It is Obon in Japan. The wooden boards are TO-BA (from the Indian "Stupa") in Tsukuba. The notches create five sections- like those on a five-tiered pagoda- representing the five elements of the Buddhist universe. These slabs could be said to be the five-tiered pagodas of the common people- those who could not afford more elaborate monuments. They also act as a traditional Shinto YORISHIRO-
an antenna to attract the spirit of the deceased back to the grave.
.an antenna to attract the spirit of the deceased back to the grave.
Dear All,
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Please sit our Treeleaf Zazenkai for 90 minutes with Zazen, Heart Sutra and more. We meet virtually in our Zoom Scheduled Sitting Room here:
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JOIN ZOOM >>
The password (if needed): << dogen >>
The password (if needed): << dogen >>
For local times, please check the Practice Calendar here: TREELEAF NOW >> ( 10am Japan Saturday morning, NY 9pm, LA 6pm Friday night, London 2am and Paris 3am Saturday morning) or sit this Zazenkai any time thereafter here:
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However, "one way" live sitters are encouraged to come into the Zoom sitting, and just leave the camera and microphone turned off.
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00:00 – 00:15 CEREMONY (HEART SUTRA in English) and Dedication
00:15 – 00:45 ZAZEN
00:45 – 00:55 KINHIN
00:55 – 01:25 ZAZEN
01:25 – 01:30 VERSE OF ATONEMENT & FOUR VOWS
01:30 - 01:45(?) Informal Tea Time (All Welcome)
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ATTENTION: Everyone, when rising for Kinhin or Ceremonies after Zazen, get up slowly, don't rush, hold something stable, you won't be "late", so TAKE YOUR TIME! Make sure you are careful getting up!
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Gassho, Jundo
SatTodayLah
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PS - There is no "wrong" or "right" in Zazen ... yet here is a little explanation of the "right" times to Bow (A Koan) ...
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Chant Book is here for those who wish to join in: CHANT BOOK LINK
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The other video I mention on Zendo decorum is this one, from our "Always Beginners" video Series:
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I also recommend a little Talk on why small rituals and procedures are so cherished in the Zendo:
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