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Great Plains Zen Center Sangha Newsletter November, 2012 through January, 2013
Zazenkai at Myoshinji – November 9-11 Our next retreat will be held November 9-11 at Myoshinji. The retreat begins on Friday evening, and runs through Sunday morning. The cost of this retreat is $75 and includes overnight lodging Friday and Saturday, as well as all meals. Rohatsu – December 6-9, 2012 (Sesshin Commemorating Buddha’s Enlightenment) This year, we will hold a Three Day Rohatsu (Sesshin) from Thursday, December 6 through Sunday, December 9. Our Bodhi Day Service will be on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 AM during our usual morning service. This is the most important sesshin of the year and we encourage you to try to attend part or all of it. In the traditional Mahayana Buddhist calendar, Bodhi Day is December 8th, called Rohatsu in Japanese (literally, the 8th day of the 12th month). Bodhi Day is known as Shaka-Jodo-e (釈迦成道会?) in the Japanese Tendai sect. Mahayana Buddhists also recognize April 8 as the anniversary of Buddha’s birth (Hanamatsuri) and February 15th as Nirvana Day, commemorating the passing of the Buddha from this sphere of teaching. In the Zen tradition, Bodhi Day is often preceded by a rigorous seven-day sesshin (December 1-8), also referred to as Rohatsu. Participants come to this sesshin with a strong resolve to experience enlightenment first hand. They are even encouraged to sit all night (yaza) the last night. In the Denko Roku, Transmission of the Lamp, Keizan Zenji gives the following description of Buddha’s enlightenment: “Shakyamuni Buddha was of the Sun Race in India. At the age of nineteen he leaped over the palace walls in the dead of night, and at Mount Dantaloka, he cut off his hair. Subsequently, he practiced austerities for six years. Later, he sat on the Adamantine Seat, where spiders spun webs in his eyebrows and magpies built a nest on top of his head. Reeds grew up between his legs as he sat tranquilly and erect without movement for six years. At the age of thirty, on the eighth day of the twelfth month, as the morning star appeared, he was suddenly enlightened. These words –“I and the great earth and beings simultaneously achieve the Way” –were his very first lion’s roar. “ Keizan Zenji goes on to explain that from that day on, Shakyamuni Buddha “did not spend a day alone but preached the Dharma for the assembly constantly. He was never without a robe and begging bowl.”
Shakyamuni Buddha’s complete and thorough-going investigation into the Great Matter is not something separate from our own resolve. We should encourage ourselves to plunge into practice with this intensity and determination at all times, but especially at this time of observance. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this important sesshin. Only through our sincere practice can we truly express appreciation to those who came before and our vows to practice endlessly for the sake of all beings. Please join us. Zazenkai at Myoshinji – January 11-13 The first retreat of 2013 will be a zazenkai, held January 11-13 at Myoshinji. The retreat begins on Friday evening, and runs through Sunday morning. The cost of this retreat is $75 and includes overnight lodging Friday and Saturday, as well as all meals. Registration for GPZC Events To register, for GPZC events, please register/pay online at www.greatplainszen.org. Please register for any sesshin, zazenkai or workshop at least 1 week prior to the start. This allows us to assign positions and arrange other logistics for the event. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please contact us to make arrangements and check on availability of space. Late cancellations are subject to a $35 non-refundable fee.
Jukai recipients Shōgaku, Ryūmon, Chikuin and Myōi . Congratulations to Jukai Recipients On Sunday, October 21, four members received the Lay Buddhist Precepts (Jukai) with family, friends and Sangha members in attendance. Each recipient received a Dharma name, a lineage chart (showing the succession of teachers back to Shakyamuni Buddha) and a rakusu, which they had made. This represents a very significant step in each person’s practice, affirming their determination to follow the Buddha Way and to uphold the sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts.
Continued...
Sangha Newsletter November, 2012 through January, 2013 - 2 Jukai (continued) Following is a brief introduction of each jukai recipient and an explanation about their Dharma name. During Zen Center functions, we will now address these individuals by their Dharma names and they will wear their rakusu during most zazen periods. Anneliese Shōgaku Vandre “I've held a lifelong interest in Eastern forms of spirituality, inspired by my mother who was very eclectic, and have been a Zen practitioner for about three years. I'm a case manager for children with mental health issues and am employed by Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. I hold an MS in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University as well as a BA in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I live in the country with my fiancé and two cats.” - Anneliese Anneliese received the name “Shōgaku.” (True Enlightenment). Shōgaku or Zhengjue is the name of the Fourth Chinese Ancestor’s temple at the foot of Broken Top Mountain in Yellow Plum province. It was the first successful monastic community established in connection with Bodhidharma’s Zen lineage and played an important role in the development of the Zen monastic tradition. At this monastery, work practice, including growing vegetables for the monks to eat, began to be seen as a vital part of the Zen tradition. Wanshi Shogaku (Hongzhi Zhengjue) was also the name of an important Chinese teacher who first coined the term “Silent Illumination.” The character “Shō” is the same as the one in the title of Dogen Zenji’s famous work, Shōbogenzo (True Dharma Eye Treasury). Dr. Dennis Lishka, a Buddhist scholar and Zen practitioner explains that in India, the Sanskrit equivalent of Shō meant “right” or “authentic” as in a fixed, immutable truth. However, in China, this character took on more the sense of “appropriate” or “right according to the situation,” reflecting the more fluid wisdom of the Book of Changes and Taoist thought and reflective of our Mahyana understanding of the precepts. Lorrie Chikuin Kountz “Gratefully joining the GPZC in May of 2011, I devote my passions between my partner Laura, my dog Will.I.Am, writing music, and Buddhism. Recently retired from teaching music after 30 years, I am now working for a behavioral health hospital here in the suburbs. My practice is of the utmost importance to me, and I look forward to continued focus and study.” – Lorrie Lorrie received the name “Chikuin” (Sound of Bamboo – literally Bamboo Sound). This name comes from the story of Zen Master Xiangyan (Kyōgen). Xiangyan studied with the great Baizhang (Hyakujo) and later with Guishan (Isan). However, he was not able to clearly open his eye of wisdom and stated, “A picture of a cake can’t satisfy hunger.” He sadly left Guishan’s monastery and resigned himself to taking care of the National Teacher Nanyang Huizhong’s gravesite.
While scything grass one day, the sound of a piece of tile striking a bamboo stalk caused him to experience enlightenment. He immediately composed the following verse:
“One strike and all knowledge is forgotten.
No more the mere pretense of practice. Transformed to uphold the ancient path,
Not sunk in idle devices.
Far and wide, not a trace is left. The great purpose lies beyond sound and form.
In every direction the realized Way, Beyond all speech, the ultimate principle.”
Nataly Myōi Kercher Nataly was born in Ukraine, where she met her husband Dmitry while attending university. Together they left Ukraine at the age of 19 and for the next 7 years they lived, studied and worked in Israel. Nataly, Dmitry and their three children and two dogs now live in the Chicago area where Nataly is a software developer. She was introduced to Zen at an Integral Bodywork training in 2008 and gradually established daily Zen practice. Nataly joined the Great Plains Zen Center in 2010. She is also practitioner of Tai Chi and Reiki. Nataly received the name “Myōi” (Wondrous Healing). “Myō” is the same character as in “Myōshinji”, which can also mean subtle or mysterious. The second character, “I,” is also part of the posthumous name given to the fourth Chinese Ancestor, Dayi or Daii (Great Healer) by Emporer Dai Zong because of his special healing abilities. Nataly has a strong commitment to healing practice in its many forms. Healing in the context of Zen practice does indeed take on a wondrous or subtle meaning since our Zen practice reveals to us our own completeness and perfection even in the midst of struggles, pain and uncertainty. Tom Ryūmon Janiec Tom worked in the import/export business for 22 years before attending seminary to become an Episcopalian minister at age 43. He then served as a minister in a parish for 20 years. Tom has been doing chaplaincy work in hospitals for the past 25 years. He is the father of two daughters, Sara and Annie. Tom and his wife, Anne, have two cats and two dogs and enjoy travelling in the western part of the United States. Tom enjoys most any kind of music with a preference for classical music. He started practicing on his own and joined the Great Plains Zen Center two years ago. Tom received the name “Ryūmon (Dragon Gate). The “Dragon Gate” is a 3-step waterfall cut through the mountain by Yü the Great to open up a passage for the Yellow River. On the third day of the third month, when peach trees are in flower, vigorous carp that can scale the three-tiered waterfall transform into dragons. Thus climbing the Dragon Gate represents success and transformation after a long effort.
Sangha Newsletter November, 2012 through January, 2013 - 3
Zendo Remodeling Nearly Complete A heartfelt thanks goes out to all who donated resources, talent and time to make our zendo remodeling success. Nearly $4,400 was raised, including the $1,800 matching donation. So far just over $4,000 has been spent, leaving a balance of $380 for the remaining work to be done on the shoji screens and to be applied to the future roof purchase. Our new birch hardwood floor now covers the entire zendo and gaitan (waiting area). The birch was grown and sustainably harvested, milled and finished in northern Wisconsin. We have two cartons of the wood flooring left, which could go toward eventual remodeling of the dokusan room or other areas of the building. The wall between the zendo and the kitchen has been finished, and the downstairs bathroom and kitchen accent wall have been painted. The shoji screens are progressing well and will add the finishing touch when installed later this year. Inscriptions with loving tributes and memorials were written by some on the underside of the floorboards. As we walk in the zendo, our bodies and spirits are literally supported by those loving words and sentiments. We are especially thankful to Josh Estabrook, Peter Zalesky, Shogaku (Anneliese), Jishin, Seishin, Rose and Drake Andersen and all who donated their hard work and expertise. It was wonderful to work together and without each of you, this project would not have been possible. We invite everyone to come and participate in sesshin, zazenkai or daily morning or evening zazen at Myoshinji and enjoy our beautiful zendo.
Thank you Many thanks to Anneliese Shogaku Vandre for donating a laptop computer to the Zen Center. It was much needed is much appreciated. Residential Training at Great Plains Zen Center Short-term residential training is now available for students who wish to deepen their practice and experience daily monastic life. This program is offered at our retreat center, Myoshinji, in Monroe, Wisconsin. To learn more about residential training at Myoshinji, please visit our website, greatplainszen.org.
Weekly Schedule in Palatine at CCUU Zazen (Zen meditation) is held every Sunday at 7:00 PM at Countryside Church - Unitarian Universalist, 1025 N. Smith Road, in Palatine, Illinois. We welcome new friends to join us any Sunday. A standard schedule includes a 30-minute period of zazen, 10 minutes of kinhin (walking meditation) and a second 30-minute period of zazen. Each month, the Zen Center holds Fusatsu, the Renewal of the Vows ceremony (in place of the second zazen period). Everyone is welcome whether or not they have formally received the Buddhist Vows. One Sunday sitting each month will feature teisho (a formal dharma talk) by our teacher, Susan Myoyu Andersen, Roshi, followed by group discussion. Also, once a month, members and friends are invited to gather for informal Talk & Tea at 6:15. See the calendar for specific dates for these activities. Expanded Schedule at Myoshinji We are pleased to offer an expanded schedule at Myoshinji. We now have early morning sitting at 5:30 on Thursdays and Fridays with a morning service following. Evening zazen takes place Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM. The Saturday schedule includes Zazen at 9 AM followed by talk or discussion as well as an optional morning service at 8:30 AM for those who wish to learn traditional Soto Zen Buddhist liturgy. This will provide an opportunity to learn the service positions we do during sesshin and practice them on a regular basis.
Introduction to Zen Practice Workshops Great Plains Zen Center will continue to hold monthly Introductory Workshops at Countryside Unitarian Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine, Illinois, and at Myoshinji in Monroe, Wisconsin. Each workshop provides basic, practical information including how to do zazen (Zen meditation), how to practice at home and throughout the day, the aims of practice, and what opportunities for additional or more advanced practice are offered at GPZC. • Workshops in Palatine (Illinois) will be held Saturdays, December 15 and January 19 (no Workshop in November) and run from 8:30-11:30 AM, followed by an informal lunch. • Workshops at Myoshinji (Wisconsin) will be held Saturdays, November 17, December 15 and January 26. Workshops run from 8:30-11:30 AM. The cost for each workshop is $25 per person ($15 for students and seniors; free for repeating participants). Visit http://greatplainszen.org/workshops to register, or call us at (847) 274-4793 or (608) 325-6248. Please note that workshops are held in two different locations (Palatine, Illinois and Monroe, Wisconsin). Be sure to note the location carefully when registering.
Sangha Newsletter November, 2012 through January, 2013 - 4 Membership in the Great Plains Zen Center There are four levels of membership in the Sangha of the Great Plains Zen Center: Practicing Membership ($50 per month) is for anyone who will be practicing zazen with the sangha on a regular, weekly basis. Practicing Members receive a discounted rate for sesshin (retreats). Affiliate Membership ($30 per month) is for sangha members who live at a greater distance from the regular sittings, and who are not able to attend on a regular basis. Friend of GPZC (any amount per year) is for anyone who wishes to support the Zen Center and be included in all special communications. Sustaining Member, is for anyone committing to any amount, $75 and above, per month. Any of these levels of dues can be submitted at our website: http://greatplainszen.org/membership/dues Membership helps deepen one’s commitment to practice, helps support the center and helps make the practice available to more people now and in the future. Please join us.
Contact Us By phone: (847) 274-4793 By e-mail: [email protected] Myoshinji (Monroe, Wisconsin): (608) 325-6248 Find out more about the Great Plains Zen Center on the web at: greatplainszen.org Upcoming Dates for 2013:
• February 15-18 Nirvana Day Sesshin (Fri-Mon) • March 8-10 Zazenkai (Fri-Sun) • April 11-14 Three-Day Sesshin (Th-Sun) • May 17-19 Beginners Mind II Sesshin • June 16-23 Seven Day Sesshin • July 25-28 Three Day Sesshin (Th-Sun) • August 16-18 Zazenkai (Fri-Sun) • September 13-15 Beginners Mind Sesshin • October 4-7 Bodhidharma Sesshin (Fri-Mon) • November 15-17 Zazenkai (Fri-Sun) • December 5-8 Rohatsu (Th-Sun)
GPZC P.O. Box 3362 Barrington, IL 60011
Great Plains Zen Center – Myoshinji (Subtle Mind Temple) – Monroe, Wisconsin W7762 Falk Rd • Monroe, WI • 608-325-6248
November 2012
1 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
2 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
3 8:30am Service 9am Zazen
4
5
6 Election Day
7 7:00p Zazen
8 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
9 5:30a Zazen & Service Zazenkai
10 Zazenkai 9am Zazen
11 Zazenkai
12
13
14 7:00p Zazen
15 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
16 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
17 8:30 am Intro Workshop
18
19
20
21 (closed)
22 (closed) Thanksgiving
23 (closed)
24 8:30am Service 9am Zazen
25
26
27
28 7:00p Zazen
29 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
30 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
1 (Dec.) 8:30am Service 9am Zazen
December 2012
2
3
4
5 7:00p Zazen
6 5:30a Zazen & Service Sesshin
7 Sesshin
8 Bodhi Day Sesshin 9am Zazen
9 Sesshin
10
11
12 7:00p Zazen
13 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
14 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
15 8:30 am Intro Workshop
16
17
18
19 7:00p Zazen
20 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
21 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
22 8:30am Service 9am Zazen
23
24
25 Christmas
26 (closed)
27 (closed)
28 (closed)
29 8:30am Service 9am Zazen
30 31
January 2013
1 New Year’s Day
2 (closed)
3 (closed)
4 (closed)
5 8:30am Service 9am Zazen
6
7
8
9 7:00p Zazen
10 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
11 5:30a Zazen & Service Zazenkai
12 Zazenkai 9am Zazen
13 Zazenkai
14
15
16 7:00p Zazen
17 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
18 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
19 8:30am Service 9am Zazen
20 21 22
23 7:00p Zazen
24 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
25 5:30a Zazen & Service 7:00p Zazen
26 8:30 am Intro Workshop
27
28 29
30 7:00p Zazen
31
Great Plains Zen Center – Countryside Unitarian Church – Palatine, Illinois 1025 N Smith Rd • Palatine, IL • 847-274-4793
November 2012
1
2
3
4 7 pm Zazen & Teisho
5
6 Election Day
7
8
9 Zazenkai
10 Zazenkai
11 Zazenkai 7 pm Zazen
12 13 14
15 16
17
18 6:15 Tea 7:00p Zazen pm Fusatsu
19
20
21
22 Thanksgiving
23 24
25 7:00p Zazen pm
26
27
28
29
30
1 (Dec.)
December 2012
2 7 pm Zazen & Teisho
3
4
5
6 Sesshin
7 Sesshin
8 Bodhi Day Sesshin
9 Sesshin 7 pm Zazen
10
11
12
13
14
15 8:30 am Intro Workshop
16 6:15 Tea 7:00p Zazen pm Fusatsu
17
18
19
20
21
22
23 7 pm Zazen
24
25 Christmas
26
27
28
29
30 7 pm Zazen &
31
January 2013
1 New Year’s Day
2
3
4
5
6 7 pm Zazen & Teisho
7
8
9
10
11 Zazenkai
12 Zazenkai
13 Zazenkai
14
15
16
17
18
19 8:30 am Intro Workshop
20 6:15 Tea 7 pm Zazen & Fusatsu
21 22
23
24
25
26
27 7 pm Zazen
28 29
30 31
