Deutshe Gramophone recording and no one will know the difference, and then again; I would settle for our Spanish friend Don Domingo to sing. He's old or dead. He doesn't sing. Yes, my poet friend, you may edit my manuscript, no manuscript yet; soon. Will it be a great book? There is time; another year; time? Doctor says I could live into my 80 s. Almost no hair, another 365 days wasted. Can I make a difference or my daughter? You may help; I will help you--time. Jundo knows my medallion 32 years. Will I live for the 33rd? Doctor called today; his the busiest time in his entire life, to reassure, He knows me well to say, "One day at a time, you'll make 33rd year in the program. You only have one risk factor. Am I afraid, and I tell them 'yes' and go on working." I've known him half of 33 years. He's right to calm me. I listen to music of a middle path, Then Neil Young, love of a mother holding her young one. May the Buddha have compassion on me in my pain, and man forced to reach out; no one wins in war. I don't feel if death as it takes me. I would be a fortunate man. Spaniards in the wrath of plague may be dead; is Domingo an old man like me? My bones defeat me. Thank you Jundo for all you do.
Tai Shi
sat lah
Gassho

[Archpoet]

I am grateful for your wisdom, experience, and candor Tai Shi.

Between the two of us, I'm sure you are the better editor-- but I am happy to offer you any assistance I can of course.
"We are our own worst editor" or somesuch: however that saying goes.

Metta!
Chris

st/lah

[Ippo]

Jundo thank you for the videos and this series!

I am curious, are these all filmed at your home/Tree Leaf ??

Gassho,

Ippo

SatToday

[Jundo]

I am curious, are these all filmed at your home/Tree Leaf ??

Yes, most are here, in the barn (now the Zendo), or at the old semi-abandoned Shingon Buddhist temple that is just next door. The beautiful temple buildings and cherry trees are there.

Gassho, J

STLah