This coming weekend we'll again gather at Korinji for meditation and work. Please RSVP to info@rinzaizen.org if you'd like to come up!
We have many new photos taken this spring which we'll shortly be posting on the Korinji site...
May 22, 2012
April 18, 2012
Volunteer at Korinji: April 28-29
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For more information or to volunteer, please email Korinji: info@korinji.org.
In memoriam: John Wallace
[Submitted by Meido]
Chicago-area members of our community were saddened this past week to learn of the death of John Wallace, 72. John had been practicing Zen with us for several months. A long time Karate practitioner, he navigated the usual challenges experienced by beginning students with a solid, stoic quality that revealed his training and strength of character. Only a few days before his death, John was able to join us at Korinji where he participated in the work being done there.
Though not with us for long, John had spoken to his family of the deep meaning that Zen practice held for him. Due to this, perhaps, I was asked to jointly officiate at his funeral this past Monday. After a ceremony that celebrated what was obviously a life that had deeply touched those around him, we traveled to the cemetery for a brief burial service. By chance, John's ashes are buried not more than fifty yards from the grave of our late teacher, Toyoda Sensei.
Please remember John in your chanting and dedication of merit. His obituary, including information on sending memorial donations to charities he supported, may be found here.
Chicago-area members of our community were saddened this past week to learn of the death of John Wallace, 72. John had been practicing Zen with us for several months. A long time Karate practitioner, he navigated the usual challenges experienced by beginning students with a solid, stoic quality that revealed his training and strength of character. Only a few days before his death, John was able to join us at Korinji where he participated in the work being done there.
Though not with us for long, John had spoken to his family of the deep meaning that Zen practice held for him. Due to this, perhaps, I was asked to jointly officiate at his funeral this past Monday. After a ceremony that celebrated what was obviously a life that had deeply touched those around him, we traveled to the cemetery for a brief burial service. By chance, John's ashes are buried not more than fifty yards from the grave of our late teacher, Toyoda Sensei.
Please remember John in your chanting and dedication of merit. His obituary, including information on sending memorial donations to charities he supported, may be found here.
April 6, 2012
March 24 zazenkai report
[Submitted by Chris Wagner, Chicago]
On Saturday, March 24 at Daiyuzenji members of our Zen community came together for zazenkai, the quarterly overnight retreat dedicated to the practice of zazen. These retreats are an ideal time for practitioners to set aside all other concerns and commit themselves to a sustained period of sitting meditation. Along with zazen, participants were also able to practice (and in some cases learn) the traditional tea ceremony and mealtime forms, practices which not only remind us how to serve and be of service to others but also prepare us for sesshin, the longer intensive retreats.
Zazenkai commenced with the resonant echo of the han being struck, signaling both our coming together for practice and the approaching nightfall. After opening with a brief tea, zazen was begun in earnest. Following many periods of sitting we chanted okyo including energetic repetitions of Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo, lifting our spirits and giving us the energy for continued practice. The night concluded with a brief talk by Meido Roshi, who exhorted all present to delve deeper into their practice through sustained and continuous effort. Training continued early the next morning, and after taking breakfast together silently we all shared the task of samu, or mindful cleaning. After more periods of meditation we completed our time together with morning okyo and a final tea.
As we finished the formal schedule, I was taken aback at the effort we all expended in order to make this short retreat possible. This style of training can only be achieved when many of us come to the same physical space and dedicate ourselves to practicing together. The support and encouragement of others is what allows us to break through to new levels of practice, and in this regard I found much by which to be inspired. These opportunities are quite rare, so it is with deep gratitude that I thank everyone involved who made it possible for this practice to occur.
On Saturday, March 24 at Daiyuzenji members of our Zen community came together for zazenkai, the quarterly overnight retreat dedicated to the practice of zazen. These retreats are an ideal time for practitioners to set aside all other concerns and commit themselves to a sustained period of sitting meditation. Along with zazen, participants were also able to practice (and in some cases learn) the traditional tea ceremony and mealtime forms, practices which not only remind us how to serve and be of service to others but also prepare us for sesshin, the longer intensive retreats.
Zazenkai commenced with the resonant echo of the han being struck, signaling both our coming together for practice and the approaching nightfall. After opening with a brief tea, zazen was begun in earnest. Following many periods of sitting we chanted okyo including energetic repetitions of Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo, lifting our spirits and giving us the energy for continued practice. The night concluded with a brief talk by Meido Roshi, who exhorted all present to delve deeper into their practice through sustained and continuous effort. Training continued early the next morning, and after taking breakfast together silently we all shared the task of samu, or mindful cleaning. After more periods of meditation we completed our time together with morning okyo and a final tea.
As we finished the formal schedule, I was taken aback at the effort we all expended in order to make this short retreat possible. This style of training can only be achieved when many of us come to the same physical space and dedicate ourselves to practicing together. The support and encouragement of others is what allows us to break through to new levels of practice, and in this regard I found much by which to be inspired. These opportunities are quite rare, so it is with deep gratitude that I thank everyone involved who made it possible for this practice to occur.
March 15, 2012
Zen in Brooklyn
[Submitted by Enmei Hunter, Chicago]
The weekend of March 9th and 10th I traveled with Moore Roshi to Brooklyn Aikikai, a non-profit center where Zen, Misogi, Aikido and Iaido are taught, for an Introduction to Zen seminar. I have developed several friendships with Brooklyn Aikikai's members due to my practice of Aikido and have always been impressed by their dedication and commitment, led by their chief instructor Robert (Ryugan) Savoca Sensei. In many ways, Savoca Sensei and Moore Roshi remind me of one another with their focus on intense training and development. Visiting Brooklyn Aikikai always leaves me with a lesson on how I want to practice and live my life.
The seminar began with a traditional lunch of miso soup and rice, eaten in silence with full attention being given to the activity at hand. Afterwards, Moore Roshi provided the 25 participants basic instruction in zazen with an emphasis on posture, breathing and method. After the first period of zazen, he provided more in-depth instruction on tanden kokyuho, the hara-centered breathing which is the foundation of our practice. Participants learned a practical, 5-step method for developing and refining this way of breathing. Roshi also provided instruction on how to receive the keisaku and for reinvigorating one's meditation. More zazen practice then allowed the participants to put all these things into practice. The seminar ended with okyo (chanting) and the spirit of the group came through very clearly in the tone and energy during the chants.
The evening closed with a potluck that gave everyone a chance to meet and develop new friendships. After this, participants showed that training never stops as they pitched in to clean and return the dojo to its proper form.
I am grateful for every opportunity I have to train with others interested in Zen and thank everyone at Brooklyn Aikikai for hosting this event. If you are interested in Zen practice or other traditional ways of mind-body development in the Brooklyn, NY area, please see Brooklyn Aikikai's site here.
The weekend of March 9th and 10th I traveled with Moore Roshi to Brooklyn Aikikai, a non-profit center where Zen, Misogi, Aikido and Iaido are taught, for an Introduction to Zen seminar. I have developed several friendships with Brooklyn Aikikai's members due to my practice of Aikido and have always been impressed by their dedication and commitment, led by their chief instructor Robert (Ryugan) Savoca Sensei. In many ways, Savoca Sensei and Moore Roshi remind me of one another with their focus on intense training and development. Visiting Brooklyn Aikikai always leaves me with a lesson on how I want to practice and live my life.
The seminar began with a traditional lunch of miso soup and rice, eaten in silence with full attention being given to the activity at hand. Afterwards, Moore Roshi provided the 25 participants basic instruction in zazen with an emphasis on posture, breathing and method. After the first period of zazen, he provided more in-depth instruction on tanden kokyuho, the hara-centered breathing which is the foundation of our practice. Participants learned a practical, 5-step method for developing and refining this way of breathing. Roshi also provided instruction on how to receive the keisaku and for reinvigorating one's meditation. More zazen practice then allowed the participants to put all these things into practice. The seminar ended with okyo (chanting) and the spirit of the group came through very clearly in the tone and energy during the chants.
The evening closed with a potluck that gave everyone a chance to meet and develop new friendships. After this, participants showed that training never stops as they pitched in to clean and return the dojo to its proper form.
I am grateful for every opportunity I have to train with others interested in Zen and thank everyone at Brooklyn Aikikai for hosting this event. If you are interested in Zen practice or other traditional ways of mind-body development in the Brooklyn, NY area, please see Brooklyn Aikikai's site here.
March 8, 2012
Book group on Sundays at Daiyuzenji
The book group meeting at Daiyuzenji in Chicago after Sunday morning sitting is now in full swing, with a read-through and discussion of Paul William's "Buddhist Thought: A Complete Introduction to the Indian Tradition" (available on Amazon). From Miller Roshi: "We are currently undertaking a systematic survey of Buddhist thought as it developed in India. We're just starting a study of Mahayana writings, those elements that form the conceptual basis for much of Zen practice."
Participants are welcome to join the group at any point. For the Daiyuzenji Sunday schedule, take a look here.
Participants are welcome to join the group at any point. For the Daiyuzenji Sunday schedule, take a look here.
March 7, 2012
Recent interfaith dialogue and internal training seminar
[Submitted by Kristen Radtke, Chicago]
On Thursday, Feb. 16 Moore Roshi participated in an interfaith discussion at Sheil Catholic Center in Evanston, IL. The event began with a brief presentation given from the Catholic perspective on the common ground between Christianity and Buddhism, emphasizing the work of Thomas Merton and the Catholic Church's position on the worth of other religious traditions expressed during the Second Vatican Council. Moore Roshi then spoke about Zen from a practitioner's perspective, sharing his story of being drawn to religion at an early age, eventually landing within Zen as a tradition rich in methods of facing the fundamental human existential questions. After some 30 minutes of dialogue, he made the final statement, "To me, it is perhaps not so important what religion you follow, but what sort of person you become through it. If you have some insight, experience or belief but fail to integrate it into your being, into your interactions with other people, what good is it?" Heads bobbed in agreement around the room, and participants affirmed that the goals of their different traditions were not different in terms of how they call us to become and act within the world, rather than to simply follow or believe. The evening concluded with basic instruction in zazen and a brief period of group practice.
This past Sunday, March 4, Daiyuzenji in Chicago hosted an Internal Training seminar also led by Moore Roshi. He began by lecturing on the intent and contents of the internal training curriculum, and then gave several hours of detailed instruction on tanden kokyuho, the hara-centered breathing and energetic cultivation method which is fundamental to our practice of meditation. Hakuin's naikan no ho and nanso ho ho methods were then taught, followed by self- massage and the 16 primary breathing forms from the Do-in Ho section of the curriculum. Donations from this event benefited the Korinji monastery building fund, and nearly $900 was raised: thank you to the participants from Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan who came!
On Thursday, Feb. 16 Moore Roshi participated in an interfaith discussion at Sheil Catholic Center in Evanston, IL. The event began with a brief presentation given from the Catholic perspective on the common ground between Christianity and Buddhism, emphasizing the work of Thomas Merton and the Catholic Church's position on the worth of other religious traditions expressed during the Second Vatican Council. Moore Roshi then spoke about Zen from a practitioner's perspective, sharing his story of being drawn to religion at an early age, eventually landing within Zen as a tradition rich in methods of facing the fundamental human existential questions. After some 30 minutes of dialogue, he made the final statement, "To me, it is perhaps not so important what religion you follow, but what sort of person you become through it. If you have some insight, experience or belief but fail to integrate it into your being, into your interactions with other people, what good is it?" Heads bobbed in agreement around the room, and participants affirmed that the goals of their different traditions were not different in terms of how they call us to become and act within the world, rather than to simply follow or believe. The evening concluded with basic instruction in zazen and a brief period of group practice.
This past Sunday, March 4, Daiyuzenji in Chicago hosted an Internal Training seminar also led by Moore Roshi. He began by lecturing on the intent and contents of the internal training curriculum, and then gave several hours of detailed instruction on tanden kokyuho, the hara-centered breathing and energetic cultivation method which is fundamental to our practice of meditation. Hakuin's naikan no ho and nanso ho ho methods were then taught, followed by self- massage and the 16 primary breathing forms from the Do-in Ho section of the curriculum. Donations from this event benefited the Korinji monastery building fund, and nearly $900 was raised: thank you to the participants from Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan who came!
March 1, 2012
First 2012 Korinji work weekend: 3/31-4/1
The first work weekend at Korinji is set for the weekend of March 31-April 1. Our plans this year are to complete the zendo interior, beginning with electrical and insulation. We'll also continue to develop the Korinji grounds, and of course there is always a great deal of clean-up and trail repair after a long winter. Volunteers are welcome!
To see some images from the end of last year's work season, go here. To volunteer or sign up on Korinji's email list and receive future work weekend and event announcements, please go here.
To see some images from the end of last year's work season, go here. To volunteer or sign up on Korinji's email list and receive future work weekend and event announcements, please go here.
February 20, 2012
Internal Training seminar March 4th in Chicago
A one-day seminar instructing the Internal Training curriculum practiced at Daiyuzenji, Korinji and the practice groups of the Rinzai Zen Community will be held at Daiyuzenji in Chicago on March 4th, 12-5pm. Methods of cultivating and circulating energy, massage for clearing energetic and physical obstructions, movement/breathing exercises, and methods of "forging" the center will be taught. The Naikan no Ho and Nanso no Ho methods of Hakuin will be instructed in detail.
Proceeds benefit the Korinji monastery building fund: $65.00 for Rinzai Zen Community members, $75.00 for others. Please RSVP to info@daiyuzenji.org.
For more information on our Internal Training curriculum, please see this page on the RZC site.
Proceeds benefit the Korinji monastery building fund: $65.00 for Rinzai Zen Community members, $75.00 for others. Please RSVP to info@daiyuzenji.org.
For more information on our Internal Training curriculum, please see this page on the RZC site.
January 18, 2012
2012 events (including sesshin)
Most of the 2012 schedule of Rinzai Zen Community events, including sesshin sponsored by Daiyuzenji and Korinji, has been posted on the RZC site here. Registration for the April 12-15 sesshin is also now open, and can be found here.
A number of important upcoming events are shown on the calendar. Instructional seminars in Chicago dealing with our Internal Training curriculum, and specifically with Hojo, have been scheduled. You'll also find meeting dates for the Chicago-area practice groups. Please take a look, and we hope to see our distant members at a sesshin or other event very soon!
A number of important upcoming events are shown on the calendar. Instructional seminars in Chicago dealing with our Internal Training curriculum, and specifically with Hojo, have been scheduled. You'll also find meeting dates for the Chicago-area practice groups. Please take a look, and we hope to see our distant members at a sesshin or other event very soon!
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