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Greetings!
Ten of us just completed a seven day sesshin. A photo of
us can be seen above. Robert Dainei Lund was unable
to be present for the photo. Sesshin is one
of the most effective ways to deepen our practice
together.
We have some shorter samu sesshins coming up this
month and also one in October. We also will be having
our first Rohatsu sesshin this year, which will be a seven
day sesshin in December.
I encourage you to consider attending any of these
sesshin retreats.
At the end of this sesshin I made four requests of my
students and of anyone working with our temple.
The first is that we practice deeply and realize fully our
true nature through direct experience so that it is not just
intellectual or theoretical. For practitioners in my lineage
this is the most important imperative.
The second is that we study our received tradition
thoughtfully; that we study the culture and personages
of our lineage and that we learn to distinguish
between that which is eternal and constant and that
which is conditioned and cultural. It doesn't mean we'll
throw out all the conditioned aspects of our tradition.
But it's useful to know the difference so that we can let
some of those cultural aspects which are not useful
drop away.
The third is that we study and understand the wisdom
aspects of our own culture. For me that seems to be
primarily the Judeo-Christian tradition, but also the
philosophical, scientific and political aspects of the
enlightenment in Europe and the political and civic
institutions we inherited concerning democracy and
our
constitution.
Finally, I think we should recognize the wisdom of the
dharma in all aspects of our daily lives.
In gassho, with much respect
Joshin Althouse
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Garden Update
Samu Sesshin, July 20-21
Yoga Nidra with Donata Boykin, July 8, 15, 22, 29
Sangha Night at the Movies, July 25
Writer's Workshop, Sat. July 5
Hula Classes in Chicago
Hula Classes in New York
Zen Community closed for August
Django Jam, Friday, July 11
Dharma Talk by Joshin Althouse, "Baso's Illness", Case 36 from Shoyoroku
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| Samu Sesshin, July 20-21 |
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We will hold a Samu (work) Sesshin on July 20 and 21. It
will begin Saturday, July 20th at 9:00 am. It will conclude
on Sunday at 4:00 pm.
The retreat will include meditation, yoga, samu work
practice and meals. This is a non-residential retreat, so
unless people are coming from a distance, we will ask
most participants to sleep at their homes
Cost: $75/members, $125 nonmembers
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| Yoga Nidra with Donata Boykin, July 8, 15, 22, 29 |
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On Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:15 pm starting July
8th, Donata Boykin will lead a series of four classes in
Yoga Nidra at the Zen Community of Oak Park.
Integrative Restoration is an ancient transformative
meditative practice that is derived from the ancient
teachings of Yoga Nidra. It leads to psychological,
physical and spiritual healing. It is integral as it heals
the splits present in the body, mind and senses. It is
restorative in that it helps practitioners recognize their
underlying nondual ground of being that they share
with all beings.
Donata Boykin is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, and
advisor for the Temple of Kriya Teachers Training
Program. She has taught at health clubs, yoga studios,
park districts, churchs and homes.
Cost: $10/class, $35 for series (four classes)
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| Sangha Night at the Movies, July 25 |
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On Friday, July 25 beginning at 7:00 pm we will show the
movie, "Cooking your Life" with Roshi Ed Brown. This is a
lovely movie of a wonderful Zen teacher. We highly
recommend it to everyone and invite anyone to join us for
a Friday night at the movies at the Zen Community of Oak
Park.
No need to call ahead. Just come as you are. But be
warned. If you watch this movie, you may want to bake
bread soon afterwards.
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| Writer's Workshop, Sat. July 5 |
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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 from 10 am to 12 noon on
Saturday, July 5th at the Zen Community of Oak Park.
Sharon Myoku Ankrum, will lead the workshop. Myoku
holds two degrees in literature and an MFA in creative
writing. She has published poems in journals like The
New York Quarterly and has run writing workshops for
teachers through the New Jersey Writing Project in
Texas.
Dana offerings are appreciated.
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| Hula Classes in Chicago |
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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 and chants. 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.
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| Hula Classes in New York |
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Location for Classes: Dance Theatre Workshop, 219 W.
19th St. (between 7th and 8th Ave.)
Saturday, July 12, Auana, 12 noon - 3 pm
Saturday, July 12, Kahiko, 3 pm - 6 pm
Sunday, July 13, Beginners Kahiko, 12 noon to 3 pm
There will be no hula classes in New York or in Chicago
during the month of August. They will resume as normal
in September.
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| Zen Community closed for August |
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The Zen Community of Oak Park will be closed for the
whole month of August. Work will continue in the garden,
so if you wish to pitch in, you help is appreciated.
Informal work parties might take place on the weekends,
so please check with Joshin if you want to come by.
The regular schedule will continue in September.
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| Django Jam, Friday, July 11 |
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Our Django Jam continues into the summer. This is an
opportunity to explore this unique genre of jazz music
that Django Reinhardt created. Everyone is welcome. All
instruments are welcome.
The jam begins at 7:00 pm.
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| Dharma Talk by Joshin Althouse, "Baso's Illness", Case 36 from Shoyoroku |
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Attention! Great Master Baso was ill. The temple priest
asked, "Osho, how is your health these days? Baso
replied, "Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha."
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| Support the Zen Community of Oak Park |
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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
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Garden Update |
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We just completed a seven day sesshin and much
progress was made in the garden during this time.
You will notice some changes in the front yard, as the
large pine tree has finally been fully trimmed. Two
large rocks have been set in the front, and some
plantings of azaleas and rhododendrons, a boxwood,
some hostas and a juniper have taken place.
The bamboo gates have finally arrived and they are
impressive. We will pull a fencing permit sometime
during July and, hopefully, begin installing the front fence
and gate sometime during August.
The hula mound is also shaping up. Joshin hopes to
have it completed by the end of July.
We want to thank all the sangha members and friends
who continue to bring forth this beautiful sacred space for
our temple grounds with their love, time and
contributions.
We are in continual need of financial support and labor to
bring this to fruition, so if you would like to help out, we
are grateful for your support.
Checks can be made out to "Zen Community of Oak
Park". In the memo line, write "Building Fund" and send
them to the temple at 163 N. Humphrey Ave., Oak Park,
IL 60302. You may also donate online through Paypal.
We'll continue to keep you all posted
more:
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