|
Greetings!
I think it's hard for us to really understand that Zen is
not about studying something other than ourselves.
Since we are human, it's easy to set up ideals and
goals, but these gaining ideas are not helpful. They
take us further away from the intimacy of Zen practice.
If we approach practice without ideals, we can train
ourselves to do zazen regularly whether we like it or not.
We just do it. This is the nature of practice. We become
very ordinary and we just go about our lives, fixing meals,
cleaning house, taking out the trash, going to work.
If you are attached to some special feeling regarding
your practice this is not helpful as this becomes another
standard or reference point.
Sometimes people have the idea that when they practice
Zen they will learn to be perfect in some way. But again,
this idea of being perfect becomes a big problem,
because part of learning and growing and practicing is
making mistakes and learning from our mistakes.
It's hard to be so simple. But if you practice
regularly, if you sit zazen regularly, I think you will learn
how to enjoy your life in this simple way and find the
strength to continue regardless of the circumstances.
in gassho, with much respect
| Progress in the Garden |
 |
|
In this last month, we have had help from many hands
in
the garden. Some of these activities have included
digging, operating a heavy compacting machine,
putting dirt on the hula mound, laying stones,
cleaning, cooking, bringing flowers and running
numerous errands.
We are grateful for all the outpouring of support for our
temple. The small walkway to the street was finished
yesterday, completing the front walk way to the temple.
We have finished laying the first coarse of stones in the
retaining wall for the hula mound. It is beginning to take
shape.
We still need much support, so should you wish to
contribute to the garden project you may
do so with financial contributions to the building fund
or
by donating you time and energy. If you want to
volunteer
you time, please contact our office at 708.445.1651.
All financial contributions are fully tax deductible. Make
checks out to "Zen Community of Oak Park" and send
them to 163 N. Humphrey Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302.
|
| Jukai, June 28th at 1:30 pm for Michael Leisceca |
|
|
Michael Leiseca will receive the precepts in a Jukai
Ceremony from Rev. Robert Joshin Althouse on
Saturday, June 28th at 1:30 pm, following the end of our
seven day sesshin.
Sangha, family and friends are invited to join and witness
Michael's commitment.
|
| Writer's Workshop, Sat. May 10 |
|
|
Have you ever wanted to write - or do you write - but
you've never given yourself enough time? Join us for two
hours of writing and sharing.
Sharon Myoku Ankrum, who normally leads this
workshop will be out of town, so Sky Mountain Tibbs will
lead the workshop. Sky is a member of the Zen
Community of Oak Park and has attended these
workshops regularly.
Dana offerings are appreciated.
|
| Hula Classes in Chicago |
|
|
New Beginners Hula: Thursday 6:00-7:00 pm; includes
basic footwork and hand movements - hula auana.
Adults and children are welcome. $15/class.
Intermediate Hula: Wednesday: 6:30-7:30 pm; Includes
basic footwork and hands - hula auana. Adults with at
least a year's dance experience. $15/class.
Hula Kahiko: Wednesday: 7:30-8:30 pm; Includes
ancient dance with permission of Kumu. $15/class ($25
for two Wednesday classes.)
Come dressed comfortably. If you are interested or have
questions, call
Kumu June Kaililani at 708.445.1651. You can also
email her
at kaili@zencommunity.org.
|
| Support the Zen Comunity of Oak Park |
|
|
Make an online contribution today to Gutei's One-Finger
Building Fund. You may contribute here online, or make
a check out to "Zen Community of Oak Park" and send it
to 163 N. Humphrey Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302.
The Zen Community of Oak Park is a 501 (c)(3)
non-profit organization so your donation is fully tax
deductible
$
USD
Learn More
|
|
|
Seven Day Sesshin: June 20-28 |
|
|
|
The Zen Community will hold a seven day sesshin
(traditional Zen meditation retreat) from June 20 to June
28. The sesshin will begin Friday night at 7 pm and end
Saturday at 12 noon. This sesshin will be lead by Sensei
Robert Joshin Althouse.
This sesshin includes intensive daily meditation practice,
regular daisan interviews with the teacher, daily dharma
talks by the teacher, samu work practice, body practice
and practice of immediacy. It is held in silence.
Cost: $350/nonmembers $525. Cost includes room and
board.
to register:
|
|
