Joriki - - Page 7

July 21, 2014September 13, 2014

Summer Opening Sesshin September 5-7 2014

*Opening 3 day Sesshin at Blue Mountain Zendo
September 5-7 2014

“Sesshin”, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of 3-14 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 Rev. Joriki Baker, Osho. During Sesshin, the Zen Student concentrates on nothing but collecting the scattered energies of mind, so they may realize their rightful unified place within the universe, as the universe. This unified experience, many times, feels hidden from us in our daily lives, and as a result, we seek outwardly for that which we think we do not have. Insights into our true nature occur many times when we least expect them; walking in silence, sharing moments in life with family and friends, the death of a loved one, engaging art or music, or simply being still and doing nothing. These seemingly random experiences stir within us something systemic to our very being, something which envelopes us without a trace. This nature, our true nature, is the universe itself. This interconnection is always present, however, we are blinded by the ego habitually, and most of the time we just do not see/feel it. When we do experience the bursts of awakened unity, these quick flashes and sparks stoke the flames of our inner light, deep within our core we burn brighter and brighter, although sadly, for many these flames are left unattended and soon grow cold once again. For those few men and women who nurture and tend to the coals burning deep within, their potential is infinitely deep. For centuries, philosophy and theology have tried to explain this process, and their attempts at definition are intrinsically shallow and hollow at best. The awakened mind is beyond word and letter and requires not heroic means but, a simple and honest approach towards living life fully, and embracing the transition of death when it comes time to shed this form.This honest and open readiness is the catalyst from which the restorative process begins, and our rightful place as true men and women of no rank is realized and embodied. 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 in this life and beyond. We hope you will come and explore with us, as we support each other in our happiness, doubt, in this most noblest of endeavors.

March 31, 2014April 2, 2014

Obon 2014

Obon, at Blue Mountain Zendo, is Saturday August 10 2014 from 6-9:30 pm and we are preparing for a wondrous evening of family and celebration. Obon is an opportunity to take a backward step and celebrate life with our family and friends, bo…th living and deceased. With the rush of our daily lives, and our habitual pursuits, 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 THIS. They reside within 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 presence. we light the temple bonfire call their names to help the spirits find us.

and We also offer those stray spirits who have no one to call their names rice and water to honor and care for them. Our ancestors then visit with us and enjoy the food, drink and music that is offered in their honor. Through 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 families and our lives.

March 31, 2014

Zazenkai July 19-20 2014

Zazenkai (uniting for meditation) provides one with the the opportunity for intensifying and deepening one’s practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen. Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed during sesshin (zen retreat). On these days and evenings of zazenkai, we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting (kido), walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and Teisho or Dharma Talk (sermon) by Joriki Baker, Osho.

Students may attend partial gatherings; however please view the schedule page for details on allowed entrance/exit times during the service. Overnight zazenkai starts at 7pm the evening of the first day, and then ends at 7:30pm the next day. All inclusive, housing and all meals included.