Fall and Winter Updates
The sittings continued with a steady attendance of a few Zen students. Dokurô gave a public talk on October 3rd, which was well attended by more than 25 people. We offered two weekend retreats that attracted a nice number of participants and a few members participated in the New Hampshire weekend retreat with Kozan Gentei.
Dokuro attended Rohatsu Dai-sesshin at Mt. Baldy Zen Center in December which was followed by the Jodo-E ceremony to commemorate Shakyamuni Buddha’s awakening.
Joshu Roshi is doing well, his health is excellent. In October he underwent an emergency angioplasty after complaining about chest pain. The procedure was performed in a renowned Los Angeles hospital and Roshi returned to Rinzai-ji a day and a half later to conduct Sanzen during Dai-sesshin.
On April 1, 2007 Roshi will be celebrating his 100th birthday which is also celebrated by a Dai-sesshin the week before. It is now 45 years that Sasaki Roshi has tirelessly taught in the United States of America. In 2006 Roshi has conducted more than 15 week-long Dai-sesshin in all parts of the US and Puerto Rico.