-- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

[Jinyu]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hi everyone!

I'm happy everything is putting up well!

Unfortunately, I'll be working away in the South until Wednesday, so you all know!
I'll come up with a little summary for everyone coming and for the ones being kindly helping behind the screen!

Have a very very nice day everyone!
gassho,
Jinyu

[Hans]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hello,

my wife asked a Brussels based friend of hers to make some suggestions regarding hotels that might not be extremely expensive. This is what the friend in question came up with (no guarantee that there are still beds available but definitely worth a try):

"I can just suggest this nice and small hotel in the Centre (Grote Markt)

http://www.hotelmatignon.be/

And, if you wanna trust a big company you can always try

http://www.nh-hotels.it/nh/it/hotels/be ... nberg.html

or

http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/b ... ssels.html

This one is more "business" but I think that during Christmas time, prices should be affordable."


Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Myozan Kodo]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hi Shawn
Do you have my mobile number? Will your cell phone work in Europe?
Gassho
Soen

[Dokan]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hi Shawn
Do you have my mobile number? Will you cell phone work in Europe?
Gassho
Soen

Yes and yes! I'll PM you mine as well just so you have it handy.

g

s

[Hans]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hello,

those attending the retreat could maybe help finalise a last minute status-quo check list through adding/updating the following list in case of need (just an idea):

1. Location confirmed: YES (According to Jinyu), Kortenberg Abbey

1. Number of Zafus available : 2 (I'll bring 2 - Just add the ones you will be bringing to the overall number)

2. Accommodation still needed for whom/which dates: ?

3. Sleeping bags/ bed linen still needed:

4. Tea bags and biscuits (the secret ingredient to any successful retreat: Hans will bring a collection of tea bags and things that go "crumble" in the night.


Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Myozan Kodo]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hi Hans,
Thanks for this.

I'll bring my own zafu (1) and zabuton (1).
I have booked the Aris hotel in the city centre for the night of Dec 30th through booking.com. Shawn and Taigu are staying there too.
I will bring my own sleeping bag to sleep in. I understand we all have to do that.
I'll pack some buscuits.
I'll bring my own towels etc (and basic survival stuff)
Will also bring rakusu; lay robes; and everything I need for the ceremony.

Is all the incense; bells; altar stuff ok?

Gassho
Soen

[Taigu]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

When Jinyu will be able to get in touch with us, he will tell us.
The thing is I can bring a lot: bells (big and small) mokugyo, kakejiku of Kannon, incense, drum...Ig given a lift.
If I have to go by train, well, it is another story...

gassho


Taigu

[Jinyu]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hi everyone,

I'm back in Belgium now so I'll be reachable by message or mail.

I'll come back to you all tomorrow with all the news needed,

Have a good day everyone,
gassho,
Jinyu

PS/ DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES THAT DO NOT DEPEND ON MY WILL, I HAVE TO QUIT BELGIUM AGAIN.

I LL BE UNABLE TO DO THE WORK I WANT TO DO SERIOUSLY (CHECKING WHAT IS STILL TO BE DONE, CREATE A FILE TO HELP PEOPLE COMING, CREATE A SYSTEM TO PICK PEOPLE AT THE STATION AND AIRPORT, AND MAKE A LISTING OF WHAT WE HAVE NOW, AND WHAT IS STILL NEEDED).

I LL BE BACK AGAIN IN BELGIUM WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER, AND I LL STAY IN THE COUNTRY FROM THAT DAY UNTIL THE RETREAT! SO, I LL BE ABLE TO ANSWER TO MAIL AND MESSAGES

I'M REALLY SORRY FOR THE PROBLEMS IT CAUSES,
SO, I LL COME BACK TO YOU ALL WEDNESDAY!

gassho,
Jinyu

[Hans]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hello Jinyu,

(please everybody else - correct me if I am wrong or if you see things definitely) - please read what I am writing just "matter of factly". Life is what it is and we deal with it. It seems most of the retreat participants already worked out most of the things necessary to get their/our butts to Abdij Kortenberg in the meantime. One of the things that seem most important now from my limited perspective is that you can assure our teacher Taigu that you will be able to pick him up/ give him a ride to Kortenberg on the 27th so that he can actually carry some ritual equipment needed. This retreat is not only about coffee and biscuits (that too), but will involve one person's Shukke Tokudo as well. Please keep that in mind.

Please make some definite arrangements regarding the transportation matter of our teacher Taigu ASAP in a definite manner. I am just a participant and all I can do is ask.


The last question I personally have is of minor importance, but still a question that needs answering. Do we need to bring any cutlery (knives, forks, spoons...), yes or no?

Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Taigu]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hans and everybody,

I have a plan B , taking a TGV to Bruxels from one of the stations of the North of France on the day the retreat starts ( kind of morning time).Of course, I shall look like more like a huge turtle than a mighty bear... :P but that can be done. I would love to have somebody greeting me and helping me with the stuff once I get there.

I think, and can only think, that Jinyu is going through a very tough and busy time. I don't know for sure because he has not told me. Let's all have him and his family in our thoughts.


gassho


Taigu

[Hans]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hello Taigu,

if you were to arrive at the Brussels TGV station sometime between 11 am and 1 PM, there is a good chance my wife could give you/us a lift to Kortenberg. I'll have to ask her though There's a 85% chance this will work as a plan B.

All the best,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Myozan Kodo]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hi Taigu and Hans, and everyone,
I’ll be arriving into town around 12ish I think. So, it’s probably a good idea to share mobile numbers so we can all hook up on the 27th. Should we share numbers via PMs?
Here are other questions:
We could all take responsibility for printing and bringing along our own chant books. Is the standard Treeleaf chant book ok?
We could all commit to bring our own zafu and zabuton. That means no one needs to bring a spare.
I could print out and post in the Abbey each day’s schedule to follow. I’d need this emailed from Taigu, however. Then I could look after it from there.
Can Jinyu supply a basic floor plan of the zendo room? Taigu, as teacher, will need his teacher’s place. Normally, each participant is also assigned a place on a floor plan that is posted outside the zendo. Once we have a basic (even approximate) floor plan, we can do that. That will also allow us to assign roles: who’ll ring the bells (and sitting where)? Is there a Han to be struck? Will Hans be assisting Taigu and therefore be sitting near him? Will Hans be struck in the absence of a Han (only joking :wink: )
With all bedding, towels and personal items being brought by each participant, that leaves:
The altar, with its statue, candles and incense.
A bowing mat for Taigu.
Bells.
Jukai and Tokudo requirements.

With Taigu looking after all that, then there is only the issue of food.
Is the Tenzo ready to go?
Are the menus done up?
When will the food be bought? And for how many people?
Is there a kitchen to prepare it in and a place to eat it?
As Hans asked, do we need knives and folks etc.
Jinyu: I think you need to answer as many of these questions as possible as soon as possible, if you can. The retreat starts in less than 30 days time!
With all these tasks divided up, the whole thing should run fine. As you can see, I am a man of unreasonable faith!
Gassho all
Soen

[Hans]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hello Soen,

if people want to send me their mobile phone numbers to my private email address, I will compile a mini-list and distribute it among the people participating. Here's my address: hstucken (at) gmx.de

Cheers and gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen


P.S. Dear Jinyu, it's okay not to be able to get things done when life is really crazy, but please just send the appropiate information (once you have it) instead of sending messages talking about the days when you think you might have it. Doing so once is okay, but doing so repeatedly is slightly annoying.

[Govert]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Dear all
Contact details send,

I am available for transport or any other logistics you need,

Gassho

Ensho

[Jinyu]

Re: -- Announcement -- Treeleaf Sangha Winter Retreat 2011

Hi everyone,

I'm just back in Brussels today!!! Bloody strokes at airports...

I'll be back to you all this week end, I'll be working exclusively on preparing the retreat (and sewing Kesa)!

Have a nice day everyone,
gassho,
Jinyu