An appreciation that will be no surprised to some and little to others! And an invite

[Jundo]

Hi,

If nobody has an objection (please write me privately if you do), I may collect these quotes on our webpage and/or a blog post. I will not include the names of the posters, only the quotes themselves.

The reason is that, while I do not believe in "advertising" our Sangha and trying to entice people in in any aggressive way, I do believe that it is a good thing to make this place known as a resource to people who might benefit. Our mission statement says ...

Treeleaf Zendo was designed specifically as an online practice place for Zen practitioners who cannot easily commute to a Zen Center due to health concerns, living in remote areas, or work, childcare and family needs.

I think that such comments might make such people feel more comfortable about coming to this "online" Sangha who might otherwise hesitate. (As I always tell folks ... we may be an "online" Sangha, but we are just a Sangha).

I also want to thank all the folks who posted such heartfelt comments here, from so many perspectives, both strengths and weaknesses. I think Taigu and I are not doing this to hear nice things, but it is still good to hear that so many folks sense that they are in a good place, receiving something beneficial. I hope all of you will still say the same for many more years down the roadless road.

Gassho, Jundo

[Mp]

Hi,

If nobody has an objection (please write me privately if you do), I may collect these quotes on our webpage and/or a blog post. I will not include the names of the posters, only the quotes themselves.

The reason is that, while I do not believe in "advertising" our Sangha and trying to entice people in in any aggressive way, I do believe that it is a good thing to make this place known as a resource to people who might benefit. Our mission statement says ...

Treeleaf Zendo was designed specifically as an online practice place for Zen practitioners who cannot easily commute to a Zen Center due to health concerns, living in remote areas, or work, childcare and family needs.

I think that such comments might make such people feel more comfortable about coming to this "online" Sangha who might otherwise hesitate. (As I always tell folks ... we may be an "online" Sangha, but we are just a Sangha).

I also want to thank all the folks who posted such heartfelt comments here, from so many perspectives, both strengths and weaknesses. I think Taigu and I are not doing this to hear nice things, but it is still good to hear that so many folks sense that they are in a good place, receiving something beneficial. I hope all of you will still say the same for many more years down the roadless road.

Gassho, Jundo

I think this is a wonderful idea and support it 100%. If there is anything else I can do to help in helping others see the true authentic benefits please know that I am always here.

Gassho
Shingen

[Risho]

I would've definitely not established a consistent zen practice had it not been for Treeleaf.

Gassho,

Risho

[shikantazen]

The benefits of any zendo are dependent on the same thing, our own commitment and dedication to our practice. Tree Leaf offers great opportunities to learn, teach, share life lessons, get to know your sangha, etc. But without self discipline, control, and dedication to practice these things are just words on an internet forum. Real or not real? Only we can control that, bricks or no bricks.

Wonderfully said. I am always amazed at the wisdom of the Senior students here. That is a reflection of the quality of the teaching offered.

[Jinyo]

The benefits of any zendo are dependent on the same thing, our own commitment and dedication to our practice. Tree Leaf offers great opportunities to learn, teach, share life lessons, get to know your sangha, etc. But without self discipline, control, and dedication to practice these things are just words on an internet forum. Real or not real? Only we can control that, bricks or no bricks.

I do agree with this.

I think it's telling that when this topic came up (over a year ago) most of the members who responded (and it was an interesting and challenging discussion) are still active members. This says a lot.

I do believe Tree Leaf is evolving and will continue to do so - in many positive ways. This is possible because of the dedication of teachers and students - and a willingness to take on board the idea that even a good thing has the potential for change and growth.

So, thank you all,



Willow

[Kyonin]

Hi,

If nobody has an objection (please write me privately if you do), I may collect these quotes on our webpage and/or a blog post. I will not include the names of the posters, only the quotes themselves.

The reason is that, while I do not believe in "advertising" our Sangha and trying to entice people in in any aggressive way, I do believe that it is a good thing to make this place known as a resource to people who might benefit. Our mission statement says ...

Treeleaf Zendo was designed specifically as an online practice place for Zen practitioners who cannot easily commute to a Zen Center due to health concerns, living in remote areas, or work, childcare and family needs.

I think that such comments might make such people feel more comfortable about coming to this "online" Sangha who might otherwise hesitate. (As I always tell folks ... we may be an "online" Sangha, but we are just a Sangha).

I also want to thank all the folks who posted such heartfelt comments here, from so many perspectives, both strengths and weaknesses. I think Taigu and I are not doing this to hear nice things, but it is still good to hear that so many folks sense that they are in a good place, receiving something beneficial. I hope all of you will still say the same for many more years down the roadless road.

Gassho, Jundo

By all means do so! I think we say what we say about Treeleaf comes from the heart. I don't see it as advertising at all.

Gassho,

Kyonin

[Amelia]

Our zendo is HUGE! It's comprised of all of our homes. Think of the expanse of that.

[Daisho]

Treeleaf is the 2nd Sangha I've experienced. It was nice having a brick and mortar zendo, but it was only there for me when I was present. All of my fellow Treeleafers are always here. I can get online and read the forums, ask questions, talk about an issue and someone is always there to help. I never miss anything because it's all recorded onlne. Our Sangha is imperfectly perfect all the time! Then there are the lessons, sewing the Rakasu...I get all enthused about my practice when I describe Treeleaf. Go Treeleafers, Go!!!

[YuimaSLC]

Unless you are training at a monastery, it's quite difficult to attend the "brick and mortar" every day. And most centers, except the biggest ones, don't offer sitting space everyday anyway; at best maybe once or twice a week. In it's unique way, TreeLeaf is providing everyday access to the sangha's interaction and sharing.


Richard

[Joyo]

Treeleaf is the 2nd Sangha I've experienced. It was nice having a brick and mortar zendo, but it was only there for me when I was present. All of my fellow Treeleafers are always here. I can get online and read the forums, ask questions, talk about an issue and someone is always there to help. I never miss anything because it's all recorded onlne. Our Sangha is imperfectly perfect all the time! Then there are the lessons, sewing the Rakasu...I get all enthused about my practice when I describe Treeleaf. Go Treeleafers, Go!!!

I feel the exact same way. I was envious of ppl who were fortunate to live close enough to have a sangha. I was even thinking of making some trips to the closest one (which is about 2 1/2 hrs away) However, now that I've found TreeLeaf, I do not feel the need to do that anymore. So, yeah, I join you in cheering for TreeLeaf