My first official book suggestion.

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  • MalleableGirlParts
    Member
    • Jul 2024
    • 73

    My first official book suggestion.

    Hi,

    I just received my first book from the list of suggestions by Jundo, "Opening the Hand of Thought".

    I do already own a few books in the suggestion list, but this is the first kind of "official" acquisition. I'm really looking forward to reading it on a regular basis and using it as a tool to further my understanding and deepen my practice. It feels like a firmer commitment and the start of a new chapter.

    Perhaps that's not really what this book is about, but either way, I see it as gathering more insight and being a focal point for my direction. I want, or need, really, to immerse myself in this path.

    I've never been overly committed to any spirituality. I've often been intellectually interested, sometimes disgusted with and occasionally fascinated by, but this is the first time I've felt a calling personally. To find this path, to find this community and to find this craving in myself has been its own type of enlightenment.

    I'll be honest, I post mostly for selfish reasons. I need to speak in some way. I need to share my thoughts and feelings. This is a place that I can do that with like-minded people and without feeling like I'm taking up too much of your time. You can read at your leisure. Or not read at all. It isn't like I've hijacked your time while you're getting the mail or eating your lunch.

    Thank you for everybody for being here. I'm not the most outwardly appreciative person, but I do cherish this place. I love that there are people from all over the world. I love differing perspectives and experiences, while at the same time seeing exactly the same humanity.
    Gasshō Jenn
    Sat Lah
  • Bion
    Senior Priest-in-Training
    • Aug 2020
    • 4795

    #2
    You chose well, going with Uchiyama Roshi's book! I hope you enjoy it.. Makes me glad to read you feel at home here and that, as a community, we add something to your life that you feel you benefit from! I hope some of next weekend's Rohatsu retreat works for you time-wise so we can sit and spend some time together, all of us!

    Thanks, Jenn

    Gassho
    sat lah
    "Stepping back with open hands, is thoroughly comprehending life and death. Immediately you can sparkle and respond to the world." - Hongzhi

    Comment

    • Houzan
      Member
      • Dec 2022
      • 533

      #3
      Great book! Even though you feel like you post for selfish reasons, please remember that your posts and engagement support all Treeleaf members’ practice! Thank you for sharing

      Gassho, Hōzan
      Satlah

      Comment

      • Kotei
        Dharma Transmitted Priest
        • Mar 2015
        • 4229

        #4
        I really like this book, to the point that I gave away a few copies to local folks who were interested in practicing.
        Maybe a bit overwhelming, and I have only listened to a few of them, but there is a wonderful series of talks from Shohaku Okumura roshi, a student of Uchiyama roshi, on this book:
        Shohaku Okumura's long running series of talks on his teacher Kōshō Uchiyama's book Opening the Hand of Thought


        Gassho,
        Kotei sat/lah today.
        義道 冴庭 / Gidō Kotei.

        Comment

        • Tairin
          Member
          • Feb 2016
          • 2845

          #5
          Great book. One of my favourites. I’ve read it a couple of times. Every time I feel is if my understanding of our Zen practice has deepened. Enjoy and don’t feel you have to rush through it.


          Tairin
          sat today and lah
          泰林 - Tai Rin - Peaceful Woods

          Comment

          • Chikyou
            Member
            • May 2022
            • 664

            #6
            That is such a great book. I read it, then gave away my copy. I should get another, and read it again.

            Gassho,
            SatLah,
            Chikyō
            Chikyō 知鏡
            (KellyLM)

            Comment

            • Kaitan
              Member
              • Mar 2023
              • 560

              #7
              Excellent choice for reading, I would love to come back to that book!

              Gasshō

              stlah, Kaitan
              Kaitan - 界探 - Realm searcher

              Comment

              • MalleableGirlParts
                Member
                • Jul 2024
                • 73

                #8
                Thank you everybody for your responses and encouragement. I've read the first few prefaces of the book and I'm very excited. Actually in the preface by Shohaku Okumura I read the part where he mentioned initially not being interested in learning English, but was encouraged by his teacher and I thought "Wait a minute, I know this guy!" Sure enough, I've watched videos and listened to talks by Mr Okumua, but I didn't remember his name. I remembered the story and his serene smile. I love to listen to his talks. He is very engaging and calming. I will definitely be watching his YouTube videos!

                As far as the weekend Rohatsu...weekends are difficult with work and my kids. One day I will get to a more significant commitment.
                Gasshō Jenn
                Sat Lah

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