Sit-a-Long with Jundo: Here and There

Today, we are celebrating having a new home for our Zazen netcast, right here on Beliefnet!

For folks new to our sittings ... I'm Jundo, a Soto Zen Buddhist priest living in Japan. Our community, and these meditation sittings, are all meant especially for folks who wish to sit Zazen (Zen style meditation) together with others, but can't do so easily:  maybe due to health concerns, living in remote areas,  super busy work schedules, childcare and family needs and such.

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: A Season of Peace

In this Season of Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all Mankind ...

... endless violence in the 'Holy Land' ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

We start with 3 floor prostrations (or deep Gassho), then chant the Heart Sutra in ENGLISH, then sit about 40 minutes of Zazen, then 10 minutes of Kinhin, closing with the chant of the "Verse of Atonement" and "Four Vows".

Please join in, one and all.

Gassho, Jundo

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.__________________

INO = CHANT LEADER ONLY
EVERYONE = ALL JOIN IN


AFTER 3x STANDING BOWS by EVERYONE:

INO ONLY =

The Heart of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra*
(Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo in English)

EVERYONE =

A/vo/lo/ki/tes/va/ra/ Bo/dhi/satt/va/, A/wa/kened/ One/ of/ Com/pas/sion/,

In/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/, the/Deep/ Prac/tice/ of/ Per/fect/ Wis/dom/*

Per/ceived/ the/ emp/ti/ness/ of /all /five /con/di/tions/,

And/ was/ free/ of/ suf/fer/ing/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, form/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ emp/ti/ness/,

Emp/ti/ness/ no/ o/ther/ than/ form/;

Form/ is/ pre/cise/ly/ emp/ti/ness/, emp/ti/ness/ pre/cise/ly/ form/.

Sen/sa/tions/, per/cep/tions/, for/ma/tions/ and/ con/scious/ness/ are/ al/so/ like/ this/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, all/ things/ are/ ex/pres/sions/ of/ emp/ti/ness/,

Not/ born/, not/ des/troyed/, not/ stained/, not/ pure/;

Nei/ther/ wax/ing/ nor/ wan/ing/.

Thus/ emp/ti/ness/ is/ not/ form/; not/ sen/sa/tion/ nor/ per/cep/tion/,

not/ for/ma/tion/ nor/ con/scious/ness/.

No/ eye/, ear/, nose/, tongue/, bo/dy/, mind/;

No/ sight/, sound/, smell/, taste/, touch/, nor/ ob/ject/ of/ mind/;

No/ realm/ of/ sight/, no/ realm/ of/ con/scious/ness/;

No/ ig/no/rance/, no/ end/ to/ ig/no/rance/;

No/ old/ age/ and/ death/,

No/ ces/sa/tion/ of/ old/ age/ and/ death/;

No/ suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/;

No/ path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bod/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

All/ past/, pre/sent/ and/ fu/ture/ Budd/has/

Live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

And/ re/al/ize/ su/preme/ and/ com/plete/ en/light/en/ment/.

There/fore/ know/ that/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/

Is/ the/ sac/red/ man/tra/, the/ lu/min/ous/ man/tra/,

the/ sup/reme/ man/tra/, the/ in/com/pa/ra/ble/ man/tra/

by/ which/ all/ suf/fe/ring/ is/ clear/.

This/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ Truth/.

There/fore/ set/ forth/ the/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/ man/tra/.

Set/ forth/ this/ man/tra/ and/ pro/claim/:*

(1x)
Gate! Gate! (Already Gone, Gone)
Paragate! (Already Gone Beyond)
Parasamgate! (Already Fully Beyond)
Bodhi! Svaha! * (Awakening, Rejoice)

BE SEATED AS INSTRUCTED BY JUNDO

________________________________________________________________

VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

FOUR VOWS:

To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless

To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible

To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless

To attain the Enlightened Way, a Way non-attainable

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Resolutions!

How Zen folks handle our "New Years Resolutions" ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Silent Night Silent Sitting

A silent night ... silent sitting ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Shakya Claus

Oh, just another typical Buddhist Christmas morning at the Cohen house ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO & PIKACHU

How do ya teach a 5 year old about inner contentment at this time of year, about "not being material", that it's better to "give than to receive" ...

... He can't even pronounce "non-attachment" ...

... maybe Pikachu can help?

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: hangover!

My head feels as large as the whole universe (but not quite in the way the Buddha intended) ...

... What happens when the 'teacher' over does things at a family Holiday Party?

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: (more) Home for the Holidays

THIS POSTING SEEMS TO BE WORKING NOW!

Let's continue chatting about being truly "at home" for the holidays ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

We start with 3 floor prostrations (or deep Gassho), then chant the Heart Sutra in ENGLISH, then sit about 40 minutes of Zazen, then 10 minutes of Kinhin, closing with the chant of the "Verse of Atonement" and "Four Vows".

Please join in, one and all.

Gassho, Jundo

Press on arrow for 'play'
NOTE: IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE TO SEE THE SCREEN OR START BUTTON,
PLEASE UPDATE FLASH. SEE HERE

.__________________

INO = CHANT LEADER ONLY
EVERYONE = ALL JOIN IN


AFTER 3x STANDING BOWS by EVERYONE:

INO ONLY =

The Heart of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra*
(Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo in English)

EVERYONE =

A/vo/lo/ki/tes/va/ra/ Bo/dhi/satt/va/, A/wa/kened/ One/ of/ Com/pas/sion/,

In/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/, the/Deep/ Prac/tice/ of/ Per/fect/ Wis/dom/*

Per/ceived/ the/ emp/ti/ness/ of /all /five /con/di/tions/,

And/ was/ free/ of/ suf/fer/ing/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, form/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ emp/ti/ness/,

Emp/ti/ness/ no/ o/ther/ than/ form/;

Form/ is/ pre/cise/ly/ emp/ti/ness/, emp/ti/ness/ pre/cise/ly/ form/.

Sen/sa/tions/, per/cep/tions/, for/ma/tions/ and/ con/scious/ness/ are/ al/so/ like/ this/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, all/ things/ are/ ex/pres/sions/ of/ emp/ti/ness/,

Not/ born/, not/ des/troyed/, not/ stained/, not/ pure/;

Nei/ther/ wax/ing/ nor/ wan/ing/.

Thus/ emp/ti/ness/ is/ not/ form/; not/ sen/sa/tion/ nor/ per/cep/tion/,

not/ for/ma/tion/ nor/ con/scious/ness/.

No/ eye/, ear/, nose/, tongue/, bo/dy/, mind/;

No/ sight/, sound/, smell/, taste/, touch/, nor/ ob/ject/ of/ mind/;

No/ realm/ of/ sight/, no/ realm/ of/ con/scious/ness/;

No/ ig/no/rance/, no/ end/ to/ ig/no/rance/;

No/ old/ age/ and/ death/,

No/ ces/sa/tion/ of/ old/ age/ and/ death/;

No/ suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/;

No/ path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bod/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

All/ past/, pre/sent/ and/ fu/ture/ Budd/has/

Live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

And/ re/al/ize/ su/preme/ and/ com/plete/ en/light/en/ment/.

There/fore/ know/ that/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/

Is/ the/ sac/red/ man/tra/, the/ lu/min/ous/ man/tra/,

the/ sup/reme/ man/tra/, the/ in/com/pa/ra/ble/ man/tra/

by/ which/ all/ suf/fe/ring/ is/ clear/.

This/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ Truth/.

There/fore/ set/ forth/ the/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/ man/tra/.

Set/ forth/ this/ man/tra/ and/ pro/claim/:*

(1x)
Gate! Gate! (Already Gone, Gone)
Paragate! (Already Gone Beyond)
Parasamgate! (Already Fully Beyond)
Bodhi! Svaha! * (Awakening, Rejoice)

BE SEATED AS INSTRUCTED BY JUNDO

________________________________________________________________

VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

FOUR VOWS:

To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless

To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible

To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless

To attain the Enlightened Way, a Way non-attainable

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Dharma Names

IT APPEARS THE PRIOR TECHNICAL PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED!

In preparation for our upcoming Jukai. I've been working this week to choose Dharma Names and inscribe them on the back panels of Rakusu ...

What is a Dharma Name?

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Home for the Holidays

At this time of year, meeting family and old friends ... how do you explain to them about "being a Buddhist"?

You may even start to feel a little guilty for not being part of the religion you were raised in.

How should we celebrate the holidays with friends and family?

My answer: Celebrate Peace & Joy!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO (Classic): The McBuddha

A discussion of McDonalds on the Treeleaf Forum ... coupled with the fact that it is a 'Father & Son' weekend (mom is at an Ai-ki-do meet) ... has led Leon and I to the playground at the local Golden Arches in Tsukuba.

It is not the first time I have sat Zazen at McD's (one reason being that the stores in Japan have internet). However, there is another reason too ...

I believe that our sitting should, most times, be done in a quiet room, facing a blank wall. The calm and outer stillness is important to our learning to settle the mind. But our Zen Practice is also all about being out in the world, amid the chaos ... learning to touch, while in the rat race, the very same stillness of mind that we find on the Zafu. So, I encourage all Zazen sitters to do some of their 'sittings' in obnoxious places ... noisy, foul smelling, unpleasant or emotionally difficult places. That is why I do a portion of our sittiings on this blog next to the side of highways, in train stations, in downtown Tokyo and the like. Everyone should do 'mini-sittings' during their day too: in the postal line, when cut off by a crazy driver in traffic, when work and family become overwhelming ...

Furthermore, our usual Zazen is non-focused on open 'awareness' ... just sitting embracing of all, not focused on anything in particular or any one object, not imposing value judgments (good/bad, pleasant/unpleasant, etc.), dropping categorizations of the objects around us (chair, table, father, son, etc.), balanced in body and mind. It is "awareness" because we are not asleep, not in a stupor. We are present and awake and aware, with balanced mind. But meditating with a child at McDonalds adds simultaneously a bit of 'mindfulness' in the mix, as I must maintain care and attention to the situation, and my son's doings ... to prevent disaster.

You will witness two near disasters narrowly averted within the first minutes of today's talk!

So, this is not some fast-food 'McZen' shooting for 'McEnlightenment' ... this is the Real Thing!

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Silent Sitting

...

silent sitting ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Litmus Test

People often ask me about "right" Zazen and "wrong" Zazen. They want to know if their Practice is doing alright, and whether there is some "litmus test" ...

Well, there is no simple answer ... but I have found that the following 'rule of thumb' might help one know if their Practice is moving in the right direction:

Of course, a key to our way is the dropping of all thought of "right and wrong" ... There is no way to do Zazen "wrong" ... even when you are doing it completely "wrong". However, that does not mean that there's not a wrong and right way to it! (Sound like a Koan)?

Thus, allowing things to just be the way they are, no judging, not resisting, being with the flow, allowing 'happy' days to be happy and 'sad' days to be sad, all while dropping all idea of 'happy' and 'sad', whether really enjoying or really not enjoying ... fully dropping away any and all thought of doing Zazen 'right' or doing it 'wrong' ... THIS IS DOING IT RIGHT. And when you are doing it right, it will usually feel like you are doing it right, for there is no resistance, and a great sense of balance.

Fighting things, wishing things were some other way than how they are, judging, resisting, going against the grain and the flow, wishing 'sad' days were happy or 'happy' days were happier ... filled with a sense of self bumping up against all the other 'selfs', with a mind held by thoughts of doing Zazen 'right' or doing it 'wrong' ... THIS IS DOING ZAZEN WRONG. And when you are doing it wrong, it will usually feel like you are doing it wrong, for there is resistance, and a sense of imbalance.

But as well, even at those times when Zazen feels 'wrong', when there is resistance or imbalance ... it is still 'right', still 'Zazen', still just what it is. IT CANNOT BE WRONG. This last point is vital to understanding. It's all a pretty good 'litmus test' too.

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

We start with 3 floor prostrations (or deep Gassho), then chant the Heart Sutra in ENGLISH, then sit about 40 minutes of Zazen, then 10 minutes of Kinhin, closing with the chant of the "Verse of Atonement" and "Four Vows".

Please join in, one and all.

Gassho, Jundo

Press on arrow for 'play'
NOTE: IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE TO SEE THE SCREEN OR START BUTTON,
PLEASE UPDATE FLASH. SEE HERE

.__________________

INO = CHANT LEADER ONLY
EVERYONE = ALL JOIN IN


AFTER 3x STANDING BOWS by EVERYONE:

INO ONLY =

The Heart of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra*
(Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo in English)

EVERYONE =

A/vo/lo/ki/tes/va/ra/ Bo/dhi/satt/va/, A/wa/kened/ One/ of/ Com/pas/sion/,

In/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/, the/Deep/ Prac/tice/ of/ Per/fect/ Wis/dom/*

Per/ceived/ the/ emp/ti/ness/ of /all /five /con/di/tions/,

And/ was/ free/ of/ suf/fer/ing/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, form/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ emp/ti/ness/,

Emp/ti/ness/ no/ o/ther/ than/ form/;

Form/ is/ pre/cise/ly/ emp/ti/ness/, emp/ti/ness/ pre/cise/ly/ form/.

Sen/sa/tions/, per/cep/tions/, for/ma/tions/ and/ con/scious/ness/ are/ al/so/ like/ this/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, all/ things/ are/ ex/pres/sions/ of/ emp/ti/ness/,

Not/ born/, not/ des/troyed/, not/ stained/, not/ pure/;

Nei/ther/ wax/ing/ nor/ wan/ing/.

Thus/ emp/ti/ness/ is/ not/ form/; not/ sen/sa/tion/ nor/ per/cep/tion/,

not/ for/ma/tion/ nor/ con/scious/ness/.

No/ eye/, ear/, nose/, tongue/, bo/dy/, mind/;

No/ sight/, sound/, smell/, taste/, touch/, nor/ ob/ject/ of/ mind/;

No/ realm/ of/ sight/, no/ realm/ of/ con/scious/ness/;

No/ ig/no/rance/, no/ end/ to/ ig/no/rance/;

No/ old/ age/ and/ death/,

No/ ces/sa/tion/ of/ old/ age/ and/ death/;

No/ suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/;

No/ path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bod/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

All/ past/, pre/sent/ and/ fu/ture/ Budd/has/

Live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

And/ re/al/ize/ su/preme/ and/ com/plete/ en/light/en/ment/.

There/fore/ know/ that/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/

Is/ the/ sac/red/ man/tra/, the/ lu/min/ous/ man/tra/,

the/ sup/reme/ man/tra/, the/ in/com/pa/ra/ble/ man/tra/

by/ which/ all/ suf/fe/ring/ is/ clear/.

This/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ Truth/.

There/fore/ set/ forth/ the/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/ man/tra/.

Set/ forth/ this/ man/tra/ and/ pro/claim/:*

(1x)
Gate! Gate! (Already Gone, Gone)
Paragate! (Already Gone Beyond)
Parasamgate! (Already Fully Beyond)
Bodhi! Svaha! * (Awakening, Rejoice)

BE SEATED AS INSTRUCTED BY JUNDO

________________________________________________________________

VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

FOUR VOWS:

To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless

To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible

To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless

To attain the Enlightened Way, a Way non-attainable

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Retreat Reflections

A few reflections on this past week's Rohatsu Retreat ...

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TREELEAF SANGHA online 2-DAY JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT

WELCOME to the world's first totally online 'Treeleaf Two-Day Rohatsu Retreat', which was held by LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008.

HOWEVER, you may still join the Retreat and sit-a-long at ANY TIME 'ON DEMAND', by the real time recorded version below (no different from the original!). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

You may download the full sitting schedule HERE.

Recordings of each segment are posted below in time order ... and if we drop from mind all thought of 'now' 'then' 'here' and 'there' ... we will all be sitting together right when and where you are!

Please write and let me know how it goes. Gassho, Jundo

DAY 1 UNIT 1
(Live Netcast: Start = FRIDAY NY 4pm London 9pm / End = FRIDAY NY 6:55pm, London 11:55pm)
(ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

DAY 1
06:00-06:50 AM Entrance by Officiant (Jundo) & Zazen
06:50-07:00 Kinhin* (All Kinhin times can be bathroom break)
07:00-07:35 Zazen
07:35-07:45 Kinhin
07:45-08:25 Zazen + Kesa Verse
08:25-08:55 “Long” Service
08:55-09:20 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 2
(Live Netcast: Start=FRIDAY NY 7:20pm London SATURDAY 12:20am /End=FRIDAY NY 7:50pm, SATURDAY London 12:50am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

09:20-09:50 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
09:50-10:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 1 UNIT 3
(Live Netcast: Start=FRIDAY NY 8:30pm London SATURDAY 1:30am /End=FRIDAY NY 10:45pm, SATURDAY London 3:45am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

10:30-11:10 Zazen
11:10-11:20 Kinhin
11:20-12:00 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
12:00-12:10 Kinhin
12:10-12:45 Zazen
12:45-13:10 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 4
(Live Netcast: Start=FRIDAY NY 11:10pm London SATURDAY 4:10am /End=FRIDAY NY 11:40pm, SATURDAY London 4:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

13:10-13:40 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
13:40-14:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 1 UNIT 5
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 12:30am London 5:30am /End=SATURDAY NY 1:30am, London 6:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

14:30-15:30 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
15:30-16:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 6
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 2:00am London 7:00am /End=SATURDAY NY 4:25am, London 9:25am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

16:00-16:40 Zazen
16:40-16:50 Kinhin
16:50-17:40 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
17:40-17:50 Kinhin
17:50-18:25 Zazen
18:25-19:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 7
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 5:00am London 10:00am /End=SATURDAY NY 5:30am, London 10:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

19:00-19:30 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
19:30-20:10 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 1 UNIT 8
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 6:10am London 11:10am /End=SATURDAY NY 6:40am, London 11:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

20:10-20:40 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
20:40-21:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 1 UNIT 9
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 7:00am London Noon /End=SATURDAY NY 9:30am, London 2:30pm)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

21:00-21:50 “Short” Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
21:50-22:00 Kinhin
22:00-22:40 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
22:40-22:50 Kinhin
22:50-23:30 Fukanzazengi & Zazen Close with Verse of Atonement & Four Vows

DAY 1 UNIT 10
( No Live Netcast from SATURDAY NY 9:30am London 2:30pm to NY 4:00pm, London 9:00pm)
PLEASE CATCH UP WITH MISSED OVERNIGHT UNITS!

(Optional: Waza = Tradition of ‘All Night Zazen’)

WATCH RECORDING HERE (information on 'Waza')

23:30 PM-
(Day 2)
05:30 AM
BATH & SLEEP

DAY 2 UNIT 1
(Live Netcast: Start = SATURDAY NY 4pm London 9pm / End = SATURDAY NY 6:55pm, London 11:55pm)
(ALL TIMES APPROXIMATE)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

06:00-06:40 AM Zazen Begin sitting without instruction. If you usually wear a Rakusu, DO NOT wear it yet (keep it in its bag) until Takkesage (Kesa Verse) later in morning.
06:40-07:00 Long (20 minute) Kinhin*
07:00-07:35 Zazen
07:35-07:45 Kinhin
07:45-08:25 Zazen + Kesa Verse When instructed, place on Kesa and recite Kesa Verse. All others, hands in Gassho.
08:25-08:55 “Long” Service Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
08:55-09:20 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 2
(Live Netcast:Start=SATURDAY NY 7:20pm London SUNDAY 12:20am/End=SATURDAY NY 7:50pm, SUNDAY London 12:50am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

09:20-09:50 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
09:50-10:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 2 UNIT 3
(Live Netcast: Start=SATURDAY NY 8:30pm London SUNDAY 1:30am/End=SATURDAY NY 10:45pm, SUNDAY London 3:45am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

10:30-11:10 Zazen
11:10-11:20 Kinhin
11:20-12:00 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
12:00-12:10 Kinhin
12:10-12:45 Zazen
12:45-13:10 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 4
(Live Netcast:Start=SATURDAY NY 11:10pm London SUNDAY 4:10am/End=SATURDAY NY 11:40pm, SUNDAY London 4:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

13:10-13:40 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
13:40-14:30 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 2 UNIT 5

(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 12:30am London 5:30am /End=SUNDAY NY 1:30am, London 6:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

SOUND VOLUME JUMPS UP AT START ... INCREASE VOLUME WITH CAUTION!

14:30-15:30 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
15:30-16:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 6
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 2:00am London 7:00am /End=SUNDAY NY 4:25am, London 9:25am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

16:00-16:40 Zazen
16:40-16:50 Kinhin
16:50-17:40 Zazen & Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
17:40-17:50 Kinhin
17:50-18:25 Zazen
18:25-19:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 7
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 5:00am London 10:00am /End=SUNDAY NY 5:30am, London 10:30am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

19:00-19:30 Oryoki Bring you bowls and small table before start.
19:30-20:10 Samu/Rest Period Mindfully wash and repack Oryoki bowls.

DAY 2 UNIT 8
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 6:10am London 11:10am /End=SUNDAY NY 6:40am, London 11:40am)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

20:10-20:40 Samu Work Practice Indoor if night time, Outdoor if daytime and possible
20:40-21:00 REST PERIOD

DAY 2 UNIT 9
(Live Netcast: Start=SUNDAY NY 7:00am London Noon /End=SUNDAY NY 9:30am, London 2:30pm)

WATCH RECORDING HERE

21:00-21:50 “Short” Service & Zazen Please follow along in the Sutra Books that will be provided. Floor prostrations when here ching-ching-ching-ching- ching roll of bell.
21:50-22:00 Kinhin
22:00-22:40 Zazen &Dharma Talk Chant Gatha on Opening & Closing Sutra
22:40-22:50 Kinhin
22:50-23:30 Metta Chant & Zazen
& CLOSING WORDS Close with Verse of Atonement & Four Vows

Nine Bows to All Who Sat This Retreat Together ...

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - (Overture)

Our world's first totally online 'Treeleaf Two-Day Rohatsu Retreat' is scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...


Hi Guys,

I am just going to leave everyone with a few closing words before our Retreat. (I am not going to post a new sitting today. If you want and have the time, please watch again some of the earlier 'sit-a-longs' on Oryoki, Bowing and such.). Just remember a few things ...

- Please down load and print out this short reading for my talk during the Retreat ...

FOR RETREAT TALK

- Whether this is a very rewarding and pleasant experience, or a tedious trial, is completely up to what you make of it ... in your own mind. That's one of the points! Make it difficult, and it will be. Relax and go with the flow, and you will!

- If the technology fails us (and it likely will at some point), we just sit with what is. If there is no netcast or recording for a time, we will be back (I hope). Just follow along on your own in the meantime. As the Beatles might sing, "There's nothing that's missed that can't be missed". Nothing ever missing even when missing. But loosely KEEP TRACK OF TIME in case our bells can't be heard.

- Although you should not give up and give in too easily, ours is not a way of self punishment. If sitting in one position too long is difficult, change position freely (e.g., move from Lotus, to Burmese to even a chair ... maybe not recline, as it is too easy to fall asleep). Walk lots of Kinhin, even if during a Zazen period. We will be sitting lots and lots of Zazen ... take it easy.

- If you would like to have an interview with me during the Retreat, or have questions come up, I am available. I will be checking e-mails during break times (check the schedule I provided for our live sitting in Japan). I am available to chat by insta-messaging on Skype (code name: keizandogen), or even video conference if someone wants. Just give me a couple of hours prior notice, and select a time for the meeting which is a Zazen time without other activity (e.g., not an Oryoki time or other ceremony or talk). I can chat with you by e-mail/messaging/video conference during such times. Just say, "Jundo, can you meet with me 5 minutes into the X:00 O'clock Zazen?" If I am unoccupied then, I will. (Again, your computer should not be used for web surfing, and only for purposes of this Retreat). My email remains jundotreeleaf[a]gmail.com

-Finally, Dirk, Jools, Daniel, Jim, Tina, Rowan ... so many others ... you will be sitting with us in the same room here, no matter where you are. Between not thinking, I will be thinking of you all.

Gassho and Thank You ... Let's Get Ready to Rohatsu Rumble!! ... Jundo

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VIII (Oryoki II NEW VERSION)

I HAVE REPOSTED A BETTER VERSION OF THE DEMONSTRATION DUE TO TECHNICAL OBSTACLES YESTERDAY

We will 'be dancing' a simple Oryoki for our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

... Traditional Oryoki practice consists of scores of set movements for eating, each of which must be learned and mastered, much like a ballet. Here is a small sample, this merely for wiping and repacking the spoon, chopsticks and settsu (bowl washing stick) at the end of the meal ...

1) Pick up spoon in right hand with the handle pointing toward you. Put it in your left hand. Pick up setsu with right hand; put bowl of spoon into water in middle bowl and clean it with setsu. Do both sides. Hold spoon straight.

2) Put setsu in middle bowl, pointing straight out. Put spoon in right hand. With left hand, fold the exposed corner of the drying cloth over the bowl of the spoon without taking the cloth out of the Buddha bowl. Wipe bowl of spoon; turn spoon 180 degrees so bowl is pointing toward you and push it through cloth.

3) Spoon is now in your right hand, bowl down and pointing left. Without picking up utensil holder, slide spoon into it. (The opening in utensil holder should be on your right, with the fold on the left.)

4) Repeat steps 1) and 2) above with chopsticks.

5) In left hand pick up folded utensil holder that contains spoon. Slide sticks into utensil holder, toward you. Work utensils to bottom with right hand. Do not let utensils drop of their own weight.

6) Fold over the utensil holder and replace it in front of you, this time with the opening on the left. The pointed half is on top, with the opening down (not visible). Fold is now on the right.

We will be doing a simplified, sometimes improvised and creative version but, I hope, no less mindful. The attitude and spirit are the most important.

PLEASE PRESS ON BELOW PICTURE TO PLAY:

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VIII (Oryoki I NEW VERSION)

I HAVE REPOSTED A BETTER VERSION OF THE DEMONSTRATION DUE TO TECHNICAL OBSTACLES YESTERDAY

We will be making a simple 'Oryoki set for our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

All you need is:

1 - Clean Pillow Case
2 - Bowls and 1 Tea Cup (that fit into each other)
1 - Jar Lid or Flat Small Dish
1 - Cloth Napkin (or Paper Napkin)
1 - Table Spoon
1 - Tea Spoon
1 - Small Cut Piece of a New Sponge
1 - Long Envelope

Tomorrow we will talk about how to use all that.

But I would like to mention food for the Retreat: We are each our own Tenzo (temple cook). I would prepare in advance simple yet nutritious foods (something that can be easily heated and served, as we do not have much time for cooking during the Retreat). Food is to be looked upon as medicine, support for our Zazen. All thought of luxury or poverty, good and bad, should be placed aside. We eat small, simple dishes ... in moderation. I would prepare a plain breakfast cereal, juice and perhaps tea for breakfast, and simple rice dishes, vegetable soups and steamed vegetables for lunch/dinner. Do not eat to fill oneself, and just what is healthful and necessary. Tea/Coffee and healthy snacks can be taken freely, in moderation, during break times.

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING PICTURE TO PLAY:

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VII (Samu)

Working toward our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

(AND BY THE WAY ... CHANT BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!! HERE)

our topic today is Work Practice, Samu ...

I wrote this for a previous talk on Samu, and will just restate it due to laziness today (laziness is not a fitting attitude for Samu usually!) ...

While Zazen is at the heart of our Way, other aspects of traditional Zen Practice also should be introduced and encouraged. I have been meaning to do so more and more around Treeleaf. One of the most vital is the non-doing of 'Samu' (traditional work practice) ...

Samu is well described in this excerpt ...

Samu is manual work done with the same concentration as zazen. All masters of transmission, especially Master Hyakujo (720-814), have insisted on this. Even in his old age, Master Hyakujo worked every day in the field with his students. One day, they hid his tools, thinking that their master should spare himself. Hyakujo declared: “A day without working, a day without eating.” And he stopped eating until his disciples gave him back his tools.

In zen, work has great value, because it allows us to practise the Way in action. In the dojo and during retreats (sesshins), zazen is followed by samu, which is when we do the chores to ensure the smooth functioning of communal life. Samu also means putting our efforts at the service of the community, without expecting anything in return. French version of the texts from Zen, by Bovay, Kaltenbach and De Smedt, Albin Michel Publishing, 1993

Yes, Samu is just Zazen in action. It may not look like seated meditation, but it is to be done from the same state of mental balance. Couple this with an attitude of goalless, non-striving, 'just doing', also a hallmark of Zazen. As well, work is to be performed mindfully, as the only action in and of the whole universe : One engaged in Samu should devote to it all care and attention, never wishing for or thinking of anything else.

The result is a job performed diligently and patiently and with certain goals, but with no thought of anything to achieve (of course, not a contradiction in Zen). It may be a continuing job that just needs to be done without end, but we do it with all care moment by moment by moment for the time we have.

I encourage those Treeleaf folks with the time to give a few hours each week to volunteer activities in their community (please consult with me, if you wish, about an appropriate choice of work). However, those with heavy family or employment duties can make that part of that their 'Samu', approaching it with the mindset described above.

signal dropped during sitting.
please time if sitting-a-long

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RETREAT SITTING SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE!

Hi Everyone,

The Retreat Sitting Schedule is now available for download (PDF) at this link ...

TREELEAF JUKAI-ROHATSU RETREAT SITTING SCHEDULE

Our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' shall be LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008! (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE

I need to explain how the schedule will work for all the people sitting in different time zones around the world ... and I believe all will be surprisingly easy once I do:

We will be sitting in Japan from 6AM to near midnight both Saturday and Sunday (Japan time) . That means that the live netcast will actually run FRIDAY evening to SUNDAY morning/afternoon in most of North America and Europe (I have included in the schedule equivalent times in New York and London). There is a blank column on the attached schedule for you to pencil in your equivalent local times.

So, here is how you can do the Retreat:

I - One way is to just sit from your morning to late night, in your time zone Saturday and Sunday, using the recorded versions only (recordings of each segment, e.g., Zazen, Samu Work Practice, Oryoki, will be posted by me on the Treeleaf Blog as soon as we finish live sitting). You will follow us in "real time", but just a few hours after us in Japan. (You do not need to begin at 6am as we do, but I ask that you begin your day in your local time zone no earlier than 4am, and no later than 7am, adjusting the schedule accordingly)

II- The other way is to sit, as much as you can, with live segments, and then sit with any missed segments via their recorded version by simply adding the missed segments right on the end of each day. You will need to figure out the schedule to see which activities you can join live, and which you will need to join later as a replay recording.

I DO NOT CARE IF YOU CHANGE THE ORDER OF SEGMENTS, SO LONG AS ... AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ... YOU DO ALL SEGMENTS, AND OVER A SOLID TWO DAYS.

I have designed the schedule, as much as possible, so that you can do this. So, for example, the activities you miss while you are asleep (like Samu Work Practice) can be easily moved to the end. Other activities (such as meals) were positioned by me in about the right times so folks in most time zones can join us 'live' (at least most of the time).

NOTE TO PARENTS: Please feel free to devote Samu work periods to family/child care, extend or move Samu work periods as necessary to do so, or convert some "Zazen" periods to additional Samu. If you miss any Zazen, it would be nice if you do "make-up" Zazen by adding it at a convenient time. REMEMBER: All parental activities should be done with an attitude of Samu, and as much as possible, in Silence. All will be part of the Retreat!

A parent wrote to ask whether ... if really really really necessary, a parent can divide the Retreat into 3 or 4 days to allow for childcare duties: Yes, if really really necessary. It would be better to do the Retreat as a solid two days, but if you need to break it up over 3 or 4 days (and sit the Retreat when the kids are in bed, in school etc.) ... NO PROBLEM, if you really need to do so! Just consider the 3 or 4 days a 3 or 4 days Retreat, and try to spend those days with that attitude. However, the foregoing does not mean that folks without a very very very very good excuse should divide up the Retreat over more than two days.

Finally, I am terrible with numbers. I have checked several times, but if there are any mistakes in my time calculations ... please forgive me, and we will correct them.

We will just have a silent sitting today ...

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SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen

REMINDER: our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' is scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008! (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE

Welcome to our Saturday "Live from Treeleaf" Zazen,

Tonight's sitting is especially dedicated to all victims of violence, war and terrorism ...

We start with 3 floor prostrations (or deep Gassho), then chant the Heart Sutra in ENGLISH, then sit about 40 minutes of Zazen, then 10 minutes of Kinhin, closing with the chant of the "Verse of Atonement" and "Four Vows".

Please join in, one and all.

Gassho, Jundo

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.__________________

INO = CHANT LEADER ONLY
EVERYONE = ALL JOIN IN


AFTER 3x STANDING BOWS by EVERYONE:

INO ONLY =

The Heart of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra*
(Maka Hannya Haramita Shin Gyo in English)

EVERYONE =

A/vo/lo/ki/tes/va/ra/ Bo/dhi/satt/va/, A/wa/kened/ One/ of/ Com/pas/sion/,

In/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/, the/Deep/ Prac/tice/ of/ Per/fect/ Wis/dom/*

Per/ceived/ the/ emp/ti/ness/ of /all /five /con/di/tions/,

And/ was/ free/ of/ suf/fer/ing/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, form/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ emp/ti/ness/,

Emp/ti/ness/ no/ o/ther/ than/ form/;

Form/ is/ pre/cise/ly/ emp/ti/ness/, emp/ti/ness/ pre/cise/ly/ form/.

Sen/sa/tions/, per/cep/tions/, for/ma/tions/ and/ con/scious/ness/ are/ al/so/ like/ this/.

O/ Sha/ri/pu/tra/, all/ things/ are/ ex/pres/sions/ of/ emp/ti/ness/,

Not/ born/, not/ des/troyed/, not/ stained/, not/ pure/;

Nei/ther/ wax/ing/ nor/ wan/ing/.

Thus/ emp/ti/ness/ is/ not/ form/; not/ sen/sa/tion/ nor/ per/cep/tion/,

not/ for/ma/tion/ nor/ con/scious/ness/.

No/ eye/, ear/, nose/, tongue/, bo/dy/, mind/;

No/ sight/, sound/, smell/, taste/, touch/, nor/ ob/ject/ of/ mind/;

No/ realm/ of/ sight/, no/ realm/ of/ con/scious/ness/;

No/ ig/no/rance/, no/ end/ to/ ig/no/rance/;

No/ old/ age/ and/ death/,

No/ ces/sa/tion/ of/ old/ age/ and/ death/;

No/ suf/fer/ing/, nor/ cause/ or/ end/ to/ suf/fer/ing/;

No/ path/, no/ wis/dom/ and/ no/ gain/.

No/ gain/ – thus/ Bod/dhi/satt/vas/ live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

With/ no/ hin/drance/ of/ mind/ –

No/ hin/drance/ there/fore/ no/ fear/.

Far/ be/yond/ all/ de/lu/sion/, Nir/va/na/ is/ al/rea/dy/ here/.

All/ past/, pre/sent/ and/ fu/ture/ Budd/has/

Live/ this/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/*

And/ re/al/ize/ su/preme/ and/ com/plete/ en/light/en/ment/.

There/fore/ know/ that/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/

Is/ the/ sac/red/ man/tra/, the/ lu/min/ous/ man/tra/,

the/ sup/reme/ man/tra/, the/ in/com/pa/ra/ble/ man/tra/

by/ which/ all/ suf/fe/ring/ is/ clear/.

This/ is/ no/ o/ther/ than/ Truth/.

There/fore/ set/ forth/ the/ Praj/na/ Pa/ra/mi/ta/ man/tra/.

Set/ forth/ this/ man/tra/ and/ pro/claim/:*

(1x)
Gate! Gate! (Already Gone, Gone)
Paragate! (Already Gone Beyond)
Parasamgate! (Already Fully Beyond)
Bodhi! Svaha! * (Awakening, Rejoice)

BE SEATED AS INSTRUCTED BY JUNDO

________________________________________________________________

VERSE OF ATONEMENT:

All harmful acts, words and thoughts, ever committed by me since of old,

On account of beginningless greed, anger and ignorance,

Born of my body, mouth and mind,

Now I atone for them all

FOUR VOWS:

To save all sentient beings, though beings numberless

To transform all delusions, though delusions inexhaustible

To perceive Reality, though Reality is boundless

To attain the Enlightened Way, a Way non-attainable

SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: RETREAT - VI (Nature Calls)

We continue preparations for our 'Treeleaf Two-Day Online Retreat' scheduled for LIVE NETCAST over the weekend of DECEMBER 6 and 7, 2008 (and available in recorded form after that, for participation any time 'On Demand'). DETAILS CLICK HERE ...

Going to the toilet is nature, is life, is Practice, is Zazen. All the Buddhas and Ancestors had to pee and poo, and so do you. But how we do our duty makes all the difference!

Master Dogen devoted an entire chapter of Shobogenzo to latrine procedures ... and during our Retreat we should see going to the toilet as a sacred ritual. First, drop all thought of "clean" and "dirty" ... flush such discriminatory ideas away!

However, even as we drop all idea of "clean" and "dirty", we try to stay clean (we are always working on several levels in Zen) ... so, if wearing a Rakusu, remove it and hang it outside the toilet room before entering. Then Gassho 3x (or, if you wish, do full prostrations 3x) toward the door of the toilet room and recite the following

Adoration to all the Buddhas.
Adoration to all the limitless teaching.
Peace! Speak! Blaze! Up! Open!
To the glorious, peaceful one for whom
there is no disaster whilst upon the water-closet, Hail!

Of course, maintain silence in the bog. No reading material and, while one need not assume the Full Lotus Posture on the commode, one should do one's business with the sense of stillness-in-motion and non-attaining that is Zazen. Go with with Flow! Truly, peeing is only action in that moment, a perfect act complete unto itself ... it is not you peeing, or even the whole universe peeing in that instant (although it is that too) ... for 'tis Just Peeing.

On exiting, bow again 3x to the toilet door and recite ...

Using the toilet
I vow with all beings
To eliminate defilement
Removing greed, anger and ignorance.

Then be sure to wash you hands ...

By the way, a similar ritual should be performed prior to entering the bath or shower. In that case, please recite ...

Bathing the body,

may all living beings

be clean in body and mind,

pure and shining within and without.

And Ven. Thich Naht Hanh offers this for tooth brushing ...

Brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth,
I vow to speak purely and lovingly.
When my mouth is fragrant with right speech,
A flower blooms in the garden of my heart.

PRINT THESE OUT AND POST THEM AROUND YOUR BATHROOM!!

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