Samu Weekend (Beginners Welcome) June 15-17 2018

Samu Weekend is an opportunity to experience Zen Training in an engaged environment. Most understand Zen Practice to be a purely motionless and austere practice, however, Zen is alive and moves with the turning of the wheel of Dharma. Zazen (meditation) is our anchor which keeps us grounded as we move and sway with the movements of our fluid lives. Learning to move, while remaining still, is a wonderous consciousness that opens us to the vastness of our true nature. During “Samu Weekend”, we are grounded through true fellowship, the sangha (congregation) engages in activities that open the heart and mind and deepen our interconnection with the world around us. Samu Weekend is an opportunity to experience Zen Training in an engaged environment. Most understand Zen Practice to be a purely motionless and austere practice, however, Zen is alive and moves with the turning of the wheel of Dharma. Zazen (meditation) is our anchor which keeps us grounded as we move and sway with the movements of our fluid lives. Learning to move, while remaining still, is a wonderous consciousness that opens us to the vastness of our true nature. During “Samu Weekend”, we are grounded through true fellowship, the sangha (congregation) engages in activities that open the heart and mind and deepen our interconnection with the world around us. These activities include: planting flowers, vegetable gardening, landscaping, and temple cleaning. There will also be zazen (meditation), teisho (sermons), formal meals, chanting and sutra study. Unlike Sesshin (meditation intensive), Samu Weekend is not as formal and although we encourage silence, there are opportunities during the day to ask questions and engage in conversations based upon the Sutra we are exploring. Samu Weekend is also great for those who are interested in Zen, although, have yet to explore formal practice. We ask for a $75 donation or $50 in flowers, trees or bushes. If you bring greens, you will be planting them, so please plant something that you can grow with. Blue Mountain Zendo looks forward to your visit and aspires to allow people from all backgrounds to attend retreats. If there is perceived barrier for attendance, please feel free to call and we will attempt to work together to accommodate any special needs which need to be addressed.hese activities include: planting flowers, vegetable gardening, landscaping, and temple cleaning. There will also be zazen (meditation), teisho (sermons), formal meals, chanting and sutra study. Unlike Sesshin (meditation intensive), Samu Weekend is not as formal and although we encourage silence, there are opportunities during the day to ask questions and engage in conversations based upon the Sutra we are exploring. Samu Weekend is also great for those who are interested in Zen, although, have yet to explore formal practice. We ask for a $75 donation or $50 in flowers, trees or bushes. If you bring greens, you will be planting them, so please plant something that you can grow with. Blue Mountain Zendo looks forward to your visit and aspires to allow people from all backgrounds to attend retreats. If there is perceived barrier for attendance, please feel free to call and we will attempt to work together to accommodate any special needs which need to be addressed.

Fall Session October 20-24 2017

Weekend Sesshin are a great opportunity to experience Zen Monastic practice. Come join the Blue Mountain Sangha for Summer Sesshin, and gain insight into your true nature.
“Sesshin”, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of one to ten days of silent meditative practice. Included in these periods are daily Zazen, Dharma Talks/Teisho (sermons), Samu (work) periods, and private interview/meeting (Dokusan) twice daily with Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho. During Sesshin, the Zen Student concentrates on nothing but collecting the scattered energies of the mind, so they may realize their place within the universe, as the universe. Much of the times, this “place” feels hidden from us in our daily lives, and as a result, we seek outwardly for that we perceive we are lacking. Deep insight into our core nature occurs when we least expect it. These seemingly random experiences stir within us something systemic to our very being. Something which consumes us without a trace. This nature, our nature, is the root of the universe itself. This nature is always present, however, we are blinded by the habitual ego projection, and we just miss it! When we do experience these subtle insights, these quick flashes of light and sparks, they stoke the flames of our core, and we burn brighter and brighter. Although sadly, for most, these flames grow cold once again; they are left unattended and un-nurtured. However, for those few men and women who tend to this burning ember, it grows stronger and stronger until a flame rises up and illuminates the darkness of ignorance. For centuries, philosophy and theology have tried to explain this process, their attempts intrinsically shallow and hollow at best. The awakened mind is beyond word and letter. The path is straightforward, and honest in approach. It reveals itself fully in each unfolding moment. This honest and straightforward readiness to let go of our preconceived ideas and attachments, is the catalyst from which the restorative process begins. Sesshin is a time to dedicate ourselves to the exploration of this great matter, and a time to heal the scars which have long limited our true freedom and happiness. We hope you will come and explore with us, this most noblest of endeavors.

Obon August 19-20 2017

Obon or “Ullambana” (S) is a Buddhist festival which invites us to celebrate our connectedness to our ancestors. Obon reminds us that we have a great responsibility to repay our deceased family/friends for the love and sacrifice they offered us. The Buddha said, “The gravity of the debt we owe to our parents is as boundless as the heavens.” The celebration of Obon symbolically repays some of this debt, by reaffirming our responsibility to honor our families and loved-ones. It also reminds us to treat all sentient beings with compassion, understanding and patience. During Obon, we celebrate the lives of our ancestors/friends, by inviting them to enjoy an evening of live music, food and drink with us. Through our being, our ancestors once again visit with us, reminding us of their presence within our lives; within every breath we take, they sit in shadow, hidden by our linear mind, awaiting for their names to once again be called.

Obon is celebrated in mid-August, this year it will be celebrated on August 19 2017, and has been celebrated since the 7th Century. Obon finds its roots within the Urabon Sutra, and it is based on the teachings of Gotama Buddha. The Urabon Sutra contains the story of a monk called Mokuren Sonja who through his meditative practice sees that his deceased mother has become entangled within the realm of hungry ghost. Mokuren Sonja, soon after, asks the Buddha for his guidance on the matter. The Buddha instructs Mokuren to be compassionate to the young monks who were just returning from a retreat and offer alms. In return, Mokuren’s efforts frees his mother from her torment, and allows her to ascend to the pure land/heaven. Today’s Obon celebration keeps this spirit of giving alive. Through the celebration of Obon we give our love, respect and remembrance to those who have come before us. We open ourselves to an unseen interconnected web which bonds us all together. Obon is a time for deep reflection; however, it is also a time of great celebration.

Obon at Blue Mountain Zendo is open to the public and you do not need to be Buddhist to attend. The ceremony begins with the lighting of the temple lanterns and the bonfire which guide our ancestors back home. Pictures of our ancestors are then placed on the main alter while lanterns are offered to individuals to decorated. This decoration time is a fun time for the kids, they get to color and decorate while they are reminded of family they may have never met, or who they only knew for a short time. Family is something that is too often forgotten in this culture, and without their efforts, we would not have the honor of this life. A vegetarian meal is then served in an atmosphere of live classical music. After dinner, a special service and Dharma talk are offered outside under the stars. During this service, the names of the deceased are recited by the temple priest, while the lanterns are lit and placed in rows along the alter. Rice and water are then offered to the hungry ghosts. After the completion of the ceremony, thanks are offered during a period of silent contemplation; when ready, participants say goodbye to their loved one by extinguishing their lantern’s flame. To conclude, the community turns and faces the bonfire while it is extinguished and the spirits are sent home.

Temple In Need

Gassho friends, Blue Mountain Zendo was making plans to do our annual fund raiser for Obon, however, as Lennon stated, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans”. Our 15-year-old riding mower has made its last cut. The engine and electrical system have been damaged beyond repair, and it is time to acquire a new (used mower). The temple sits on two acres of grass lands, and on average it takes 3 hours to complete the bulk of the grounds with the riding mower. In other words, it is a necessity. We humbly ask for your dana (charity) as Blue Mountain is a 501c3 and relies on the generosity of people just like you.

Nine bows,

Blue Mountain Zendo, Koryu-ji

https://www.gofundme.com/lawn-tractor-for-temple

Private Zen Instruction

Wednesdays 2:00-7:00 pm Only

For those seeking private Zen Instruction or spiritual dialog (mondo), Rev. Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho offers private sessions on Wednesday afternoon and evenings. Private sessions are 60 minutes long and include 30 minutes of Zen dialectic therapy, followed by 20 minutes of meditation instructions. This balance of Zen Dialog and meditation creates a spiritual platform which addresses the core internal factors that either manifest a consciousness of suffering and separation, or peace and unity.

Day Sesshin (retreat) April 23 2017

“Sesshin”, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of one to ten days of silent meditative practice. Included in these periods are daily Zazen, Dharma Talks/Teisho (sermons), Samu (work) periods, and private interview/meeting (Dokusan) twice daily with Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho. During Sesshin, the Zen Student concentrates on nothing but collecting the scattered energies of the mind, so they may realize their place within the universe, as the universe. Much of the times, this “place” feels hidden from us in our daily lives, and as a result, we seek outwardly for that we perceive we are lacking. Deep insight into our core nature occurs when we least expect it. These seemingly random experiences stir within us something systemic to our very being. Something which consumes us without a trace. This nature, our nature, is the root of the universe itself. This nature is always present, however, we are blinded by the habitual ego projection, and we just miss it! When we do experience these subtle insights, these quick flashes of light and sparks, they stoke the flames of our core, and we burn brighter and brighter. Although sadly, for most, these flames grow cold once again; they are left unattended and un-nurtured. However, for those few men and women who tend to this burning ember, it grows stronger and stronger until a flame rises up and illuminates the darkness of ignorance. For centuries, philosophy and theology have tried to explain this process, their attempts intrinsically shallow and hollow at best. The awakened mind is beyond word and letter. The path is straightforward, and honest in approach. It reveals itself fully in each unfolding moment. This honest and straightforward readiness to let go of our preconceived ideas and attachments, is the catalyst from which the restorative process begins. Sesshin is a time to dedicate ourselves to the exploration of this great matter, and a time to heal the scars which have long limited our true freedom and happiness. We hope you will come and explore with us, this most noblest of endeavors.

Donation: $50.00

Harvest Sesshin October 18-23 16

“Sesshin”, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of five days of silent meditative practice. Included in these periods are daily Zazen, Dharma Talks/Teisho (sermons), Samu (work) periods, and private interview/meeting (Dokusan) twice daily with Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho. During Sesshin, the Zen Student concentrates on nothing but collecting the scattered energies of the mind, so they may realize their place within the universe, as the universe. Much of the times, this “place” feels hidden from us in our daily lives, and as a result, we seek outwardly for that we perceive we are lacking. Deep insight into our core nature occurs when we least expect it. 20150815_201133These seemingly random experiences stir within us something systemic to our very being. Something which consumes us without a trace. This nature, our nature, is the root of the universe itself. This nature is always present, however, we are blinded by the habitual ego projection, and we just miss it! When we do experience these subtle insights, these quick flashes of light and sparks, they stoke the flames of our core, and we burn brighter and brighter. Although sadly, for most, these flames grow cold once again; they are left unattended and un-nurtured. However, for those few men and women who tend to this burning ember, it grows stronger and stronger until a flame rises up and illuminates the darkness of ignorance. For centuries, philosophy and theology have tried to explain this process, their attempts intrinsically shallow and hollow at best. The awakened mind is beyond word and letter. The path is straightforward, and honest in approach. It reveals itself fully in each unfolding moment. This honest and straightforward readiness to let go of our preconceived ideas and attachments, is the catalyst from which the restorative process begins. Sesshin is a time to dedicate ourselves to the exploration of this great matter, and a time to heal the scars which have long limited our true freedom and happiness. We hope you will come and explore with us, this most noblest of endeavors.

Partial attendance accepted.

Continue reading “Harvest Sesshin October 18-23 16”

Obon Celebration 2016

20150815_204436Obon is Saturday August 13 2016 and we are preparing for a wondrous evening of family and fun. Obon is an opportunity to celebrate our family and friends both living and deceased. With the rush of daily life and the pursuit of the grasping and consuming self we loose our connection and grounding with those whose who have given our lives its shape. There appears to be a forward only direction when perceiving time in the west, and what is viewed as in the past, is forgotten and given little significance other than a passing cue and ensuing memory. Time is not so linear, within the present is both the past and future working within a beautiful synergy to create what is now. They reside in one another, and although we separate them, and draw clear lines between them, this is of no significance to anything but, ourselves. The mind can resurrect worlds of ash and summon things to come at the turning of word or the sway of a willow. During Obon we suspend linear time and invite the spirits to once again walk within our world and partake of food and drink through our being. We light the bonfire and call their names to help the spirits find us. We also offer those stray spirits who have no one to call their names rice and water to honor and feed them. Our ancestors then visit with us and enjoy the food, drink and music that is offered in their honor. 20150815_201133Through us, they once again return and remind us of their presence; in our lives, guiding our hand, in every exhalation and inhalation they sit in shadow, hidden by our linear mind. At the close of Obon, it is time for the spirits to return to their place and they are sent off with silence and deep gratitude. In their rightful place, our ancestors are now content and live on as a part of us, our family and our lives.

Full Day Zazenkai July 24 2016 6:00am-6:00pm

“Sesshin”, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of 1-14 days of silent meditative practice. Included in these periods are daily Zazen, Dharma Talks/Teisho (sermons), Samu (work) periods, and private interview/meeting (Dokusan) twice daily with Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho. During Sesshin, the Zen Student concentrates on nothing but, rotation 2collecting the scattered energy of mind, so that they may realize their rightful place within the universe, as the universe. This “boundless mind”, many times, feels hidden from us in our daily lives, and as a result, we seek outwardly for that which we perceive we are lacking. Deep insights into our core nature occurs when we stop grasping outwardly for insight and wisdom. Many times these experiences occur when we least expect them. They reveal themselves in our daily activities, in times of heartache and despair, love and joy, death and birth, or simply “being”. These seemingly random, and powerful experiences, stir within us something systemic to our very being, something which consumes the ego self without a trace. This nature, our core nature, is the essence of universe itself. It is always present, and we unknowingly swim in it at all times, however, we are blinded by the strong currents of the habitual ego and we are tricked into limiting our perception of reality and our subjective grounding. When we awaken to the truth, and experience the lightning strike of insight, these flashes and sparks, stoke the flames of our true nature, and burn away the ignorance and darkness which imprisons us. As our Zen Practice matures, our inner light burns brighter and brighter. Without continued practice via zazen (meditation), these flames will grow cold once again, and we will slowly be swept away by the habitual currents once again. However, there will be those few men and women who will tend to this burning ember, their hearts and minds will glow brighter and brighter, and in the most subtle and ordinary way, they will realize their rightful seat among the countless Buddhas. The awakened mind of the Buddha is beyond word and letter, it is beyond even the Buddhas themselves. This one true dynamic mind is simple, loving, and selfless, yet unattainable and inexhaustible.
Our journey to realize this mind begins with the readiness to let go of our preconceived ideas and desires; sesshin is a container of tools that are designed to help us identify and breakthrough the briars which entangle us. Our efforts during sesshin fan the internal fire which temper our insights, and reveals the truth of who and what all “this” is. Sesshin is the catalyst from which this process begins, and true healing and liberation are realized. We hope you will come and explore with this great matter with us!

FMI Call – 484-268-0724

Email – Jisha@BlueMountainZendo.org