general zencraft

[Taigu]

Re: general zencraft

Hi Peter,

Fukudenkai refers to the field of merit sang in the robe verse, it is a group of people gathering to sew in the Nyohoe tradition. It happens in Japan but also in America and Europe. But I believe that if we can make it, this will be the first time it happens on line.

gassho

Taigu

[KellyRok]

Re: general zencraft

Hello all,

Sydney - It's nice to hear from you again! Some days I feel lost here, not sure what to read, what to respond to, what to say, what to do. But I'm here, reading, listening, sitting, and contributing in my limited way. As I think we all are. I think you nailed it when you stated,

I confess to feeling intimidated by the prospect of sewing a proper rakusu, but maybe a scary undertaking like that could be incorporated in small chunks into daily practice.

It truly is part of our daily practice. Just start with one cut, one stitch at a time. I've sewn my imperfect rakusu and am now in the process of sewing the kesa. Some days it takes true effort to pick up the needle and cloth; but when you do, you realize that you're really not sure what made you resist it to begin with.

I am open to trying to participate in the Fukudenkai...after I looked up what itwas.

take care,
Kelly/Jinmei

[ChrisA]

Re: Re: general "zencraft"

. Some days it takes true effort to pick up the needle and cloth; but when you do, you realize that you're really not sure what made you resist it to begin with.

So true about so much of this practice...!

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[Hoyu]

Re: general zencraft

Hi All,

Would this group that is being put together, just be for the sewing of Okesa or also include Rakusu?

Gassho,
John

[Risho]

Re: general zencraft

Thank you for that link Taigu sensei!

[Kyonin]

Re: general zencraft

Since we're on the subject, would anyone else be interested in using Google+'s hangout feature for a Treeleaf Fukudenkai during the upcoming Ango?

I'd love to join in! Do we have an official date for Ango? Or Jukai? Just asking.

[Shugen]

general "zencraft"

Hello Sydney! Good to see you. Jump on in, the water's fine! :-)

Ron

[disastermouse]

Re: general zencraft

Chet wrote:
I too am about to embark on sewing a rakasu, and it scares the shit out of me.

Hi Chet,
In what ways?

I'm intimidated by the multiple steps - not having anyone immediately available to bail me out of a jam if/when I hit a snag.

Chet

[Hoyu]

Re: general zencraft

Chet wrote:
I too am about to embark on sewing a rakasu, and it scares the shit out of me.

Hi Chet,
In what ways?

I'm intimidated by the multiple steps - not having anyone immediately available to bail me out of a jam if/when I hit a snag.

Chet

Hi Chet,
Thanks for explaining why you feel this way. I asked because I was wondering if was more in line with the actual crafting of one VS the intensity of the spiritual significance of it. After all it is the Buddhas robe, which seems kind of intimidating, to say the least. Somewhat big shoes to fill. At least that's how I would feel. So I wondered, since I agree with what you said, if we had similar emotions behind that fear of making one.

Gassho,
John

[Saijun]

Re: general zencraft

I'm intimidated by the multiple steps - not having anyone immediately available to bail me out of a jam if/when I hit a snag.

Chet

Hi Chet,
Thanks for explaining why you feel this way. I asked because I was wondering if was more in line with the actual crafting of one VS the intensity of the spiritual significance of it. After all it is the Buddhas robe, which seems kind of intimidating, to say the least. Somewhat big shoes to fill. At least that's how I would feel. So I wondered, since I agree with what you said, if we had similar emotions behind that fear of making one.

Gassho,
John

Hello Chet & John,

In cycling, we say, "don't let it get in your head." If there is a mountain to climb, just pedal and pedal. You just climb into your pain-cave and do it--pedal and feel the pain; let the pain be because there's not anything you can do about it right now. Then, just you pedaling up the road. And if you're blessed with a sufficiently long climb, just the road is left.

Upekkha. Equanimity.

And sewing the robe is a mountain, for certain. All of the beauty, enthusiasm, and trepidation I've found in long, winding mountain roads I've found in that mound of rags and needles and rulers and chalk.

Not one. Not two.

Because that mountain is the Kesa, and that Kesa is the mountain. Having just finished one sewing project, I'm about to start on another. And even though I know I can do it, and have done it before, I hate-hate-hate the initial cutting. Getting over that fear of doing something wrong, of skipping a gear and crashing.

"What do I do right now?"

Be with your trepidation and go for it. I know that you're both very dedicated, and have climbed other mountains before.

So don't let this one get in your head.

Metta and Gassho,

Saijun

[Hoyu]

Re: general zencraft

_/_

[Nenka]

Re: general zencraft

Hi All,

Would this group that is being put together, just be for the sewing of Okesa or also include Rakusu?

Gassho,
John

I'd like to know too, please!

Gassho,

Jennifer