Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

[chicanobudista]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

Love the new look! :P

BTW....has anyone taken the.....tada!....Belief-O-Matic!Test? :?:

[Jinho]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

HI,

My only comment is that I very much believe the daily zazen webcast should continue. The idea that people will be "overwhelmed" is patently incorrect since most people will not view it every day. There is no requirement to view it every day, it is not an ongoing soap opera where if you miss one you've lost the story line. People will tune in when they feel like it. But I know for me that when I sit-along, even though we are not in the same room and even that it is prerecorded, the telecast really helps me. The people at FOX do not understand the importance of sitting every day, and the example of Jundo sitting every day, on line, is the BEST encouragement for other people. Again, this "overwhelmed" thing is a non-starter since everyday participation is not required or even pressured.

thank you for your time,
rowan

[Kevin Solway]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

My concern is the advertising. For them, it is a commercial proposition. If your videos prove popular - which is unlikely unless there are pretty girls in them - they'll want to put advertising in the video itself, like they do on youtube.

[Jundo]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

Hi Kevin,

Youstream, the video service we use, recently started to place ads in the netcast. That is unrelated to Beliefnet. Nothing we can do, as it is a free service. Best just to overlook the ads.

The only alternative is another service that would cost hundreds of dollars per month ... and since I do not take donations here, we will stick with the free service! 8)

Gassho, J

[chicanobudista]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

Hi Kevin,

Youstream, the video service we use, recently started to place ads in the netcast. That is unrelated to Beliefnet. Nothing we can do, as it is a free service. Best just to overlook the ads.

...and so does YouTube.

I help run some email groups. Once in a while, I'll get the complaint about ads in emails msgs. I understand and don't like 'em either. But. As I always state, "If you don't like 'em, I am willing to work on the 'premium' services if folks start forking over $$$ to pay membership fees/etc." I usually never get someone to volunteer. :mrgreen: Back to free!...and all that entails. :P

[Jinho]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

Hi Jundo (and all),

My previous reply was rather emphatic about the everyday sit-along, however I UTTERLY and COMPLETELY withdraw it since you have express that the everyday schedule is a problem for you (Jundo) and Treeleaf should not be an undue burden on you.

I am concerned that if there is a "sit everyday" requirement, that new people or just curious people will have nowhere to ask questions, etc. but this is not a problem if they are directed to contact you with their questions?

In a week I will be doing a very long kinhin each morning as I walk 2+ miles to my train to work. Then zazen on the train.

thank you for your time and efforts,
rowan

[Jinho]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

Hi again

I think I probably had the most negative, whiny and complaining reaction to this of anyone here. So, after more thought, I just wanted to add that of course, I also support Jundo and will quietly take my seat towards the back of the bus with the rest. I like the forum staying as it is, right here, and I like the 'lawyer' protection as well.

It occured to me that since this is the only place I get out amongst people, really, then how can I begrudge the possibility that a B-Net blog would help other 'invisible, hidden' reclusive people to find the path to zazen, just as I did? Jundo's mission is both noble and passionate, and I really don't see this move as quite the threat to what we have, as I perhaps did at first.

Another mind changed, just for the record--I'm in support.

Gassho, Ann

For what it matters, ditto on what Ann said

with much gratitude,
rowan

[Jundo]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

Hi Jundo (and all),

My previous reply was rather emphatic about the everyday sit-along, however I UTTERLY and COMPLETELY withdraw it since you have express that the everyday schedule is a problem for you (Jundo) and Treeleaf should not be an undue burden on you.

I am concerned that if there is a "sit everyday" requirement, that new people or just curious people will have nowhere to ask questions, etc. but this is not a problem if they are directed to contact you with their questions?

Hi Row,

No, the daily sittings are not a "problem" or burden for me. I sit daily anyway. The only "problem" ("challenge" or "reality" may be a better term) is that the internet and Ustream do not cooperate many days. Sometimes the batteries on the laptop just lack the juice to run a mike, camera and internet card cause I forgot to charge them or such (a single netcast takes almost a whole battery)! Sometimes the whole thing crashes my system because of the peculiarities of 'FLASH' or 'JAVA' or whatever it is!

But, we just embrace all that ... take it as it comes.

As I said, the Beliefnet people first felt that 3 or 4 times a week was a better pace for folks anyway, and so suggested that (although I think that I have decided to just put in more "Silent Sittings" and such, where I sit more and talk a bit less, interspersed with talks). Where the internet fails, or there is some other reason, I will just wing it, put a written post that day or something. In fact, looking at the realities of the internet and my computer batteries, the pace should stay about where it has been ... 4 talks a week or so.

There is a "Sit Everyday" aspiration or soft rule ... better than saying "requirement". However, it is a pretty strong aspiration, right up there with tooth brushing and walking the dog (in my view). People can always contact me directly with questions, or post here.

BY THE WAY, I HOPE MORE FOLKS WILL TRY TO MAKE THE LIVE SATURDAY SITTINGS! :evil:

Gassho, Jundo

[Shohei]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

BY THE WAY, I HOPE MORE FOLKS WILL TRY TO MAKE THE LIVE SATURDAY SITTINGS! :evil:

Gassho, Jundo

*OFF TOPIC A TAD** the Fair thee warned by me says I
I feel very much like the weak link here as I havent EVER sat live for the weekend or monthly live sittings.

Unfortunately for me until internet reaches a speed over 56k in the woods where i live, Or we(the fam) move, ill not be able to make every saturday commitment to sit the live sittings. Just know im sitting with you regardless of my mug being on the screen (and ill prolly be sitting @ 11pm) but as a wise man once said "drop all thought of here or there, now or then"

I really would like to catch atleast one

Gassho, Dirk

[Yugen]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

Dirk,
You are not the only weak link here - I have not attended any of the Saturday sittings in almost a year - with three boys, work and family duties/commitments it has been very difficult. I do now sit mornings (early) and evenings (late) and think of the sangha when I do so. I always aspire to a more structured community practice but... we shall see what the New Year brings.... perhaps a resolution, but I should view yesterdya's netcast first before committing!

I also would like to observe that I sometimes feel not as active as other members of the sangha in that I do not post often. I do visit the website almost every day... and read as many of the postings as I can. I am grateful for the presence and community of those who engage in dialogue... but often am content to just be...

Anyway, as you noted, not necessarily on topic, but thought I would add myself to the "weak link" thread...

Gassho,
Alex

[Jundo]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

not "weak" links. SOLID links.

[chicanobudista]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

BY THE WAY, I HOPE MORE FOLKS WILL TRY TO MAKE THE LIVE SATURDAY SITTINGS! :evil:

Do I need web cam in my pc to join in? :?:

[Jundo]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

BY THE WAY, I HOPE MORE FOLKS WILL TRY TO MAKE THE LIVE SATURDAY SITTINGS! :evil:

Do I need web cam in my pc to join in? :?:

You need a web cam if you want folks to see you seeing other see you being seen (in other words, if you wish to sit on Mebeam ... assuming it is working that day). Just to join in the netcast from Ustream ... no camera is needed.

Gassho, Jundo

[Ryumon]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

I haven't been on the forum in a while, and just saw this post. I haven't read the many replies, but my feeling about BeliefNet is that it is a supermarket of spirituality, and attracts people who flit around from one thing or another. It groups together serious traditions with hokey "beliefs", giving all of them the same weight (more or less). I think it would be a very bad idea to be associated with such an organization. In addition, such association, while it may attract more people, may also be negative if BeliefNet gets any negative press. You've already seen how it is to express your ideas on other forums; I think you may have the same problems on BeliefNet.

Just my two eurocents...

Kirk

[Jundo]

Re: Seeking Sangha Views: Moving to BELIEFNET.COM

... but my feeling about BeliefNet is that it is a supermarket of spirituality...

From last of the 10 Oxherding Pictures ...

10. ENTERING THE MARKET PLACE WITH HELPING HANDS
Barechested, barefooted, he comes into the market place.
Muddied and dust-covered, how broadly he grins!
Without recourse to mystic powers,
withered trees he swiftly brings to bloom!

The gate of his cottage is closed and even the wisest cannot find him. His mental panorama has fmally disappeared. He goes his own way, making no attempt to follow the steps of earlier sages. Carrying a gourd, he strolls into the market; leaning on his staff, he returns home. He leads innkeepers and fleshmongers in the Way of the Buddha.

Translation by Philip Kapleau.