Sharing Helpful and Insightful Tips (was The Tea Party)

[louis]

11 Aug Tea Party

Fugen, Andy Grace and Louis sitting.

How's your practice?
Jundo's old online video with Leon at the McDonald play area.
Back from a tough year.
How about a retreat in the UK?
Grace on her new porch, its hot with a chance of chocolate.

[Hogo]

Back from a long hiatus at the Teaparty I am pleased to have visited with my old friends, and treeleaf brothers.

This weeks report- In attendance: Hogo, Dosho, Fugen, Nengyo, Yugen, and of course all of you with us in spirit and practice.
Topics discussed today: (as always a pleasant mix of the serious and the silly)

Dosho lost his glasses - probably Fugens fault.
Ease of transitioning from online practice to face to face during recent retreat.
Value of practicing together in person if possible
Next summers retreat with Taigu.
Study and cadavers
How Zen makes you a weeping seal Lover
Confusing others with kindness and patience
Kids
Spouses and Zen practice
Goats as presents...... (you had to be there)
Tradition of giving trees as gift when visiting another Zendo.
Sewing for Ango / Kesa colors and different schools of Zen.
Ranks and Non-ranks, hierarchy in Zen.
a lovely poetry reading by Yugen: The art of disappearing by Naomi Shihab Nye



The Art of Disappearing


When they say Don't I know you?
say no.

When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.

If they say We should get together
say why?

It's not that you don't love them anymore.
You're trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.

When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven't seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don't start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time.


Naomi Shihab Nye

[Joyo]

sounds like a great time, I really need to get a g+ account so I can join you!!

[Shokai]

I really like the poem. (and Dave, good to see you back)

btw, the g+ account is free, it's the Sunday afternoons I can't manage

gassho,

[Tb]

Hi.

Secretary report 25/8

Hot tea & candy
Retreat
Lobster with glasses
Treeleaf really works!
Online Buddhism
Computer systems and keeping notes
Doctors and nurses
Goat comittee
Its all good practice
Money and passing the hat

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[Genshin]

Goat committee?

Gassho
Matt

[Tb]

Hi.

Yes.
Well, you had/have to be there...

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[Ishin]

Sorry for a stupid question but the Tea Party is Skype only not Google+? I am new here and I think some Sundays @ 3 would work well for me, to at least chat with som eof you live.
Gassho C

[Dosho]

Clark,

It is on G+ now...that way we can all see each other. Hope to see you there!

Gassho,
Dosho

[Ishin]

Thank you Dosho
Gassho
C

[Dosho]

Hello all,

Here is the Tea Party Report for Sunday, September 1st:

Sewing
Music School
Questions
Sitting: How Often & How Long?
Zazen Position
Ango
Jukai
Unsui
Pink Panther Movies

Gassho,
Dosho

[Dosho]

Hello all,

Here is the Tea Party Report for Sunday, September 8th:

Introductions
Chanting
Ceremonies
Goat Questions
Ango
Jukai
Sewing
Generational Change
Gay Marriage
Donald Duck's Pants
Dentist
Companions

Gassho,
Dosho

[Dosho]

Hello all,

Here is the Tea Party Report for Sunday, September 22nd:

Ango Commitments
Sit-a-Thon
Static Beards
Pro-Oxygen
Renewing Precepts w/ The Full Moon
Smartphones
Ango: Are You Crazy?
Religious Identity
Graduate
Parents' Expectations

Gassho,
Dosho

[Tb]

Hi.

Secretary report 29/9

obamacare vs applecare
New name same thing...

Economics
Monetary means
life
Missing people
walk of life
Charity
Talking to people
Holy books & Holy people!

Star wars & Star trekyoung & stupid
Opening Pandoras box

Mtfbwy
Fugen

[Tb]

Hi.

Secretary report of 13/10

Troubles with Google+
Treeleaf forum and beginners mind
Samadhi and not dropping weights on feet
Jundoing and the priests of Treeleaf
Switching things of life
More to life than money
Responsibility
Arriving
Tea and teaparties

Mtfbwy
Fugen