Rohatsu Sesshin January 11-16 2016 w/ Genjo Marinello, Osho & Joriki Baker, Osho
“Sesshin”, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of 6 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 Kokan Genjo Marinello, 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.
Kokan Genjo Marinello, Osho’s Biography:
Kokan Genjo Marinello Osho (born 1954) is the current Abbot of Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji in Seattle, WA, a Rinzai Zen temple. Genjo Osho began his Zen training in 1975, and was ordained an unsui (priest in training) in 1980. During 1981-82 he trained at RyutakuJi in Japan. Genjo Osho was formally installed as the second Abbot of Chobo-Ji on Rinzai Zenji’s (d.866) memorial day January 10th, 1999. Genjo Osho is also psychotherapist in private practice, a certificated spiritual director from a program affiliated with the Vancouver School of Theology, married to wife, Carolyn, and devoted father to daughter, Adrienne. Chobo-Ji temple is in the Rinzai – Hakuin Ekaku Zenji Dharma Line, after Genki Roshi retired, Genjo Marinello Osho trained with Eido Shimano Roshi, former abbot of DaiBosatsu Monastery in New York, who affirmed Genjo Osho as a Dharma Heir on May 21st, 2008. Genjo Osho-san is a member of the American Zen Teachers Association. Genjo’s Dharma Talks have been published in several Dharma journals beginning with the Theosphical Society’s Quest Magazine in 1991. Genjo Osho’s commentary on Koan Practice has been translated into several languages.
Genjo Osho has served the greater Seattle community as an Adjunct Faculty member at Antioch University Seattle in Buddhist Studies, a member of the Religious Coalition for Equality, a volunteer Buddhist pastor for the Washington State Department of Corrections, a Spiritual Director associated with Anamchara a Progam of Multifaith Works, and has worked repeatedly with the Church Council of Greater Seattle in interfaith trauma response to tragedies. State Department of Corrections. Genjo Osho is assisted by Genko Kathy Blackman Ni-Osho, who is also a Urasenke Japanese Tea Teacher and a member of the Religious Services Advisory Committee of the Washington State Department of Corrections.
Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho Biography:
Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho is an American Zen Buddhist Monk and founder of Blue Mountain Zendo, Koryu-ji. Joriki, Osho has practiced Zen for over twenty five years and is currently the abbot and teacher of Koryu-ji. Osho resides in Andreas, Pennsylvania, which is located 30 miles outside of Allentown on the Blue Mountain (Appalachian Mountains). Joriki, Osho grew up in Northern California and was raised within a devoutly Lutheran family, and confirmed at age thirteen. It was predicted at birth, by Osho’s grandmother, that he would grow up to devote his life to the priesthood. At the age of thirteen, Joriki was spent two weeks on a reservation in California, and took part in a Purification Ceremony (sweat) which would reveal itself to be the catalyst for his spiritual awakening.
Joriki has studied: Japanese Nichren Soka Gakki, Soto Zen, Vietnamese Thien (Zen) and Rinzai Zen. Joriki’s spiritual endeavors came to fruition on in 2001 when he was ordained by Thich Nguyen. Post ordination, Joriki would go on to study at Dai Bosatsu Monastery, Kongoji in Livingston Manner, New York. Currently Joriki studies with Genjo Marinello, Osho – abbot of Choboji in Seattle Washington. Joriki is a trained social worker who specializes in supporting dually diagnosed men and women. He is also an advocate for practicing men and women with disabilities, who wish to practice Zen, however, are intimidated by the physical demands of the core practice (sesshin). In 2009, Joriki, Osho was diagnosed with spinal stenosis and a neuromuscular disease. Joriki’s direct experiences have molded his gentle-hearted approach to Zen Practice, as well as his commitment to the compassionate treatment of all sentient beings, the acceptance of the person as a whole, and the belief in the potential of all beings to awaken. Currently, Osho is a member of the AZTA (American Zen Teachers Association), a police chaplain for the city of Allentown, and abbot of Blue Mountain Zendo.
For more information please Call: 484-268-0724 –
Email: Joriki@bluemountainzendo.o