Open Gate Zendo Winter Sesshin

Open Gate Zendo Rohatsu/Winter Sesshin

As it has become a tradition; the 2012 Open GateWinter Sesshin will coincide with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, from Saturday, January 14th through Monday, January 16th. Our practice schedule will include the Sunday afternoon Silent Peace Walk around Olympia’s Capitol Lake.

Anyone wanting to arrive early is welcome to come Friday evening and spend the night in the Zendo. Attendees arriving in the morning should try to arrive by 7:00.  There will be an informal breakfast with social time Saturday morning, but otherwise we will be following our traditional silent sesshin schedule and etiquette.

There is no fee for attending, but as usual, contributions for food and to help pay for supplies and heating costs would be most helpful. Mattresses will be provided for those who wish to remain in residence for their duration at sesshin and showers will be made available.

    

Please e-mail; opengatezendo@msn.com with any questions and/or to confirm your plans to attend, we need an accurate head count for buying food stuffs.

2012 Winter Sesshin

Saturday Schedule

First Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen (Chosan- first morning meditation)

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05-9:00 Informal Breakfast and kitchen cleanup (in Hojo)

9:00-9:15 Sesshin Introduction and Instructions

Second Morning Session

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-12:30 Samu (work and/or exercise/rest period)

12:30- Call to Lunch (Han roll)

12:15- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

12:45-1:45 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

1:45-2:10 Break and kitchen cleanup

Afternoon Session

2:00- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:15-3:30 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:30-4:30 Angya practice. (monk procession walk)

4:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

4:45-5:15 One period Zazen

5:15- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for Dinner- bring out trays

5:30-6:15 Dinner ceremony (Oryoki)

6:15-6:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

Evening Session

6:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

6:45-8:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

8:00-8:10- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for tea, bring out trays

8:10 -8:50 Tea ceremony & Teisho (teaching) and/or Dharma Discussion.

8:55- Closing ceremony

9:00- Daily Closing- Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

9:00- Prepare for bed or non-residents leave for the night.

Sunday Schedule

First Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen (Chosan- first morning meditation)

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

8:15-9:00 Breakfast ceremony (Oryoki)

9:00-9:25 Break and kitchen cleanup

Second Morning Session

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

11:15-1:15 Angya practice. (MLK Silent procession walk Capitol Lake)

1:15-2:30  Hosted Sangha Lunch

Afternoon Session

2:30- Call to Zazen (time adjusted to return time)

2:45-4:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

4:00- 4:30 Work and/or exercise/rest period (may be adjusted for schedule)

4:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

4:45-5:15 One period Zazen

5:15- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for Dinner- bring out trays

5:30-6:15 Dinner ceremony (Oryoki)

6:15-6:40 Break and kitchen cleanup

Evening Session

6:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

6:45-8:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

8:00-8:10- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for tea, bring out trays

8:10 -8:50 Tea ceremony & Teisho (teaching) and/or Dharma Discussion.

8:55- Closing ceremony

9:00- Daily Closing- Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

9:00- Prepare for bed or non-residents leave for the night.

Monday Schedule

Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen (Chosan- first morning meditation)

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

8:15-9:00 Breakfast ceremony (Oryoki)

9:00-9:15 Break and kitchen cleanup

Second Morning Session

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-11:45 Samu (work and/or exercise/rest period)

11:45 Han Roll

12:00-12:30 One Period Zazen

12:30- 12:40 Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

12:40-1:30 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

Afternoon Session

1:30-2:00 Break and kitchen cleanup

1:45- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:00-3:15 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:15-3:30 Short Break

3:30-4:30 Tea ceremony, Teisho/Group Discussion

4:30-Closing - Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

Dojin Roku

The Dojin Roku Blog has some new activity worth investigating with two new posts; one by Kaishin Michael Pockley and the other by Jikai George Walczak, both are well worth the read and reflection.

Read more at:  Dojin Roku

Remember, the purpose of this blog is to connect members of the order and the greater Boundless Mind Zen sangha and act as common ground for thoughts, observations and shared teachings as presented by the members of our order.

Now that our sangha is international; with various sangha members around the United States and in five continents, it is very important for us Wayfarers to keep in touch with each other by sharing our experiences and life lessons that have helped us along our paths.  You can also follow this blog by Email in the same way that you follow Drifting Clouds & Flowing Water by submitting your Email address.

Additionally, I have published a new essay based on my Open Gate dharma talk a few weeks back on the nature of reality and the importance of the “Big Picture”   
This new essay can be found at: Connect the Dots

Enjoy the Holidays!

Miles

Annual Silent Peace Walk

For the past five years the South Sound Buddhist Peace Fellowship has sponsored a silent meditation peace walk around Capitol Lake here in Olympia, Washington. Traditionally, this event takes place on the Sunday before Martin Luther King Day as part of the Martin Luther King Day weekend activities. For the last three years the walk has been incorporated into the Open Gate Zendo Winter Sesshin, as part of our retreat schedule.

The annual walk is conducted in the walking meditation tradition of Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, who King himself had nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Our  group participation allows members of the Order and of the Open Gate Sangha to share their practice with those in the greater community that are equally interested in supporting non-violence and silent meditative practices. Members of the Order, local sangha members and the general public are all encouraged to join in this silent hour of common unity, regardless of their spiritual beliefs and/or practices.

This year’s walk is on Sunday, January 15th and will begin at Marathon Park on the south side of the lake precisely at noon. Anyone wishing to walk in silent meditation in support of peace in the name of Dr. King is invited to attend. Sangha members are not required to attend the sesshin in order to participate in the walk. Please plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early to help us get organized and receive instructions.



Meet Maitri Sojourner

Hello,  my name is Maitri Sojourner I live in Olympia with my husband, David.  Our two children are now grown and have “flown the nest”.  I currently work for the State of Washington, Department of Commerce managing three programs that help low-income people become more self-sufficient.  I am also a practicing artist, and am currently working in several media—painting and fiber work mostly.  In my art I usually explore themes of communication and interconnectedness.

About seven years ago I reached a point in my life where my Christian upbringing was not enough—I felt there was something missing.  I began reading various literature about Eastern philosophies, and found that I gravitated to Buddhism (and also somewhat to Taoism).  I also took my present name to more accurately reflect this new focus in my life—“Maitri”—from the Sanskrit for “loving kindness”, and “Sojourner”—someone who is on a journey.  I no longer consider myself Christian, although I learned many admirable things from that faith.  I now take what I consider to be a larger view of the universe—one in which we are all connected, we are all one. 

Late last year I was invited to Open Gate Zendo by a friend and sangha member and have been attending ever since.  I have come to believe that the philosophy of Boundless Mind Zen and the Order of the Boundless Way suits my understanding and fits well with my own spiritual journey.  I feel fortunate to have found the Open Gate Zendo sangha and I wish to continue to study, practice and enjoy this community of spiritual friends as I develop my spiritual intelligence. I have officially requested to become a a student of Boundless Mind Zen with the intention of becoming a member of the Order and I look forward to the continued opportunity to study with the sangha, my friends, in the Order of the Boundless Way.

Deep Bow,

Maitri Sojourner

Eighth Day of the Twelfth Month

Something I once read

Rohatsu brings satori

Eighth day, the twelfth month

In the Japanese Zen tradition, Rohatsu is the day celebrated in recognition of the Buddha’s enlightenment.  The word Rohatsu means the eighth day of the twelfth month and was originally tied to the Chinese lunar calendar. Due to the misalignment of lunar months with the solar year, this typically places Rohatsu in early to mid January. However, due to the adoption of the western calendar by the Japanese, the day of Rohatsu is most typically celebrated on December 8^th as the eighth day of the twelfth solar month.

Nevertheless, many traditional temples, monasteries and modern Zen Centers still observe (or have returned to observing) Rohatsu in January, according to the original lunar tradition. Sometimes this is done because of tradition, while at other times it is a return to the original time frame based more on modern calendar conflicts.  For those of us living in the West (or heavily influenced by the Western culture), December is a very busy month with the eighth day of the twelfth month landing smack in the middle of the Holiday Season.

For the last few years, this clashing of cultural traditions has led to the reconfiguration of Rohatsu recognition at Open Gate Zendo.  In order to allow those of us who have friends and family who are fundamentally “not Buddhists” to participate fully in the Holiday Season, we have moved our Rohatsu Sesshin to mid January.  Typically, this Winter Sesshin coincides with the Martin Luther King three day weekend and the Sunday afternoon silent peace walk around Olympia’s Capitol Lake (as it will again this year). 

However, in observance of the December tradition, we continue to recognize “the eighth day of the twelfth month” with our evening practice session nearest to December eighth. This year, this special Rohatsu practice session will be on the evening of Wednesday December 7^th and will begin at 6:45 PM. 

Below is the practice schedule for this year’s December Rohatsu Eve: 

6:45    Call to Zazen (Han Roll)

7:00 - 7:30  First period of Zazen

7:30 - 7:35  Incense Ceremony

7:35 - 8:05  Second period of Zazen

8:05 – 8:30 Tea Ceremony and Teisho

8:30    Closing Gatha

The Open Gate Rohatsu/Winter Sesshin will be held January 14^th - 16^th

The Hermitage of Winter

It was an intimate Fall sesshin at Open Gate this year, a two day respite from the thundering roll of modern life. Rain fell steadily throughout the day on Saturday with Sunday becoming dryer but noticeably cooler. The sound of the rain on the roof and tumbling from the eaves was reminiscent of chanted sutras echoing from distant halls.

The openness of the paper windows and intimate proximity among the fir and cedar trees gives one the feeling of being snuggled in the bosom of Mother Nature; far beyond the artificial cares of the work-a-day world. Every sound of the forest and pattering raindrop drifts through the hall as if it were happening inside. Inside and outside lose their boundaries as sounds mingle with thoughts, both fading away as echoes in the mind.

Autumn marks the beginning of a period of deeper practice for the Wayfarer. Life slows as falling leaves mark the coming of shorter days, winter weather and evenings by the fire. The intimacy that comes with staying indoors and longer hours of darkness that come with the season is ideal for those of us in the contemplative traditions. Traditionally, in southern Buddhism the rainy season was called Vassa and was the only time that monks really stayed in the monasteries. In Zen and the Northern latitudes, this became the period of the 90 day Winter Retreat (known in Korean Zen as Dong Ahn Geo) and is typically the longest period of continuous deep practice.

The word contemplate from which the term contemplative is derived, is from the Latin and literally means “to dwell within the temple” which is important to the student of Zen. While the word contemplate itself often means to; reflect, ponder or study, which is really not what Zen meditation is about, the literal meaning  “to dwell within the temple” is. While I will be the first to admit that my Zen practice also includes plenty of; pondering, reflection and study; my time “dwelling in the temple” is completely set aside from any of these ancillary activities. To my understanding; to “dwell within the temple” is precisely the practice of zazen and although- pondering, reflection and study, do find their way into this contemplative Zen lifestyle; just “dwelling within the temple” without any of these other objectives is the fundamental point...

Read more...

2011 Fall Sesshin at Open Gate



Open Gate Zendo 2011 Fall Sesshin will be held on Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd. Attendees are welcome to come Friday evening and spend the night in the Zendo as well. Attendees arriving in the morning should try to arrive by 7:00.  There will be an informal breakfast with social time Saturday morning, but otherwise we will be following our traditional silent sesshin schedule and etiquette.

There is no fee for attending, but as usual, contributions for food and to help pay for heating costs would be most helpful. Mattresses will be provided for those who wish to remain in residence for their duration at sesshin and showers (before and after each days practice) will be made available.

    

Please e-mail  opengatezendo@msn.com to confirm your plans to attend, as we need an accurate head count for buying food stuffs.

2011 Fall Sesshin

Saturday Schedule

7:00-7:15 Arrive for Sesshin

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05-9:00 Informal Breakfast in Hojo

9:00-9:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-12:30 Samu (work period- clean up, yard work, meal preparation)

12:30- Call to Lunch (Han roll)

12:45-1:45 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

1:45-2:15 Break and kitchen cleanup

2:00- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:15-3:30 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:30-4:30 Angya practice. (monk procession walk)

4:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

4:45-5:15 One period Zazen

5:15-6:15 Dinner ceremony (Oryoki)

6:15-6:45 Break and kitchen cleanup

6:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

6:45-8:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

8:00 -8:50 Tea ceremony & Teisho (teaching)

8:50- Closing ceremony

9:00- Prepare for bed or leave for the night.

      

Sunday Schedule

7:00-7:15 Arrive for Sesshin

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05-9:00 Breakfast ceremony (Oryoki)

9:00-9:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-11:45 Samu (work period), meal preparation and/or exercise period.

11:45- Call to Lunch (Han roll)

12:00-1:00 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

1:00-1:30 Break and kitchen cleanup

1:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

1:30-2:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

2:45-3:00 Short Break

3:00-3:55 Tea Ceremony, Teisho/Group Discussion

3:55 Closing ceremony

4:00 Konsho (striking the evening bell)

Community Meditation Practice in Arlington Virginia

       Sangha member Alex Yuan (Anjin Jimon) is leading meditation practice sessions in Arlington, Virginia.  Alex has been a Zen practitioner for many years beginning on the East Coast before moving to Olympia for two years practice at Open Gate. In 2009 Alex moved from Olympia to Deagu, Korea where he practiced (most notably) at the Mu Sang Sa Zen Temple near the city of Daejeon.  Alex now lives in the Washington D.C. area with his wife Soyoung, son Eugene and daughter Vienna.

Alex sends the following invitation:

To all my Dharma brothers and sisters at Open Gate and the Order of the Boundless Way:

I hope all is well with you.
The dharma is spreading...

Starting August 15, 2011 I will be holding morning meditation/ silent prayer for anyone that is interested in attending. I'd really appreciate having other people join me in meditation.

Arlington United Methodist Temple
(sits above the Rosslyn Metro)
1835 N Nash Street Arlington, VA 22209

MON - FRIDAY 7:15 - 7:45 AM

Gassho,
Alex

Alex Yuan
Email: sandcounty@gmail.com

Peace Walkers visit Open Gate Zendo



On Sunday July 31^st Buddhist monks Senji Kanaeda and Gilberto Perez from Nipponzan Myohoji  Temple,  Bainbridge Island Washington, lead their peace walkers to Open Gate Zendo as part of their annual Hiroshima Day Peace Walk. This year's the walk began  in Eugene Oregon, on July 21^st and ended today (August 8^th) at the Trident Submarine Base Bangor Washington.  This year the walk was billed as the 2011 Peace Walk with “Each step as a prayer for world peace and a nuclear free future.”

The Nipponzan Myōhōji is known in the west for its Peace Pagodas (stupas) in many locations around the world. It has also been known for many high profile peace pilgrimages undertaken by its followers.  Founded in 1917 by Nichidatsu Fujii, Nipponzan Myōhōji  is a non-proselytizing religious movement that emerged from the Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Meet Harry Hale

Hodo Steve Thompson (of Empty Mind Zendo) would like to introduce his new student Harry Hale. Harry originally began studying Buddhism nearly 40 years ago and has had a long wandering journey that has finally led him to study Boundless Mind Zen with Hodo san.   Hodo has officially taken Harry as a student and asked him to submit the following letter as his introduction to the sangha.

Dear Sangha, of The Order of The Boundless Way,

    My name is Harry Hale. I live in a rural area of Texas about 45 miles NW of the Dallas Fort Worth area. I am 56 years old, a father of five and a grandfather of five. I have been married 11 years to a very wise women named Julie, she is a elementary school teacher at a school 40 miles from our home. Her children and my children our grown, so we have the luxury to enjoy our grandchildren when we wish.

I began studying Buddhism at an early age. I was 17 when I was first introduced to meditation, but I was influenced by the Hara Krishna movement of the 60s. Bhakti yoga, or Pure devotion to God, it didn’t seem to fit. I was raised a Christian. So I began studying the bible looking for relevance in my life. I was Baptized in the Catholic Church in 1984, as a "reborn" Christian, but I didn’t feel reborn. I began to drink and use drugs for some years. Then I happen to make a Narcotics anonymous meeting and stayed with that program till 1997, About this time I started reading books on Buddhism again and anything about the teachings of Buddha. I had been teaching myself as best I could, but knew I needed a Teacher. You can find plenty great books on Buddhism and Zen practice, but in rural Texas, there just aren't any teachers.

Then I found out that I had Hep-c, and they wanted to treat me with an experimental drug. I thought about it. I felt if I could do this, to help find a cure for this disease it would be a good thing. So I began treatment, and the treatments took so much out of me, I was bed stricken. I made a Mala and began chanting the few mantras I had learned.

When I started feeling better I got on line and found, ”Meditation in Texas“. That lead me to the Vajradakini Temple in Arlington Texas, They Practice the methods of Tibetan Lamrim. The Vajrayana. This is a Very esoteric Temple. I got discourage quickly, because it seemed they were more about making money than they were in teaching the Methods of the Lamrim. I was given, through partaking in ceremony, anointed a Dhrama protector “,Dorja Shogun“, and a Medicine Buddha blessing Mantra to use as a method of "purification".    So then I found another Temple in North Fort Worth, Wat Lao Tippimint, A Buddhist tradition in the Theravada way of Buddhism. Soon, I was allowed to sit in the temple and watch them perform their ritual form of prayers and offerings. Then I was allowed to participate in the chanting of prayers. But I felt that the cultural difference between me and the Laotians was a barrier to really understanding their way of practice.

So, I developed my own solitary practice. I constructed a small shrine in my garden, I began reading Zen Buddhism by T.D. Suzuki, then to anything Buddhist; Jack Kornfield, Philip Kapleau, Alan Watts, the Dhammapada, Joseph Goldstein, Pema Chdron, Shantideva, and many, many more. The oldest reference being, The Upanisads and the Kelsins. I practice a very simple form of Buddhism today. I rise very early and do A stretching meditation, I enter my garden and bow, I sit and meditate for about 30 minutes, I place flowers and Incense on my shrine, and I just pray for everyone’s happiness and well being. I then attend to the animals and vegetables and fruit that are grown on the farm. Then to help Julie with what ever I can, to help her get ready for her classroom of 30 children. After she leaves, I am alone for about 9 hours. So I read, meditate, get on-line and talk to other like minded people and enjoy my life of happiness as a simple kind person.

I was given a year to live because of the Hepatitis-C, which was never cured. So I practice with the intent to be a Buddha someday……..All and all, I find life remarkable and as precious as the air we breath. I will be looking forward to getting to know all of you.

With my deepest respect

I bow to you all

Harry Hale



The Gifts of Summer at Open Gate

The Open Gate 2011 Summer Sesshin and Ordination was gifted with great weather and great company. We had a full house with community and sangha members coming far and wide to participate in the ceremonies and training sessions. The ceremonies begian Wednesday evening with a precepts ceremony welcoming Mitch Gaff into our sangha. Mitch is a long time student and solo practitioner of Zen, who is looking forward to the rewards that come with being a member of a Dharma family.

On Saturday, the work period was dedicated to preparing and arranging the Zendo for the ordination ceremony, whereby three more sangha members received their full vestments and dharma names.  George Walczak was gifted the name Jikai Seido, Ron Brickey became Muji Shindo and Matt Lawther is now known in the dharma as Jishin Hoka. As is the tradition in Zen, the initiates received their “robe and bowl” along with their walking staffs, which is an additional form of vestment gifted in our order to signify our commitment as Wayfarers- to always strive to move freely through life, as Drifting Clouds and Flowing Water.

The ordination ceremony was followed by a potluck lunch and social time whereby cards and gifts were exchanged along with good conversation and merriment. However, due to the nature of Zen, this was too soon interrupted by the sound of the han calling everyone back the zendo and the schedule of sesshin. As the guests parted the cushions were rearranged, the incense was lit and after three strikes of the bell, only silence remained.

Gassho and a deep bow to everyone.

A Very Special Zazenkai for Kidlington Sangha

The Kidlington sangha met on 23rd July for a very special zazenkai. Not only did this gathering mark the final meeting of the Zendo before its dissolution, but also to witness two ordinations and the birth of Kidlington Zendo’s successor, the Yarnton Mindfulness Group. 

After four years leading the sangha, Michael is moving to Africa. Running a Zen group requires a complex bundle of characteristics, including a commitment to Zen, a willingness to lead, a venue and an appropriate health, family and work situation. Whilst all of the sangha possessed some of these attributes, no one person had them all, so as the Heart Sutra has it, there was to be, “No continuation”  of Kidlington Zendo. Fortunately, Silvia (the blonde lady in the photo) is able to offer a new, yet not specifically Zen, type of meditation group run on similar lines, demonstrating also that there is to be, “No annihilation.” 

Thus, the last act of Kidlington Zendo was the first act of Yarnton Mindfulness Group; a shared period of samu in which the zafus and zabutons and the big Buddha were loaded into Silvia’s car.  Since the Kidlington sangha was always eclectic, Silvia’s New Age approach should go down very well. May any merit accumulated in our practice in Kidlington flow into Silvia as she spreads the dharma in her own loving, generous way. 

In addition to this phoenix-like aspect to the zazenkai, the group also met to witness two ordinations. Only one of the ordinations was advertised in advance, the other was a surprise for almost everyone present.  The ordinations began with Nick Crowther-Wilton who has been engaged in extensive koan training with Michael.  After a brief settling-in period, Michael was utterly brutal, allowing no weak answer to pass without a metaphorical slap in the face.  However, Nick showed the courage and determination to battle on, and with dedicated and self-disciplined practice over an extended period,  succeeded in demonstrating that he had trained himself to see with a Zen mind. Nick says that he does not have any immediate plans to seek students. However, since it was Nick who went and found Michael and asked him for teaching and since it was Michael who went and found Miles and asked him for teaching, the precedents suggest that Nick will not for long enjoy the peace of the one-mat Zendo! 

The other ordination was a surprise even to the man receiving the rakusu. Hugh Flint, a rock drummer who hit the charts in the early 1970s, now looks a lot more like a roshi and a lot less like John Bonham.  He exhibits the demeanor of a Zen Master, metta seeping from him like scent from an incense stick. Despite many years ago having taken no more than jukai, he was clearly the spiritual leader of our group from the first time he attended. Meditation felt different when he was there. As a mark of respect he was thus given Dharma Transmission at our final zazenkai.  Since Zen is for Hugh a private practice, with his public commitment being towards the Karma Kagyu Tibetan centre in Oxford, he was ordained outside of the OBW but still recognized within our lineage. We are privileged and honored to consider Hugh a member of our dharma family. 

Submitted by Kaishin Michael Pockley

      

Open Gate Sesshin Schedule

Open Gate Zendo 2011 Summer Sesshin and Ordination

The time is near for the Open Gate 2011 Summer Sesshin and Ordination Ceremony. The Sesshin will held on Saturday and Sunday July 23rd & 24th with the Ordination ceremony beginning Saturday at 11:00 am (followed by a pot luck lunch and social period). Attendees are welcome to come Friday evening and spend the night in the Zendo as well. Attendees arriving in the morning should arrive by 7:00. Below is the two day schedule.  Guests coming only to the Ordination and potluck social should arrive between 10:30 and 11:00.
      
Ordination Ceremony

This summer we will be welcoming four new members into the Order of the Boundless Way; George Walczak, Ron Brickey, Matt Lawther and Nick Crowther-Wilton, will all officially receive their Buddhist names and the vestments of our clerical order (Nick's ordination in England-see previous postings).  With Ron and George coming to Open Gate from across country and Matt coming all the way from Australia, it would be nice to have full attendance so that they will get to meet as many of our sangha members as possible. Everyone is encouraged to come for the ordination ceremony to meet our new brethren, even if they are unable to attend the full sesshin. (Small gifts and/or cards from sangha members to the new initiates are welcome)

If you have not done so already, please send an e-mail opengatezendo@msn.com  in order to confirm your attending between now and Wednesday July 20th.  As usual we need an accurate head count for planning and buying food stuffs.

If you would like more information about this sesshin or the ordination, please feel free to contact to contact Miles at- opengatezendo@msn.com
       

Saturday Schedule

Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony (Remain standing to exit Zendo)

8:05-9:00 Casual breakfast and social time (in Hojo)

9:00-9:15 Break and kitchen cleanup

Second Morning Session

9:00- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:15-9:45 One periods of Zazen

9:45-10:45 Samu (Arrange Zendo for Ordination Ceremony)

10:45  Han Roll (Call to Ordination ceremony)

11:00-12:00 Ordination Ceremony

12:00-1:30  Potluck Lunch and Social Time (Cards and Gifts)

1:30 Han roll (announcing end of lunch and social time)

1:30 – 2:00 Samu (Clean up and return Zendo to original configuration)

Afternoon Session

2:00- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:15-3:30 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:30-4:30  Angya practice. (Monk procession walk)

4:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

4:45-5:15 One period Zazen

5:15- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for Dinner- bring out trays

5:30-6:15 Dinner ceremony (Oryoki)

6:15-6:40 Break and kitchen cleanup

Evening Session

6:30- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

6:45-8:00 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

8:00-8:10- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for tea, bring out trays

8:10-8:50 Tea ceremony & Dharma talk by  Matt Lawther

8:55- Closing ceremony

9:00- Daily Closing- Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

9:00- Prepare for bed or non-residents leave for the night.

Sunday Schedule

Morning Session

6:30 Wake-up bell

7:00 Non-residents Arrive (Chosho -morning bell tolled 9 times)

7:15-Call to Zazen (Plank drum (Han) roll)

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen (Chosan- first morning meditation)

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05- Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

8:15-9:00 Breakfast ceremony (Oryoki)

9:00-9:15 Break and kitchen cleanup

Second Morning Session

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:45 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

9:30-10:45 Dokusan (one on one meeting with the teacher) by rotation.

10:45-11:45 Samu (work and/or exercise/rest period)

11:45 Han Roll

12:00-12:30 One Period Zazen

12:30- 12:40 Kitchen aids prepare Genkan for lunch- bring out trays

12:40-1:30 Lunch ceremony (Oryoki)

Afternoon Session

1:30-2:00 Break and kitchen cleanup

1:45- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

2:00-3:15 Two periods of Zazen alternated with Kinhin

3:15-3:30 Short Break

3:30-4:30 Tea ceremony, Teisho/Group Discussion

4:30-Closing - Konsho (striking the evening bell) tolled 9 times

Meet Nick Crowther-Wilton

On July 23rd, Nick Crowther-Wilton will be the first member of the order to be ordained outside the United States (see New Beginnings below). Nick lives near Kaishin Michael Pockley in Kidlington, England and works for a government agency dealing with firearm possession within England.  

Nick has had a long association with Zen, having previously practiced with, among others, the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, a Western Zen order founded by Rev. Jiyu-Kennett  in the Japanese Soto tradition. Nick is well read and well versed in Zen and Buddhist literature and has been engaged in koan exchange with Michael for some while. Michael says Nick’s koan answers of late have backed him into a corner whereby his only response is to offer him ordination.

Welcome to the Order of the Boundless Way Nick!

New Beginnings- England & Africa

July 23rd is a significant day for the Kidlington Zendo as they hold their first ordination and last group zazen. OBW sangha member Kaishin Michael Pockley will be perform Kiddlington Zendo’s first ordination as his last official action as sangha leader. The ordination and closing ceremony is set to coincide with the Open Gate ceremonies on the same date.

With Michael and his family moving to Kenya, the ordination will be followed by a closing ceremony for Kidlington Zendo. Since, the only Zen Buddhists living near Kidlington have young children and small houses (with most of the other sangha members being practitioners of Vipassana, Vajrayana and other traditions) the Zendo's zafus and zabutons are moving down the road to the next village, Yarnton, where sangha member Silvia plans to host zazen (and perhaps some interesting New Age activitity) at the brand new Yarnton Mindfulness Group. Silvia is the one in pink in this photo of December’s very small, snow-bound sesshin.

Kaishin Michael will continue to offer koan training for anyone interested and although he suspects the demand will be relatively limited in Kenya, he is prepared to ask the question; "Nini ni sauti ya mtu kupiga makofi mkono?"

Open Gate Summer Sesshin

This year's Open Gate Summer Sesshin and Ordination will take place on the weekend of July 23rd and 24th. We are honored to add three new members to our order; George Walczak, Ron Brickey and Matt Lawther. George comes to us from California, Ron hails for the Washington DC area, while Matt will be joining us (live and in person) from Erina (near Sydney), Australia  where he is Director of the Central Coast Zen Centre. Additionally, as a visiting teacher Matt will giving the Saturday evening Dharma Talk.  

Everyone is encouraged to at least come for the ordination ceremony to meet and welcome George, Ron and Matt into the order. The ceremony will take place after our traditional Saturday morning meditation and informal breakfast. Samu will begin immediately after breakfast and ordination will be conducted before the midday meal. Otherwise, we will be following our traditional sesshin schedule and etiquette.

For those who would like more information about this sesshin or the ordination, please feel free to contact Miles by e-mail  at opengatezendo@msn.com. A full schedule will be included in a future posting.