PLUM MOUNTAIN NEWS

Volume 15.3 Autumn 2008

Dear!members!and!friends, Angeles, after planting, with his friendsCadman was our Dai Tenzo (Chief Cook)
D. T. Suzuki and Soen Nakagawa Roshi, and his assistant was Dee (Seishun) En-
It has been a particularly warm, wet and the seeds of Zen in the West. These seedsdelman. Daiki's meals were often original
have been tended by the many Zen priests and always delightful. Mary (Choko)
colorful autumn. Change is all around us,
to arrive after him, Eido Roshi, Joshu Cabaniss-Ballard was our Shika (manager)
and the country has made a real shift.
Sasaki Roshi, Genki Takabayashi Roshi and ably oversaw our samu (work assign-
Perhaps, as someone put it to me, collec-
and the late Shunryu Suzuki Roshi and ments). Choko has now served our
tively we have broken through the 49 yard
Taizan Maezumi Roshi immediately come Sangha in every temple post. Our Jiki-
line, and we are now at the 53 yard line
to mind. Now it is our responsibility to jitsu (timekeeper) was Michael (Mukan)
with a first down and only 47 yards to the
carry forward their work and build upon Blome, and he was backed up by Bob
goal of becoming as civilized as most of
the foundation they have given us. As (Daigan) Timmer. They held the course
the other democratic nations on the planet.
Chobo-Ji gets ready to expand, I hold in true. Rev. Zenmu Nightingale held the
post of Densu (chant
As I mentioned in leader). Like all be-
the last issue of ginning densu, she
PMN, I attended had a slow begin-
the 40th Anniver- ning but soon was
sary Sesshin and able to pick up the
celebration of pace and keep the
Shobo-Ji, the New beat. Once again
York zendo Peggy (Kochi)
founded by Eido Smith-Venturi
Shimano Roshi. served as my assis-
The picture here on tant and kept me
the front page rolling along. At
shows the hundred this sesshin, Diane
or so participants (JoAn) Ste. Marie
at the conclusion and Kochi com-
of the celebration pleted a long project
on September of making new tea
14th. Front and napkins for the
center is Eido Ro- zendo. Midweek, as
shi, with Aiho- has become our cus-
san, his wife, tom, several Sangha
seated on his right. members spent their
Seated to Roshi's left is the Shobo-Ji 40th Anniversary Participants samu time down at the Arbore-
guest speaker, Buddhist scholar, deep gratitude the many sacrifices these tum Japanese Garden. Rev. Genko Black-
Professor Robert Thurman. Standing just pioneers made for us and hope to honor man Ni-Osho delivered a fine Dharma
behind Roshi, most everyone will recog- their work with our own. How appropri- Talk on Case 44 of the Mumonkan. In-
nize Roko Ni-Osho, of Syracuse Zen Cen- ate that the city where Nyogen Senzaki cluded as a transcription in this issue of
ter, who can now be called Roko Roshi. I landed has a strong Sangha (Buddhist PMN is my Teisho on the first case of the
am standing to her left and just behind me community) inspired by his life, message Mumonkan, “Joshu's Mu.” For a new-
is Junpo Denis Kelly of Hollow Bones and actions. A new book, Eloquent Si- comer’s look at Autumn Sesshin 2008,
Zen Center in Ashland, Oregon, who is lence, has just been released with many of see Jaye Morris's account of his “Most
Eido Roshi's first Dharma Heir. It was a his heretofore unpublished works. It is a Excellent Choboji Adventure” found on-
very joyous occasion, and I was very must read, edited by Roko Sherry Chayat line as the October 5th entry of his blog
happy to represent Chobo-Ji at this auspi- with a forward by Eido Roshi. Genko Ni- named Digital Zendo
cious event. (http://www.digitalzendo.com).
Osho has ordered a dozen copies for pur-
chase or it can by ordered from the fea-
It has been a little more than a hundred tured page of Chobo-Ji's online bookstore. On Sunday, October 12th, I attended the
years since Nyogen Senzaki, the first Zen “Acknowledgement” ceremony for my
priest to take up residence in the United Autumn Sesshin (9/27 - 10/3) was full Dharma Sister Roko Sherry Chayat at
Sates, arrived by freighter in Seattle. He but we were not bursting our seams, as
dropped his body fifty years ago in Los has often been the case of late. Daiki Continued on next page…
Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3
Page 2

Continued from previous page… Here is a list of upcoming events: York the first eight days of December.
This year Daigan, Rodger (Tozan) Park
Hoen-Ji in Syracuse. It has been ten years Sensei, and I will be going to join Shin-
since she received inka from Eido Shi-
This coming weekend, 11/14 - 11/16, I
kon, Myodo and Seimu who are already
will be returning after a long hiatus to
mano Roshi and became the first Ameri- training there.
Walla Walla, WA to do a one-day sit at
can woman Dharma Heir in the
the Vista Hermosa Retreat Center. There I
Rinzai/Hakuin/Torei Dharma lineage. At The zendo will be closed from the eve-
will be visiting my old friends Janaki and
the ceremony in October, Eido Roshi ac- ning of November 26th through the morn-
Chris Howard who are helping to sponsor
knowledged that Roko has shown all the ing of Saturday, November 29th, and then
this event.
promise of living up to the responsibili- again from the evening of December 24th
ties and expectations associated with this through the end of the year.
path. Therefore, he assented that it was On Sunday evening, November 16th,
time to begin referring to Roko as Roshi. Rev. Claude Anshin Thomas will give an
Henceforth, it is now appropriate to refer informal Dharma Talk after zazen. As We will have a New Year's Day potluck
many are aware, he is the author of the brunch and chanting service beginning at
to Roko Ni-Osho as Roko Shinge Roshi
book At Hell's Gate: A Soldier's Journey. 10 a.m. Daily zazen resumes briefly for
or simply Roshi. Roshi means Elder.
Any donations collected that night will go January 2nd and 3rd and then the Seattle
Once again I was honored to represent
to support Anshin's work. zendo will be closed until January 13.
Chobo-Ji at this propitious moment and
to lend my own support and encourage-
ment to Roko Roshi. On Sunday, November 23rd, the North- Further in the future, I want to announce
west Interfaith Community Outreach will that a tentative date for Myodo's and Se-
A lso in October, I helped lead a three-day be hosting “A Celebration of Gratitude at imu's unsui (Zen monk) ordination has
Thanksgiving” from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at been set for June 3rd, 2009.
sesshin, 10/17 - 10/19, at Bucks County
Aikido in Doylestown, PA with George Saint Patrick's Catholic Church, 2702
In addition to the Teisho transcription
mentioned above, this issue of PMN has
an update on our expansion efforts, an
open letter announcing our capital pledge
campaign, a report of Chobo-Ji's gift to
Genki Roshi and Genei of a new (used) car
in celebration of Genei's 77th birthday,
and reservation information for Chobo-Ji's
Rohatsu Sesshin. Please allow me to
wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and
holiday season; we truly have a lot to be
thankful for. May this season of change
lead to a productive and transformative
new year.

With gassho,
Genjo

Expansion Report
by Daigan Timmer
Lyons Sensei. Bucks County Aikido Sesshin Broadway East, in
There were twenty Seattle. The cele-
participants; on middle day we did several bration will include a service structured The Zendo Expansion Committee met
from lessons learned from America's in- with the larger Sangha on October 5. At
hours of Boken (wooden practice sword)
training. This is exhausting exercise for digenous people, and I have been invited that meeting the group reviewed and re-
those who are not use to this kind of to be one of the interfaith celebrants. vised the draft mission, vision, and values,
training, and it gave me a humbling re- Celebrants will address the following the draft practice model, and the alternative
minder of how difficult zazen can be for themes: “We Are People of the Earth, We building models. After this review, the
those who are not well versed in it. Are All Related, We Are All Wounded group reached consensus that Chobo-Ji is
Thankfully, I once again had Carl (Yuho) and We Will Heal Together.” Those at- ready to proceed with the next steps: look-
Baldini as my guide for this part of the tending the service are asked to bring an ing at properties, gathering conditional
weekend. Patti Lyons and Robert item to include in a community basket. pledges of financial support, and doing the
(Ryugan) Savoca were the Tenzo (cooks) research, including consulting knowledge-
for this sesshin and their offerings were Rohatsu sesshin will
be held at Dai Bo- able experts on how to put together a fi-
superb. satsu Zen monastery Rohatsu in New nancially sound and responsible process.
Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3
 Page 3

A second meeting was held on October

21. At that meeting tasks were assigned
Mumonkan: Case 1 meet them. On the brink of life and
death, you are utterly free, and in the six
realms and the four modes of life you live,
to implement the 'next steps' mentioned Joshu’s Mu with great joy, a genuine life in complete
previously. These tasks include: research- (1st day, Autumn Sesshin, 2008) freedom.
ing parking and zoning issues (which Transcription help from Seishun
could be issues if the expansion is nearby),
writing letters to potential dharma angels
Now, how should one strive? With
and contacting Seattle First Baptist to ex-
Koan: A monk once asked Master might and main work at this “Mu”, and be
Joshu, “Has a dog the Buddha Nature or “Mu”. If you do not stop or waver in
plore their interest in another loan. your striving, then behold, when the
not?” Joshu said, “Mu!”
Dharma candle is lighted, darkness is at
Quite recently the committee met with Mumon’s Commentary: once vanquished.
Mike Zaugg, a realtor and member of Se-
attle First Baptist who helped us with our Mumon’s Poem:
previous loan. The meeting introduced In studying Zen, one must pass the barri-
Mike to the committee (and vice-versa), ers set up by ancient Zen Masters. For the
The dog! The Buddha Nature!
discussed the various expansion options realization of incomparable satori, one has
The Truth is manifested in full.
that were defined in the October 5 meeting, to cast away one's discriminating mind.
A moment of yes-and-no;
and enlisted Mike as a knowledgeable, en- Those who have not passed the barrier and
Lost are your body and soul.
thusiastic, like-minded resource for the have not cast away the discriminating
mind are all phantoms haunting trees and
committee.
plants.
Whether or not you have received a koan
Further steps will involve making a list Now, tell me, what is the barrier of the in the Rinzai Zen tradition, or you have
of potential properties and writing a letter Zen Masters? Just this “Mu,” it is the worked on many koans and penetrated
to the sangha to help raise money for the barrier of Zen. It is also known as “the them to our mutual satisfaction, your koan
expansion property. Of particular interest gateless barrier of Zen.” Those who have is Mu.
and worth repeating are the mission, vi- passed the barrier will not only see Joshu
sion, and value statements from the Octo- clearly, but will go hand in hand with all We have a new calligraphy scroll hanging
ber 5 meeting. the Masters of the past, see them face to at the main altar. It recently was painted
face. You will see with the same eye that
by Eido Shimano Roshi, sent to Japan to
they see with and hear with the same ear.
Our mission: We are a community
Wouldn't it be wonderful? Don't you be mounted, returned in time for the 40th
that does deep spiritual inquiry through si- anniversary celebration of Shobo-Ji, the
want to pass this gateless barrier? Then
lent meditation, for the benefit of all be- concentrate yourself into this “Mu”, with Manhattan Zen temple with which we're
ings great and small, animate and inani- your 360 bones and 84,000 pores, making associated. It hung in what is called the
mate. your whole body one great inquiry. Day Garden Zendo there in Manhattan during
and night work intently at it. Do not at- the 40th Anniversary Sesshin and Celebra-
Our vision: To create a residential tempt nihilistic or dualistic interpreta- tion, which I recently attended earlier this
and practice center that will allow for more tions. It is like having a red-hot iron ball month, and then was rolled up and given
sitting and group activities. in your belly. You try to vomit it but to me to bring home to hang in our zendo
cannot. [meditation hall].
Our values: Cast away your illusory discriminating
The practice: simple, flexible, adaptable, knowledge and consciousness accumulated A t the top is this glorious Enso (Zen Cir-
strong traditional Hakuin/Torei Rinzai Zen up to now, and keep on working harder. cle) and the reason I use this adjective
style, primarily an urban lay practice After a while, when your efforts come to “glorious” is because it is so simple and,
fruition, all the oppositions (such as in at once, mysterious. Eido Roshi obvi-
The Sangha: inclusive community and out right and wrong) will naturally be ously put more water in the brush when he
seen through. You will then be like a per- painted this circle so that it would have
Simple facilities: modest with Zendo cen- son who has had a wonderful dream: you this effervescence and catch somehow a
tral only know it personally, within yourself, hint of the mysterious truth of it all. This
and you are speechless. Suddenly as you empty circle reveals a token of Mu in vis-
The instruction: clear, direct, strong break through the barrier, you will aston- ual form.
ish and be astonished by heaven and shake
The organization: financially sound, depth the earth.
of experience The characters below are very simple.
It is as if you have snatched the great Kore Nanzo, in English, “What is this?”
sword out of the hands of General Kan. “What is this?” a one-syllable answer is
Community work: prison and hospice
work, and participation in other commu- You will kill the Buddha if you meet
him; you kill the ancient Masters if you Continued on next page…
nity support activities
Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3
Page 4

Continued from previous page… what's already here. You can dip any- disorder. Over time, our life becomes
where. You can dip internally. You can more and more narrow. If we never ap-
“Mu.” However, if we settle for a sylla- dip externally. Wherever you look, hear, proach something we don't do well, we
ble, wouldn't that be ridiculous? Behind see, touch, feel, think, there it is! It's al- will likely never stretch into the reaches of
this syllable is an experience, a feeling, a ready out, already revealed. There is noth- what we do well. Why? Because we want
realization of what This is. What is the ing to attain, nothing to find. But to ex- to be safe. As we are uncomfortable fac-
origin of all of this, everything seen and perience it is why we're here, not to say it, ing our limitations and shortcomings, we
unseen, from before the beginning-less be- not to name it, and certainly not to settle don't go there. We live life playing it
for the syllable “Mu.” As we dip into the safe. Through Zen training we learn how
experience, we are restored, renewed, not to play it safe. We learn to take risks.
healed, held and become fundamentally We learn to stretch into the depths of de-
okay! OKAY! No matter, when or where pression, the heights of joy! We learn to
or what's going on, it is all okay! face our limitations, advance on our short-
comings and reach towards the heights of
Maybe, in your life, there's a great sad- our talent! Warning: the depths of human
ness or loss. Perhaps someone close to experience are not one-sided. For example,
you has died, moved away, or is no longer if you want deep joy, you must be able to
in contact. Or maybe something really digest deep sadness.
wondrous has happened for you recently,
such as a great completion, success or re- To go deep in this life we must open our-
alization. These too can become distrac- selves to the experience of “Muuuuuuu.” It
tions and hindrances. may go by many other names, and it can
be encountered through many different
Without Zen practice or something like paths; however, if we hope to reach true
it, when we experience one of these highs depth and fulfillment in this life, the expe-
or lows, we can easily be tipped over. rience is indispensable. It only requires
And, for someone who is very easily that we risk everything. Our approach and
tipped over by the range of human experi- attitude towards life is completely different
ences, it becomes a disorder. As a psycho- after we have directly experienced “Mu.”
therapist I know this may be called bipolar
disorder and was previously referred to as Because we are the most complex, multi-
manic-depressive. Someone with this dis- dimensional manifestation of stardust in
order is not okay with the highs and lows this quadrant of the galaxy, we don't have a
of life. At the highs they become easily very easy time opening to or sustaining
manic, at the lows they become overly de- Muuuuuuu. So, sesshin after sesshin,
pressed. Likewise they are not okay with year after year, we investigate this matter.
ginning? “No such thing,” you say. the depths of the unconscious or indeed We dig down past our complexity to this
Well, right. Right down the rabbit hole of with the breadth of consciousness. They root experience and make space for the ex-
the origin of creation. It's like two mir- are easily distracted or worse by the inevi- perience of Mu to flow up. Genki Taka-
rors reflecting each other. They reflect in- table joys and sorrows that occur through- bayashi Roshi, our founding abbot, con-
finitely, an infinite depth. What is this out the life and death journey. It is impor- stantly told us, “It bubbles up!” In truth
infinite depth that manifests as these in- tant to develop the potential to be funda- there's really nothing to bubble up. It's
credible myriad mysterious forms, as eve- mentally okay no matter what the circum- everywhere you look. It's every experi-
rything seen and unseen? What is This? stances. ence, everything you feel. Look in the
When Joshu was asked, “Does the Dog mirror, there it is. It's already out! You
have this mysterious original nature?”
Does a wounded, dying dog have this vital
We all do some things well. We all have don't have to do “Muuuuuuuuu” to make it
talents. We also do some things in an come out. It's already out! But to experi-
inexhaustible mysterious nature? Joshu ence it, we have to sit here, learn how to
idiosyncratic way, which is often perceived
said, “Mu.” be really okay with things just as they are,
to be very limited. We all have limita-
tions that hinder our flexibility and pro- and then indeed a new awareness bubbles
But however Joshu said this one syllable, ductivity. Are we okay with this? If we up. In the midst of our tears, pain, and fa-
“Mu”, he felt “Muuuuuuuuuuuuu.” are not okay with limitations and idiosyn- tigue, in the midst of the simple joy of a
crasies we will find ourselves scrambling, taste of tea or cracker or the sound of the
Our koan, our practice, our journey is
to running away from our shortcomings and wind chimes or the squawk of a seagull -
repeatedly dip into this experience of towards only the things that we know how sometimes these simple sensations can be
“Muuuuuuuuu.” It's not something we to do well. Always moving away from so glorious and wondrous that our world is
have to find, is it? No, just dip into our dislikes and towards our likes is also a rocked. After such an experience it is

Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3

 Page 5

tempting to be grandiose, and we might attachments to this and that and right and fears of doing it well or poorly; we risk
even be manic because it's so magnificent! wrong, we eventually come to the place again and again exposing ourselves to the
However, that's not the point! The point where we not only see Joshu clearly, but vast void that is vibrant Mu. [Dog barks
is to be okay with the width, breadth and we see with the same eye he sees with, downstairs]. That's right! Melanie says,
depth of reality just as it is. Only when hear with the same ear and it is wonderful! “That's right, Dad! Yeah, you tell them!”
we are okay with the lowest lows and the (laughter)
highest highs can we say there is some It'ssimple to pass through this barrier.
maturity in the Way. Do you want to know how? Just throw “Cast away your illusory discriminating
your whole self into Mu “…with your 360 consciousness and knowledge accumulated
Allow yourself to be touched by the expe- bones and 84,000 pores, making your up until now, and keep on working
rience of “Muuuuuuu.” Then there will be whole body one great inquiry.” What is harder.”
no problem vocalizing it, whether it's vo- This? That's the inquiry. What is This?
calized as “mu” [soft as a feather] or “Mu” Don't superficially answer, “Mu”. NO! Mu has nothing to do with what you
or “MUUUUUUUUUU!” [shout]. Doesn't Investigate! Engage in deep inquiry with think it is. It's not what you think of it.
matter. It's only a syllable. If it comes every bone and fiber of your being, inves- What we think about Mu is of very little
from the experience of importance. In your in-
“Muuuuuuuuuuu” it vestigation of this matter,
doesn't matter how it is let yourself feel it, as best
shared. you can. As we transcend
all opinions and opposi-
I'm the luckiest guy be- tions like right or wrong,
cause somehow, karmi- this or that -or even life
cally, I've needed so many and death- then, indeed, in
sesshins to stay sane. It a moment of realization,
has worked out that I do we're like a person who's
six weeklong sesshins and had a wonderful dream.
several three-day sesshins We can't even speak about
every year. I need every it; we have little desire to
one of them! Between say or think anything. At
sesshins, I can feel clar- the moment of realization
ity, centeredness and equa- there is a deep joy. In
nimity fading. I can feel that moment, there is
my complexity, history only samadhi (harmony
and personality begin to with what is). And your
interfere with the feeling face will astonish those
of “Muuuuuuuu.” Re- around you. If you look
turning to sesshin I can into a mirror, you too
get back to the simplicity will be astonished. And
that is the koan Mu. What a relief! This tigate! Open the inquiry with each sit, when you look into the face of the tree,
koan is such a blessing in my life. In the each breath, day and night. How do you star, moon, grass, rock or even the dog
midst of my complexity, hopes, dreams, do it at night? When you put your head shit, you are amazed.
joys, desires, sorrows and fears I am more down on the pillow -if you're not doing
than ready to get back to “Muuuuuu.” Yaza [unstructured zazen]- do so with the In that magnanimous moment, we have
intent of dreaming “Muuuuuuuu.” Noth- no fear about where we've been, where we
“Now tell me, what is the barrier of Zen? ing but Mu. After a short night's sleep, are, or where we might be going. We
Just this Mu.” But really it's no barrier at be sure to return to the zendo with a re- have no idea where we might be going and
all because nothing is hidden; it's all re- newed dedication to Mu. Continue your we're okay with that. At such a time we
vealed. When there is a penetrating expe- investigation; continue to open to the ex- easily dispense with the Buddha or the an-
rience of Mu, then all doubts are temporar- perience of Mu. What a gift! We must cient masters. Why? Because we realize
ily dispelled and life in true faith is possi- have developed some good karma some- we are not separate from them, we are see-
ble. By persistently working with Mu, how. Our karma allows us to come to ing with the same eye and hearing with the
our mind eventually settles and simplifies. this small zendo, to be with this intimate same ear. We feel the ancient masters
The chakras open from our root to our Sangha and do nothing else but transcend within and we also feel every master to
crown. As they do, we feel an awareness our own crap, complexity, neurosis, come. In other words, there are no
bubbling up, a vibrant awareness of Mu. hopes, desires and range of emotions. By Buddhas or masters there is only this Mind
Because all we have to do is sit here and allowing them all and transcending them
open up and let go of our preferences and all we open to Mu. We push past our
Continued on next page…
Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3
Page 6

Continued from previous page… Autumn Sesshin 2008 don't plan departure flights before 2 p.m.

pervading the universe. There is no Closing Incense Poem If you are coming from the airport you
thought or attachment to tradition or line- can take Shuttle Express, (800) 487-7433,
age. When our eyes are open, when our Light rain moistens the moss. about $30 per person (discounts available
chakras are open from root to crown, we Seagull cries hauntingly. for groups and roundtrips), 45 minute
see with the same eye, hear with the same travel time. Or, you can take the #194
ear and we know intimately that we are on Leaves brighten and fall. Metro buses from baggage claim to down-
the brink of life and death. Right now! town, and then transfer to either the #12 or
We realize that this could be our last “What is this?” #43 to Capitol Hill and the Zendo (travel
breath, and you know what? We're okay! “Who's asking?” time is about 1.5 hrs.). Bus fare is $1.75.!
“Yes, this could be the last breath of this
physical form.” Okay. Please bring a zabuton and zafu if you
Students of the Way investigate. have them.! Bring clothes for cold, wet
When we live this way, we are in com- Fortunately, weather (layers are best), and sturdy shoes
plete freedom. “Now how should one no answer was found. for outdoor kinhin (walking
strive? With might and main work at this meditation).!Bring a sleeping bag, pillow,
Mu.” There is no way to towel, washcloth and
impose Mu; Mu must be flashlight.! Eating bowls
allowed to bubble up from and utensils will be pro-
our root. Be Muuuuuuu. vided (bring traditional
Truly, if we don't stop or nested bowls if you have
waver in our intention, in them).
our effort or dedication,
when we allow ourselves We serve three vegetar-
to see things as they al- ian meals, one large tea
ready are, then even the and two small teas per
darkness is vanquished. day.! Leftovers may be
And why? Because the available for snacking at
darkness is the vast Void! the cook’s discretion.!
Darkness is it. That's It! Hot coffee and tea will be
The primordial night that available most of the
is Mu gives rise to every- time.! If you want food
thing, that's it. How then to munch on, you will
can This scare us? There have to bring your own.!
is no fear when we realize The kitchen and provi-
that we have always been sions in Totem Lodge are
one with This. reserved for the planned
meals. Totem has two
The dog! The Buddha Nature! Autumn Sesshin Participants dormitory wings (male & female) with
The Truth is manifested in full. bathrooms, and in Chak Chak, about 50
A moment of yes-and-no yards from zendo, there are semi-private
(or “this is it” and “this isn't it”); rooms. Do NOT use cell phones at Ro-
Lost are our body and soul.” hatsu!
Rohatsu Sesshin
We say the core of Zen practice is to just Morning wake-up bell is at 4:00 am.
sit. Well, we have made a place to just sit Please make your reservations! by Dec. There are 30 min. breaks after each meal.
and here we are, but let's not sit like a 15th.! The cost of sesshin is $350 (less Structured sitting will adjourn at around
lump on a log. No, we must sit with dues). No part-time participation is 10:30 PM the first two nights and goes
every bone and fiber of our being. Sit allowed.! We will leave from our Zendo, later and later the following nights, yaza
with the intention of opening to the expe- 1811 20th Ave., by 4 pm on Sunday, Jan. (personal sitting) follows this.
rience of Mu. Sit deeply and then more 4th, 2008.! Please be at the Zendo by
deeply again. Just sit, and be 3:00 pm so that we can pack up and make
“Muuuuuuu.” car pool arrangements to Camp
Indianola.!Formal! zazen will begin after
With gassho, Genjo a light! dinner. Rohatsu ends around 10:00
a.m. on Monday, January 12th. Please
Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3
 Page 7

Capital Pledge important to have the space for those who

do want to deeply make use of this modal-
training unquestionably leads the practi-
tioner to “Buji,” free, spontaneous, crea-
Campaign ity. tive, supportive action in one's ordinary
life and community.
Over the course of this year, we have What distinguishes Zen practice at
been engaged in a dedicated visioning proc- Chobo-Ji from the many other groups of- What do we hope to accomplish by ex-
fering meditation in the Seattle area? We panding? Beyond having enough space for
ess, and the time has come to begin a
offer a particularly strong supportive frame our weeklong sesshins, we will be offering
capital campaign to fund our expansion
in which to do deep meditation. First of more opportunities for daily sitting,
plans. As everyone reading this is aware,
all, there are many members who have weekly opportunities for koan training,
we are a small but very committed com-
more than a decade of experience. My own classes in Zen arts, such as Japanese Tea
munity. Ours is primarily a lay practice;
experience spans three full decades. Be- ceremony, flower arranging, haiku poetry
it is open to anyone willing to investigate
cause of the many people who have collec- and calligraphy, and perhaps movement
this matter of life and death with sincerity.
tively trained for so many years together, arts such as yoga, Tai Chi or QiGong.
At maximum our small zendo can squeeze
we can offer a new or old hand a great But most importantly, we will be offering
in 22 people. Because our group is about
a residential practice for a mix
twice this size, not everyone
of lay and ordained members
can attend each of our quar-
who really want to take Zen
terly weeklong sesshins.
training to the next step in
This limits our opportuni-
Seattle. We are looking for
ties to train together. For
space to house comfortably 8
now, our daily meditation
to 12 students who will live
offerings don't often feel
on campus, do daily medita-
crowded; however, as every-
tion, daily samu (work medi-
one knows, Zen training
tation) and be encouraged to
really takes off at the week-
volunteer for good works in
long sesshins. Therefore, as
the community such as hos-
soon as we are able, it is
pice or prison work. All resi-
our hope to have a new
dents, whether lay or ordained,
zendo that can accommodate
will be expected to pay their
at least 40 people. This is
own way by holding down a
our most pressing reason for
job of their choice, but we
wanting to expand.
hope by sharing expenses to
provide less than market rate
Why is Zen training im- housing. There will be col-
portant? To have the space lective meals, most breakfasts
to just sit, settle and root and some dinners, private and
into our own true nature is shared space such as laundry
rare. Those who make use and library. We will be mod-
of such an opportunity are eling our residential practice
like drops of water to the on what other Zen groups
desert. Zazen gives the have done in other cities such
practitioner the chance to as San Francisco and Syra-
process and digest their cuse.
complex lives and historical
baggage. In addition, zazen
gives one the chance to root in an unend- place to train and do some deep digging There are currently three ordained unsui
into their true nature. Our stream of Zen directly associated with Chobo-Ji in addi-
ing font of energy that is at once restora-
offers those who train with us an opportu- tion to myself. Zenmu trains here in Se-
tive and vitalizing. By combusting our
nity to investigate a wisdom and way that attle and lives on the third floor of the Zen
hindrances and tapping an ineffable source,
transcends the ages. Our practice brings House when she is in town for our Spring
the practice helps us get beyond ourselves,
reality into clear relief. One of the tools or Autumn Intensives. Genko lives off
transcend our delusions and attachments
we use in our training is the examination campus and has completed her ten years of
and see clearly what really needs doing,
of traditional Zen koans to clear and open formal training, and Shinkon is currently
while tapping the energy to do it. Zazen
one's mind and heart. Though there are in the middle of doing a 1000 days of
is not for everyone, and it is not the only
many Zen groups, there are few that have training at the Dai Bosatsu Monastery in
way to clear the mind or tap the source to
the depth needed to properly make use of
do good work in the world, but it is one
this way of examining the heart. This Continued on next page…
modality that does work. Therefore, it is
Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3
Page 8

Continued from previous page… housing market is that even though we

will be getting perhaps 20% less for our
New York. In addition, Seimu and Myodo Zen House (which we paid off this year)
are currently training at DBZ in prepara- than the peak price, the future property
tion for ordination in the spring, at which will diminish by the same percentage
time they will also formally begin their which means that we will pay less overall.
1000 days of monastic training. By the In this way it is as though we just won
time these two complete their monastic the lotto. If we say the Zen House sells
training, it is my hope that we have the for around $500,000 and we assume that
space to house them upon their return to we can carry a mortgage of $500,000, then
Seattle. Our current Zen House is not big we need to raise another $500,000 to meet
enough to accommodate more than Caro- our tentative budget. Acknowledging that
lyn and me and one student. In addition, this may not be possible in these times, New Car for Roshi
there are several senior lay students in nevertheless, I think readiness of time is
town who have expressed a serious interest upon us. Chobo-Ji has purchased a car for Genki
in the opportunities made possible by resi- Roshi and Genei (Leslie) to commemorate
dential training, and are likely ready to We are not currently looking to accept Genei's 77th birthday. After many years
move in when space becomes available. donations, rather we are trying to get of service, and a super Chevy effort to the
pledges of what might be reasonable to ex- end, their old Cavalier finally expired. I
What kind of space are we looking for? pect. However, before year's end, we will was authorized by the Board to find a re-
There are several avenues to explore. One have a brokerage account to accept stock placement, and after two wet weeks of
possibility is that we stay where we are gifts for donors who want that option. haunting used car lots in Seattle's north
and buy and reshape the properties north Soon you will be receiving a pledge card end, I finally found our prize through a
and south of us to suit our needs. This in the mail asking what you can give to chance encounter in Ballard.
would be a rather slow approach because this project. Please consider what size gift
we would have to find a comparable prop- you can reasonably make available now, It's a 1992 Geo Prizm, very basic trans-
erty for the owner and renters of the prop- and additionally what amount you could portation with 131,000 miles and a few
erty to our south, and then slowly buy the pledge over the next 1-5 years. Thank you cosmetic revisions, but it passed an in-
condos, one at a time, in the property to for reading and considering this most im- spection by my mechanic and seems to be
the north as they become available. Even- portant request. a tight little car. The Prizm is mechani-
tually, we would tear down the house to cally identical to a Toyota Corolla, and
the south to build a new meditation hall, With gassho, shares the Corolla's reputation for reliabil-
and the condos would be converted for our ity. The engine is a recycled Japanese
residential use. However, parking and Genjo motor with much less mileage, so I hope
building expense would be a problem. this car can provide dependable transporta-
Another option is to investigate the possi- tion for Genki and Genei for years to
bility of going in with the progressive come. I just hope Genei is able to keep
community at Seattle First Baptist Church Genki Roshi out of the driver's seat!
to tear down some of their existing struc-
tures and build a retreat center for both our Tom (Shodo) DeGroot
communities with some shared spaces.
Finally there is the option of finding a
very big house, small apartment building,
fairly complete church complex, or two or
more small properties next to each other.
All possibilities are being explored, and
soon we will need to know what is finan-
cially within our reach.

We are just beginning to hone in on a

budget and a time line. Currently we are
considering a budget of about $1.5 mil-
lion. However this will all depend on
what we can realistically get for our cur-
rent house, what's available in terms of
property and the success of our fundraising
efforts. One good thing about the current

Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3

 Page 9

All My Relatives: About Dai Bai Zan Schedule

Celebrating Gratitude Cho Bo Zen Ji Introduction to Zazen
at Thansgiving In 1978, Zen Master Genki Takabayashi
Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm
Zazen!
was invited by the Seattle Zen Center, Monday - Friday, 5:30 am, 1 hr.
founded by Dr. Glenn Webb (at the time a
Northwest Interfaith Community Out-
UW Art History professor), to become the
Saturdays, 6:30 - 8:00 am.
reach invites the Seattle community to Sundays, 6:30 pm, 1hr.
resident teacher. He accepted, and by
celebrate gratitude and give thanks at a Monday & Wednesday, 7:30 pm, 1 hr.
1983 he formalized his teaching style
service structured from lessons learned around a small group of students, and Dharma Talks
from America's indigenous people. All My founded Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji, 1st and 3rd Sundays, 7:30 pm, 1 hr.
Relatives: A Celebration of Gratitude at translated as Great Plum Mountain Lis- Sesshins: Quarterly week-long retreats
Thanksgiving will be held from 2:30 to tening to the Dharma Zen Temple. last week in March, June, September
4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 11/23/2008 at Saint and early January.
Patrick's Catholic Church, 2702 Broadway Before Genki Roshi came to Seattle, he
Mini-Sesshins: Half day retreats with
East, Seattle 98102. trained for nearly twenty years at Daitoku-
breakfast, Dharma Talk and Dharma
Ji, the head Rinzai temple in Japan. In
Interview. 5 - 11:30 am, Sundays:
(www.stpatsseattle.org) addition, Genki Roshi directed a Rinzai
12/14, 2/8, 3/15, 4/12, 5/17, 6/14
temple in Kamakura, Japan. He entered the
Those monastery when he was 11 years old.
attending the service are asked to Rohatsu Sesshin: 1/4/09 - 1/12/09
bring an item to include in a community Spring Sesshin: 3/21/09 - 3/27/09
basket. Sponsored by the Compassionate After 20 years of Summer Sesshin: 6/20/09 - 6/26/09
Action Network, a reception follows the tirelessly giving Autumn Sesshin: 9/26/09- 10/2/09
service. himself to the
transmission of We Are Located: at 1811 20th
Buddha Dharma to
Sharing their wisdom through stories,
the West, in 1997
Ave., (one half-block north of Madison
celebrants from different faith and spiritual and south of Denny). Street parking is
he retired as our available in front or between 19th and 20th
traditions will contribute to a service de-
teacher, got married on Denny, or off-street parking is available
signed to create a new experience for
and moved to behind the house. After entering the front
showing gratitude at this time of the year.
Montana. In retire- door, remove your shoes and socks in the
Celebrants will address the following
ment he does the entry way and proceed to the Zendo
themes: We Are People of the Earth, We
activities he loves (meditation hall) upstairs. 206-328-3944
Are All Related, We Are All Wounded and
best: gardening,
We Will Heal Together.
pottery, calligra- Dues and Fees: go to support the
phy, writing and
life of this temple. We have no outside
cooking. Many
support from any organization.
visit him in the
hope of learning Dues are $60 a month or whatever one can
something about a afford. Any amount received monthly
Zen life. means that you will receive this quarterly
newsletter, receive discounts on retreats,
Genjo Osho began his Zen training in and be considered an active member.
1975, was ordained in 1980, and became
our Abbot in 1999. In 1981-82 he trained The suggested fee for any morning or eve-
at Ryutaku-Ji in Japan. Genjo Osho is as- ning practice period, including Tuesday
sisted by Genko Kathy Blackman Ni night introduction and Sunday night
Osho. In addition to his Zen duties, Dharma Talk is five dollars. The $5 fee is
Genjo Osho is a psychotherapist in private waived for all members.
practice and a certificated spiritual director.
Our temple is in the Rinzai Zen School. The suggested fee for mini-sesshins is
Since Genki Roshi retired, Genjo Osho- $20. Fees for the March, July, and Sep-
san has continued his training with Eido tember sesshins are $210, and Rohatsu
T. Shimano Roshi, Abbot of Dai Bosatsu Sesshin is $350. Members may subtract
Kongo-Ji monastery in New York. On their monthly dues from the week-long
May 21, 2008, Eido Roshi confirmed sesshin cost. For more information see:
Genjo Osho as one of his Dharma Heirs. www.choboji.org
Plum Mountain News Vol. 15.3