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

[Meishin]

Thank you Shingen and Yugen. It is interesting, I have been involved with Buddhist community locally for years, and this sangha is more present than any I have participated in. Usually (and isn't this typical ?) when you are involved with a temple or center, you go once or twice a week for shared practice or to speak with the teacher. Here we are in touch daily and you all feel present all the time. Every day there is an opportunity for shared sitting.. I am so grateful to sit each morning with a sangha mate, and if schedules change there is always someone to sit with. You are all much more present than the weekend sangha of the average temple.

I look forward to meeting Jundo and presenting my mostly happy mess unvarnished, but I imagine it will be more about meeting another dimension rather than adding anything more real.

Gassho
Daizan

that is so very helpful as one is looking at "real" and " virtual" sanghas. Thank you.

gassho
john

[Sekishi]

How amazing it is to watch all of this unfold. Ordinary and extraordinary! Dogen is clear about the blessing and wonder of being able to practice (in his time of frequent strife and upheaval). How wondrous to be able to sit together (in our time of strife and upheaval) with the Buddhas and ancestors and each other across time and space, and also to come together in a shared time and space.

Glad to hear Leon is full steam again. Continued safe travels fellas!

Deep bows to all.
Sekishi

[Ishin]

Thank you Shingen and Yugen. It is interesting, I have been involved with Buddhist community locally for years, and this sangha is more present than any I have participated in. Usually (and isn't this typical ?) when you are involved with a temple or center, you go once or twice a week for shared practice or to speak with the teacher. Here we are in touch daily and you all feel present all the time. Every day there is an opportunity for shared sitting.. I am so grateful to sit each morning with a sangha mate, and if schedules change there is always someone to sit with. You are all much more present than the weekend sangha of the average temple.

I look forward to meeting Jundo and presenting my mostly happy mess unvarnished, but I imagine it will be more about meeting another dimension rather than adding anything more real.

Gassho
Daizan

I couldn't agree more. this feels more like constant feel of a real monastery than meeting with people once a week.
Look forward to sitting with Rich. Awesome trip!

Gassho
C

[Ishin]

Jundo's visit was very special and both he and Leon's absence are keenly felt today.

You are my Sangha and my family. That pretty much sums it up. To those of you who are hosting Jundo and Leon in his travels. as Hans as said, embrace this experience fully. If you have the opportunity to take some time and join him en route, please do so. It's worth it. Jundo lives his zen practice - he has a ready smile, a sense of gratitude, and a sharp sense of humor. He does not do 'milquetoast' zen - don't be lulled into complacency in by the humor and wit - he communicates the essence of the teachings in way that is accessible and relevant to each of his students. That is the sign of true mastery. Our household, and my practice are both changed profoundly after spending four days with him. I'm glad we could share it with you.

Deep bows
Yugen

Very nice.

Glad Leon is ok

Go Red Sox..

Gassho
C

[Jundo]

Hey Guys,

Waiting on train to Rich. Boston was great, including Museum of Fine Arts (I gave Leon an introduction to the entire history of Western art in 2 crazy funny hours, plus one great collection of Japanese art), Plymouth Plantation (where they very honestly recreate how the Pilgrims lived who came on the Mayflower, including how the local indiginous Americans felt about it) and Leon' s first real rock concert (a 90s retro thing with Sugar Ray. .. who was surprisingly GREAT. .. and Smash Mouth. Leon thought it too loud even with ear plugs).

On to Rhode Island!

Gassho, Jundo Ray

[Joyo]

Although I am not able to meet Jundo face-to-face this summer, reading these posts have been a great reminder on how closely knit this sangha really is. Jundo, hope you and Leon continue to have a wonderful trip, and I am happy to read here that he is feeling better. Safe travels.

Gassho,
Joyo

[Jundo]

Dear All,

Our Zazenkai from Rhode Island with Rich (who I today found out was this year on the US National Hockey Championship Team, Over 65 Division!), will be here ...

http://youtu.be/ZGnVi3Nxt6k

Here is Rich, third from right in front row ...



Gassho, J

[Kyotai]

That is awesome Rich!

Gassho, Shawn

[Mp]

Wonderful Jundo and Rich ... wonderful to sit with you all. =) Have a great night.

Gassho
Shingen

P.S. A hockey star! Can I have your autograph Rich? =)

[Ishin]

Thanks Rich and Jundo. Rich thank you for opening up your home for all of us. I feel more in the "Ocean State" than ever. Great picture, even though you are all crazy

Gassho
C

[RichardH]

Gassho and thank you.

Daizan

[Dosho]

Wow Rich...color me impressed! And, generally, always nice to see anyone enjoying the game.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Myosha]

Thanks to all.


Gassho,
Myosha

[Byokan]

Rich - hockey - too cool. Thank you for inviting us into your home!

The Ocean State

Gassho
Lisa

[Risho]