Staying Home–What’s the Point? — a talk by Madelon Bolling (April 6, 2020)
This talk was given during Windblown Plum. In these strange and confusing days when we have to isolate ourselves to stay healthy and alive, many have lost a sense of fitting in, of belonging. We cannot visit friends and neighbors in person, cannot experience the usual give-and-take with others the way we always have. Amid our loneliness, the question arises: so who am I? Why am I here? I’m no good to anybody just knocking around the house this way. “Staying safe”– what’s the point? This week I was charmed into reading Dogen’s chapter on The Four Virtues of a Bodhisattva. Nishijima and...
Read MoreZenkai (May 10, 2020) with Leland Shields
TTS will hold the May 10, 2020 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. The format similar to Windblown Plum intensive, but with this schedule: 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home8:45 Gathering on Zoom 9:00 5 Remembrances, Zazen, Kinhin 10:00 Talk by Lee 10: 40 (approx.) Zazen, Kinhin 11:15 Interviews available 12:00 Mics and video on. Break to get food 12:10 Informal Zoom lunch together with mics and video on 12:45 Clean up, be in seat by 12:55 (just like regular zenkai) 1:00 ...
Read MoreLike There Is No Tomorrow, A Talk By Madelon Bolling (February 9, 2020)
Case 32, Shaseki-shu [Collection of Stone and Sand]: A lord asked Takuan Soho, a Zen teacher, to suggest how he might pass the time. He felt his days very long attending his office and sitting stiffly to receive the homage of others. Takuan wrote eight Chinese characters and gave them to the man: Not twice this day Inch time foot gem. The translator explains: This day will not come again. Each minute is worth a priceless gem. PSC Not twice this day. It’s a new year—a good year to experience seeing clearly, you might say, 20/20. Last year brought the death of one of my siblings, a serious...
Read MoreBranching Moon Sesshin (April meditation retreat)
Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day sesshins each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. This year’s Spring sesshin (meditation retreat) is April 4-11. Details about our sesshins, as well as application forms, can be found on the Sesshin page.
Read MoreZenkai (July 10-12, 2020) with Madelon and Lee
Beginners who are interested in Zen and experienced Zen students are welcome. Schedule 8:15am Work period 9:00am Opening, Five Remembrances, Zazen 9:35am Zazen 10:00am Dharma talk 11:00am Zazen 12:00pm Informal lunch (Soup will be provided. Please bring food to share.) 1:00pm Sutras 1:30pm Zazen, Interviews 2:50pm Closing, Great Vows
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