Jan 3rd-4th, 2020 - OUR MONTHLY 4-hour Treeleaf ZAZENKAI - Welcome the New Year!

[Jundo]

Well, I have located the "Hokey Pokey" scene from the X-files episode "Chinga" (apparently penned by Stephen King). That evil doll could use with a little Zazen and lesson in Ahimsa from Kannon, and I will be sure to include her in the Metta Chant next time!

Warning: The following is not for the squeemish!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy_OzBEXhMA

Gassho, J

STLah

[Doshin]

Peace for all
Doshin
St

[Naiko]

How nice to spend my Sunday sitting with you all. I really appreciated today’s talk and everyone’s thoughts about it. I started thinking how true it is that we want call out for help in our times of need (even though we might not wish to admit it for various reasons). But unless we have been extremely unfortunate, from the moment we popped into existence we have been nurtured and cared for by others pretty much every time we cried out in discomfort or loneliness. Indeed, our entire life is supported by others even in ways we don’t see. I think that memory of crying out and being comforted is so powerful that just that appeal for help can bring on those soothing feelings. I don’t think this is limited to humans either. My cat enjoys stretching out on her fluffy bed, burying her face in it, and ‘making biscuits’ in a ritual that mimics nursing. Anyway, small wonder that Tibetan Buddhism teaches us to treat all sentient beings as if they have been our mothers. Anyway, I guess it’s natural to look for help because we are always getting it. And hopefully practicing to give it.
Gassho and best wishes for the new year,
Krista
st/lah

[Jundo]

How nice to spend my Sunday sitting with you all. I really appreciated today’s talk and everyone’s thoughts about it. I started thinking how true it is that we want call out for help in our times of need (even though we might not wish to admit it for various reasons). But unless we have been extremely unfortunate, from the moment we popped into existence we have been nurtured and cared for by others pretty much every time we cried out in discomfort or loneliness. Indeed, our entire life is supported by others even in ways we don’t see. I think that memory of crying out and being comforted is so powerful that just that appeal for help can bring on those soothing feelings. I don’t think this is limited to humans either. My cat enjoys stretching out on her fluffy bed, burying her face in it, and ‘making biscuits’ in a ritual that mimics nursing. Anyway, small wonder that Tibetan Buddhism teaches us to treat all sentient beings as if they have been our mothers. Anyway, I guess it’s natural to look for help because we are always getting it. And hopefully practicing to give it.
Gassho and best wishes for the new year,
Krista
st/lah

[Kyōsen]

Thank you for your practice, everyone

Gassho
Sen
Sat|LAH

[Tokan]

Kia ora everyone

Sitting this one in parts after the fact, as always practising with you all in spirit at all times

Sattoday, Tokan

[Onka]

Yesterday I was in hospital having yet another skin cancer cut out and while I spent my fasting time alternatively lying Zazen and reading Shokai's book my mind also kept going back a couple of weeks when we had a fire go through 4 properties literally across the road.
While I was stupidly getting punctured by barbed wire fences and blistered feet from the fire the older bloke I walk with every afternoon was sitting in his ute praying to his Christian God.
We talk a LOT when together walking or sitting with a cup of tea and one of the recurring themes is his faith and how he engages with it day to day.
While sitting in his ute praying during this recent fire he was praying that it didn't cross the road. He said "Lord, I need you to stop this fire from coming across the road because I can't do this today". I thanked him for praying but at the same time thought how wonderful it was to be able to say to an entity that you were unable to deal with something pretty full on at that time.
Maybe Kannon can become part of my engagement with the heavier struggles life throws at us.
Thank you Jundo for this talk.
Gassho
Anna
sat today.

[Kokuu]

Thank you, all, and a lovely look at the Kannon chapter of the Lotus Sutra!

Happy New Year!

Gassho
Kokuu