
Happy 2018. I like that we use the word "HAPPY" often. It makes me feel you know, kind of happy to hear it. Yet happiness is, like life, fleeting. So we should resolve to increase our happiness-right? This means we should test our resolve to be happy-how much do we put into it compared to the return on investment. I propose it is this very logical seeming process that decreases happiness. Seeking out and snaring it kind of attitude, is not very joyful. But hey, don't we all make them-resolutions that is? Yes we do and for many people it is right-hearted if not "Whole-Hearted." Being all in for happiness is not easy!
In Zen we attend the moment. We dive-in and paddle around getting wet with it. We take vows. So what is the difference between Vow and Resolve? Depends on the level. Resolve has the connotation of at all cost whereas Vow is movement away from, being aware that new conditions and variables will also arise suggesting modification. For example vowing to be truthful is rooted in the importance of suffering in life. I know that initially lying compounds my life and that of others. It is like giving false directions to a weary traveller. So my vow is a weave in my life tapestry, not an add on that can be taken off and put back on.
My sense of vow is it has direction and implication. I move in a direction I sense will reduce suffering for my self and others. As I do so, I use the eight-fold steps as my guide right view (sobriety), right Thought
(openness) right speech (clarity ). right action (distinct means), right livelihood ( way of living in vow), right effort (reduce suffering), right concentration (zazen), right mindfulness (all of the other seven each moment). In this way the direction has touchstones, and the outcomes are Buddha Nature, that is they are by-products of being up-right and attentive to the conditions and variables of the moment. We always loose our balance, when in vow adjust and maintain effort-fall down seven and get up eight. A vow becomes us, no pun intended, and as such we are less than two-part and parcel...
What are Addie's Vows?
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COMING UP:
January 2, 2018 "New Years Resolution and Vow"
January 9. 2018 Financial Report for 2017 and a "Look-Ahead for 2018"
January 16, 2018 first of four teachings on "Ritual and Ceremony"
January 23, 2018, "FSZS Calendar for 2018"
In January, we will discuss a translation of the Hsin‑Hsin Ming when we meet on January 28th to discuss the reading. Pages 2-5 of the attached file are the reading. Sensei left room in the translation to write notes. This is a different type of reading which Sensei called Dharma Study used at Dharma Retreats at ASZC. Join us for discussion on:
January 28, 2018
At: Sue’s Home
41 Carol Avenue
East Falmouth
For more information contact Sue at susan.eliason@comcast.net or 978-729-0563
HELP: Sensei is looking for ideas for a movie to view and discuss in February. Please contact him with your thoughts.
Gassho, Koin-ni
Like String for Beads, is a compilation of my Dharma talks, notes, poems and Facebook comments I have produced over the last five years. Special thanks to Enjitsu-san Chris Charyk for pulling the pieces together in this book! There will be copies available every Tuesday night, or let me know if you want me to mail you a copy. The book is $15 per copy.
Visit our library named for Diane “Yugen” Tucker. The cart was a donation to the Sangha by Kyoshin Elin Kinney as Dana for her Jukai on November 5, 2016…many bows! The books will be added over the next few weeks and Kyoshin-ni has agreed to be our Librarian. A donation of $1 is recommend to check out books and magazines for up to three weeks. It really is a cute cart drop-by and see it soon. Oh, we wheel it out each Tuesdays and for zazenkai and sesshin, or if you would like to see if we have a book you want, get in touch with Elin <elinkinney@gmail.com>.
Meditation is also held each TUESDAY at 10:00AM at the Falmouth Senior Center.