INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

[Shindo]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Jundo
thanks you very much - that was great: 15 of us together across the world - what a great sense of fellowship.
Technology was a little flaky at the outset - so I missed some of the chants & I lost connection during the first 10 minutes or so of the first Zazen, but after that I reconnected it was fine all the way through. My wireless & Asus Eee performed brilliantly, as did my wife and kids, who let me have the time to do this.
Really enjoyed the dharma talk - I hope I can emulate that old Joe from 2500 years ago and make some headway too
I also experienced the feeling of "no escape" as into the 3-4 hour, my back and legs ached - but then it was great to end (a bit like banging ones head against a wall - I guess).
All in all a wonderful experience - one I would do again (in fact I will tomorrow, but only for 30 minutes )
Jundo - again - heartfelt thanks
Best wishes
Jools

[Jundo]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Hi Jools, Will and Skye,

I am glad it was worthwhile.

It will be even better next month, as I will get the microphone and camera better positioned, my gravel voice in better tune ( ops: ), and all my Buddhist gear (including the big bell!!) are due to arrive by boat this month!! The carpenters may even put the floors back into this place so we have more room to work.

Plus, I hope to get the local "Zazen" sitting group reconstituted here in Tsukuba so that some other folks will come sit with us live ... although I am not sure who would want to do that at 1AM local time!!

Anyway, we will do it again in May!

Gassho, Jundo

[Yugen]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

All,

I ma sorry I could not join you today. I have three boys, ages 17, 12 and 4... Saturday morning US East coast time is one of the few times we are all together and home from work, school, etc. and we have breakfast and chum around. Now that the weather is moderating, we are getting our bikes and kayaks out, dusting hem off and getting ready for outdoor season on the Maine coast. With family commitments, it is easiest for me to sit on a schedule consisting of early morning and late night sessions (6 AM and 11 PM) for thirty minutes each. I will try to join you in the future, but I wanted to write and let you know that the fellowship you shared and created was felt by me as I went through my morning, engaging in "moving" Zazen with my boys. Thank you all for coming together. The group spirit and fellowship of your practice is not limited to those present at the zazenkai. I daresay all of us in the sangha feel your presence across the timezones, and I for one am grateful knowing that you (we) are all out there.

Thanks and Gassho,
Alex

[Skye]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

I also experienced the feeling of "no escape" as into the 3-4 hour, my back and legs ached - but then it was great to end (a bit like banging ones head against a wall - I guess).

No doubt, that last hour was rough. Kept me awake though.
I hope my legs get more bendy by next month!

Another good reason not to sit facing the screen, that way you won't get distracted by my fidgeting :P

[Shindo]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Thank you Jundo

Hi Syke

that way you won't get distracted by my fidgeting

:lol: Hey, that was nothing - I was twitching back & forth with my back & shuffling my legs to get the blood flowing. But (interestingly) at no time was I bored - in mild pain, but not bored .

Best wishes

Jools

[Shugen]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Alex,

Nicely said!

Ron

[Jundo]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

All,

I ma sorry I could not join you today. I have three boys, ages 17, 12 and 4... Saturday morning US East coast time is one of the few times we are all together and home from work, school, etc. and we have breakfast and chum around.

... and that's why there is a "sit-on-demand" (c) recorded version ... :twisted:

http://treeleafzen.blogspot.com/2008/04/retreat.html

[will]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Jools
I was twitching back & forth with my back & shuffling my legs to get the blood flowing.

Join th club. I learn't alot from that...but I think I forget most of it :roll:

One thing that I did learn is that my respect for Zen teachers has risen a notch.

Technology was a little flaky at the outset - so I missed some of the chants & I lost connection during the first 10 minutes or so of the first Zazen,

Yeah me to, but after a while it was alright, still choppy, but not bad. I actually got to chant the Fukanzazengi at the end, with very little disturbance which was a great experience.

Thanx again Big J.

Gassho Will

[will]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Jundo. I don't know why, but I was unable to find the link to the Zazenkai on Saturday. I had to ask somebody. I went to the blog a couple times and nothing. Where was this posted? Am I missing something?

G,W

[Jundo]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Hi Will,

It was posted on the "Sit-a-Long with Jundo" blog a few minutes before 9pm Japan time (the starting time). I had to cut it close to the starting time due to a last minute technical problem. Anyway, seems you found it in the end, Will.

Gassho, Jundo

[will]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Yes indeed. Thanks.

G,W

[Eika]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Hi, everyone.

I just finished the 'on-demand' version of yesterday's retreat. I couldn't do it yesterday, so it was nice to be able to catch it this morning.

Thanks, Jundo, for making this opportunity available. I'm looking forward to this becoming part of my monthly schedule.

Gassho,
Bill

[John]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

Sorry I missed it. I attend a 'mindfulness meditation day' on the first Saturday of every month.

Gassho,
John

[will]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

It's actually recorded John, so it's available anytime.

http://treeleafzen.blogspot.com/


Gassho Will

[em]

Re: INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY'S ZAZENKAI

As a late comment, I've much appreciated the sitting room as it gives those of us who are not inclined to post on the forum a sense of community. It helped me strengthen my practice, in the sitting room and elsewhere. Different things fit different people in different situations. I'm glad there is now a way to practice together without chatter.

Looking forward to doing the zazenkai now that I'm back home from a weekend with the board.

All the best,
em