Zazen for Beginners Series: THREAD for QUESTIONS, COMMENTS

[Ramsey]

I have a question about the mudra. I'm new to shikantaza practice (though not new to a regular meditation practice) and the mudra is new to me - and uncomfortable. Maybe I have oddly shaped thumb-tips? Even with very short nails, the fleshy part of my thumb tips do not touch each other and one nail edge slides under the other nail edge. It's distracting and uncomfortable. I have to tent my thumbs to get flesh-on-flesh. I have been sitting with this and observing it (I'm only on day 4 of the series). But I wondered if others have experienced this? Or am I holding my hands wrong?

[Shinshi]

There is a lot of great information about studying the precepts in the thread announcing the last Jukai.

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?15565-ANNOUNCEMENT-It-s-JUKAI-TIME-2017%21

Treeleaf uses the book "The Mind of Clover" by Robert Aitken.

In the forum JUKAI, PRECEPTS STUDY & SEWING FORUM (Oryoki & Tonglen Too!)

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?57-JUKAI-PRECEPTS-STUDY-SEWING-FORUM-%28Oryoki-Tonglen-Too%21%29

You can find threads that touch on each precept. Those threads contain links to additional readings.

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[Cheyenne]

thank you. could you give me how to study the precepts. Is there a certain way? is there a good book on this?

[Amelia]

Jukai study takes place beginning around August and September, and the ceremony is in January. Feel free to study the precepts if you like until then! Keep up the sitting.

Gassho, sat today, lah

[Cheyenne]

Ending of beginners lessons.

Jundo, thank you so much for the beginner series. I have just completed number 22. I am sitting for 20 min a day. Working up to thirty next week. I would like to have a joki with you. When may I do that? Where should be my next lesson?

[Shinshi]

thanks Shinshi, that is faster dan light...

that's what i thought it was, except for the dedication-part.


Coos
std

Glad to help!

Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[aprapti]

thanks Shinshi, that is faster dan light...

that's what i thought it was, except for the dedication-part.


Coos
std

[Shinshi]

sat to day i understand and since i sit every day, its not a point at all. but i am looking for the explanation of LAH...


coos
std

Hi aprapti,

Here you go

https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?15314-A-TREELEAF-EXPERIMENT-with-EVERYONE%C2%92S-PARTICIPATION-REQUESTED-%C2%93LAH%C2%94-%28Lend-A-Hand%29

In that thread Jundo asked of the Sangha:

"I am asking that all Treeleaf members, in some way, perform an extra “good deed” each day (something that they do not otherwise daily do) dedicated in their heart to Treeleaf Sangha. When they do so, they should put “LAH” or “Lent A Hand” next to their signature too, as a way to show their participation by having done a special deed during the previous day. For example:

“SatTodayLAH” or “ST/Lent A Hand” etc."


Gassho, Shinshi

SaT-LaH

[aprapti]

sat to day i understand and since i sit every day, its not a point at all. but i am looking for the explanation of LAH...


coos
std

[Amelia]

I am rarely able to find a space to sit in my home that is just "wall." Usually, there is laundry nearby.

Gassho, sat today, lah.

[newby_x86]

Thank you Jishin and Jundo for your thoughts.

Anant
SatToday

[Jundo]

Hi,

I am generally a messy person so my wall looks like this:

[ATTACH]4940[/ATTACH]

Way better than a boring white wall.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_ , LAH


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

So long as one is not judging or getting caught in thoughts about the mess ... then what mess? One is then sitting with a mind that is the most pristine room in the universe.

Gassho, J

SatTodayLAH

[Jishin]

Hi,

I am generally a messy person so my wall looks like this:

IMG_0203.JPG

Way better than a boring white wall.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_ , LAH


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Jundo]

Hi Anant,

Move back away from the wall, or see the whole room or the floor. However, sit without thinking of wall, room or floor. Just let them be, and don't ponder them or be bothered.

Some commentators have noted that, more than sitting "facing the wall," we actually sit more "like a wall sits." A wall does not care if the sun is shining or it rains, if a child bounces a ball on it or a cat urinates on it. Just Sit.

Gassho, Jundo

SatTodayLAH

[newby_x86]

Hello,

This concerns where we sit. I have been trying to sit up close with a wall just like the image posted a few posts back when I'd asked a related question. It feels a little too much and in my face. I find that sometimes sitting with the whole room in view or just keeping the gaze on the floor ahead works best. Just wanted to get your quick opinion.

Thanks,
Anant
SatToday