Rosslyn Zendo

Anjin Jimon

 

The Rosslyn Zendo, in Arlington Virginia, is officially open.  Led by sangha member Anjin Jimon (Alex Yuan), the group meets in the Arlington Methodist Church.  Anjin has been attending the church for two years now, and approached the pastor a year ago about the idea of using the prayer room for meditation.  The pastor, a big supporter of meditation for Christians and Buddhists alike, was very receptive to the idea, so after a year of preparation, making the website, and posting flyers in the neighborhood, the Zendo is officially open.

Situated on top of the Rosslyn Metro Station, which is the main metro connection in Virginia for commuters going to Washington, D.C., Rosslyn Zendo is ideally located for people to stop in for a morning meditation on their way to work.  Anjin says:

“Today we have a solid group of about 2-3 people that show up every morning (including me) for 25 minutes of silent meditation. Although I meditate in the Zen tradition, others use chairs and meditate on bible verses. The impact on my daily routine has been amazing. I wake up much earlier and my mind seems less impulsive. It also helps me to be consistent – I get up early and unlock the church doors every morning, since I never know who might show up!”

Check out their website at www.rosslynzendo.com.

 

Also, check out the following video to see Alex interviewed at a Buddhist event in Arlington:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/american-buddhism-on-the-rise/11475/

August 23rd – an Auspicious Day of Celebration

Celebrants: Marc Paine,  Gansho Lenny Reed, Kobai Scott Whitney, Hadashi Jeff Miles, 

Chuan Zhi Shakya, and Koro Kaisan Miles at Mountain Way Zendo. Photo by Tina Miles.

August 23^rd was an auspicious date for Hadashi Jeff Miles. Jeff is the resident teacher of Mountain Way Zendo, a founding member of the Order of the Boundless Way and Plum Mountain Refuge, and a Zen Priest in the Zen Buddhist Order of Hsu Yun (ZBOHY).  He has been steadily transmitting the dharma through his ever-growing prison work, which now includes regularly scheduled practice sessions in five Western Washington prisons. 

On August 23^rd, culminating events and prime conditions gave Jeff and fellow sangha members cause for celebration. Jeff had been working diligently on preparing his newly remodeled Zendo space in anticipation of ZBOHY abbot Chuan Zhi’s visit to Washington State. Since Chuan Zhi was already coming to attend the dedication of Clouds and Water Hermitage, he felt that it was the perfect opportunity to have an official dedication for Mountain Way Zendo as well. With the Zendo complete and the chance to have all three of his ordaining teachers in one place, he just couldn’t pass up the opportunity!

As timing would have it, the best available day was Thursday the 23^rd – all other dates had been determined by flight schedules and OBW tenth anniversary events – and by happenstance, it was also Jeff’s birthday!  So partly by plan and partly by coincidence the date was set for Mountain Way Zendo’s dedication and Jeff’s birthday celebration.  However, this was not to be the end of the convergence that would make this such an auspicious day; in addition to coming to Washington for the tenth anniversary celebration, Chuan Zhi was also coming to recognize Jeff as a Senior Dharma Teacher in the Zen Buddhist Order of Hsu Yun.

With a watchful eye on Jeff’s dedication to the nurturing and development of the Order of the Boundless Way and Plum Mountain Refuge, as well as his ever-growing commitment as a prison sangha leader, Chuan Zhi came to recognize Jeff as a genuine Bodhisattva and true transmitter of the Dharma. Like Jeff, he had been waiting for the perfect opportunity and here it was – on August 23^rd.  

So, as causes and conditions would have it, recognition would come to Hadashi Jeff Miles and to Mountain Way Zendo as a triple blessing. With all three of his ordaining teachers present, Jeff was awarded the nine panel robe of the ZBOHY Senior Dharma Teacher and Mountain Way Zendo was officially dedicated as a practice center for sangha members in all three traditions.

Happy Birthday Jeff!

Open Gate Ordination Weekend

On Saturday September 29th, we will be welcoming three new members into the Order of the Boundless Way.  Three long standing sangha members; Hernán Massau, Sean Harrington and Maitri Sojourner will each receive the “Robe and Bowl” along with their official recognition and Dharma names. In addition to the Ordination ceremony, Saturday’s events will include a morning precepts ceremony, potluck lunch and a Zazenkai.

Sunday’s plans include a trip to Clouds and Water Hermitage and some “fun time” on the island. Many of the volunteers who have worked on the island have never had a chance to go hiking or walking on the beach, so this trip is intended to be more casual than our volunteer work days. However, for those who might rather work, there is certainly plenty to do.

Food stuffs will mostly be up to individuals both days, with the potluck lunch on Saturday and “pack your own” lunch for the island trip on Sunday. Remember, the island is primitive so be prepared accordingly. We do have a shiny new “privy” but otherwise there are no services or utilities available. Ferry fees are $21 for each car and driver and $6 for each passenger.

Ordination Zazenkai Schedule

7:15-Arrive for morning practice.

7:30-8:00 One period of Zazen

8:00-8:05 Incense Ceremony

8:05-9:00 Casual Breakfast

9:00-9:30 Samu- Clean Kitchen & Zendo

9:15- Call to Zazen (Han roll)

9:30-10:00 One period of Zazen.

10:00-10:45 Precepts Ceremony.

10:45-11:00 Short Break

11:00-12:00 Ordination Ceremony

12:00- 1:00 Potluck Lunch

1:00-1:15 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)

Sunday Trip Schedule

9:00- Leave Open Gate for ferry dock.

10:00- Board Ferry

10:30- Arrive at Clouds and Water Hermitage.

10:30-12:30 Tour of Hermitage and neighboring properties.

12:30- 1:30 Brown Bag Lunch

1:30- 5:00 Free time to explore island.

5:30- Depart Clouds and Water and return to Ferry dock

6:00- Board Ferry

7:00- Return to Open Gate

      

Clouds & Water Hermitage Dedication

On Saturday August 25^th 2012, members of the Order of the Boundless Way joined with friends and neighbors for the dedication of Clouds and Water Hermitage. This event marks the beginning of what will become the primary retreat center for the Order of the Boundless Way.  Unsui-an  (雲水庵 as Clouds and Water Hermitage would be translated into Japanese) refers to a temporary abode for those practitioners of Zen who move freely through life without the constraints and limitations of attachment, like floating clouds or flowing water.

The soon to be completed Zendo is the first of several structures that will eventually make up the compound to be used freely by members of our greater sangha, as well and friends and families, for the purpose of, regular sesshins, small group gatherings and solitary retreats. The goals for this year is to complete the Zendo building and place the first retreat hut so that we can begin to enjoy using the facility as soon as possible. Members and friends will be able to reserve time to stay at the Hermitage as soon as the retreat hut is delivered (stay tuned!)

The realization of our new center is only being made possible through the countless contributions of time, money and labor from friends and sangha members from all over the world.  We are deeply indebted to everyone who has contributed and look forward to the future contributions that will be needed to complete the fully envisioned facility.  The objective is to make Clouds and Water Hermitage fully functional for extended retreats for up to twelve practitioners, as well as, generally available for smaller groups, individual retreats, and one day social gatherings.

Open Gate sangha member Jessica Morgan has once again supplied us with a wonderful slide show highlighting Saturday’s events.   Thanks again Jessica!

10th Anniversary Celebration Schedule

Today's volunteer crew on the ferry. Left to Right: Brian, Preston, Miles, Tre and Marc.

This Saturday, August 25^th we will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Order of the Boundless Way. The two day celebration will include the dedication of our Island Retreat Center, special seminars on the philosophy, history and practices of Boundless Mind Zen and the Order of the Boundless Way and a day of Zen practice.  All members of the Order and sangha are openly invited and encouraged to attend.

Work on the island property will be ongoing right up to the day of dedication with the celebration taking place with the unfinished building and facilities just as they are. Saturday’s celebration will be governed by the ferry schedule and will only include what can be completed in that seven hour window, but will include time for hiking around the island. On Sunday, August 26^th, we will have a modified Zazenkai (座禅会) practice schedule back at Open Gate Zendo.  

Please plan to bring food to share on Saturday for the potluck lunch, but keep in mind that there are no kitchen facilities available so bring “picnic” style food that requires no additional cooking.

Those wishing to spend a night camping on the island should plan to do so Friday evening, so that everyone can be in attendance at Open Gate on Saturday evening.  All guests are welcome to come to the island on Friday, but be advised that there are no services or utilities on the island, so staying overnight will be a camping trip. Anyone wishing to camp on the island must be prepared for primitive accommodations – tents will be allowed but no campers or trailers.  If you need a ride to the ferry please let us know in advance and plan on arriving at Open Gate Zendo by 8:45. All vehicles must leave Olympia by 9:00 in order to be on time for the ferry.

 Saturday Celebration Schedule

9:45- 10:00 Arrive at Steilacoom ferry dock and purchase tickets.

(Ferry tickets are $21 for one vehicle and driver, $6 for each additional passenger).
10:20- Ferry leaves for Island
10:45- Arrive at Island Zendo and help prepare for ceremony.
11:30-12:00 Official Introductions

12:00-12:30 Dedication ceremony

12:30-1:30 Potluck Lunch
1:30-3:30 Presentations and Seminar Time
3:30-5:30 Free time for everyone
5:30 Prepare to depart .
6:00 Everyone Departs on Ferry.
7:00 Dinner at Hot Iron Mongolian Grill Olympia
9:00 Back at Open Gate for evening

Sunday Zazenkai 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.

10:45-11:00 Short Break

11:15-11:45 Dharma Talk

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)

Houston, The Zendo has Landed!

The construction the new Island Zendo was postponed by weather. A good week of no rain was needed to get the structure far enough along that it would support a tarp roof that would allow work to continue should the weather turn.  Summers are often late here in the Pacific Northwest and we really don’t expect summer to begin until after the Fourth of July. It was Tuesday July 10^th when the timber skids were prepped and transformed into the portable building foundation.  Exactly one month later; Friday August 10^th the Zendo was mobilized and hauled by flatbed trailer to it’s new island home.

The structure is now permanently placed and the detailed exposed beam rafter system is complete. Work continues as the dedication date grows near. The structure will not be complete on the day of the dedication, but will be “whole enough” to be an inviting venue for those who come to the island to join the celebration.  Many people have contributed time, sweat and money to make this happen and much is yet to be done.  It has been an exciting adventure so far and the transformation of the property and the progress on the building has been phenomenal.   

Sangha member Jessica Morgan has photo documented much of this process and has developed a slide show to share the experience of the last ten days. In the pictures you will see several sangha members and friend Tim Devlin, who has so graciously donated his time, truck, trailer and skills as a heavy equipment operator and building mover. You will see Hadashi Jeff Miles, in black (what else?), yours truly in green and brown, Charlie Barlow in red cap and Tim in the cool shades. Jessica was also there but never really managed to get in front of the camera.

Please enjoy Jessica’s slide show and let us know what you think.

Best regards,

Miles

Meet Sean Harrington

Greetings all,

My name is Sean Harrington. I am 35, a Husband, a Father, a Public Servant, and dojin. I work in the State Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention programs. I have been practicing with the Open Gate Sangha of the Order of the Boundless Way for over two years now, and have been a formal Student since February of this year, although until now I have not been formally introduced to the membership of the Order. With ordination impending, this would appear to be the opportune moment.

I come from a family that was never very religious (I can’t remember ever attending church with my parents), but who were not avowed atheists – my parents each seemed to believe in god after a fashion. For my part, I was drawn to the biological sciences and didn’t really even consider spirituality. I first encountered Zen through reading Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums in high school. Something struck me as right about Zen, and I subsequently kept it “in my back pocket” while I went off to University.

I started to become affected by the “comings and goings” of life in my early twenties. I lost a parent (albeit after an extended illness), graduated from University, met my and married my wife, graduated again, lost the other parent, and became a father for the first time - all in less than ten years. Amid a swell of Great Doubt, my view of everything – life, meaning, acceptance - started to coalesce, and I returned to Zen.

I embarked on a period of study in which I read extensively of translations of major sutras and of Zen (Ch’an/Son/Thien) and Taoist literature, classical and modern. Eventually I came to the in hindsight flabbergastingly obvious realization that it was insufficient to treat this as an intellectual or philosophical exercise – actual practice was needed. After a false start or two, and during a period of spotty solo practice, I was introduced to the Order of the Boundless Way. This immediately struck me as right, and so here I am.

I have greatly enjoyed the support, camaraderie, and wisdom of the Order. Though I will be even more elusive than usual in the next few months (kid #3 is on the way!), I look forward to our future together as travelers on this Path. May all beings benefit from it.

Arigato gozaimasu,

Sean

Island Retreat Center Update

 As the planning and work for the dedication of our Island Retreat Center proceeds, we have been making adjustments to the design to accommodate both the purpose and portability of the Zendo building. The roof design has undergone several modifications to allow for the structure to be built at Open Gate and be transported by flat bed trailer to the island.  The original farm house thatched roof design has proven to be too costly and complicated, requiring that the artificial thatch be shipped from Florida (from China) and installed over an existing weatherproof roofing material.  

We have opted instead for a modified hip roof design that will allow us to use metal roofing for the purpose of collecting rain water. Since there is no water supply to our property, all water has to be carried in. A metal roof built for the purpose of collecting water will allow us to gather rain water for uses other than drinking and food preparation.  

The rendering above is a composite created in Photoshop from three photographs of buildings that are similar to our proposed Zendo.  The finished building will look like the composite photograph above with metal roofing in lieu of the shingles shown. The ends of the building will have doors and/or a bay window similar to those at the meditation hall Open Gate.

Construction is well underway with the first hut nearly complete and the walls of the Zendo going up within the week. The final roof assembly will wait until the building is on site to allow for freeway transport of the structure. The roof adds another three feet to the height and an additional six feet to the width which would not be transportable by truck of ferry. 

Work party weekends will soon be identified and announced for those who might be interested in volunteering time in either during construction or grounds preparation on the island. 

Anyone interested in contributing to the construction fund can contact Miles at opengatezendo@msn.com or send donations by check payable to Open Gate Zendo:

Open Gate Zendo
4123 Biscay Street NW
Olympia, WA 98502

Meet Marc Paine

Greetings,

My name is Marc Paine. I am 34 years old, married with two young daughters. Beginning in 1993, I started receiving instruction in Taoist qiqong, philosophy and meditation. I practiced regularly throughout college where I also began classes in Isshinryu Karate and Aikido and was introduced to meditation in the Japanese and martial art culture and context. After college I started an intense practice of Tomiki-ryu Aikido and taught Chinese martial arts and Taoist meditation. In 2000 I spent a week in a Benedictine monastery and in 2001 I spent the summer at the same monastery. I met my wife late in 2001 and began attending Lutheran seminary in 2002. During this time, my meditation practice (Taoist/Zen) became both more sporadic and more influenced by Ueshiba and those Japanese Zen teachers commonly associated with the martial arts (Takuan Soho, etc.) and Soto Zen while continuing my Aikido practice.

After graduating in 2006, I was ordained a Lutheran priest and worked for three years as a parish pastor and university chaplain (commonly known as "town and gown" ministry). My Taoist/Zen meditation all but ceased at this time. However, in 2007 I took up long distance bicycling and began to practice seated meditation influenced heavily by Soto Zen teaching. I began to bicycle out into the countryside and find a nice spot in the shade to sit in meditation. 

My disillusionment with work in the church grew at the same time I finally began to directly apprehend elements of the Dharma. I remember sitting in half-lotus under the university's bell-tower when I, following the discipline of "following the thought," saw clearly that one is not one's thoughts. From that time, my seated meditation became more and more frequent, my reliance on Zen and Stoic teaching more pronounced. I resigned my position in 2009 and moved to Joplin, MO. My wife, a nurse, went back to work and I began to stay home with our children. We joined an Eastern Orthodox parish in 2010. My meditation continued to become more consistent.

On May 22, 2011, a tornado destroyed our home. I sheltered my two daughters in the bathtub and climbed out of the wreckage to find devastation as far as I could see. My wife was at work at the time in the hospital in Joplin that was not destroyed. I later described the experience of being inside the tornado as "much like zazen," and was very grateful for my practice. By midnight, my family was reunited, alive and well and homeless. We relocated to Rogers, AR, where we still live now. For a month or so following the tornado, I felt something like a block to solitary sitting, so I contacted a nearby Soto group with which I had sat in the past and began to sit with them. This "jump-started" my solitary sitting again and emphasized for me the need and benefit in complementing solitary meditation with group meditation.

I have continued my practice and with this newfound appreciation for group sitting, started the only sitting group in Rogers in a yoga studio. Seeking oversight and accountability for the group, I remembered having run across the Zen Buddhist Order of Hsu Yun (with its beginnings in Honolulu, HI where my family used to live). I contacted Koro Kaisan Miles to inquire about oversight and was pleasantly greeted with someone whose journey from Chinese Taoism to Japanese Soto Zen back (somewhat) to Chinese Zen was so similar to my own. I continue my practice, sitting group, and have enjoyed correspondence with Koro Kaisan, in whom I feel I have found very much a kindred spirit. I hope to visit Open Gate for the Summer Sesshin, and I am confident that in this Sangha I will find many more such kindred spirits. I'm interested in becoming a member of the Order for many reasons, including the possibility of becoming an institutional and/or hospice chaplain. When I'm not walking around going nowhere in particular or sitting facing a blank wall, I am practicing martial arts, knitting and crocheting, yo-yo-ing, doing hospice volunteer work, and writing.

Marc