Retreat in United States

[Jundo]

I AM HAPPY TO REPORT THAT THE FOLLOWING APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A FALSE RUMOR!

There is an issue that Soto-shu deregistered Roshi while he was sick for failing to pay some fees! While we don't really care about what Soto-shu does, several of the Japanese Dharma Heirs want to press the issue with Soto-shu, and asked me to do so with Soto-shu USA. I intend to do so. Even though Soto-shu means nothing, I also do not want them to treat Roshi lightly.

I WROTE DIRECTLY TO REV. DAIGAKU RUMME, THE REPRESENTATIVE OF SOTO-SHU IN THE USA. He wrote to say that his assistant’s home temple is where Nishijima Roshi was once listed as the “Jushoku” [Head Priest] many years ago, so he has a special connection with Nishijima Roshi. His assistant said that Nishijima Roshi’s priest registration is still on the books at Shumucho (the Soto-shu Administrative Headquarters). Nishijima's registration is through our Lineage's Root Temple, Tokei-in Temple in Shizuoka. That registration will be taken from the books when Nishijima Roshi’s Death Certificate is received at Shumucho in Tokyo. This is standard procedure for all priests who are registered with Shumucho including, for example, SFZC's Myogen Stucky who died not so long ago. Priests over the age of 80 can be exempted from paying their yearly dues but only if they apply for this exemption and it is accepted by Shumucho. So, to quote Daigaku, "his priest registration is still in place and will only be removed when the death certificate is received in Tokyo."

My apologies for the confusion.

Gassho, Jundo

[Myosha]

It's good to be awake.


Gassho,
Myosha

[Nengyo]

As of right now I have a test that Monday (11 August) that kind of throws a wrench in things. We also have a very full school schedule that week. Making things even more difficult is the fact that our schedule changes on occasion and test are pretty much the only thing I can't get around (we are pretty flexible otherwise). My plan for now is to act as if I will be there from 12-14 August. I will pay the deposit etc. and see what happens.

I do have one question. Do you think it would be OK for me to bring my books and study during the dukosan and free periods? I'm not worlds smartest man, so I don't think I could take off three full days from studying.

Let me mention that I plan to announce, and start making arrangements to visit our members during, my "Dharma Drive Across America". I will do that in a few days. Again, in making the announcement, I will make it clear that I will only visit people who have a good reason why they cannot participate in the Washington Retreat. I will try to encourage people to attend Washington if they can.


Gassho, J

Hey Jundo, I'm going to try to make the retreat if there is any way at all possible...however if you want to come visit Atlanta just for fun you are welcome to crash at my place! I can even dig up an old zafu for you!

<Edited for clarity. Apparently I forgot how to use a forum in the past 24 hours>

[Yugen]

Nengyo,
We'd really like to make it possible for you to attend the retreat - so I am sure a reasonable compromise, or "middle way" can be found to balance your study time and attendance at the retreat. Please plan to attend if you can and we can work on carving out study time - that is its own form of practice.

Deep bows
Yugen

[Yugen]

Dear all,

I'd like to emphasize an important point which I failed to address in the announcements regarding logistics and cost for the retreat.

We do not want financial considerations to be an obstacle to people attending the retreat - and we understand that there are Treeleafers in constrained and/or difficult budgetary circumstances. Taigu, Jundo, the Unsui and I do not want people to be deterred by the cost of attending. We cannot do anything to contain travel costs, but we can work with Sangha members to arrive at workable contributions towards the cost of attendance.

I strongly urge anyone who is seriously considering attending and is trying to make the numbers work, or is in constrained circumstances to contact me via PM or email so we can find a workable solution. As a priest-in-training, any discussions we have are confidential and my only interest is in finding a way for people to attend the retreat.

Treeleaf does not have a budget for funding retreats and / or scholarships so we must ask you to honestly consider what you can contribute towards the cost of attendance. This retreat will be a significant and joyous event - it will be an opportunity for us to meet and practice in person, as well as to celebrate the Ordination of our brothers.

If your intention to attend is serious, we will not permit the cost of attendance to be the limiting factor in your decision to join us. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions.

Deep bows
Yugen

[Seizan]

Hi All,


Sorry for the silence, I've been dealing with family and health issues pretty heavily since mid December. I will absolutely be at the retreat, and will send in my payment in March!

Deep Gassho,
Seizan

[Jinyo]

Hi All,


Sorry for the silence, I've been dealing with family and health issues pretty heavily since mid December. I will absolutely be at the retreat, and will send in my payment in March!

Deep Gassho,
Seizan

Hello Seizan,

I hope things are resolving for you and your family,

Gassho

Willow

[Mp]

Hello Seizan,

Nice to see you again ... I hope everything works out for you, sitting here with you. =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Myozan Kodo]

Seizan,
Hope things are getting better. Sounds like you've had some hard times. Look forward to meeting you in the US in the summer.
Gassho
Myozan

[shikantazen]

Looking forward to this

Gassho,
Sam

[Joyo]

Hi All,


Sorry for the silence, I've been dealing with family and health issues pretty heavily since mid December. I will absolutely be at the retreat, and will send in my payment in March!

Deep Gassho,
Seizan

Nice to see you back, Seizan. Much metta to you and your family.

Gassho,
Joyo

[Nengyo]

Thanks Yugen, count me in for sure!

Seizan, I'm glad to see you again!

[Daijo]

This time of the year is one of the busiest for my family. It will be very difficult for me to attend. at least for the entirety. If there is an option for attending part of the retreat then I will make every effort to do so.

Gassho,

Daijo

[KellyRok]

I would love to attend, but I hesitate to make a commitment right now. Another possible relocation is looming within the next 3-6 months and that week is the first week of school for my kids. If I can work out logistics, in the next two months; I will try to attend for a portion of the retreat.

I have much respect and gratitude for all who will be attending and all those in the planning phases.

Gassho,
Kelly/Jinmei

[Yugen]

Dear all,
A Treeleaf Sangha member wishing to remain anonymous has committed to donate a significant sum towards retreat expenses - it is this person's wishes that the donation be used to make it possible for folks in constrained and difficult financial circumstances to attend the retreat. We would like to use this loving and generous donation to assist those in genuinely difficult circumstances to offset the expenses of attending the August retreat. If your intention is sincere, please do PM or email me so we can begin the process of determining how to make your attendance possible.

Attending a retreat of this type does involve not only commitment of time but of resources as well - to put together the funds for the retreat I am giving up dining out, giving up a monthly online subscription and reducing coffee shop visits until I have the funds together. I will also add some extra work hours. It is a good occasion to reflect on my own priorities and budget. Please, in your heart of hearts determine what your genuine need is and we will be here to help.

I'd like to thank our donor with great sincerity and gratitude.

Deep bows
Yugen