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

[Myosha]

Thanks to all.


Gassho,
Myosha

[alan.r]

Hello everyone.

Like others, I'll say a few words about Jundo and Leon's visit. Jundo and Leon arrived, around midnight, bleary and ready for bed; Leon may actually have been asleep on his feet. In the morning, we sat a Zazenkai, in which Jundo gave a profound and moving talk - frankly, I don't even remember all of it, except that it had me weeping and deeply moved. Shaken. Exactly what was needed. Not only was I fortunate enough to meet with Jundo and Leon, we also had lunch with Jundo's mentor, Doshin Cantor, a man of nearly 80 with the energy and passion of someone half his age. It was something to see the connection between Jundo and Doshin. We talked books, Jundo and Leon's travels, other little things, over lunch - I ran off to work at this point to teach a class. In the evening, my wife arrived home and we played video games with Leon, ate dinner together, talked about our lives and the beautiful and sad things of our little time in this big world. We just shared. Then just sat. It was like an old friend, or a long lost family member visiting, which is what we all are to each other, and Jundo embodies that. Then we drove to the train station at 4 in the morning (I forgot to make sandwiches for Jundo and Leon, a thing I wish I had remembered) so we stopped at an all night gas station with the town quiet and cooler.

I felt and still feel grateful, and so glad to be a part of this place and to be able to share with all of you.

Hope you're all well.

Gassho,
Alan

[Seimyo]

It sounds like you had a wonderful visit Alan, as many have. Thanks for sharing it.

Gassho
Seimyo

[Mp]

Thank you Alan for such a great expression of your experience ... I feel like I was there just through your words. =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Daiyo]

You're words are beatiful, Alan.

What an amazing experience.

Thanks for sharing.

Gassho,
Walter.

[Koshin]

A trail of gratitude and teachings

Thank you all

Gassho

[Sydney]

A couple of snapshots from a little bocce in the park during the Mississippi stop:

http://imgur.com/a/bg4gI

I've been working two jobs lately, and a little downtime with Jundo & Leon really hit the spot. We had plenty of quality conversation, food, and all those pleasant things.

[Ishin]

Thanks Jundo and Sydney. Sydney may you always roll natural d20s. (It's a D&D thing)
Gassho
C

[Mp]

Thanks for the photo Sydney ... I too love a good game of Bocce! =)

Gassho
Shingen

[Daiyo]

Nice Sydney!
We call them "Bochas".

I didn't know the origin was Italian. It used to be very common here among the elders.
There were a lot of retired people clubs with special fields for playing, with a special kind of soil, and a lot of tools to take care of it, a serious set of rules and so on.
My parents in law have a weekend house which used to have one special space for bocce. I think many of these old bochas are still stored somewhere in that house.

Gassho,
Walter

[Nenka]

Well, I met up with Jundo and Leon this morning in my hometown of Chicago. We had a delicious brunch and then spent the day checking out the Art Institute and having a little sit here and there where we could. It was an awesome day but perhaps a bit exhausting for everyone with all the walking and the crazy Chicago humidity. It's funny, it was just like how Alan put it, like visiting with an old friend.

I'll post some pictures next week when I can.

Gassho

Jen

[Dosho]

Wonderful, wonderful!

Gassho,
Dosho

[Jundo]

It was lovely to see and sit a bit with Nenka today. A selfie with her, Leon and a Bodhisattva over our shoulder ... at the Chicago Art Institute (where they have a fantastic Asian arts collection) ...



Gassho, J

[Kyotai]

Thank you for sharing Jen.

Gassho, Shawn

[Mp]

Wonderful selfie ... thank you for sharing. =)

Gassho
Shingen