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

[Ishin]

Hello all

It was so wonderful to meet with Jundo and his son Leon. We had a wonderful visit, and I think my whole family feels the loss that they are gone already. My son Michael was singing a song on the way back form the train station about how "Leon's gooooooooone". My wife Maureen is looking up the cost of plane tickets to Japan.

Though I was a bit disappointed that Jundo would not share the secrets of his levitation techniques, no rainbows or doves appeared over my house, or similar evidence of his spiritual power; I can honestly say that JUST SITTING was magical enough. Nengyo, thank you so much for making the drive up here to sit with us also. Thank you to everyone for making Jundo and Leon's trip possible.

Gassho

C

[Marjorie]

and I love the storms too because they remind me that storms define the quiet.. one exists to teach you of the other.. but in the middle is the bliss.

[Nengyo]

Thank you Clark and Jundo for letting me take part, it was fantastic. Also, I got to pet an awesome dog which would have made the trip worth it zazenkai or no zazenkai!

[jeff_u]

Thank you for opening up your home Clark. It was a pleasure to sit you guys.

Gassho,

-Jeff

[Jundo]

Zazenkai with Alan.R is beautiful Spartanburg, South Carolina and wherever you are now too ...

http://youtu.be/5a_cz1Rku9E

[Mp]

Thank you Jundo, Alan, and all for sitting. Also Jundo thank you for the talk, I needed to hear that. =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Meishin]

Thank you Jundo and Alan for sharing this. Jundo your talk was heart-wrenching, heart-opening.

Gassho
John

[Ishin]

Thank you Alan and Jundo. Hard to breathe with those lumps sometimes, but I have a 100% track record for making it through the day. Hopeful for all.
Gassho
C

[Joyo]

I regret that I have missed out on all of these zazenkais with Jundo, as well as the retreat. My kids are keeping me very busy right now. I am glad you have all had such a lovely time together.

Gassho,
Joyo

[Nindo]

Hi Jundo, how are the ladies at home? Is Leon homesick yet?
Wishing you well for your last stretch on this journey.
Gassho,
Nindo

[Jundo]

Hi Jundo, how are the ladies at home? Is Leon homesick yet?
Wishing you well for your last stretch on this journey.
Gassho,
Nindo

Yes, Leon is being very patient ... but not sleeping in his own bed, and missing mom's cooking, are starting to show.

Joyo,, you are along for all the ride.

Gassho, J

[Joyo]

Joyo,, you are along for all the ride.

Gassho, J

Thank you, Jundo. That means a lot as it's a bit difficult to miss out on all the lovely talks and practicing together.

Gassho,
Joyo

[Jundo]

Just some photos from the last couple of days ... Clark and his great and diverse family (the look on my face is me trying to do a Selfie) ...



... our Alan R. (a fantastic cook!) and his wife (who rescues pets, plays the classical violin, was the school soccer coach and has many other great talents) ...



... and my chance to spend some time with my mentor, Zen Teacher Mitch Doshin Cantor. An Heir of the late Roshi Peter Muryo Matthiessen in Maezumi Roshi's lineage. Mitch taught me how to run a Western style Sangha (much of what we are doing at Treeleaf is borrowed from my experiences at Doshin's Sangha). Doshin gave me my first chance to lead groups and give Zen Talks after Nishijima gave me Transmission. Furthermore, he introduced me to something very much present in Western Buddhism but sorely lacking in Japan ... immersion in the diverse ideas of Buddhism. Now 79 years old, he lives with he wife here in the Carolinas much of the year.



Tonight, I will be off on a 4am train to meet Sydney in Mississippi. Thanks to Alan for giving me a life to the station at that hour.

Gassho, J

[Byokan]

Neat-o!

Thank you for sharing these, Jundo!

Gassho
Lisa

[Amelia]

Thanks, Jundo. Gassho