Talked to interfaith class at work today about being a Monk...

[Jundo]

I should clarify one point here... When I talk about not assuming "authority" with regards to the Dharma.. it is in reference to other people. ...not this body and mind. Although I am deeply grateful for teachers in both the official sense, and in the sense that everyone is my teacher... and humbled by 1001 knocks of this head against the wall.....

...the buck stops at my zafu. Treeleaf is my home in part because that is acknowledged and encouraged and supported. Jundo and Taigu are open handed.

Gassho, Daizan.
.

Yes.

... it is important to stay humble and know one's limits, to be aware when one may need to point someone to others, that one is having influence over the life of people ..., not to give a wrong impression about what is happening and that one should not feel any ego about it

Isn't this a wise approach too when sitting-teaching oneself by ourself?

Gassho, J

[RichardH]

Yes.

... it is important to stay humble and know one's limits, to be aware when one may need to point someone to others, that one is having influence over the life of people ..., not to give a wrong impression about what is happening and that one should not feel any ego about it

Isn't this also a wise approach too when sitting-teaching oneself by ourself?

Gassho, J

I falter on every count, Jundo. .. and I am here, all messy and broken.

Gassho, Daizan

[Neika]

We had and will have future Shukke Tokudo. In fact, I will have an announcement in that regard in the coming days.

Also worth mentioning is that the use of the English words "monk" and "priest" (and some other common names thrown about) are even a bit strange to describe the situation of Buddhist clergy in Japan. Here is a recent discussion on that ...

http://www.treeleaf.org/forums/showthread.php?10368-Quick-question-possibly-a-silly-one&p=90358&viewfull=1#post90358

Gassho, J

Wow, what a tease.