Look!
Shohaku Okumura Dōgen’s Chinese Poems (28) 十七夜、「挙払子云看」を頌す The Night of the Seventeenth; Verse on Raising His Whisk and saying, “Look!” With no fog or mist, and no green waves, There is toad or rabbit [of the moon], cold to the bone. People cherish [the moon], even hidden by mountains, reflected in waters. He raised [his whisk] and fooled the heavens; look carefully. On the mid-autumn night Rujing gave his dharma hall discourse, the sky was completely clear, without fog or mist, and the ocean was still, without winds or waves. The moon toad and the moon rabbit refer to the moon based on ancient Chinese mythical stories about the moon goddess Chang’e (嫦娥, Joga in Japanese). It seems there are many different versions of her story. One version says that she attained immortality and lived in the moon. Her husband on the earth made an altar and made offerings on the mid-autumn day. This was the origin of the mid-autumn moon festival. Another version says that somehow, Chang’e became a toad and still lives in the moon. Dwelling in the moon together with the toad, the moon rabbit makes an elixir for gaining eternal longevity with a mortar and pestle. In Japan, people thought that the rabbit is making mochi, pounded rice cake. The rabbit was called “jewel rabbit” (玉兎, gyokuto) or “golden rabbit” (金兎, kinto). Dōgen uses the images of the toad and rabbit and says that since the sky is beautifully clear, the toad and rabbit are clearly seen.. READ MORE |
IN THIS ISSUE:
|
From the president of the administrative headquarters of Soto Zen Buddhism (Sotoshu)
Rev. Shunei Oniuda I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences for those who have lost their precious lives from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and offer a prayer that they may rest in peace. For those who have been affected by this illness, I pray that they will recover as soon as possible, and I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to their families and relatives who have also been affected by this illness. Also, my thoughts are with all those experiencing tremendous difficulties whose lives have been affected by the spread of this epidemic and the need to stay home. In the Kamakura Period of Japanese history when Dogen Zenji was teaching, there were times when cool summers caused by climate change often brought poor harvests. There were outbreaks of plague, and during the Great Kanki Famine (1230-31), it is said that a third of the population of Japan perished. In times such as these, Dogen Zenji emphasized that these were the very times not to neglect the Buddha Way. With the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, many people are upset. They are frightened because of the spread of the infection and anxious because their own lives are at risk. It is in such a time that the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, Dogen Zenji, and Keizan Zenji are necessary. Shakyamuni Buddha taught right view, right speech, and right practice in the face of the sufferings of sickness and death. It is necessary to have correct and current information about the novel coronavirus infection to ensure that harmful rumors and discrimination do not occur. It is also necessary to take care so that we do not become infected by this virus and other people are also not infected. Even if people are agitated or anxious in the confusion caused by others who are fearful and buy up or hoard food and other goods, let us act calmly. Let us act in accordance with the spirit of Dogen Zenji's teaching of the intention of first saving others before ourselves. in accordance with the Bodhisattva's Four Embracing Actions. By doing our best to disinfect our hands and maintain proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing, we are preventing not only our own infection but practicing good hygiene so that others are not infected. This is to naturally practice the way of benefiting others. Also, Keizan Zenji taught that we should have compassion and love for all things, that we should sympathize with others' sufferings as if they are our own, and that with the mind of compassion we should be diligent in the practice of zazen. I encourage you to endeavor to practice zazen during this time that we must spend quietly at home. |
From the president of Sanshin's board of directors
David Fukudo Thompson We have all been experiencing major disruption in our lives and in our routines because of the advent of Covid-19. Sanshin Zen Community is no exception. As the outline of the pandemic became clear, the board of directors endorsed a document which outlined our response. You can read the official announcement here. Essentially, all in-person activities at Sanshin were canceled through July. This includes the normal in-person daily zazen schedule, weekly book discussion and Sunday dharma talks, all sesshin, all retreats including the May genzo-e and the precepts retreat, and the practice period. Shortly afterwards, we issued behavioral guidelines for the use of Sanshin facilities, and as it became clear that stay-at-home was the best (and then mandated) policy, we officially closed 1726 S. Olive St. to all but the Okumura family. The dorm is closed to visitors. Closing down activities at Sanshin for such a long period of time was a difficult decision. The period from March until July comprises the many and varied events of the Sanshin schedule detailed above – and the cancellations of these activities in turn disrupted the plans of many practitioners. Yet in some sense, this direction was also a clear one, because it supports the most important thing we can do at this time, which is to take care of people, to keep them safe. I thank all the practitioners whose plans were affected by these cancellations for their understanding. While the decision to close down these in-person activities was painful, the board and clergy are working together along with members of the community to adapt. Here are some examples:
The cancellation of these activities will also mean something to our financial situation. Treasurer Gene Elias and former treasurer Iris Cushman are working to develop a picture of the impact of the pandemic on Sanshin’s finances. We are also evaluating the possibility of federal assistance. We expect the impact of the pandemic will mean that Sanshin will soon need to solicit contributions via a fundraiser. Our hope that those who are less affected financially by the pandemic will be able to help the community bridge the gap until the resumption of the normal schedule. Meanwhile, other activities continue, some at an accelerated pace – change sometimes means the chance to attend to new opportunities. For example, by shifting around our previously scheduled activities, we have still managed to begin work on the online video initiative funded by the Lenz Foundation grant which the Dōgen Institute secured late last year with a fundraiser. |
In another example, members of a core group from Sanshin have begun an engagement with TDC, a consulting company – this engagement, which focuses on Sanshin’s future, is the result of another grant which Sanshin secured last year. (See also the article on the TDC engagement in this newsletter.)
The clergy and the board of directors will continue to monitor the situation, and make adjustments as needed going forward. I want to personally thank Okumura Roshi., Hoko, the directors, the Practice Committee and all the people who have volunteered in some way, shape or form. Their willingness to be flexible, to think creatively, and to work together has helped Sanshin adapt to the changed circumstances and maintain its operations during this time.
The clergy and the board of directors will continue to monitor the situation, and make adjustments as needed going forward. I want to personally thank Okumura Roshi., Hoko, the directors, the Practice Committee and all the people who have volunteered in some way, shape or form. Their willingness to be flexible, to think creatively, and to work together has helped Sanshin adapt to the changed circumstances and maintain its operations during this time.
Zendo closed but not empty
Okumura Roshi is carrying on morning zazen and liturgy in the zendo by himself in these days of pandemic closure. Though the sangha can't join him there, he and the local practitioners sitting with Hoko in the mornings are following the same schedule and practicing together in spirit if not in person. |
Resources from Sanshin
Sanshin offers weekday morning zazen and liturgy via Zoom. The zazen period begins at 6:10 EST and lasts 50 minutes; liturgy follows directly afterward. Please email our office if you're interested in participating.
Recognizing that more folks than ever are now practicing in Sanshin's style by themselves, we've added a Sanshin Solo page to our website offering tips and information about practicing on your own.
Study materials remain available from our Dogen Institute and video recordings of dharma talks on our YouTube channel.
Sanshin offers weekday morning zazen and liturgy via Zoom. The zazen period begins at 6:10 EST and lasts 50 minutes; liturgy follows directly afterward. Please email our office if you're interested in participating.
Recognizing that more folks than ever are now practicing in Sanshin's style by themselves, we've added a Sanshin Solo page to our website offering tips and information about practicing on your own.
Study materials remain available from our Dogen Institute and video recordings of dharma talks on our YouTube channel.
Resources from around the Sanshin Network
Centers and groups from around the network are offering virtual practice and are willing to include practitioners from outside their immediate sanghas. All times given are local time in the location of the centers offering the practice. Please contact them directly for information about how to participate; Sanshin does not have the details.
Centers and groups from around the network are offering virtual practice and are willing to include practitioners from outside their immediate sanghas. All times given are local time in the location of the centers offering the practice. Please contact them directly for information about how to participate; Sanshin does not have the details.
In English
With Shodo Spring at Mountains and Waters Alliance (MN, USA):
With Issan Koyama at the New York Sangha (NY, USA):
With Shodo Spring at Mountains and Waters Alliance (MN, USA):
- Sundays: The Gift of Fearlessness: Conversations on the Pandemic. 4 - 5 pm
- Wednesdays: Introduction to Zen. 6:30 - 8 pm
With Issan Koyama at the New York Sangha (NY, USA):
- Mornings: Zazen. 7:30 - 8:20 am
- Mondays: Study group on ancient Buddhism and early Mahayana Buddhism. 6 - 8 pm. Now studying the Mahaparinibbana Sutta from the Pali Canon.
- Thursdays: Dogen study group, 6 - 8 pm. Now studying Shobogenzo Kesa Kudoku with a triligual version.
- Monthly on a Sunday: All-day study intensive. 11 am - 5 pm with one hour lunch and 30-minute coffee break. Now studying materials from the Monday and Thursday groups.
- Monthly: Full Moon Uposatha (Fusatsu) study intensive evening. 6 - 10:30 pm with one hour dinner break. Now studying materials from the Monday and Thursday groups.
In French
With Mokusho DePreay at Centre Shikantaza (Mons, Belgium)
With Mokusho DePreay at Centre Shikantaza (Mons, Belgium)
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Zazen and study/discussion. 10 - 11 am. Twenty minutes of zazen followed by discussion of pandemic-related dharma articles (MW) or Ajahn Sumedho's The Four Noble Truths (F),
In Spanish
With Densho Quintero at Soto Zen Community of Columbia (Bogota, Columbia)
With Densho Quintero at Soto Zen Community of Columbia (Bogota, Columbia)
- Weekdays: Zazen and chanting (morning); 6 am and 7 pm. 50-minute zazen period; in the mornings, chanting Hannya Shingyo and Daihishin Dharani.
- Saturdays: Zazen and chanting; 7 am.
- Sundays: Teisho or Q&A. 7 - 9 am.
In Italian
With Gyoetsu Epifania and Doryu Cappelli at Centro Zen Anshin (Rome, Italy)
With Gyoetsu Epifania and Doryu Cappelli at Centro Zen Anshin (Rome, Italy)
- Tuesdays and Fridays: Practice discussion and study of Shobogenzo Zenki and Shobogenzo Shoji. .
In German
With Shinko Hagn at Daijihi (Vienna, Austria)
Daijihi is developing its virtual practice activities; visit its webpage for updates or email here.
With Shinko Hagn at Daijihi (Vienna, Austria)
Daijihi is developing its virtual practice activities; visit its webpage for updates or email here.
SANSHIN STYLE AND SPIRIT |
Business planning goes forward despite pandemic closure
David Fukudo Thompson, board president
David Fukudo Thompson, board president
In the From the Leadership section above, I wrote about our community’s response to the pandemic and said that sometimes challenges offer us the unexpected opportunity to transform, or concentrate and move ahead in different areas. One of the areas in which we have been able to move forward into new territory is with our community’s strategic planning.
Several years ago, Okumura Roshi initiated work with the board to identify his successor as the day-to-day leader of Sanshin Zen Community. As a result of that work, Hoko Karnegis was named as his successor and came aboard as vice abbot, with June 2023 identified as the date for the formal transition of leadership. The board worked to create a strategic plan in support of this transition which was adopted in 2018. Subsequently, our planning work came to the attention of Still Water Foundation, one of Sanshin’s long-term benefactors. Still Water agreed to assist in our transition activities by funding a consulting engagement to help us develop a comprehensive business plan. We were excited and grateful to have received this assistance, as I and the rest of the board believe we are at a key point of transition in Sanshin’s lifecycle as a community.
We are now in the first phase of this engagement. We are working with TDC, a long-standing and respected nonprofit consulting company. To our good fortune, TDC has already conducted several engagements with other Zen Buddhist communities in the United States. It’s very helpful that the personnel from TDC understand some of the “lay of the land” that is characteristic of our type of community.
Besides Liz Curtis and Nathan Edwards from TDC, we have a group of five people drawn from the Sanshin community who are participating: Hoko Karnegis (vice abbot), Rev. Tonen O’Connor (former secretary of the board), Hosshin Shoaf (work leader), Gene Elias (treasurer), and me.
The project has six stages, and we are nearing the end of the first stage. These six stages cover topics such as articulating our planning model, creating a baseline financial model, assimilating research and analysis performed by TDC into that model, and developing an integrated business plan. Although we had to put aside an originally planned on-site visit by TDC, the team has pushed forward using online meetings.
Sanshin is a complex community, and our discussions have reflected this. The people who participate in our community come from nearby, in Bloomington, but they also come from regional locations, an area in which we have seen some opportunity. People who participate at Sanshin also come to practice from locations across the country, and across the world. This wide variety of practitioners is not common to most Zen centers in the United States. Because of this, our community has some unique challenges to go along with its unique and unadorned practice style. Our job as a board, and within this consulting engagement with TDC, is to identify those unique challenges and opportunities. We’ll keep the community up-to-date with our efforts as we proceed. The working group, the board and the clergy are working together to make sure that our common future is being thoughtfully crafted in support of Sanshin's mission: enabling the practice of shikantaza in the style of Uchiyama Roshi, deep study of Dogen Zenji’s teachings, and commitment to beneficial action. These three elements—zazen, study and work—are the foundation of Sanshin’s practice vision and calendar of activities. Read more about our mission, vision and style in our Sanshin style and spirit section.
Several years ago, Okumura Roshi initiated work with the board to identify his successor as the day-to-day leader of Sanshin Zen Community. As a result of that work, Hoko Karnegis was named as his successor and came aboard as vice abbot, with June 2023 identified as the date for the formal transition of leadership. The board worked to create a strategic plan in support of this transition which was adopted in 2018. Subsequently, our planning work came to the attention of Still Water Foundation, one of Sanshin’s long-term benefactors. Still Water agreed to assist in our transition activities by funding a consulting engagement to help us develop a comprehensive business plan. We were excited and grateful to have received this assistance, as I and the rest of the board believe we are at a key point of transition in Sanshin’s lifecycle as a community.
We are now in the first phase of this engagement. We are working with TDC, a long-standing and respected nonprofit consulting company. To our good fortune, TDC has already conducted several engagements with other Zen Buddhist communities in the United States. It’s very helpful that the personnel from TDC understand some of the “lay of the land” that is characteristic of our type of community.
Besides Liz Curtis and Nathan Edwards from TDC, we have a group of five people drawn from the Sanshin community who are participating: Hoko Karnegis (vice abbot), Rev. Tonen O’Connor (former secretary of the board), Hosshin Shoaf (work leader), Gene Elias (treasurer), and me.
The project has six stages, and we are nearing the end of the first stage. These six stages cover topics such as articulating our planning model, creating a baseline financial model, assimilating research and analysis performed by TDC into that model, and developing an integrated business plan. Although we had to put aside an originally planned on-site visit by TDC, the team has pushed forward using online meetings.
Sanshin is a complex community, and our discussions have reflected this. The people who participate in our community come from nearby, in Bloomington, but they also come from regional locations, an area in which we have seen some opportunity. People who participate at Sanshin also come to practice from locations across the country, and across the world. This wide variety of practitioners is not common to most Zen centers in the United States. Because of this, our community has some unique challenges to go along with its unique and unadorned practice style. Our job as a board, and within this consulting engagement with TDC, is to identify those unique challenges and opportunities. We’ll keep the community up-to-date with our efforts as we proceed. The working group, the board and the clergy are working together to make sure that our common future is being thoughtfully crafted in support of Sanshin's mission: enabling the practice of shikantaza in the style of Uchiyama Roshi, deep study of Dogen Zenji’s teachings, and commitment to beneficial action. These three elements—zazen, study and work—are the foundation of Sanshin’s practice vision and calendar of activities. Read more about our mission, vision and style in our Sanshin style and spirit section.
Custom cabinet contains cushions
Just as Sanshin was closing its doors, work leader Hosshin Shoaf arrived with a custom-made shelf unit designed to hold the zafus, zabutons, benches and support cushions that had been living piled in a heap in the corner of the zendo. The ceiling-high six-shelf unit was so large that it couldn't be brought down the stairs and around the tight corners into the zendo -- it had to be lowered in through the fire escape hidden behind the swing-out altar in the alcove.
Knit and crochet squares add up to dorm blankets
Looking for small projects to keep your hands busy while staying at home? Friends of Sanshin are invited to send in knitted or crocheted squares to be sewn together to make blankets for the dorm. Last year all the bed linens were replaced and the blanket project will complete that effort. Squares can be any color, pattern or stitch, but they must be 12-inches on each side in order to fit together with others into blankets. Because of hypersensitivities and the need for washability, please use synthetic yarn rather than wool or exotic fibers. We'll be making eight blankets in all to provide a handmade welcome from our community to our visiting practitioners.
Sangha members connect with Dharma Relief
Several practitioners around Indiana have been in touch with Dharma Relief, a dharma organization formed by leaders from the Tallahassee Chan Center and Dharma Drum Retreat Center. Because of its connections within China, Dharma Relief is able to serve as a go-between in the procurement of masks and other protective gear for medical workers in the US. According to its website, "Our efforts in procuring FDA approved surgical masks will not compete with US hospitals’ efforts in getting these masks because it is impossible for hospitals to directly contact mainland Chinese manufacturers without mediation. We aim to procure large quantities of FDA approved surgical masks directly using our trusted connection to a manufacturer for North America."
Dharma Relief is looking for both financial support and volunteers to coordinate the distribution of masks and supplies to hospitals. It's also looking for information about additional hospitals in need. Its website is here.
Dharma Relief is looking for both financial support and volunteers to coordinate the distribution of masks and supplies to hospitals. It's also looking for information about additional hospitals in need. Its website is here.
Are we reaching you?
Do we have the best and most current contact information for you? If you've changed your e-mail address or moved to a new place of residence, or if we've never had complete information about how to reach you, it's time to update your record. Please take a moment to go here to send us the contact information you'd like us to use. We'll check it against your current record and update as needed. Don't miss any of the upcoming communications from Sanshin -- update your info today!
Do we have the best and most current contact information for you? If you've changed your e-mail address or moved to a new place of residence, or if we've never had complete information about how to reach you, it's time to update your record. Please take a moment to go here to send us the contact information you'd like us to use. We'll check it against your current record and update as needed. Don't miss any of the upcoming communications from Sanshin -- update your info today!
Donate your used dharma books
If you have dharma books you're no longer using, you're invited to donate them to Sanshin for the used book section of our sales area in the common room. It's a good opportunity to clear space on your shelves for new dharma books, to make your books available to new readers, and to help make a few dollars for Sanshin. There's a shelf labeled for used books in the common room -- you can leave your donated books there anytime.
Gifts of financial support
Whether as a practitioner, a financial supporter, a listener/reader or simply as an interested friend, Sanshin welcomes you to our international sangha. Like all nonprofit organizations, Sanshin depends on the generous offerings of those whose lives are helped by the work it does. Visit this page to set up a monthly donation or make a one-time gift online, or download a form to use when giving by check.
Community give-back programs
Designating Sanshin Zen Community as the recipient of give-back programs is a painless way to provide funding support simply by making your usual purchases!
Amazon Smile: Instead of going to Amazon's regular homepage, go to Amazon Smile and sign into your Amazon account. Choose Sanshin Zen Community as your charity, and .05% of what you spend will come to us. Remember, only purchases at smile.amazon.com (not www.amazon.com or the mobile app) support Sanshin.
CharityCharge: If you're in the market for a new Mastercard, consider getting it here and joining the friends of Sanshin who have designated us as their nonprofit beneficiary. One percent of what you spend will come to us.
Kroger: If you shop at Kroger with a Plus card, your regular purchases of groceries and household goods can provide financial support for Sanshin. Create or sign in to your Kroger account, enroll in Kroger Community Rewards® with your card, and choose Sanshin as your organization. Every time you shop and swipe your card, a percentage of what you spend will come to us.
Employer giving programs
Friends of Sanshin who work at companies like Google and Adobe are providing regular financial support through payroll deduction and employer gift-matching programs. Check with your employer's human resources or community relations department to see whether giving opportunities like these are available at your workplace.
If you have dharma books you're no longer using, you're invited to donate them to Sanshin for the used book section of our sales area in the common room. It's a good opportunity to clear space on your shelves for new dharma books, to make your books available to new readers, and to help make a few dollars for Sanshin. There's a shelf labeled for used books in the common room -- you can leave your donated books there anytime.
Gifts of financial support
Whether as a practitioner, a financial supporter, a listener/reader or simply as an interested friend, Sanshin welcomes you to our international sangha. Like all nonprofit organizations, Sanshin depends on the generous offerings of those whose lives are helped by the work it does. Visit this page to set up a monthly donation or make a one-time gift online, or download a form to use when giving by check.
Community give-back programs
Designating Sanshin Zen Community as the recipient of give-back programs is a painless way to provide funding support simply by making your usual purchases!
Amazon Smile: Instead of going to Amazon's regular homepage, go to Amazon Smile and sign into your Amazon account. Choose Sanshin Zen Community as your charity, and .05% of what you spend will come to us. Remember, only purchases at smile.amazon.com (not www.amazon.com or the mobile app) support Sanshin.
CharityCharge: If you're in the market for a new Mastercard, consider getting it here and joining the friends of Sanshin who have designated us as their nonprofit beneficiary. One percent of what you spend will come to us.
Kroger: If you shop at Kroger with a Plus card, your regular purchases of groceries and household goods can provide financial support for Sanshin. Create or sign in to your Kroger account, enroll in Kroger Community Rewards® with your card, and choose Sanshin as your organization. Every time you shop and swipe your card, a percentage of what you spend will come to us.
Employer giving programs
Friends of Sanshin who work at companies like Google and Adobe are providing regular financial support through payroll deduction and employer gift-matching programs. Check with your employer's human resources or community relations department to see whether giving opportunities like these are available at your workplace.