Meet Charlie Barlow

 

My Life is my practice

Each breath,

a new moment

My curiosity regarding spirituality began when I was endeavoring to earn a coveted God and Country medal in scouting. It was a beautiful and impressive medal, and it would only take 12 months of bible study and weekly meetings with the pastor to earn it. When asked of that pastor to explain the Trinity (father, son, and holy ghost) as opposed to just one 'God', he replied 'one must believe that they are all the same'. I remained confused with that answer, and have been ever since, sparking my skepticism of organized 'belief' systems, aka religions. While I can't now remember all of the names of the books of the Old and New Testament, in their respective order, I have that medal still though.

In the early 1980's I began to study Zen, reading the usual texts by Suzuki, Watts, but especially Richard Alpert, starting with his text 'Grist for the Mill'. I studied many of his other works, and was fortunate enough to attend several of his lectures. His humanity is humbling.

In the recent years I have been introduced to more texts on Zen and similar spiritual works, notably Bryon Katie, Charlotte Joko Beck, Wayne Dyer, Pema Chodron, Depak Chopra, and Adyashanti. By far though, my heart is so very deeply touched by the humor and grace of Anne Lamott.

But working with Miles is where the rubber meets the road. Laughs, tears, touching of hearts, he has brought me further into the light and joy of loving what is, and pointing to a place where we can all enjoy and cherish this miracle of life.

Charlie lives with his partner Jessica Morgan, artist/photographer, and Aysel,Cat of the Realm, in Tumwater, Wa. In his spare time he also practices planting/weeding/mowing, jazz guitar, being a Big Brother, dabbling in chess, tai chi, and counting his blessings.

2014 Summer Sesshin
 
The time is here for the Open Gate 2014 Summer Sesshin and Ordination Ceremony. The Sesshin will held on Saturday and Sunday August 16th &17th 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; local Open Gate Sangha member- Charlie Barlow, Stuart Tennis of Seattle, Ann Thjung of University Place, and Thor Mitchel of Portland. All of these initiates are Open Gate Sangha members, who have spent the last two years preparing for their ordination.

 

Everyone is encouraged to come for the ordination ceremony to meet our new members, even if they are unable to attend the full Sesshin. (Small gifts and/or cards from sangha members to the new initiates are always welcome). Please send an e-mail opengatezendo@msn.com in order to confirm your intentions in attending. 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
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