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Unshin Sangaku

Celebrating Ceremony


Social anthropologists in the 19th Century carried on a debate about the "sacred and the profane." This dichotomy is what Dogen referred to as "Ji." This means parts. It is useful and skillful means in conveying information on the surface level-for example the five fingers of a normal hand can be referenced in a conversation and we know they are components of the hand in addition to what we call the palm. "Ri," on the other hand (pun intended) is the whole or overarching view of form. And, more no less, the doorway ( another pun) as the overarch is a feature of a door's opening frame to a deeper experience of interdependence.

We have ceremony to enhance our awareness. This focus is Right Effort or Diligence. Indeed going through the motions is more than going through the motions. Here is how it works. In the Zendo we practice zen (Awareness moment by moment), or as my Grandfather would say it's time for dinner when we are eating. Subject and object are no longer two items but are "Ri." This is how we should approach zen practice. Everything is sacred and profane at the same time. I have written before that my grandchildren, when they were young called my mother and my former wife the same name-"Granny." They knew the difference, similarity and importance of word and usage. This is what we do in entering ceremony we are making the ordinary extra-ordinary TOO.

During January and February, we will review our basic zen practices inside and outside the zendo. Call it a refresher course or renewal if you wish, but lets experience this with Right View of open minded-full awareness of the moment. So join us as we experience the profane sacred, and the ordinary extraordinary in the celebration of ceremony...

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COMING UP:

  • January 6, Annual Report and Look ahead to 2018 published and emailed to Sangha

  • January 9, 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.


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