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inmost
When we sit, we call it inmost – let inmost nature in itself, or activity – This is – we call self-use of inmost nature – let it work. You don’t do anything, but let our true nature work by itself. This is Zen practice. -Ann Meido- Also, Ann shared FUKANZAZENGI OF EIHEI DŌGEN. You…
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Why we were told not to step on the edge of tatami mat
So you were told not to step on the edge of tatami mat at our zendo and wondering why. Rev Ito told me that because the edge was more expensive to repair. I researched a bit more to find out the reasons why people were told not to step on the edge of the tatami…
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Compassion
Before we meditate, we chant ENMEI JUKKU KANNON GYO (延命十句觀音經) Kannon Goddess is know as Lord of compassion. You can read more about it here. Here is the chant.
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Gratitude
We discussed what we are thankful for. What are you thankful for? Sue shared a poem “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver” Who made the world?Who made the swan, and the black bear?Who made the grasshopper?This grasshopper, I mean–the one who has flung herself out of the grass,the one who is eating sugar out of…
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Mind is like a pond
I participated in Rinzai’s online zazen-kai with my son, which priest Yokoyama led from Tokoji in Shizuoka, Japan. His story resonated with us, so I shared it during our zazen-kai at Hakone Gardens. He told us a famous story. One day, a young man asked a monk, ” I can’t sleep well as I am worried and…
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Remembering Rev Ito and 9/11
Ann talked about when Rev Ito visited the ground zero to pray. He flew to NY right after 9/11 to pray at the ground zero. As you can imagine, civilians were not allowed but he was determined to pray. Police officer offered to escort him to the site and when he arrived, he was in…
Find your inner peace
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Hakone Zendo 