Hakone Zendo: Recent Episodes
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Shared by Chris. I’ve been reflecting on my meditation practice lately and wanted to share some specifics that have evolved over the years, in the hope that it might be helpful to others—or perhaps spark some suggestions for improvement.
Since I started attending regularly in 2019, a significant part of my journey has been about minimizing physical distractions during sittings. My goal has been to find a posture that allows my body to “disappear” so I can concentrate fully.
I’ve settled into what I’d call a semi-half-lotus posture on a lima bean-shaped cushion. I can get my left foot up onto my right calf, which feels stable and comfortable for extended periods. I once aspired to achieve the full lotus position—years ago, I was quite enthusiastic about it during my yoga practice—but after injuring my knee, I decided it wasn’t worth pursuing at the expense of my health.
Interestingly, when I switch and place my right foot over my left, my foot tends to fall asleep quickly. So, I usually stick with the left-over-right configuration, though sometimes I need to adjust midway through a session.
Regarding hand placement, I’ve deviated a bit from the traditional mudra. Instead, I interlace my fingers and keep my thumbs together. This allows me to apply gentle pressure with my forearms against my hips, which helps me maintain an erect posture and keeps my shoulder blades down.
When I first began meditating, I kept my eyes closed. However, I found that doing so introduced visual distractions—like flickering lights behind my eyelids—that pulled me away from focusing on my breath. Now, I keep my eyes just barely open, adopting a soft, unfocused gaze. This approach reduces visual input without the distractions that come with closed eyes, allowing me to concentrate more effectively.
Before sitting, I make sure to do some forward bends and twists to loosen up my body. This preparation helps me settle into my posture more comfortably and reduces tension.
Mentally, I follow the breath-counting method, counting from one to ten—inhaling on the odd numbers and exhaling on the even. To maintain focus, I employ a technique I developed: I imagine that my life depends on detecting the subtle sensation of a tiny grain of sand passing with each breath. This visualization heightens my vigilance and keeps my attention anchored to the inhalation and exhalation.
I also focus on my breathing technique. I take longer inhales and, on the exhale, I purse my lips slightly to create a soft sound. The combination of the auditory cue and the physical sensation of the pursed lips reinforces my focus on the breath and enhances the visualization of the grain of sand.
Overall, these adjustments have significantly improved my ability to minimize distractions and deepen my practice. I’m sharing these details in hopes that others might find some of these techniques useful. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how I might continue to refine my practice, I’d be grateful to hear them.
Shared by Kaz. Our mind is like a pond. Beneath the calm surface, dirt settles at the bottom. However, when the water is disturbed—when our mind is agitated —the pond becomes muddy and unclear.
Life offers countless things that can upset us. At work, perhaps it’s a demanding boss, a challenging coworker, or a difficult client causing frustration. In your personal life, family members, friends, or your partner may cause stress. Even during your drive to the zendo this morning, another driver might have irritated you. Or maybe your mind is filled with regret, cringing over the past, or worried about something beyond your control.
These experiences are like stirring the waters of our minds, making them cloudy and unsettled—the clarity fades away.
Yet we have a choice. While we can’t control others, we can control how we respond and how we feel. When you find yourself upset, worried, or disturbed, take a moment. Take a long, deep breath. Allow the waters of your mind to settle so the sediment sinks back to the bottom, restoring clarity.
During zazen, we practice long, calm breaths. Let’s embrace this practice whenever we encounter life’s disturbances. By calming our minds, we allow the mud to settle, and the water to remain clear.
Shared by Heidi
Lately, I’ve been pondering the concept of motive and how it shapes our lives. As I’ve incorporated daily meditation into my routine, I’ve noticed myself becoming less reactive. However, I still find myself responding to life’s challenges in ways that aren’t always ideal.
It’s a fact of life that we can’t control what comes our way. We’ll all face illness, death, and difficult people. Some researchers even argue that free will is an illusion, suggesting that our reactions are predetermined by our genetics, family history, and childhood traumas.
So, I asked myself: If I can’t control life’s events or my innate reactions to them, how can I lead a happy life? Am I doomed to simply react to everything that comes my way?
This is where the importance of motive comes into play. I’ve realized that examining my intentions for every action I take can make a significant difference. When I act out of fear, trying to hedge my risks, or out of selfishness and greed, trying to acquire or hold onto something, the outcomes are rarely positive.
However, when my motives are rooted in generosity, kindness, love, and a desire to create harmony in the world, I’m planting seeds that will grow into something beautiful. These positive intentions seem to attract more positivity into my life.
By focusing on my motives, I’ve found a different approach to navigating life’s challenges. Good things are happening in my life, and I attribute much of that to this shift in perspective. I’m grateful for the support of those around me who have helped me on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
As we go through life, let’s remember to pause and consider our motives. It might just be the key to finding more happiness and fulfillment in our daily experiences.
Shared by Sue Anawalt
Wabi Sabi is a Japanese concept considered to have arisen out of Zen Buddhism and is most often associated with the Japanese Tea Ceremony. It is pertinent here to insert a famous zen saying regarding my expertise on wabi sabi. “He who does not say knows.” and “He who says does not know.” With that disclaimer I will go on to declare that the spiritual values of wabi sabi are considered to come from what nature has to teach us.
The three main lessons are: All is impermanent. Even the hardest materials wear down and fade away. All things will have imperfections. Upon close observation even the most perfect things will have flaws and over time these will increase. Look at some of the ancient classical art pieces. Finally, all things are in a constant state of evolving and dissolving, including the universe. In one reading I did on Wabi Sabi by Leonard Koren he points out that, “We might mistake the newborn baby boy—small, wrinkled, bent, a little grotesque looking, for a very old man on the brink of death.” p.45.
Wabi Sabi was an aesthetic reaction to the 16th century ostentatious Chinese art of very fine porcelain and objects made of gold and precious jewels. As the Japanese tea ceremony evolved, the tea utensils became more crude and in line with Japan’s native folk craft. Materials would be earthen, dark, perhaps, misshaped. These things are never, or should never, be locked away in a museum.
From the limited research I have done, I can see there is quite a resistance to defining the term wabi sabi. Consequently, I won’t attempt to do so. However, where wabi sabi exists is in: tea gardens, bonsai, poetry (haiku and tanka) ceramics, and flower arrangement. One might be forgiven for saying that wabi sabi is evocative of a feeling.
Shared by Kaz
In 2012, Rev. Ito provided guidance to students on how they should prepare for zazen practice at our zendo. This guidance, titled “Rinzai Hakone Zendo Zazen Kokoroe,” outlines the essential principles and practices. I have included additional explanations to enhance understanding.
礼儀作法 (reigi saho) Etiquette and Courtesy. Students are expected to show respect towards the zendo and their fellow practitioners.
- Dress Code: Follow the dress code of zendo.
- Arrive Early: Show respect for others by arriving early. This helps avoid disturbing anyone.
- Entering the Temple: Remove your shoes and line them up neatly. Place any items you’re holding on the ground, and bow when entering or exiting.
- Walking on tatami: Avoid stepping on the edges of tatami mats. Keep quiet and walk mindfully to maintain tranquility.
- Silence and Mindfulness: Keep still and quiet during zazen to respect others. The zendo should be silent, except for essential communication.
- Interactions with Others:
- Greet others with a bow or “gassho” and be considerate.
坐してかんがえよ (za shite kangae yo)literally translating to “Sit and think,” holds a profound significance in Japanese Zen teachings. Beyond its literal meaning, it embodies a call to mindful presence. It urges practitioners to pause, settle into stillness, and cultivate a heightened awareness of the present moment. By letting go of distractions and thoughts about the past or future, one can fully engage with the now.
坐をきめよ (za wo kime yo) means to establish a stable and upright posture during meditation, which translates into physical stability, mental resolve, presence, and discipline in your practice. It’s about grounding yourself, centering your mind, and committing to the present moment.
背筋 頭 丹田 (sesuji atama tanden) Allow your body to settle. Straighten your spine, aligning your head. Bring your focus to the tanden, two and a half inches below your navel. Let your mind and all else rest in the tanden.
気息を坐らせよ (kisoku wo suwaraseyo) Allow your breath to settle into a natural, slow rhythm through your nose. Gently extend the exhale, aiming for it to be about twice as long as the inhale.
丹田を落ち着かせここが己の住処なり (tanden wo ochitsukase kokoga onoreno sumika nari) translates to “Calm your center (tanden), this is your true home.” This Zen phrase encourages focusing on your inner center—the tanden, located in the lower abdomen—to cultivate self-awareness and inner peace.
Here is recording of teisho by Rev Ito from 7/22/2012.
Shared by Lakshmi
As I was driving up here today I was stopped in my tracks by a family of deer blissfully crossing my path. I felt that given the topic I had chosen for the day, the situation was demanding I embrace a beginner’s mind. I wanted to follow up on a discussion we had had earlier on the “Beginner’s mind” sharing a practical tool I’ve found helpful—the idea is to use your non-dominant hand for everyday tasks. This exercise comes from a book called Mindfulness on the Go by Jan Chozen Bays, which offers various ways to integrate mindfulness into daily life—a perfect complement to meditation, which, if we’re not careful, can be forgotten when we leave the cushion.
The challenge is simple: incorporate your non-dominant hand into ordinary activities like brushing your teeth, combing your hair, or even eating. To challenge yourself you can attempt more difficult tasks like writing or using chopsticks with your non-dominant hand.
To remind yourself you can use a Band-Aid on your dominant hand or place a note on your bathroom mirror.
The author says when they used this in a monastery she visited, the exercise inevitably led to some laughs and brought people to the “Beginner’s Mind”. She says, “Our dominant hand may be forty years old, but the non-dominant hand is much younger, perhaps about two or three years old. We have to learn all over again how to hold a fork and how to get it into our mouth without stabbing ourselves. We might begin to brush our teeth very awkwardly with the non-dominant hand, and when we are not looking our dominant hand will reach out and take the toothbrush or fork away! It is just like a bossy older sister who says “Hey, you little klutz, let me do it for you!” I teach Mindfulness at a center where we tried this exercise – I found my hand was around 5 years old.
Using the non-dominant hand could remind us how much we take for granted the simple movements some people can no longer perform after a disability, injury, or stroke.
Deeper lessons: We discover how ingrained our habits are and how challenging they can be to change without conscious effort. This exercise can teach us patience. We also become more flexible and learn that we’re never too old to acquire new skills. As Zen Master Suzuki Roshe said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.” The author concludes aptly – “Mindfulness enables us to keep returning to the unlimited possibilities that are always emerging from the great birthing place of the present moment”
Shared by Susan
A world-renowned Stanford University psychologist, Dr. Carol Dweck, has done a great deal of research on achievement and success. She speaks about the power of mindset, specifically a growth mindset. I am just starting to learn about her research but this is what I’ve started to understand. The growth mindset is about challenging yourself and overcoming hurdles. This mindset is about taking risks and not letting setbacks discourage you. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive in the most challenging times.
So there is a phrase that can be used to promote a growth mindset. Rather than saying I can’t do that, it is about saying, “I can’t do that yet.” And with that, there is an emphasis on the trying and on the effort. It is a way to meet a challenge and overcome it. It opens up possibilities. I once said, “I can’t sit and meditate.” But rather I could have said, “I can’t sit and meditate yet.”
Shared by Grande
Photo by our friend Sue from Seattle
Speaking after our sitting today, I thought how wonderful it would be to meditate before a work presentation or a speech! Although it might seem unusual to your work colleagues to sit silently together before a presentation. The title of my share today is “Back to the Present”. Shout out to any “Back to the Future” or Michael J. Fox fans out there. We all have our individual journeys to mediation and mindfulness and I will be sharing mine today.
Kaz spoke last week about “beginner’s mind,” I began to think about my own path to meditation. It wasn’t a straight road. Like many, my gateway was unexpected. Years ago, when I was 27 while in Toronto, I was presenting and on my feet for three days straight. Midway, my back seized up with sciatica— I had a sharp, crippling pain every time I stood up. I tried everything: heat, ice, ibuprofen, even Bengay. The pain would go away briefly and then could return at a moment’s notice. Months later, someone suggested yoga.
Initially, I was skeptical. Yoga seemed a world away from my typical, more “masculine” activities like basketball. I became aware of the wisdom of my body for the first time. Yoga became a revelation—a profound awakening of the mind-body connection. Through the breath, I discovered I could relax parts of my body previously tense with stress and pain. I learned how pain in my back was related to tightness in my hamstrings and lack of core engagement. Yoga united me—my body, mind, and spirit—in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
What began as a means to heal my back evolved into a deeper understanding and acceptance of myself. The origin of the word yoga has a Sanskrit root meaning “unite.” Yoga is a means to uniting body, mind, and spirit. Yoga was developed as preparation for meditation. Yoga was meant as a way to still the body to still the mind.
Yoga led me to meditation. I found that being in my body led to being in my breath and kept me in the now, rather than my mind’s desire to be regretful about past actions or anxious about future decisions. Being in my body led me to being in my breath and helped me find my balance, re-find my balance, and refine my balance, rather than running away from back pain, emotional pain, or spiritual pain. Or clinging to desires like coffee ice cream, an amber ale, or the latest Netflix K-drama.
Each of us has a unique pathway to meditation. So for all of us revisiting our own stories can bring us back to that discovery; bring us back to the body and the breath whether on the mat, on the cushion, driving, or talking with a friend; brings us back to the harmony of our bodies, minds, and spirit; and brings us “Back to the Present”.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me
Shared by Kaz
In Japan, we often hear the phrase “初心忘るべからず” (Shoshin wasuru bekarazu), which means “Don’t forget your beginner’s mind.” This reminder from parents and teachers emphasizes the importance of maintaining a beginner’s mindset throughout life.
What is the Beginner’s Mind?The concept of the beginner’s mind, popularized by Suzuki Roshi in his book “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind,” encourages us to approach life with curiosity, openness, and a lack of preconceptions. It means seeing the world with fresh eyes, as if experiencing everything for the first time.
Historical RootsThe concept of a beginner’s mind is deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism and Japanese culture. It likely originates from the Zen phrase “初心不改” (Shoshin bukai) found in the “Blue Cliff Record (碧巌録) Hekiganroku,” a collection of Zen koans compiled in 1125. This phrase encourages maintaining one’s original intention.
In 1400, Zeami, a master of Noh—the oldest surviving form of Japanese theater—introduced the phrase “初心忘るべからず” in his work “Fūshi kaden (風姿花伝).” This phrase underscores the importance of preserving a beginner’s mindset while mastering an art. It remains relevant and widely used in Japan today.
Both expressions emphasize humility and continuous learning, and this idea remains relevant today.
Applying the Beginner’s Mind in My Daily LifePersonal GrowthAs a triathlete for nearly a decade, I’ve participated in several races each year, dedicating countless hours to swimming, biking, and running. When I first started, I focused on learning various techniques. However, over the years, I sometimes find myself just going through the motions. By reminding myself of the beginner’s mind, I stay focused on improvement and technique.
RelationshipsIn long-term relationships, it’s easy to take your partner for granted. I realized I had grown accustomed to my wife handling the household chores without properly acknowledging her efforts. By approaching my relationship with a beginner’s mind, I show renewed appreciation and respect for everything she does.
Practicing zazenDuring zazen meditation, I remind myself to approach each session as if I am new to the practice. By concentrating on my posture and breathing, I enhance my focus and awareness, which deepens my meditation experience.
By cultivating a beginner’s mind, we open ourselves to new possibilities and maintain a sense of wonder about the world. Let’s take a moment each day to approach life with fresh eyes and an open heart, embracing the wisdom of the beginner’s mind.
Shared by Michael
Life has its way of throwing unexpected challenges our path. For me, this realization hit hard after experiencing a near-fatal bike crash a few months back. As I’ve been navigating the recovery process, I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating new beginnings and what they truly mean.
We all experience fresh starts—whether it’s waking up each morning, launching a project, or entering a new fiscal year. But while it’s important to cultivate gratitude for each new beginning, I’ve come to realize that it’s the accumulation of moments that truly matters.
Initially, I was focused on finding gratitude in each singular moment due to conventional wisdom. Yet, something about this perspective didn’t entirely resonate with me. Then, it clicked. The real magic lies not just in isolated moments but in how they accumulate over time to shape our lives.
Life is a beautiful mix of highs and lows, a balance of good and bad. When I look back, it’s the collective experiences—the good and the challenging—that have brought meaning to my journey. Each interaction, each experience, has been a building block, contributing to who I am today.
We’re lucky to have these experiences, each one adding a unique thread to our tapestry of life. The sum of these moments is different for everyone, a reflection of our distinctive paths. When you’re having a tough day at work or stuck in traffic, try to remember that this is just a part of the grand accumulation of life.
So, take a step back and appreciate your collection of moments. Each day is an opportunity to add another piece to your greater story. Enjoy life in all its complexity and richness. Embrace the journey and cherish the moments you gather along the way.
Shared by Taylor
This year has been a whirlwind for me, packed with nerve-wracking moments and transformative experiences, particularly becoming a new parent. Seven weeks ago, my wife and I welcomed our baby into the world. The weeks leading up to this life-altering event were filled with anxiety—those pre-baby jitters that many say are quite normal. However, once our little one arrived, I found myself too busy and too exhausted to dwell on the anxieties that previously consumed me.
This shift from pre-baby worry to post-baby fatigue made me ponder the nature of anxiety itself. In my search for understanding, I stumbled upon a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist thinker, who described anxiety as “the modern illness of our time,” attributed to a lack of mindfulness. This resonated with me deeply. It echoed the familiar advice to live in the present moment, a wisdom woven into both Eastern and Western thought.
As I reflect on my experiences, I’ve identified three key insights gained from my practice of mindfulness and self-reflection, which I hope might be of help to others facing similar challenges:
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Proximity to Thoughts: Through mindfulness, I’ve learned to view my thoughts not as builders of reality but as random cries—much like those of a baby—emerging and flowing without my control. This realization, although seemingly obvious in the moment of quiet practice, becomes less apparent in the chaos of daily life where anxious thoughts feel productive. Setting aside just 30 minutes of quietude reveals them to be repetitive noise, rather than meaningful discourse.
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The Habit of Quiet: Carving out even five minutes a day for reflection has become a crucial discipline. This break from habitual patterns offers a respite, reminding me that tranquility is within reach. While I’m still inherently an anxious person, knowing that I can access this break consistently has been comforting.
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Acceptance of Anxiety: I’ve come to understand that anxiety is an integral part of who we are. Complete freedom from worry might be an unrealistic expectation. By perceiving thoughts as a natural flow from within rather than anchoring them as unassailable truths, they become less significant, much like a solvent dissolving the solidity of concerns.
Overall, this practice has become a vital aspect of my daily life, providing a framework to cope with the ever-present undercurrents of anxiety. While my journey is ongoing, these insights have illuminated a path toward greater mindfulness, offering peace amid the unpredictable dance of life.
Thank you for sharing this space with me, and I hope these reflections might serve as a touchstone for others navigating their own life’s challenges.
Shared by Hannah
Today, I wanted to share some thoughts inspired by a profound book, “The Power of Now.” While I don’t agree with everything in it, there’s a particular part that resonates deeply with how I view the world—it speaks to the idea of creating ‘no more pain’ in the present moment.
Our lives are never entirely free of pain, but this book suggests that the greater part of human suffering is unnecessary—a product of our unobserved minds. It explains that the pain we create stems from our lack of acceptance and unconscious resistance to the present moment. Our judgments and negativity are forms of resistance that are tied directly to the degree of our identification with our minds. Interestingly, the book proposes that the more we honor and accept the now, the less we suffer.
Why does our mind resist or deny the present? Because it thrives on time—past and future. It perceives our current reality, the ‘now,’ as a threat to its control.
From my own experience, after embracing mindfulness practices in my business and personal life, I’ve noticed a shift. My former habit of dwelling on past grievances and getting lost in future worries began to dissolve. With this practice, I learned to view both the past and future more clearly and objectively, acknowledging that much of our emotional distress stems not from the facts themselves, but from our interpretations of those facts.
Detaching from these interpretations has allowed me to experience life with less frequency of unnecessary pain. By focusing more on the now, I’ve found a sense of peace and clarity that serves as a balm to the challenges we all face.
That’s my reflection for today. Thanks for joining me on this journey.
Ann shared a profound reading from “Seeds for a Boundless Life: Zen Teachings from the Heart” by Blanche Hartman, a respected Zen teacher and former abbess at the San Francisco Zen Center. The passage she chose resonated deeply with the group, emphasizing the idea that we are perfect just as we are and that everything we have is a gift from others.
Blanche Hartman recounted her initial skepticism when she first heard her teacher, Suzuki Roshi, say, “You are perfect, just as you are.” Over time, she came to understand that this perfection isn’t about being flawless but about recognizing our inherent completeness and the interconnectedness of all things. This realization challenges the common conditioning that makes us feel inadequate and constantly striving for more.
Ann reflected on how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking there’s something wrong with us or our circumstances. She shared a personal anecdote about judging a house’s color and realizing how often we think, “If only this were different, my life would be perfect.” This mindset overlooks the fundamental truth that life, with all its imperfections, is a gift shaped by the kindness and contributions of others.
The discussion then opened up to the group, exploring the duality of accepting oneself as perfect while acknowledging the imperfections and challenges of life. One participant, Michael, emphasized the importance of owning where we are at any given moment, recognizing that we are perfect now and will be perfect tomorrow, despite any changes.
Tingting highlighted the power of accepting reality as it is, even when it doesn’t align with our desires. This acceptance doesn’t negate the difficulties we face but rather integrates them into a broader understanding of life’s gifts and the support we receive from others.
The session concluded with a sense of gratitude and a reminder of the interconnectedness that defines our existence. As Ann beautifully put it, “How lucky we are. We can pay attention to the fact that we are perfect the way we are, and it is because of other people.”
In the spirit of Zen, this reflection encourages us to embrace our inherent perfection, appreciate the contributions of others, and find peace in the present moment.
Share by Shengyu
Practicing Tai Chi has been a transformative experience for me. Philosophically, Tai Chi aims to achieve a state of peacefulness. It’s not just about the movements, but also about quieting the mind and focusing on the postures, akin to meditation.
One fundamental posture in Tai Chi is called “standing like a tree”, where you imagine three strings pulling you up while the rest of your body remains relaxed. I’ve replaced my morning seated meditation with this practice, and it has brought me a sense of calm and readiness for the day.
There’s a common misconception that Tai Chi is an easy, elderly activity. In reality, it’s rooted in martial arts and can be quite challenging. Starting young can make it easier to master as you age.
This journey with Tai Chi has not only taught me about physical balance but also about mental tranquility.
Shared by Sonam
Visiting the zendo every Sunday has become a cherished part of my life. From the moment I step into the beautiful garden, I’m filled with gratitude for the serene environment and the dedication of those who maintain it. The rituals—vows, chanting, and more—rekindle my appreciation for my cultural roots and instill a deep sense of mindfulness.
Meditation is an ongoing challenge for me, as my mind often wanders. Yet, the sounds of water and birds gently bring me back to the present, teaching me to embrace each imperfect moment. This practice has influenced me so much that I now seek out zendo wherever I travel, always looking for a space to reconnect.
I encourage everyone to let go of self-judgment when their minds drift and to appreciate the mindful moments we share. Thanks to all who make this journey possible. Your efforts inspire us to bring more peace into our lives and the world.
“Hi bi kore kōjitsu”
Finding Beauty in Our Everyday Lives
Shared by Reni
日々是好日 which means “every day is a good day” I personally like to say “every day is a beautiful day.” One of my favorite concepts from Japanese life philosophy.
I first encountered this phrase in The Wisdom of Tea by Noriko Morishita’s book about her journey in learning about the traditional tea ceremony. The story was later adapted into a beautiful movie which came out in the year of 2018 directed by Tatsushi Ômori.
In the book, Morishita and her friend Michiko during their first tea ceremony practice come across a calligraphy scroll bearing at their sensei’s home. Later on, it becomes a recurring motif in their practice, serving as a constant reminder to find beauty and gratitude in each day.
Michiko and I kneeled in the formal posture, to which we were unaccustomed.
“Nori?” Michiko whispered.
“What?” For some reason, I lowered my voice too.
“What does that say?”
Michiko was looking at the flowing calligraphy on the scroll in the alcove and the frame above the picture rail opposite.
“… I can’t read it.”
Entering the room Aunt Takeda followed the direction of our gaze and smiled broadly.
The one in the frame says, ‘Every day is a good Day,’ ‘Nichinichi kore kojitsu’ By the end of her book her character finds her own conclusion on how to cherish each moment of her life; “Everything in here-including me-was connected, woven together like threads in a single bolt of fabric.”
Interestingly, this phrase isn’t limited to tea ceremonies. It has deep roots in Zen Buddhism and is at least 300 years old. During my conversation with Kaz. He even recalled a teisho by Rev Ito in 2012 where he interpreted it as “Every Day is a Birthday,” emphasizing the idea of new beginnings and opportunities. While I was listening to his recordings I noticed his pure excitement by saying “beautiful day.” The way he carried his voice made me feel like I’m on the right pathway of my long journey.
My sensei, Noriko Lake, helped me externalize my own version by designing and creating especially one for me. I keep my scroll within sight and I remind myself that this philosophy challenges us to change our perspective, even when we can’t change our circumstances. It’s about finding beauty in the everyday, appreciating the present moment, and while in this world I think I try to live with a grateful heart.
Shared by Lakshmi
We often hear that meditation is good for you or that it’s good to be in the present moment and we often take that on faith. Today, I want to explore why it may actually have practical benefits for us.
In psychology, a concept that has been well-researched is – ” the happiness set point.” We all have a baseline level of happiness that we tend to revert to over time. Whether you win the lottery or face a significant setback, your happiness level eventually stabilizes back to this baseline. This idea was fascinating to me, especially when I saw how families adapt to a “new normal” after life-altering events.
Meditation gained popularity in the West around the 60s, and some meditators who were scientists decided to focus their research on the topic. One of them, Richard Davidson was encouraged by the Dalai Lama to study kindness and compassion. He decided to do that and also study meditation’s effects on the brain. He scanned the brains of Tibetan lamas and discovered some incredible changes. They found that the brains of experienced meditators showed cortical thickening in areas linked to executive function, self-awareness, and logic while the emotionally reactive parts of the brain were downregulated. This means meditation physically enhances areas responsible for critical thinking and self-awareness while reducing reactivity in the limbic system, our brain’s emotional hub. It was also found to raise the happiness set point by creating new neural pathways.
Jon Kabat-Zinn was another scientist who decided to come up with a secular approach to meditation to study the medical benefits for patients in clinics. This led to the development of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. Since the ’80s, MBSR has grown into a widely recognized program worldwide.
When studying psychology, I was amazed at the sheer volume of research supporting meditation. Studies show meditation’s potential to improve mental health by reducing symptoms of ADHD, depression, and anxiety. At the clinic where I work, I was pleasantly surprised to find mindfulness used as an evidence-based intervention. More importantly, meditation doesn’t just offer a moment of peace but can effectively make us feel better.
In summary, meditation offers profound practical benefits. From enhancing brain functions and emotional regulation to being a proven intervention in mental health treatment, meditation is much more than a spiritual practice; it’s a powerful tool for fostering sustained well-being.
Thanks for joining me on this exploration of the neuroscience of meditation.
Reni’s sharing
This morning at the zendo, I had the joy of sharing the concept of “omoiyari” with everyone. Kaz & I worked together on a wood panel design which would reflect our community’s mindset. Omoiyari seemed like the perfect expression on how kindly we treat each other. I’m a complete beginner in shodo as you can see from my Japanese kanji writings. It took me just a moment to embrace the concept in my heart but many months before I was ready to write “omoiyari”on the wood piece. Erin Niimi Longhurst beautifully describes “Omoi” and “omoiyari” as a Japanese term that embodies selfless compassion and empathy towards others. Omoi can refer to the way people think, or their feelings, emotions, sentiments or desires all accumulated into their whole existence. Omoiyari is about anticipating the needs of others in an altruistic way, imbued with sympathy and empathy, without expecting anything in return.
In the book she describes various ways to express omoiyari such as mottainai, kirei, teinei, zakka, wa, omotenashi, onkochishin, senbazuru, omakase and so on. In kirei we find harae which is a Shinto shrine purification process where you wash your hands with temizuya water by mindfully using a hisaku. Omoiyari could be as simple as being mindful and kind in our daily interactions, not just towards others but also towards ourselves. Sometimes, we can help others so easily that we forget about our own needs. Omoiyari reminds us to be kind to ourselves as well.
Kaz added an everyday example from Japanese culture. He explained how even aligning shoes neatly at the entrance of a home is an act of omoiyari. It makes it easier for guests to enter, showing consideration for others. This small act is deeply embedded in daily life in Japan.
At the Zendo, we practice omoiyari by being mindful as we enter the space. We take a moment to center ourselves and be present with each other. This simple act of mindfulness sets the tone for a harmonious environment.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share omoiyari with my zen community. It’s inspiring to see how this concept resonates with everyone and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives, creating a more compassionate and mindful zendo.
Thank you for embracing this journey with me.
Warm regards,
Reni
Shared by Michael
Good morning, everyone! I want to share an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of life’s balance.
The Unluckiest and Luckiest DayTwo months ago, I had a catastrophic bike accident, landing me in trauma and a month-long hospital stay. A friend who was with me during the accident called it my “luckiest day.” Despite my pain, she explained that a series of fortunate events unfolded: a registered nurse was right behind me, the fire crew was nearby, and an ambulance arrived quickly. Considering we were in the remote Santa Cruz mountains, these response times were miraculous.
Yin and Yang: The Balance of LifeThis experience made me think about yin and yang—the balance of life. My unluckiest day was also my luckiest due to the timely help I received. It highlighted how even in our darkest moments, there can be elements of light.
Reflecting on Positives Amid NegativesWe often focus on the negatives during tough times. However, recognizing the hidden positives can help us navigate life’s challenges. My accident reminded me of how lucky I was to have immediate help in a remote area.
ConclusionWhen you’re going through a tough time, try to identify the positives that might be present. Life is rarely black and white; it’s the shades of gray that often hold the most profound lessons.
Thank you for listening. Let’s embrace the balance in our lives, finding light even in the darkest times.
Shared by Ann
Today, Ann shared her thoughts on the practice of Zazen, which we just experienced together.
As we sat on our cushions or stools, our bodies were engaged in the simple act of sitting. However, our minds were on a journey, striving to be present in each moment. Some moments might have been uncomfortable, with our knees aching, while others might have been peaceful, as we listened to the sound of water, birds, and even jets flying overhead.
Each of us comes to Zazen for different reasons. Some are curious about the tranquility and peacefulness they’ve heard about, while others have made a commitment to attend. Some, like the family I once met, hope to improve their sleep. Others are seeking something they can’t quite identify, like a flower blossoming without knowing why.
The key question is: Is this practice helpful for you? In a world that often focuses on mindfulness for productivity and achievement, Zazen offers a different path. It’s a way to explore what we feel is missing in our lives, without the pressure of specific teachings or goals.
At our zendo, we provide a space for each person to discover who they are through this simple practice. We don’t aim to guide you towards any particular teaching, but rather to create an open environment for personal exploration.
So, as you reflect on your experience, ask yourself: Why did I come this morning?
Thank you for being here and engaging in this journey with us.
Shared by Ann
Ann highlights the vow, “Beings are numberless, I vow to care for them all,” and argues that it applies to everyone, regardless of their spiritual path.
Ann emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between gentleness and strictness, drawing on the concept of the “middle way.” She encourages mindfulness, understanding the situation, and acting accordingly.
Finally, Ann encourages being aware and considerate towards both others and oneself, striving to do one’s best in caring for everyone, including oneself. This simple summary captures the key points of Ann’s reflection, offering a concise overview of her message.
Here is the recording of today’s Ann’s sharing.
Shared by Ann
Have you ever noticed the han (hanging wood board) that is suspended near the entrance of the our zendo? When we begin our zazen, we strike this han with a mallet. Ann provided some insights into the significance of the han and the meaning behind the words inscribed on it.
Photo of our han with rev Ito in 2019
Our HanLife and death matter 生死事大 （しょうじじだい）
Silent and quick 無常迅速 （むじょうじんそく）
Light and shade is precious 光陰可惜 （こういんおしむべし）
Time can’t wait 時不待人 （ときひとをまたず）
(Google translation of Hakone Zendo’s Han from Japanese to English)
Middle Way Zen’s Han (Soto zendo Ann leads)
Wake up
Life is transient, swiftly passing
Be aware of the Great Matter
Don’t waste time
From Rinzai website
(Link to translation) (Same Kanji as our han. Translated into English)Life and death are of utmost importance
Time should be cherished
Impermanence is swift
Time waits for no one
Ann shard the meaning of the words written on the “han” a board struck before the start of zazen.
This morning, I reflected on the “han,” the board struck before zazen begins at our zendo. It signifies gathering, but ideally, we’re already present.
The inscription intrigued me, leading me to explore its meaning beyond the literal translation. A lengthy Google Doc explanation felt overwhelming, obscuring the essence.
Our han simply says, “Wake up. Life is transient, swiftly passing. Be aware of the great matter and don’t waste time.” This resonates deeply with me – it’s about the preciousness of each moment.
Rev. Ito’s inscription, translated, reads: “Life and death matter. Silent and quick. Light and shade, sometimes shadow. Is precious. Time cannot wait.” It reinforces that this fleeting moment is all we have. Over-analyzing is futile; it’s already gone.
“Wake up” means being truly present, not rushing. I once got so caught up in weekend bliss that I forgot about work. Both realities exist, but it’s in the moments we miss that we appreciate the present.
Ultimately, the meaning of the inscription lies in what it evokes within you. It’s about your personal understanding, not the words themselves.
Shared by Linu
It has been more than a decade since I first encountered the word Zen. Over the years, I have heard this term in numerous contexts: design, art, meditation, Steve Jobs, and more. And yet when I ask myself to define what it is, I fail to put a finger on it. This unsettled me and led me recently to buy this book by Bonnie Myotai Treace called “A Year of Zen: A 52-Week Guided Journal”. The book has daily thought-provoking prompts that make you think deeply (and hopefully experience zen). I want to share a paragraph from the book that resonated with me. I hope you enjoy it!
~~~Zen will steal your tongue, and then ask that you speak. It will deliver you to the territory of utter intimacy, and make clear that whatever you say about it only moves you away from it. No one is immune from Zen’s truth: we each and all suffer the demand that we express the inexpressible. We wake up in this demand everyday, and seek sleep in the evening even as it presses on our heart. Think about it: your life is an astonishing improbability. Every single moment has a fresh face. And absolutely no one but the one reading (or hearing) this right now has what it takes to fully realize your precise possibilities. There is a heavy responsibility to this, as well as the lightness of a feather, floating in the invisible wind that will bring the affair to the perfect rest. Perhaps Meister Eckhard was right: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough”.
~~~
Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Year-Zen-52-Week-Guided-Journal/dp/1638788537
(Photo by Reni)
Shared by Anand
These are excerpts from the Book: The Best Team Wins, by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton (Page 233)
Three Good Things
Martin Seligman, a psychology professor at University of Pennsylvania, developed many of the ideas used today in the field of positive psychology. He suggested an exercise called “Three Good Things”. Each night, just before bed time, people write down three good things that happened during the day, especially how they helped bring those good things about. Those positive memories are then processed during our REM sleep and the theory is we will wake up more positive and confident.
Shared by Kaz
How do you motivate yourself to overcome challenges? Any special tactics?
Personally, I train for triathlons every year, and the January training can be a real struggle. It’s cold, often rainy, and still dark in the mornings. Whenever I get ready for training, my mind starts coming up with excuses – maybe I can start tomorrow, or it’s okay to skip today. Despite many attempts to push through, I sometimes faced failures.
However, one approach that consistently works for me is adopting the mindset of “might as well.” I think I might as well give it a shot and see how much I can swim. I’m already awake, so why not? I am already done for 1 month of training so might as well try to continue. It’s like, I’ve already committed to a month of training, so might as well keep the momentum going.
Interestingly, this phrase has also become my go-to phrase in various situations. Like during a family dinner, I tell myself, might as well forget about work and fully enjoy the time with my loved ones to stay in the present.
Do you have any go-to phrases or tricks that help you push through challenges? Let’s share some inspiration!
Shared by Aaron on 1/28/24
From Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
“Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine. If you become too busy and too excited, your mind becomes rough and ragged. This is not good. If possible, try to be always calm and joyful and keep yourself from excitement. Usually we become busier and busier, day by day, year by year, especially in our modern world.”
“Zen is not something to get excited about. Some people start to practice Zen just out of curiosity, and they only make themselves busier. If your practice makes you worse, it is ridiculous. I think that if you try to do zazen once a week, that will make you busy enough. Do not be too interested in Zen.”
“Just continue in your calm, ordinary practice and your character will be built up. If your mind is always busy, there will be no time to build, and you will not be successful, particularly if you work too hard on it. Building character is like making bread—you have to mix it little by little, step by step, and moderate temperature is needed. You know yourself quite well, and you know how much temperature you need. You know exactly what you need. But if you get too excited, you will forget how much temperature is good for you, and you will lose your own way. This is very dangerous.”
Shared by Taylor on 1/21/24
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki: “If you continue this special practice every day, you will obtain some wonderful power. Before you attain it, it is something wonderful, but after you attain it, it is nothing special.”
Dogen: “Before one studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters; after a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are no longer waters; after enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters.”
Shared by Peter on 1/14/24
Through meditation, we practice mindfulness. So what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a skill that involves focusing attention on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or thinking about the future.
When I learnt practicing meditation for the first time, I was told to be mindful of my breathing–breathe in and breathe out. The more I practice meditation the more I realize it’s all about focusing on my true conscious experience of the present moment. Each time I breathe in, I feel thankful for being alive. Each time I breathe out, I just feel like letting go of all those worries and unhappiness. Nothing can be more joyful than being alive with no worries, right? I often don’t appreciate this great joy because of my tendency to take things for granted. It is also because I’m not mindful enough of the present moment.
We often show a lack of mindfulness of the present moment because we get our mind full of the past and the future. We might be possessed by sorrows in the past, and fear for the future.
Time is like a river stream. You cannot touch the same water twice. It is a good metaphor for our life journey. The only moment we can enjoy is the present moment, not in the past because it was gone, not in the future because it has not arrived yet.
Mindfulness (of the present moment) helps us focus our energy on doing things NOW for tomorrows. We don’t have 100% control over what might happen tomorrow. But we can do just like a farmer does – be mindful of sowing good seeds NOW in preparing for a good harvest LATER. “ Why Worry? If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?”
The past was gone, and we cannot change a thing in the PAST. With the power of mindfulness (of the present moment), we learn to let go of the agony of the past.
With the power of mindfulness, we are motivated to live a FULL life, not a wasted life of regretting, sorrowing, fearing and despairing.
With the power of mindfulness, we learn to understand and develop a clear perspective towards life. “It is not life that causes suffering, but our expectation that life should be the way we want.”
Shared by Deepak
Deepak generated this image using AI
To lighten the mood, I shared a humorous story about meditation
A bunch of monks were meditating together when a Buddhist deity suddenly appeared before them. The deity pointed to one of the monks, named Larry, and said, “Your meditation is so pure that it has been noticed in all of the Pure Lands of the Buddha. It has been decided to award you with a choice of Buddha’s wisdom, or the wealth of the world.” Larry, of course, chose wisdom.
“So be it,” said the deity and disappeared in a puff of emptiness.
The monk just sat there, saying nothing. Finally one of the others monks couldn’t stand it anymore. “Say something,” he pleaded.
Larry quietly responded, “I should have taken the money.”
As we end the year and celebrate the holidays with our respective families, I wanted to highlight how important it is to lighten the spirits, enjoy the moment and find joy.
My daughter is 9 months old, and she is a bundle of joy. She recently started laughing out loud filled with joy at the simplest possible thing – bouncing the ball, seeing our cat walk and while playing peekaboo.
It made me think about how simple things can bring us joy. but as we grow old we lose that ability. Joy can be worldly – driven by our senses (getting anew car for example) or it can be unworldy, coming from within. Meditation helps us find joy from within – even Buddha has a half-smile while meditating.
I hope we all are able to find joy during these holidays and share joy with our close ones.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Deepak
Shared by Chris on 12/17
What is the relationship between comfort and growth? Often, discomfort is the gateway or catalyst to growth, which means we should be wary of being overly focused on comfort. A reading from “The Prophet” illustrated this:
And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?
Have you peace, the quiet urge that reveals your power?
Have you rememberances, the glimmering arches that span the summits of the mind?
Have you beauty, that leads the heart from things fashioned of wood and stone to the holy mountain?
Tell me, have you these in your houses?
Or have you only comfort, and the lust for comfort, that stealthy thing that enters the house a guest, and then becomes a host, and then a master?
Ay, and it becomes a tamer, and with hook and scourge makes puppets of your larger desires.
Though its hands are silken, its heart is of iron.
It lulls you to sleep only to stand by your bed and jeer at the dignity of the flesh.
It makes mock of your sound senses, and lays them in thistledown like fragile vessels.
Verily the lust for comfort murders the passion of the soul, and then walks grinning in the funeral.
On the other hand, too much discomfort is damaging. A good metaphor is the oyster that produces the pearl–just enough sand creates the jewel. Too little and now jewel. Too much sand and the oyster chokes and dies.
Shared by Anand
Reference and Acknowledgement – The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, by Robin Sharma, Page 101, 102
“Study a baby. She has no limits. Her mind is a lush landscape of potential and possibility. Properly cultivated, it will lead her to greatness. Filled with negativity, it will lead her to mediocrity, at best. What I am saying is this: no experience, whether is public speaking or asking your boss for raise or swimming in a sun soaked lake or walking along the beach on a moonlit night, is inherently painful or pleasant. It is your thinking that makes it so.
A baby could be trained to view a glorious sunny day as depressing. A child could be trained to see a puppy as a vicious animal. An adult could be trained to see a drug as pleasant vehicle for release. It is all a matter of conditioning, isn’t it?”
“The same holds true of fear. Fear is a conditioned response. It is your own creation. Like any other creation it is as easy to tear it down as it is easy to create it”.
==============
Something to think about: Why do small children climb a slide from the opposite end?
Shared by Nan
I am grateful for having this time to share my meditation practice with our group.
I have been experiencing the joy of in person sitting in California.
Recently, I was fortunate to have a vacation in Japan, and I was able to do zazen while I visited
Kencho-Ji Temple at Kamakura.
My experiences from the different times and places all leads to one path …
Regardless of where I sit,
the experience is so familiar that any given cushion can be my center.. my home.
Feeling the movement of my body bowing from my head down is natural .
Seeing and hearing the giant bell seems different yet the same meaning as the sound of a tiny bell.
During the teisho, the Japanese language sounds very different from the English language yet the practice flows with no words needing to be translated.
Experiencing the oneness of the sangha /community there is the same as the kindness of our community here.
The entire meditation practice is indeed universal!
Here is a poem I created based on my sittings…
Ryan shared poems: “The Guest House” by Jalaluddin Rumi & “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson. The Guest House by Jalaluddin Rumi This being human is a guest house.Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness,some momentary awareness comesas an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all!Even if they’re a … Read more Poems: “The Guest House” & “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters”
Introduction to Zazen MeditationAre you interested in trying out Zazen meditation, or do you know someone who might be? Hakone Zendo is offering an introductory session for those who want to explore it. Event Details:Date & Time: August 19, 2023 (Sat), from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AMVenue: Hakone Gardens, Saratoga CA Fee: Free Kids are welcome … Read more Introduction To Zazen Meditation Aug 19, 2023 (Sat) 9:00am~ (Free)
Shared by Reni Photo of our garden by Sondra 気 Ki in Daily Life by Koichi Tohei Reflecting on Koichi Tohei’s lifelong training & philosophical viewpoint regarding Ki energy “Man today has his eyes trained only on the society of man. This is particularly true of city dwellers who almost every day, see nothing but … Read more Way of Ki
Thank you Reni, for getting Tanabata Tanzaku for Zendo. Here you can find what tanabata is about.Here is our wish. “Wishing Hakone Zendo to be a place of peace in the community forever.“ “箱根禅堂がいつまでもコミュニティーの憩いの場であれますように“ Ann shared the passing of Mark Adams, Zen Preist. This is his last haiku. “Tender and fierce the clock, the whole … Read more Passing of Taizan Gendo, Mark Adams
Shared by Luke flower arrngement by Reni Here is a link for everyone to download the cards I shared. You can print it out on “holographic cardstock,” which you can order on Amazon. The study terms are taken from the Kadampa Buddhist Glossary here I would also like you to share a link to this … Read more Super Mario Galaxy Buddhism Cards
Photo by Sondra Sharing by Ann Rev. Ito once described the hatching of a chick by saying that Momma henpecks from outside the shell while the unborn chick pecks in the same place from inside the shell….causing a rupture in the shell and the subsequent hatching of the chick. According to Google, this is not … Read more Tariki and Jiriki （他力 自力）
Shared by Sondra In the Fall of 2022, as a newcomer to Zen Buddhism and Zazen, I immediately felt at home during my first zazen-kai in the Rinzai Hakone Zendo. Through reading the Hakone Zendo website, I discovered that Reverend Enyo Ito founded Rinzai Hakone Zendo in 1998 and offered students an opportunity to attend … Read more
How students should prepare for zazen
Shared by Kaz
In 2012, Rev Ito shared with students how students should be prepared to come to our zendo for zazen. “Rinzai hakone zendo zazen kokoroe”. I added explanations.
- 礼儀作法 (reigi saho): Etiquette & be courteous. Students should respect the zendo and other students. Students can clean and set up our zendo where we meditate. To be courteous to others, students can avoid disturbing others by arrive early and try move less during zazen.
- 坐してかんがえよ (za shite kangae yo): Just sit. Do not think anything. Don’t think about what you are going to do later today or what happened to you earlier, just sit to be yourself.
- 坐をきめよ (za wo kime yo)（座相）zasou: Find your center and sit. Students can move bodies from side to side and front and back to find their center.
- 背筋 頭 丹田 (sesuji atama tanden): Let your body to sit. Straighten your spine and align your head. Focus on tanden, 2.5 inches below your navel. Your mind and everything sit in tanden.
- 気息を坐らせよ (kisoku wo suwaraseyo): Control your breath. 1/3 should be inhaling, and 2/3 should be exhaling. Try longer exhaling.
- 丹田を落ち着かせここが己の住処なり (tanden wo ochitsukase kokoga onoreno sumika nari): Focus on tanden. Breathe slowly and abdominally.
Here is recording of teisho by Rev Ito from 7/22/2012.
Shared by Dev
I wanted to talk briefly on the interpretation of emptiness, which is a central tenet. Buddhism is in its third millennia. What we practice here is transmitted through multiple countries and cultures. Things have been added, and also changed, may be removed. The original Scriptures in Pali (which is derived from Sanskrit) mentions shunyata, not emptiness. The word shunyata is hard to translate. It’s derived from the digit zero, shunya- a mathematical concept. The word we use today – emptiness didn’t convey the same meaning IMO. It also doesn’t translate back to Shunyata. Maybe zeroness. This shows the limitations imposed by languages, translations and ultimately what a word can capture.
Would like to mention a quote by Bodhidharma which is really captured the meaning of emptiness for me: “The mind that neither exists nor doesn’t exist is called the Middle Way.””
Ultimately every generation attempts to convey the meaning of emptiness and non-attachment. For our generation this is especially difficult due to the complexities of this world, which grabs our attention at every turn. I feel the best way to express and understand emptiness is to feel it as we try to detach from our senses during zazen from the many attachments of the modern world. We try to observe our minds as it attaches to each of the sensations, understand it’s nature of it and detach from it once we realize. Ultimately, as Buddha said everything in this world is empty but realizing it is requires peaceful effort.
End with another quote by Bodhidharma, motivated by the koi pond outside:
“although the buddha comes from the mind, the mind doesn’t come from the buddha, just as fish come from water, but water doesn’t come from fish. Whoever wants to see a fish sees the water before he sees the fish./ And whoever wants to see a buddha sees the mind before he sees the buddha. Once you’ve seen the fish, you forget about the water. And once you’ve seen the buddha, you forget about the mind. If you don’t forget about the mind, the mind will confuse you, just as the water will confuse you if you don’t forget about it.”
Ref: The Zen teaching of Bodhidharma by Red pine : https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51936602
Shared by Reni
Stephen Batchelor introduces us to modern-day Buddhism in contemporary life. He published multiple books on Buddhism after he studied Tibetian, South Korean and European Buddhism he culminated his own way of Secular Buddhism. In his younger age he visited India where he was introduced to Tibetan Buddhism and he chose to take monastic ordination due to the strong personal connection to its fundamental ideas, later on he decided to move to South Korea, where he continued his studies in contemplative practices in Rinzai zen.
Stephen Batchelor, in his book, calls to mind the way of being in the construct of emptiness. Within the search of self, one can easily get confused by simply thinking “no-self” leads to a meaningful life. However, I think denying oneself takes away from everything that truly matters in this world. How can compassion, caring and universal love arise in someone’s heart without knowing the individual self? The very individual self that can recognize its shortcomings and take responsibility for its own existence while it’s harmoniously connected to the conscious universe.
Understanding the dualistic nature of egoistic self where the mind creates conflicts, hatred, violence, divisions, beliefs and dogmas. The author states in his book: “The four ennobling truths become principal dogmas of the belief system known as “Buddhism”. The Buddha’s teachings lost its meaning once it was elevated into an unreachable moment for an everyday person without spiritual guidance.
Buddha’s nature is attainable to everyone. Nevertheless, emptiness is a heartfelt personal moment. The Buddha found his own pathway and he encouraged us to find our own ways to reach the same central pathway. He was able to alleviate his own pain without any self destruction and find the way to authentic awakening. Emptiness is such an elusive word, it can mean freeing ourselves away from harmful negative attachments. I think emptiness is the infinite depth of oneself mirroring the universal consciousness. The freedom of the heart and mind can help us experience new life stories without the burden of preconceived notions and prejudice.
Shared by Kaz
During my recent business trip to Tokyo, I joined zazen-kai at Engakuji, a Rinzai temple in Kamakura located southwest of Tokyo.
I have traveled to Tokyo for business several times a year for over a decade. I tried to join Zazen-kai in Tokyo but couldn’t find any Zazen-kai that fit my schedule. So this time, I decided to stay in Yokohama, between Tokyo and Kamakura, to join Zazen-Kai at one of Rinzai’s head temples in Kamakura. Kamakura is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its historical significance and numerous Zen temples. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), it served as the political center of Japan and witnessed the rise and influence of Zen Buddhism.
Engakuji
Rinzai Zen, one of the major Zen sects in Japan, originated in China and was introduced to Kamakura during the late 12th century. The founder of Rinzai Zen in Kamakura was a Chinese Zen master named Eisai, also known as Zen Master Daitō Kokushi.
Zen Buddhism, also known as Chan Buddhism in China, was introduced to Japan from China during the 12th century. The Kamakura period was marked by social and political unrest, and the teachings of Zen Buddhism resonated with the samurai class and gained popularity among the ruling elite.
Engakuji was established in 1282 and is in front of Kita Kamakura station. Engakuji was established by the eighth Kamakura regent Hojo Tokimune (1251–1284), who wished both to spread the Zen teachings and to bring peace to the spirits of all those, both Japanese and Mongol, who had perished during the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281.
The teachings of Zen Buddhism resonated with the samurai ethos, as it emphasized discipline, mindfulness, and the ability to act decisively in the face of challenges. In addition, Zen meditation, known as zazen, offered the samurai a way to cultivate mental clarity, focus, and a sense of presence.
Engakuji’s association with the samurai class extended beyond spiritual practice. Engaku-ji also served as a place for the training and education of samurai warriors. In addition, the temple’s grounds included facilities for martial arts training, such as archery and swordsmanship, providing a holistic approach to developing the samurai’s mind and body.
Zazen-kai at Engakuji
- Engakuji offers a daily morning zazen-kai starting at 6 am. People who wanted to join the Zazen-kai lined up by the Butsu den. I joined for two days during this trip, and we had about ten people each day. When I lined up, I vowed to the person in front of me and then vowed to the butsu-den. We waited for the monk’s arrival in silence.
Once the monk arrived, we said “good morning” and were then ushered into the butsudan silently. People who were not familiar with Zazen gathered for a quick tutorial while everyone else settled wherever they wanted to sit.
The monk hit the taku and bell, which echoed in the butsu-den, signaling the start of zazen. Soon, I started to hear birds chirping and the sound of motorcycles, very familiar sounds for me at Hakone Gardens. After 20 minutes, the monk hit the taku and bell, indicating the end of the first session. After a short silent break, the second session started. The monk began walking with the keisaku. People who wanted to receive the keisaku vowed when the monk was passing in front of them. I vowed and received the keisaku. Since there was no tatami, I was told to hold both elbows and keep my head down. As expected, the keisaku was given harder (not tapping) than what we offered at our Zendo. It was loud as it echoed in the butsu-den, but it didn’t hurt.
After the zazen-kai was over, I took the rush-hour train back and reflected on my experience. Over 750 years ago, samurai warriors meditated at this temple to quiet their minds. It is amazing that we practice the same meditation today in our zendo, located 5,000 miles away from the temple, and speaking a different language.
I am thankful to have joined the zazen-kai at Engakuji and will definitely come back.
Sharing by Peter
photo by Sondra
“Interbeing” is a new word and a new concept introduced by Thich Nhat Hanh. He employs this new word to explain the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.
A sheet of paper, for example, is an interbeing as it is connected with a cloud through a chain of relationships.
Without a cloud, there will be no rain;
without rain, the trees cannot grow;
and without trees, we cannot make paper.
If the cloud is not here, the sheet of paper cannot be here either.
So we can say that the loud and the paper inter-are.
According to this concept, everything in the universe exists in relation to everything else, and no single entity can be understood in isolation from the rest.
In Buddhism, one of the core teachings is NON-SELF or NO SELF. The common understanding of SELF is INDIVIDUAL SELF (my SELF, Your SELF, her SELF, his SELF). It is largely based upon the principle of INDIVIDUALISM. If we apply the concept of ‘Interbeing’, it might help us understand better what NON-SELF really means. It simply means we should abandon INDIVIDUAL SELFs and adopt one universal INTERBEING SELF instead.
“Nothing happens until something moves. When something vibrates, the electrons of the entire universe resonate with it. Everything is connected.”
—- Albert Einstein
Sharing by Reni.
In our everyday lives we tend to ask possible questions. Why? Is it difficult for us to ask impossible questions? What if the constant feeling of “something is missing” is beyond our thinking mind. What if we only find real answers within the unknown. What if we only find it in the unseen. Can you let yourself think outside of your projected self in the societal system? Can you embrace your true self? The unknown is out of our control, creating a sense of unease. We naturally want to stay in the “known”, which provides a sense of safety. The obsession with safety is embedded in control. However, not everything is in our control. Living with conformity of thought results in impediment to freedom. Krishnamurti explains his idea while he is having an open conversation with a crowd of listeners;
“A mind that is capable of learning is entirely different from a mind which is capable only of conforming. A mind that is learning, that is observing, seeing actually ‘What is’, is not interpreting “what is” according to its own desires, its own conditioning, its own particular pleasures.”
When I finally understood his words I could free myself from conformity. It led me to the realization that love was within me. The feeling of “something is missing” simply dissipated, and in that very moment, my soulful heart actualized.
“The mind that is actually free, has no inward authority whatsoever; it knows what it means to love and to meditate.”
One of my favorite discussions from the book is the flower’s pure existence;
“You cannot be whole if you do not know what love is. If you are whole-in the sense we are talking about-then there is no question of loving another. Have you ever watched a flower by the roadside. It exists, it lives in the sun, in the wind, in the beauty of light and colour, it does not say to you: ‘Come and smell me, enjoy me, look at me’-it lives and its very action of living is love.”
Image from wikimedia.org
On New Year’s Eve, in many Buddhist temples, there is a ceremony of ringing the temple bell 108 times (Joya-no-kane). The bells are rung 108 times to symbolically represent the cleansing of 108 worldly imperfections or passions (defilements) from the year just ending.
Eihei Dogen, a Soto Zen priest, referred to these 108 defilements as 108 Dharma Gates which are viewed as opportunities to progress on the Path of spiritual maturity…..rather than only for purification.
Since we have our New Year’s zazenkai on this the first day of the new year, we changed up the tradition to focus on the Dharma Gates inherent in the 108 ringing of the bells….the positive toward which we strive.
Sitting in a camp fire type circle and using our big bowl, a student rang the bell with everyone else doing a sitting bow, and then scooted the bowl to the next student who rang the bowl, with pattern continuing until 108 strikes had been completed. While this was going on, Aaron would occasionally announce a Dharma Gate , which was the counter to a defilement…..kindness,gratitude, faithfulness, tolerance, respect, satisfaction, and ending with peace. It seemed a lovely experience.
The sky blue, the birds vocal, the air crisp, the sangha together.
New Year’s Day at Hakone.
Ichi-go
Ichi-e
https://matcha-jp.com/en/1340 is a link to view event in Japan.
https://kansaiculture.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-108-vices-of-buddhism.html is a link to defilements
http://charliemetro.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-108-defilements-of-buddhism.html is another link to defilements.
Shared by Luke
Chrysanthemum planted by Rev Ito near our zendo bloomed.
Today Luke shared the transformative power of Dynamic Meditation. Luke is currently taking my time to write an article on Dynamic Meditation, so stay tuned…
The Five stages of Dynamic Meditation can be found here (my favorite description online):
https://activemeditation.com/ActiveMeditations/FiveStages.html
Stage 1 — chaotic breathing and movement
Stage 2 — express everything
Stage 3 — continuous jumping
Stage 4 — Total Stillness
Stage 5 — dance celebration
Sharing by Sondra
Author: Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, poet, peace activist, was known as the “father of mindfulness” and was a major influence on Western practices of Buddhism.
The meaning behind the title is that without mud, the beautiful lotus flower cannot grow. This is an analogy of life—without pain or suffering, there cannot be happiness.
If you haven’t suffered hunger you can’t appreciate having something to eat. If you haven’t gone through war, you don’t know the value of peace.
When we learn to acknowledge, embrace, and understand our suffering, we suffer much less.
Not only that, but we’re also able to go further and transform our suffering into understanding, compassion, and joy.
SUFFERING
The suffering of the body includes pain, illness, and injury. Some of this suffering is unavoidable. The suffering of the mind is anxiety, jealousy, fear, anger.
Every kind of suffering manifests somewhere in the body and creates tension and stress.
An injured animal finds a quiet place and just lies down, doing nothing. She instinctively knows that stopping is the best way to get healed.
Man used to have this kind of wisdom but we lost touch with it. We don’t know how to rest. We rely on medication for relief from our physical pain.
We try to cover up our internal suffering with all kinds of consumption and distractions. We run away from the suffering.
TRANSFORMING SUFFERING INTO HAPPINESS:
1. STOP RUNNING FROM OURSELVES
2. MAKE PEACE WITH OUR SUFFERING
3. LET GO OF OUR COWS
4. DON’T RELEASE THE SECOND ARROW
5. NURTURE HAPPINESS EVERY DAY
- STOP RUNNING
Come home to ourselves. Acknowledge our suffering. The way to understand is to listen to ourselves.
- MAKE PEACE WITH OUR SUFFERING
Embrace suffering like a Mom with a crying baby. The suffering is trying to get your attention, and now you can take the opportunity to listen.
When we embrace our suffering it starts to heal. You can explore what kind of roots it has and what has been feeding your sorrow.
- LET GO OF OUR COWS
Story of the Buddha and his monks encountering a farmer desperately looking for his lost cows: He had also lost his crop to an infestation of insects. He said to the Buddha, “I think I am going to kill myself. I have lost everything!” After the farmer had gone, the Buddha looked at his monks and smiled and said, “My dear friends, do you know that you are lucky, you do not have any cows to lose.”
What Thich Nhat meant by the word “cow,” is something that you think is essential for your happiness: a certain job, house, money, status, a relationship. But when you get it you’re still not happy, and you continue to suffer.
Ask yourself: is this “cow” really necessary for my well-being and happiness?
If we find out that it creates more anxiety and fear, then we will be able to find the strength to let it go.
- DON’T RELEASE THE SECOND ARROW
There is a Buddhist teaching called The Arrow. It says if an arrow hits you, you will feel pain. The second arrow represents our reaction to the bad event. If we get carried away in fear, anger, and despair, we only magnify our pain. The question is whether you can avoid shooting the second arrow.
- NURTURE HAPPINESS EVERY DAY
Practice letting go
Practice mindful breathing
Practice mindful walking
Practice sitting meditation
Morning verse for happiness:
Waking up this morning I smile
I have 24 hours to live.
I vow to live them deeply
and learn to look at beings around me
with eyes of compassion
Aaron led a discussion of thankfulness. ‘In this week where Americans are celebrating a holiday by gathering with friends and family for a meal and to express thankfulness I was reminded of a family tradition we haven’t observed in a while – going around the table and having each person share something for which they are grateful. Today I want to … Read more Thankfulness
Shared by Reni. 丹田 Dan Tien Your Secret Energy Center by Christopher Markert Dan Tien in Chinese is in the same location as it is described in Japanese, Hara. In his book, he talks about his own journey on finding the ancient Chinese knowledge about Dan-Tien. The ancient script describes it as “the best place … Read more 丹田 Tanden / Dan Tien
Nick shared a poem called “November 3rd” by Miyazawa Kenji. Neither yielding to rainnor yielding to windyielding neither tosnow nor to summer heatwith a stout bodylike thatwithout greednever getting angryalways smiling quietlyeating one and a half pieces of brown riceand bean paste and a bit ofvegetables a dayin everythingnot taking oneselfinto accountlooking listening understanding … Read more “November 3rd” by Kenji Miyazawa
Shared by Ann. Buddism is philosophy, psychology & religion. Philosophy: Some people see Buddhism as finding a way to lead your life differently. Psychology: finding and investigating yourself through mindfulness and meditation. Religion: Certain beliefs. Each sect has different practices, but almost all of them practice The Four Noble Truths. Suffering: We all suffer personally, … Read more The Four Noble Truths
Luke shared his recent reading and learning of Tibetan dream yoga. He read the book ” The Tibetan Yogas of Dream and Sleep” by Tenzin Wangyal. We had a great discussion about dreams. Raphael also shared a book, “Limitless” by Jim Kwik. You can see Raphael’s ikebana and haiku in this post.
Whispers of farewellGracefully plunging to earthA leaf finds solace -Raphael Whitten 10/6/2022
Shared by Nan During a winter Sesshin in Dallas last year in December, I was partaking in a tea ceremony with my group. This was a journal from my experience. During the tea ceremony, I was holding a very small cup … the tea server poured the tea inside my cup … everything was done … Read more Nan’s experience with the tea ceremony
How students should prepare for zazen Shared by Kaz In 2012, Rev Ito shared with students how students should be prepared to come to our zendo for zazen. “Rinzai hakone zendo zazen kokoroe”. I added explanations. Here is recording of teisho by Rev Ito from 7/22/2012.
Shared by Oscar Through meditation, I began to question how to accept negative emotions. Although wanting to be happy is a habit and being able to control what we are exposed to is the easy path. It is important to have an open mind that willingly accepts comfort and discomfort. Instead of having a mental … Read more ACCEPTING AND MAKING PEACE WITH EMOTIONS
Shared by Peter In the book titled “The Art of Living”, it said “Happiness is a habit. It’s training” The author was Thich That Hahn, a renowned Buddhist monk. Habit can be either an exceedingly good servant or a very bad master. So how do cultivate a good servant and stay away from a bad master? … Read more Happiness is a habit
Shared by Reni Rev. Ito’s teisho: “We were born with our spiritual power, ki.” We were born with our life energy which is part of the invisible energy forces of the Universe. Ki is our spiritual self, life energy. Ki, the spirit lives in our seika tanden, in raw translation, it means “everlasting life”. Seika … Read more “We were born with our spiritual power, ki.”
Our zendo is closed on 9/4 due to the event at Hakone Gardens. Zazen-Kai will resume on 9/11.
Jia shared the 4 rules from the late Master Sheng Yen of the Dharma Drum Mountain: 四要：需要、想要、能要、該要。When you wish for something, ask yourself these fourquestions: Is it needed? Is it wanted? Is it obtainable?Is it advisable? 四感：感恩、感謝、感化、感動。The four attitudes to take towards others: grateful,thankful, transforming, and inspiring. 四福：知福、惜福、培福、種福。The four keys to good fortune: know what … Read more the 4 rules from the late Master Sheng Yen
Shared by Jing It provides the ability to question the accuracy of the perception provide the ability to respond to the feeling/emotion rather than react. It helps me to understand the truth, sometimes we display good qualities, sometimes bad. Sometimes the output looks like success, sometimes failure. But we are not defined by these qualities … Read more Mindfulness provides incredible freedom
Shared by Ann. Mu is a koan associated with Rinzai zen. In one story associated with this koan, a monk asks a teacher whether a dog has buddha nature, and the response is “Mu!” – (No). Later, the monks ask the teacher the same question and get the opposite answer – “Yes”! (Note: this article references a book focused on … Read more What is “Mu”?
Shared by Kaz Omotenashi has been part of Japanese culture for a long time. Omote means front, nashi means nothing. Omotenashi means from the bottom of the heart, sincere. Omotenashi is an important concept from the tea ceremony which is closely related to zen. The host who is serving tea and the guest are treating … Read more Omotenashi おもてなし
Talk by Ann From Daily Sutras （禅宗日課聖典） Know! You are the Light itself Rely on yourself Do not rely on others. The Dharma is the Light Rely on the Dharma Do not rely on anything other than the Dharma. Rev Ito, the founder of our zendo, used to tell Ann, “Don’t try to ride two … Read more Don’t try to ride two horses at the same time
shiki soku zekuu ・kuu soku zeshiki Shared by Jia This calligraphy by Rev Ito hangs in our zendo. Jia shared the meaning of this phrase. 色即是空・空即是色 is a phrase from the Heart Sutra(般若心経). It means Form is Emptiness, and Emptiness is Form. Emptiness is a crucial concept in Zen. To me, it has two folds of … Read more 色即是空・空即是色
Oscar talked about empathy. With the current state of the world and our country, I find myself feeling angry at myself and feeling useless and powerless for nothing being able to make any changes. Through meditation I found out that the difference I can do is to reduce hate in the world. But how do … Read more Empathy
Talk by Chris What is the source of desire? How are we to act on our feelings of desire – how we want ourselves or others to behave? Chris shared a story about a neighbor who, many years ago, hosted a loud party. They informed Chris the day of the event that they would be … Read more Desire
Peter had sciatica nerve pain due to Herniated Discin in March 2020 when the COVID lockdown started. This was extremely painful for Peter. He wanted to get treatment, but physical therapy and doctors were not immediately available due to the lockdown. He was frustrated and angry as nothing was helping his pain. His mind was … Read more breathe in – still alive, breathe out – let it go
In zen teaching, shujinko means “true self.” So how can we find our “true self”? 無想 Muso: Don’t think anything, get rid of all thoughts 無念 Munen: Let go of desires, don’t get distracted by the stimulus from the outside world 無住 Muju: Let go of your attachment to material things What remains is the “true self.” Zazen … Read more Shujinko 主人公 : True Self
Talk by Lakshmi There are, we could say, two basic approaches to manifesting a happier, more fulfilled life. The first and most familiar to us is to try to maximize the quality of our day-to-day experiences and circumstances as best we can. However, one of the inherent challenges of trying to engineer or control our … Read more Two Approaches to Happiness
We had a discussion on desire led by Chris. Have you watched the groundhog day movie? You wake up and
Aaron shared a podcast by Questlove & Will Smith. Will Smith talked about why he wrote a book about his life. Here is the link to the podcast. Aaron played a clip roughly 20:32 – 24:55 of the podcast. The garden is blooming. Here is the photo Chris took yesterday.
This sign used to hang outside of our gate to the zendo. “Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku,” famous Sado (tea ceremony ) word describing four essential elements of Sado. 和(Wa) Harmony 敬(Kei) Respect 清(Sei) Purity 寂(Jaku) Tranquility So why this word for tea ceremony relates to zen? It is believed that Eisai, who established the Rinzai … Read more wa kei sei jaku 和敬清寂
Jia found this pottery in the clearance section because of imperfections. He loves this piece. We talked about wabi-sabi. In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is a world view centered on accepting transience and imperfection.
Garden started to bloom. Sue shared Thich Nhat Hanh’s video recording answers the question How do I stay in the present moment when it feels unbearable? Here is the video from Thich Nhat Hanh.
This zen word is used at many zendo. Direct translation means “look at your feet.” Before entering zendo, take your shoes off and line up shoes at the entry neatly. This is the way how we get ready for meditation at the zendo. How about your zabuton and zafu? Are they neatly placed?
This is the recording of talk about Keisaku from 2017. Kugyo san talked about how Keisaku is used at zendo. Also here is the link to twiki for more info. Here is a picture of the garden, starting to bloom.
Dear Students of Hakone Zendo,
There is an interesting tension in me as I write to you on this last day of 2021. One part wants to say something wise and positive, while the other part does not want this email to be just another pat comment with well wishes and Happy New Year!’s that tend to be everywhere on this day.
So, instead, I will ask that you participate in an email request/assignment which will take all of 5 minutes at the most….but on 2 separate days…..today and tomorrow.
Go outside, or to a quiet place where you can notice something in our natural world, and just breathe and BE for a few minutes. Notice the beauty and goodness of this time,and as you breathe in allow yourself to feel your own beauty and goodness. There is no one like you. There is only THIS.…the world, the breath, and yourself in this moment.
Do this on the last day of 2021 and the first day of 2022 please. (And maybe start now so that you don’t forget today). And repeat again tomorrow, January 1, 2022.
You are cared for.
Ann Kugyo
By Ann Meido
A time of contrasts, similar to the picture of the hills around St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista that accompany these words where I spent last weekend.
Sesshin: a time of touching or collecting the heart-mind during a period of intensive meditation.
To look closely at the photograph, one sees trees, some bare and some with foliage. The background is less definite, hidden by the morning fog. Such was the experience of sitting in silence, with others, during sesshin…a retreat from the busy and demanding routine where my life finds itself so much of the time… Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, 48 hours, spent in 40-minute segments of zazen, followed by 10 minutes of kinhin, walking meditation….all in silence with only my individual inner self…to wrestle with, to celebrate, to appreciate, to abhor. All these awarenesses arose during the hours, much like the clear focus of the trees in the forefront of the photograph. And there was misty time, less clear of thoughts, hopes fears…..of doing something which I only knew was in accord with my heart-mind…. doing something that was calling me to do more, and of which I was also afraid…of letting go of plans, ideas, thoughts, feelings, and just being quiet and still…trusting in what I did not know or understand. And which at the end of Sunday evening, tired, I knew I was grateful for having been on that sesshin.
In December, we usually start using heaters with windows closed. Today, we sat with windows open, no heaters. We could see our breath when we talked. Surprisingly, we all enjoyed it and decided to continue sitting with windows open as long as possible.
Sue talked about intention & expectation, and we discussed our intention and expectation for zazen.
What are your intention and expectation?
Rev Ito used to say, “Don’t expect to be enlightened.”
We had an open discussion about why we meditate. a positive connection to the outside world, quieting the mind, being more present and mindful… What is your reason?
Kiku planted by Rev Ito
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 can read more here.
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 mat.
- Wear and tear: Tatami mat is delicate and especially the edge (tatami-fuchi) can easily get damaged.
- Respect & honor: In Japan, there is an unspoken rule about where people should seat. For example, in our zendo, where rev Ito used to sit is considered as “seat of honor” or “top seat”. Usually these seats are offered to elders & guests to honor. The seat closest to the door/entrance is considered the “bottom seat”. Old days, the edge of tatami was used to determine top seat/section and stepping on the line was disrespectful.
- Family crest: Some tatami mat has a family crest on the edge and it was disrespectful to step on the family crest.
- Ninja assassination: Ninja used to hide under the house(crawl space)/below tatami to assassinate and they can determine where people were by looking at the light coming through the gap between tatami. We don’t have ninja(s) hiding in our zendo so no worries.
Now we know.