As previously mentioned, my ordination at Treeleaf was at the behest of Jundo and Taigu. They spoke of some ancient tradition with regard to senior members of the community and somehow convinced me I had the makings of a lowly servant to the Sangha. As the notion began to take form within my imagination I conceded (a decision I am glad to have made) and proceeded over the next few short weeks to prepare for the ceremony. Fugen very kindly shipped me a kesa and i was granted dispensationn in the form of a symbolic head shaving since I was naturally half way there anyway 
At any rate, I became an unsui without a real kesa and so took myself and Lillian, after great pains at explaining the significance and design of the kasaya, off to the fabric store. I thought I had studied the pattern well enough but as most of us young monks do, I under estimated the amount of material needed. This i found out after returning home and laying out the pattern.So, back we go to the fabric store to find neither do they have enough material. Well, with a bit of rooting around we find another material and buy enough
Back home and cutting out the pattern and I begin to sew. Very soon it becomes evident that I have purchased the mother of all monster materials. It took an extreme amount of patience to struggle to sew a straight hem and the stretch in the material was next to impossible to work with. As it turned out, it was just about at this point where Lillian's health took a turn for the worse and the project hit a brick wall.
After Lillian's passing and a period of grieving I was led to a path of my true calling; namely, service among the blind community whichI believe I previously explained. The sewing of a kesa again became a real goal for me. This time, I had practice with describing the design and purpose of the robe and especially, familiarity withthe amout of cloth required. So, I guided my new partner to the fabric store and using Doreen's expertice in the craft, she assisted in material selection by feeling it's richness of texture and decription of color.
This new purchase has proven to be a perfect match for my intentions and tailoring skills. It has allowed many errors to be woven in and the result is almost stunning. After two long years of trial and error, disappointments and victories I have completed the sewing of my first kesa. I am by no means a master tailor but the resultant robe a passable model of perfect imperfection. Upon hearing this news, Jundo was encouraged and asked me to tell this story that perhaps may inspire some of you to tackle this task which first appears to be very formidable. Once completed and you are able to look back at the manner in which you accomplished the task it makes so many other perceived obstacles evaporate before your very eyes. You definately get the true feeling of "I can do this!"
In aknowledgement of this completed project, Jundo is planning an incensing ceremony to be performed during our dokusan this coming Sunday. I want to thank all of you for giving me the incentive to have worked on this and giving me many more reasons to get up every day. The concentrated awareness required to accurrately determine the dimensions of your pattern and the compassionate sewing of each mindfull stitch; especially long hems, is a true application of our living practice. So I say, go forth, learn what is a cubit and sew in good faith.
gassho,
At any rate, I became an unsui without a real kesa and so took myself and Lillian, after great pains at explaining the significance and design of the kasaya, off to the fabric store. I thought I had studied the pattern well enough but as most of us young monks do, I under estimated the amount of material needed. This i found out after returning home and laying out the pattern.So, back we go to the fabric store to find neither do they have enough material. Well, with a bit of rooting around we find another material and buy enough
Back home and cutting out the pattern and I begin to sew. Very soon it becomes evident that I have purchased the mother of all monster materials. It took an extreme amount of patience to struggle to sew a straight hem and the stretch in the material was next to impossible to work with. As it turned out, it was just about at this point where Lillian's health took a turn for the worse and the project hit a brick wall.
After Lillian's passing and a period of grieving I was led to a path of my true calling; namely, service among the blind community whichI believe I previously explained. The sewing of a kesa again became a real goal for me. This time, I had practice with describing the design and purpose of the robe and especially, familiarity withthe amout of cloth required. So, I guided my new partner to the fabric store and using Doreen's expertice in the craft, she assisted in material selection by feeling it's richness of texture and decription of color.
This new purchase has proven to be a perfect match for my intentions and tailoring skills. It has allowed many errors to be woven in and the result is almost stunning. After two long years of trial and error, disappointments and victories I have completed the sewing of my first kesa. I am by no means a master tailor but the resultant robe a passable model of perfect imperfection. Upon hearing this news, Jundo was encouraged and asked me to tell this story that perhaps may inspire some of you to tackle this task which first appears to be very formidable. Once completed and you are able to look back at the manner in which you accomplished the task it makes so many other perceived obstacles evaporate before your very eyes. You definately get the true feeling of "I can do this!"
In aknowledgement of this completed project, Jundo is planning an incensing ceremony to be performed during our dokusan this coming Sunday. I want to thank all of you for giving me the incentive to have worked on this and giving me many more reasons to get up every day. The concentrated awareness required to accurrately determine the dimensions of your pattern and the compassionate sewing of each mindfull stitch; especially long hems, is a true application of our living practice. So I say, go forth, learn what is a cubit and sew in good faith.
gassho,
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