Archive for May, 2011
Dai-sesshin Report
The vice-abbess Shūkō and abbot Dokurō participated in a Dai-sesshin with Jōshū Rōshi at Bodhi Manda Zen Center in Jemez Springs, New Mexico.
Rōshi, who is walking his 105th year, was in good health and gave four sanzen daily plus a teishō in the morning. It is amazing how clear his mind is and how much he is determined to teach up to his last breath. It was a great privilege to be there and spend some time with the master.
Shūkō served as shōten in the kitchen and helped prepare three meals daily for the about thirty-five participants. Little time for rest and zazen makes a position in the kitchen even more challenging than being immersed in the seated meditation as a zendō student. Zen manifested in the activities of the kitchen work provides not only sustenance to those who eat the food but also strong and clear practice for the tenzo staff.
Dokurō once again was asked to lead the zendō as the jikijitsu, helped by Kyonen from the Roxbury Zen Center (NY), Hōgen from Augsburg (Germany), and Genshin from Colorado.
Dai-sesshin is a great practice opportunity and both the vice-abbess and the abbot were glad to be able to participate.
Bodhi Manda features a great main hall (hondō) which won an architectural award and also has natural hot pools that help relieve the stress that the strenuous practice puts on our bodies. Nature offers many opportunities to observe the beauty of New Mexico including many birds, flowers, and a wonderfully clear start-lit sky at night.
Please check out the BMZC web site.
All-Sangha Lunch and Meeting: June 5, 2011
Dear friends,
Please join us for an end-of-season informal lunch and gathering on Sunday June 5 at 12:30 pm at 75 Sparks Street.The imminent sale of the CBA gives us much to reflect upon as we simultaneously look forward to a new beginning. Our meeting will bring you up-to-date on the latest developments regarding our physical space and will offer an opportunity for you to share ideas with one another and the Board, as we formulate goals and strategies for the year to come.
The informal lunch will begin at 12:30 pm, following the Sunday morning schedule. Please feel free to join and bring friends and family. If you plan to attend please RSVP via email or by calling 617-491-8857. This will help us plan accordingly for the lunch.
If you are unable to attend and would like to learn more about our future direction or ways that you can contribute, please contact us. We hope you see you soon!
Shuko M. Rubin, Vice-abbess
Kyo-on Dokuro, Abbott