Fall Season News
First Work Practice Day Was Amazing
Samu, which means "work practice" in Zen Buddhism, is a form of meditation that involves actively engaging in tasks with mindfulness and a sense of service. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of our usual distractions and judgments, we can experience a sense of unity and connection with others and the world around us.
We had our first samu practice with the intention of developing a culture of appreciation, responsibility, and self-sufficiency. During Work Practice Day, we had the opportunity to practice this form of meditation and bring a sense of mindfulness and compassion to our work. Whether we were wiping down countertops, mowing the lawn, or simply sweeping, we were able to let go of our usual busyness and be fully present in each moment. This helped create a sense of peace and connection within the group, and it was a powerful reminder of the importance of work practice in our everyday lives. We can all benefit from incorporating this practice into our daily routines, and we are grateful for the opportunity to experience it together as a community. We deep cleaned, shook off, and vacuumed the mats and cushions, swept and mopped, and gardened. The most important of this time was to decorate our zendo for El dia de Muertos coming up. We had a wonderful time, working together, and connecting as a community. We will be doing more of these samu times in the future.
Mexico Sangha
Shinzan went to Mexico to spend his birthday with his family, but he also took the opportunity to visit our Mexican sister sangha, which has been solidifying more and more with the help of Julieta Jikai Becerril. Shinzan went to support the sangha by holding a half-day of sitting for 12
people and also by conducting a workshop on Rakusu sewing for three students who will take Jukai next year. We are deeply grateful to Jikai for facilitating the sitting group every Tuesday for the last four years.
Fall Zazen Day:
We had an amazing fall zazen day, with our largest attendance of 10 people in our zendo! John Ruffing outdid himself with delicious food, and the day of practice was truly nourishing for our
hearts and minds. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of mindfulness and connection with our community. We are so excited to announce that we will be scheduling six zazen days
for the next year, providing even more opportunities to build and deepen our practice as a sangha! We could not wait to come together and cultivate a sense of peace and connection through
the powerful practice of zazen.
At the start of the Fall, OG held Council Practice, followed by a potluck, as a way for members to come together and connect with one another. Council Practice is a native American practice in which participants sit in a circle and take turns speaking and listening, using "I" statements to express their own experiences and feelings without judging or interrupting others. This creates a safe and supportive environment for sharing and helps to promote healing and personal growth.
After the Council Practice, we enjoyed a potluck where everyone brought a dish to share. It was a great opportunity to continue the sense of community and connection that had been established during Council Practice. We feasted on a variety of homemade meals and treats and had a wonderful time chatting and reconnecting. Overall, it was a very successful and enjoyable event, and we look forward to having more Council Practices and potlucks next year!
Our Ancestor day
As the sun set on our Ancestors' Day celebration, we gathered in the zendo to honor and remember our loved ones who have passed away or are facing illness. We lit candles at the altar and watched as the warm glow of the flames danced across the faces of our ancestors. In silence, we paid our respects and meditated on their memories. "We then chanted the Heart Sutra, including the 10 lines of the Bodhisattva of the Great Compassion Sutra as participants offered incense as a tribute to those who are no longer with us. The altar was adorned with flowers, candles, and photographs of the deceased and names of the ill, as well as special foods and drinks that were favored by those being remembered. It was a deeply meaningful and emotional celebration, honoring the lives of those who remain in our hearts and memories.
At the start of the Fall, OG held Council Practice, followed by a potluck, as a way for members to come together and connect with one another. Council Practice is a native American practice in which participants sit in a circle and take turns speaking and listening, using "I" statements to express their own experiences and feelings without judging or interrupting others. This creates a safe and supportive environment for sharing and helps to promote healing and personal growth.
After the Council Practice, we enjoyed a potluck where everyone brought a dish to share. It was a great opportunity to continue the sense of community and connection that had been established during Council Practice. We feasted on a variety of homemade meals and treats and had a wonderful time chatting and reconnecting. Overall, it was a very successful and enjoyable event, and we look forward to having more Council Practices and potlucks next year!
