Walking Mountains. When my father died

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1 VOLUME 29, ISSUE 1 JanUARY-February 2017 Walking Mountains The green mountains are always walking Daokai Dear Sangha and Friends, Our New Year s ceremony behind us, we also leave the darkest of the year and move once again into the light. I must confess that February is one of my most favorite months of the year. The days are brighter, the willow s yellow buds and the maple s red bring the first color of spring against a stark landscape. And the witch hazel, Arnold s Promise, blooms yes, can you believe it? Keep your eyes peeled outside the office room window in the Dharma building. We begin January with our annual meeting a great opportunity to hear all that is going on in our Sangha with the different committees: kitchen, ceremony, Kannon, and more. It brings us together as one. The Kannon Ceremony beckons us to compassionate living, and the Paranirvana Ceremony reminds us of the Way that releases us from the cycle of birth and death: our practice. Please join us. Wisdom as Vast as the Ocean by Emily Cross January-February 2017 Joan White When my father died nearly thirty ago, I felt as though my electrical system had been ripped out and thrown away. Part of me was all of a sudden gone, gutted, like ripping the bones out of a fish, while the fish is still alive. A Zen parable recounted in Zen Flesh, Zen Bones reads: A rich man asked Sengai to write something for the continued prosperity of his family so that it might be treasured (Continued on page 2) INSIDE THIS ISSUE Wisdom as Vast as 1 the Ocean Giving it All You ve Got 3 The Power and Joy 4 of Lovingkindness Kannon Ceremony 5 Calendar 6 Buddha s Parinirvana 7 Annual Meeting 7 Thank You 8 MISSION The Vermont Zen Center s mission is to create a peaceful and inviting environment to support those who seek wisdom, compassion, joy, and equanimity within a Buddhist context. The twofold practice of the Center is to overcome the causes of suffering through spiritual development and to alleviate the world s suffering through outreach activities and the cultivation of a caring attitude to the earth. Walking Mountains

2 (Continued from page 1) from generation to generation. Sengai obtained a large piece of paper and wrote, Father dies, son dies, grandson dies. The rich man became angry. I asked you to write something for the happiness of my family! Why do you make such a joke as this? No joke is intended, explained Sengai. If before you yourself die your son should die, this would grieve you greatly. If your grandson should pass away before your son, both of you would be brokenhearted. If your family, generation after generation, passes away in the order I have named, it will be the natural course of life. I call this real prosperity. While my father died before me, he died before my grandparents, contrary to the natural course of life described by Sengai. He died too soon. Comforted by the words of a friend s mother at the time, reminding me, then sixteen, that his death was not a thing that happened to me exclusively, that everybody missed him, the fact nonetheless remained that it turned me inside out. Decades before I knew anything about Zen, the only reason it made sense that I was alive, was because my mother was still alive. I knew it would be colossally unfair to her if I died. It wasn t necessarily that I wanted to die, but I did not understand why I was still alive when he was not. Even today, the visceral, experiential context of my father s death routinely shows up most day-to-day trials and tribulations for the inconsequential ripples they are. As Carlos Murillo said in a newsletter article, Words are important. In my first sesshin in Toronto, Carlos said, We are given everything, the moon, the stars, the universe and all we can give back is our effort. While talking about such matters as death runs the risk of creating a one-sided, half-truth, in one sense words are the least we have to give. Talk is cheap, and love is free, so what do we have to lose by trying? Wherever it comes from, everyone has pain. Zazen as a natural healing agent rings true precisely because it is so ordinary. It reminds me of stories about severely injured people being kept sedated to allow the body-mind to heal itself naturally. By doing zazen, lots of it, my body mind began to reconnect my electrical system. Beginning with Tai Chi, Karate, and Aikido training, and Zen training years later, so many helping hands, slowly, gently, quietly unfolding an essential and lifelong healing process, one foot after the other, rebuilding a visceral connection to this dusty world. In daily life, simple kind words and gestures of those blissfully unaware of the profound role of their actions, of their unlikely intersection with others painstaking healing process, can be an oasis to those grappling with chronic pain. When I first started practicing Zen, and even now, simply sitting across from my teacher in dokusan, even with no words exchanged, is itself a profound relief for here is a person somehow capable of understanding my personally lived experience, never having lived it herself. Zen parlance may call this ordinary, While talking about such matters as death runs the risk of creating a one-sided, half-truth, in one sense words are the least we have to give. Talk is cheap, and love is free, so what do we have to lose by trying? but to me, it always seems like a miracle. In Zen practice we follow a prescribed path, however simple, non-invasive, leaving no traces. The more skilled the teacher, and the more committed the student, the fewer the traces. What is extraordinary is to have stumbled upon a community where this is both nurtured and revered the Zen Sangha and to be able to see it for what it is, hear its teaching with more than just our ears; to be able to smell, taste, and touch for ourselves the innate everyday wisdom we carry with us. Roshi says in introductory workshops that we generally stop growing up in our twenties. When (Continued on page 4) 2 Walking Mountains January-February 2017

3 Giving it All You ve Got by Alison Gardner I m finishing up the most difficult work assignment I ve ever done. So many things went wrong: underestimating the time needed to do the work involved in evaluating two nutrition programs; the absence of critical staff to interview; poor logistical support during fieldwork; and a national counterpart unable to adequately perform most of his tasks. Not only that but, I started the assignment jetlagged as well as tired, having travelled to Uganda just after the August sesshin. During the first few days in Uganda I was too exhausted and there was just too much to do to give into the negative inner dialogue Why me? After all, being Buddhist I know why me and selfdoubt the impossibility of being able to do what needed to be done well. Instead, I focused on each task as it emerged and did the best I could through the day and well into most nights. As a result, I made some good decisions, such as hiring additional translators who doubled as research assistants. The additional team members and visiting fewer districts allowed us to cover more program sites and in greater depth and likely saved the evaluation. With the fieldwork completed, I made the long journey back to Kampala, completed interviews and put together the debrief presentation, which went amazingly well. The major donor s liaison remarked that he now understood the importance of the program and its accomplishments and challenges, and feedback from the debrief presentation was positive. I had made it this far, but now the report had to be written and significant gaps existed in the program data, documents provided, and in the information gathered from interviews. It was daunting. I returned to Vermont exhausted and jetlagged. In my debriefing with the evaluation manager, my boss, I learned that the team would be held to the same deliverables there wasn t a way around this. I was tired and still reeling from the difficulties faced during the field mission and didn t think I could write a good enough report, but there wasn t a graceful way out. The evaluation manager generously offered to help and though there was little she could do, she put together a draft of the introductory chapter and I focused on the parts of the report that could be written while waiting for program data. With her support, the initial work was clear and went well. However, what followed was difficult, took almost double the time allocated and was stressful given the deadlines which even with extensions were difficult to meet. Further, my national counterpart was not able to contribute much to the report and his work in extracting program data was slow and had to closely checked and followed-up. This was when my negativity, resentment and resistance surfaced. I wasted time with these thoughts, but it was soon clear that this was only feeding my ego not helping the report. And I could see that as I continued to develop and write each section, one by one, I was slowly getting the report finished. Interestingly, although still waiting for the last round of comments, the report has initially received positive feedback and it may be the best I have written due to the critical eye of the evaluation manager, and the fact that her support and prodding inspired me to do the best job I could. Even more importantly, somewhere in two rounds of comments on the report, I lost my defensiveness and it seemed easier to see others perspectives and figure out how best to address their comments. In hindsight, bodhisattvas supported and guided me all along the way. I remember one evening near the end of the fieldwork while watching the moon come up, having a good laugh over a number of things that went wrong but somehow miraculously resolved. And I am grateful to the evaluation for teaching me more about doing one s best, one step at a time, trusting the process and not engaging in negativity. January-February 2017 Walking Mountains 3

4 The Power and Joy of Lovingkindness by Eric Berger We don t have to look far to witness examples of the First Noble Truth. We hear about suffering in the news, sometimes at work, and directly experience it in our lives. Fortunately, the Buddha went on to discover and teach about the cause of suffering and the ways we can practice to end it, for all beings. I ve found it helpful to tune in to the many examples of kind, sometimes heroic, and loving actions that people throughout the world are doing each day. It s restorative and adds balance to my life. I m inspired and grateful to witness and honor the helpful and loving actions of people, some of whom do this in hellish circumstances. For example, a young woman was recently riding the subway to her job, almost nodding off, when she heard a loud bang on the door next to her seat. She saw a person pushing someone on the platform between the cars as the train sped along. She quickly opened the door, pulled the victim inside, and saved both the victim and assailant from further injury, physically and karmically. A video on You Tube, The Bravest Thing I ve Ever Done, shows a country road in Ohio, where a man sees a skunk running aimlessly with its head stuck in a soda can. Speaking in a soft and caring way, he gradually coaxes the skunk to come close enough for him to gently pull the can off its head. The skunk, sensing non-harm, doesn t panic or become agitated as the man pulls on the can, doesn t attack after his head is freed, and doesn t turn and spray the man, who was clearly concerned about this, muttering, Please don t spray me, please don t spray me... Once freed by this act of kindness, the skunk simply turns and trots off. A documentary on Netflix, The White Helmets, takes us into the midst of the horrific events in Syria, where a number of people have volunteered and organized themselves into a group called The White Helmets. Most people understandably run away from where bombs and missiles are falling. The White Helmets run towards them. They comb through bombed and burned buildings looking for survivors, digging them out and bringing them to safety. In one scene, an infant is rescued from the rubble and another scene shows him a year or so later with his rescuers. It s dangerous, dangerous work and over 130 volunteers have been killed. Yet, as one volunteer said, The child I rescue is like my own. Of course, there are many more stories and examples of love and kindness to be found, which raises an important aspect of Sangha. First, there are many members of our own Triple Sangha who volunteer and work to offer help and aid. As well, in ways both seen and unseen, the world is blessed and has benefitted by those who make a sincere effort in Dharma practice. As we move together in the direction of a deepening embodiment of wisdom and lovingkindness, we reinforce and mutually support each other. At the same time, we have the opportunity to act as mirrors for our Dharma brothers and sisters, reflecting areas that need to be seen (something I m personally grateful for having received). In a sense, the Sangha is like the buoyancy that supports and lifts all boats. (Continued from page 2) we are teenagers, we emulate those we admire, first clumsily, then more skillfully, first copying, then growing into our own skill, until as young adults, we finally become the captains of our own boat. Over more than a decade I would say my Zen practice has allowed me to slowly realize I am lying in the bottom of a boat, adrift on a vast, unbearably beautiful ocean. First, I found I could breathe. Then I could move my arms and legs, eventually open my eyes, sit up, and see the inside of this boat. Then look around and notice a sea of other boats around me! When the boat disappears, we drop back into the ocean until next time. Until then, what a blessing to have encountered Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, these three limitless, all-embracing, inexhaustible, every day jewels. 4 Walking Mountains January-February 2017

5 Special Ceremony Honoring Kannon She of the true gaze, she of the pure gaze, gaze of great and encompassing wisdom, gaze of pity, gaze of compassion, ever longed for, ever revered... Her eye of compassion views all sentient beings. Her ocean of blessings is beyond measure. Therefore you should pay homage to her. On Sunday, January 22 vigorous Rinzai-style chanting of from 9 to 11:30 a.m. the Kanzeon in Japanese. A few we will pay homage to Kannon, notes about the ceremony: the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Dedication You are welcome to This bodhisattva, so beloved dedicate the merit of this ceremony in Mahayana countries, is the to whomever you wish. There will embodiment of tender compassion. be a table for photos and names Through this ceremony, we thank of those to whom the ceremony is Kannon for her unceasing help. being dedicated. After a half hour of zazen, Home Altar Figures There is a we begin a series of rounds of special altar for Kannon figures sitting, bowing, chanting, and from your home altars. Important: circumambulating. We chant Please bring them to the Center on the Kannon sutra in English and the workday prior to the ceremony. Japanese a total of 108 times, recite the mantra of Kanzeon ( Praise to Workday On Saturday, January 21 Kannon bodhisattva ) 108 times, at 10 a.m there will be a work period and chant the Lotus Sutra Scripture to prepare for the ceremony. Please of Kanzeon Bodhisattva and the join us if you can, and don t forget Dharani of Avalokitesvara three to bring your Kannon figures. times each. Donation As a concrete expression By the end of the ceremony, we of compassion, please bring a will have made 108 prostrations. monetary donation which will be Even if you are unable to do given to Harbor Place, a homeless prostrations, you can still shelter in Shelburne. Please note participate by making standing or that checks should be made out to partial bows. Members and their the Zen Center so that we can send families, as well as friends of the Harbor Place one check from the Center and non-members are all Sangha as a whole. invited. Anyone who wishes to pay The celebration of Kannon Day homage to Kannon Bodhisattva is affords us a way to express our most welcome to attend. boundless gratitude to the Bodhisattva In addition to the bowing, there of Compassion for her ceaseless, will be circumambulations, incense wondrous help. We hope you will join offerings, special readings, and a us on this special day. January-February 2017 Walking Mountains 5

6 January 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Zen Center Closed Teisho Tai Chi 1 Sitting & Workshop Prep Workshop Annual Sangha Meeting Tai Chi 2 Chanting Ceremony Workday Zen Center Closed Kannon ROSHI OUT OF TOWN TUE-FRI Indian Cooking Ceremony Chanting Course Chaat Tai Chi Taped Teisho Tai Chi 4 In January, Roshi will be on a reduced schedule. She will be at the Center for workdays, ceremonies, Sunday sittings, and Tuesday evening sittings. Dokusan will be offered on January 8 and on Tuesday evenings. February 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ROSHI IN CR Retreat Deadline Taped Teisho Chanting Costa Rica 5-Day Jataka Sesshin Taped Teisho Ceremony Famine Relief Tai Chi Course 5 Workday Ceremony Costa Rica 5-Day Jataka Sesshin THE BUDDHA S PARINIRVANA CEREMONY Tai Chi Course 6 Sitting & Retreat Prep Sitting & Retreat Prep Vermont 2-Day Retreat Retreat Zen Center Closed TUE-FRI Chanting Roshi on Break through March 17 6 Walking Mountains January-February 2017

7 The Buddha s Parinirvana F or 45 years the Buddha, after attaining Perfect Enlightenment, preached the Dharma to all who would listen, devoting himself to the welfare of all living beings. But in his eightieth year, during the seclusion of the rainy season, he suddenly fell ill. Feeling that his time, though near, had not yet arrived, he entered a deep samadhi to free himself of the disease. Emerging from his meditation he said: This body has become worn-out and is like an old cart which can only be kept rolling along with great difficulty. My time to be set free from the bonds of becoming, as a chick which on hatching finally breaks free of its shell, will be in three months. He reminded Ananda that although his bodily journey was nearing fulfillment, each person was to continue to work at his own Enlightenment. He said that since he only taught the Dharma out of his own Realization, the Sangha was not dependent on him for leadership. Therefore, he told Ananda, be ye lamps unto yourselves. On Sunday, February 19, during the morning sitting, we will commemorate the Buddha s final departure from the realm of birth and death. Taking part in this ceremony is a way of paying homage to Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of our faith. Everyone is invited. There will be a short workday to set up for the ceremony on Saturday, February 18 starting at 10 a.m. Annual Meeting Sunday, January 15, 9:30 11:30 a.m. The Sangha is invited to participate in our Annual Meeting to help plan for the year ahead. We will discuss the Center s finances, next year s schedule, courses, special events, and more. Your input is essential and valued. Please come and help with the decisions and direction of the Center. The meeting will be followed by a pot-luck lunch. Your family is cordially invited to join us at 11:30. Out-oftowners can Zoom into the meeting. If you d like to do so, please get in touch with Ramiro. Annual Meeting Agenda 2017 Projects 2016 Financial Report 2017 Preliminary Budget Committee Review reports from the following committees: Ceremony, Kitchen, Housekeeping, Library, Outdoor, Courses, Newsletter, Finding Your Seat, Prison, Kannon, Hunger Banquet Casa Zen Report Miscellaneous January-February 2017 Walking Mountains 7

8 Vermont Zen Center Post Office Box 880 Shelburne, VT Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Shelburne, VT Permit No. 60 In the icy moonlight, Small stones Crunch underfoot. Buson Contributors: Eric Berger Emily Cross Alison Gardner Roshi Sunyana Graef Greg Sheldon, proofreading Kelly Story, production Joan White, editor Maria Crosby, layout O ur deepest gratitude to all of you who so generously contributed to the 2016 Annual Appeal and to all of you who plan to do so. In running our temple, we turn to our members and friends to ask for support. Your willingness to offer your time and energy, as well as your generosity with financial contributions, enables us to maintain this place of practice which is truly a treasure. Your contribution helps ensure that the Wheel of the Dharma keeps turning and the doors of our temple are kept wide open. Thank you for your dedication, support, and generosity! 8 Walking Mountains January-February 2017