End of A Season

[Shokai]

The Sad News: Once again we've reached the end of another season.
The Good News; Just in time for Buddhas Birthday (Vesak/ Hana Matsuri) in Japan. Vesak is celebrated on the First Full Moon in May for the rest of South East Asia. That's the time when Japan Is celebrating Golden Week and most people travel.
I'd be interested in hearing your opinions on the usefulness of reviewing the 108 Dharma Gates of Illumination each winter; between December 22nd (Winter Solstice) and April 8th (Vesak.) My purpose for starting this practice six years ago was to fill a void following the busy time of Ango and Precept study in the Fall. I also feel that going back to basics always helps to deepen your practice.
What say you all??

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jundo]

Lovely.

And just a reminder, Shokai, I hope that you will offer the Dharma Talk for our monthly 4 hour Zazenkai at the start of May.

Gassho, Jundo

STLah

[Mp]

Thank you Shokai. =)

Gassho
Shingen

Sat/LAH

[Washin]

Thank you Shokai

Washin
sattoday

[Meitou]

Thank you so much Shokai, I really appreciate the work you've put in to opening those Dharma gates up for all of us, I've particularly loved having them arrive in my inbox every morning, such a good way to start the day. As well as being a reminder about the precepts, I've found them informative and inspiring - something always pops up that I didn't know, or hadn't thought about, and that's lovely.
With deep gratitude,
Gassho
Meitou
Satwithyoualltoday lah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai. I follow along each year and appreciate your insights.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Tai Do]

Hello Shokai,
I discovered the Gates last month and since then I’ve being following along everyday. It was a completely unknown practice to me and I’m not sure if I follow if the way it was supposed to be. It grew to be I major part of my daily practice alongside the Heart Sutra Chanting, the Metta Chanting, the Gathas and, of course, Zazen. I never participated in Ango, Sesshin or any long time more intense practice, so the Gates helped me to intensify my daily practice during this period.
Thank you for bringing them.
I hope next time I can practice the Gates alongside the Sangha since the beginning.
Gassho,
Mateus
Sat today/LAH