TRAVEL DIARY: DHARMA TRACKS Across AMERICA (7/16-8/26) & WASHINGTON RETREAT (8/9-14)

[Byokan]

Thus we sit, in The Sunshine State

Thank you dear Sangha,

Gassho
Lisa

[Mp]

Thank you Jundo! Risho, wonderful to see and sit with you and your family. =) I really liked the part in the talk when Jundo said, "In the middle of the storm there is the sun and stillness". Just like in life ... beautiful. =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Dosho]

Great to sit with you all!

Gassho,
Dosho

[Daitetsu]

As always, great to sit with you guys!

Have a safe trip to the retreat and enjoy your time together!

Gassho,

Daitetsu

[Daiyo]

I will join you saturday morning.

Please wait!

[Jundo]

Dear All,

This is just a reMINDer that our TREELEAF FORUM will be CLOSED to all discussion during the days from Sunday August 9th through Thursday August 14th so that all our attention and Practice can center on the Washington D.C. Retreat to be guided by Taigu. ALL SECTIONS of the Forum, except Private Message function (and certain administrative sections), will be locked to posting. A link will be provided soon where all of us can watch and join in the netcast sittings of the Retreat during those days.

Now is a time for Silence and Sitting.

Gassho, Jundo

[Ed]

[Risho]

Hey everyone.. I just wanted to post something about Jundo's visit to Tampa.

First -- I will be updating my avatar; it's back from 2011 after Jukai. For the record, I was wearing a tie and Rakusu because that was taken just after I took the precepts.

Those are not suspenders; that is the top part of the rakusu. hahhaha


Second -- I'm not a successful, country banker who wears ties and suspenders. I usually wear business casual in the office but, as Jundo and Grace can attest, I am quite casual at home. lol


Seriously, it was a great time meeting everyone. While I was waiting at the train station, I was getting concerned.. what if I suck at being a host? what if we don't have anything to talk about? just the normal neuroses I have...

But right after we met and started talking there is something very endearing about Jundo and his son Leon. Jundo is someone I felt like I knew for a long time.. it was like catching up with an old friend, and nothing skipped a beat.

It was an incredible time, and very, very cool. Words can't express how much fun it was. And that extends to Grace and her Great Nephew Alex. They are very, very cool.

Jundo also expressed how everyone he met in person were all so nice.

I don't know how to explain it, but I feel more proud than ever to be part of this Sangha and to share my practice with you all.

It truly is a gift, and I think that our sharing of such personal things such as our practice, and our sitting across space and time, no matter where we are, does not increase separation. I truly feel that it gives us a very unique bond which really engenders a trust and true connection that is just inexpressable.

Anyway, my only regret is that it ended so soon.

That was truly one of the best moments of my life.

Gassho,

Risho

P.S. One of the highlights was certainly giving Leon a quick history and look at old video games. Keep on gaming brother.. in moderation of course

[Byokan]

Hi Risho,

thanks for hosting our Jundo and bringing us into your home! I thought they were suspenders too

Gassho
Lisa

[Mp]

Those are not suspenders; that is the top part of the rakusu. hahhaha

Cool! So your rakusu can hold up your pants too? Lol =)

I truly feel that it gives us a very unique bond which really engenders a trust and true connection that is just inexpressable.

This is beautifully said Risho ... again I send thanks to you for taking care of our beautiful jewels while they are on their journey. =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Joyo]

Risho, I thought they were suspenders too They look so snazzy lol!!!

So happy that you got to meet Jundo and Leon.

Gassho,
Joyo

[Daiyo]

Just sat Risho's zazenkai.

Thanks Risho and family amd Jundo.

Gassho,
Walter.


P.S: BTW, I also thought those were suspenders.

[Jundo]

A little informal Zazen in Washington DC with Kyonin, Mongen, Dosho and me before we all go our non-seperate ways ....

http://youtu.be/vJ3VbIgQFnQ

[Mp]

Thank you for the morning sit, great to see you all. Safe travels to your non-seperate ways. =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Jundo]

Hi You'All,

Our next Zazenkai will be from Georgia with Clark and Nengyo. Leon and I are now on the Midnight Train bound that way ...

Monday Aug 20: 90 Minute Zazenkai - New York 10am, Los Angeles 7am, London 3pm and Paris 4pm

Gassho Jundo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v78-ftcqpNw&feature=youtube_gdata_player