Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Three Treasures Sangha ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Four Noble Truths — a talk by Leland Shields (July 11, 2026)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/four-noble-truths-a-talk-by-leland-shields-july-2026/) - Four Noble Truths Lee Shields, July 11, 2026 As the story goes, Buddha left a comfortable home when realizing the unavoidable fact of old age, sickness and death. He spent years in dedicated practice, alone and with others, at times dangerously denying himself food and water before choosing the middle way. Then taking a seat - [Zenkai (August 9, 2026) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-9-2026-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [September 2026 Sesshin (7-Day Meditation retreat)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/september-2026-sesshin/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, September 12-19, 2026 These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily teisho (dharma talk), and for dokusan (practice-related interview with the teacher). - [2-Day Zenkai with Lee and Madelon (July 11-12, 2026) In person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/3-day-zenkai-with-lee-and-madelon-july-10-12-2026-in-person-and-zoom/) - With Lee Shields and Madelon Bolling Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreat has - [Zenkai (June 14, 2026) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-14-2026-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [All Beings by Nature are Buddha: A Talk by Madelon Bolling (May 10, 2026)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/all-beings-by-nature-are-buddha-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-may-10-2026/) - All beings by nature are Buddha A Talk by Madelon Bolling, May 10, 2026 In the Book of Serenity, Tozan Zenji teaches us: Don’t try to seek yourself. Don’t try to figure out who you are. The “you” found in that way is far from the real you; it is not you anymore. But when - [Zenkai (April 12, 2026) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-april-12-2026-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Zenkai (May 10, 2026) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-10-2026-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Heshan's Knowing How to Beat the Drum — a talk by Leland Shields (April, 2026)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/heshans-knowing-how-to-beat-the-drum-a-talk-by-leland-shields-april-2026/) - Blue Cliff Record Case Forty-Four: Heshan Beats the Drum Leland Shields, April 12, 2026 [Heshan] said, “Cultivating study is called listening, ending study is called nearness; going beyond these two is really going beyond.” A [practitioner] came up and asked, “What is real going beyond?” [Heshan] said, “Knowing how to beat a drum.” The [practitioner] - [Talks from the March, 2026 Sesshin](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-the-march-2026-sesshin/) - Talk 1 - The Crow called, “Ikkyū, Ikkyū, Ikkyū” - by Leland Shields Read the transcript Talk 2 - Life and Death Is a Great Matter - by Leland Shields Read the transcript - [The Crow called, “Ikkyū, Ikkyū, Ikkyū” — a talk by Leland Shields (January 11 and March 12, 2026)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-crow-called-ikkyu-ikkyu-ikkyu-a-talk-by-leland-shields-january-11-2026/) - The Crow called, “Ikkyū, Ikkyū, Ikkyū” Leland Shields, January and March 2026 Ten dumb years I wanted things to be different furious proud I still feel it One summer midnight on my little boat on Lake Biwa Caaaawwwweee Father when I was a boy you left us now I forgive you Ikkyū, translation by Stephen - [Don't try to seek yourself. Just this is it: A Talk by Madelon Bolling (February 8, 2026)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/dont-try-to-seek-yourself-just-this-is-it-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-february-8-2026/) - Don't try to seek yourself. Just this is it. A Talk by Madelon Bolling (February 8, 2026) When leaving Yunyan’s memorial event Tozan recalled asking Yunyan, “After your death if someone asks me if I can describe your reality, how shall I reply?” After awhile Yunyan said, “Just this is it.” Tozan left without saying - [No Questions, No Answers — a talk by Leland Shields (March, 2026)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/no-questions-no-answers-a-talk-by-leland-shields-march-2026/) - No Questions, No Answers Leland Shields, March 2026 Someone asked, “What is the fundamental teaching?” Master Yunmen said, “No question, no answer!” (section 30) App, Urs. Zen Master Yunmen: His Life and Essential Sayings (p. 46). Shambhala. Kindle Edition. This is taken from Urs App’s translation titled, Zen Master Yunmen: His Life and Essential Sayings. - [Life and Death Is a Great Matter — a talk by Leland Shields (March, 2026)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/life-and-death-is-a-great-matter-a-talk-by-leland-shields-march-2026/) - Life and Death Is a Great Matter Leland Shields, March 2026 I beg to urge you everyone Life and death is a great matter All things pass quickly away... Each of you must be completely alert Never neglectful, never indulgent. This is the encouragement that ends our retreat day, and I’ve been moved and encouraged - [March 2026 Sesshin (6-Day Meditation Retreat)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/september-sesshin-7-day-meditation-retreat-2/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. Residential Sesshin with Jack Duffy and Lee Shields, March 8-14, 2026 These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily teisho (dharma talk), and for dokusan (practice-related interview - [Zenkai (February 8, 2026) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-february-8-2026-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Begging Bowl – Annual Letter from Larry](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/begging-bowl-annual-letter-from-larry/) - True compassion does not come from wanting To help out those less fortunate than ourselves, But from realizing our kinship with all beings Pema Chodron My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness The 14th Dalai Lama Hello TTS members and Friends, This is the end-of-the-year letter asking for your continuing support of - [Zenkai (December 13, 2026) with Lee and Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-13-2026-with-lee-and-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Hear What You Hear Instead of a dharma talk this Zenkai, we invite attendees to offer a piece of music or an excerpt for all in the dojo, even if no one is left to hear it. To give everyone time to have their music played, please pick an excerpt or something that is 3 minutes - [Zenkai (November 8, 2026) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-november-8-2026-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Zenkai (October 11, 2026) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-11-2026-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Zenkai (January 11, 2026) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-11-2026-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Beyond Words — a talk by Leland Shields (November 9, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/beyond-words-a-talk-by-leland-shields-november-9-2025/) - Beyond Words Leland Shields, November 9, 2025 I’ll begin with the first part of verse 14 of the Taoteching, translated by Red Pine. We look but don’t see it and call it indistinct we listen but don’t hear it and call [it] faint we reach but don’t grasp it and call it ethereal three failed - [Zenkai (December 14, 2025) with Lee and Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-14-2025-with-lee-and-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Hear What You Hear Instead of a dharma talk this Zenkai, we invite attendees to offer a piece of music or an excerpt for all in the dojo, even if no one is left to hear it. To give everyone time to have their music played, please pick an excerpt or something that is 3 minutes - [The Dragon King's Daughter Pays Homage to the Buddha - a Talk by Carlos Abusaid Elias (October 12, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-dragon-kings-daughter-pays-homage-to-the-buddha-a-talk-by-carlos-abusaid-elias-october-12-2025/) - The master instructed the assembly saying, “The Dragon King’s daughter paid her personal homage to the Buddha from her heart. It was a completely natural act.” A monk asked, “If it was natural, why was there any ‘paying homage’?” The master said, “If there was no paying homage, how could it be natural?” Note: The - [Zenkai (November 9, 2025) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-november-9-2025-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [The Way Has to Flow Without Obstruction— a talk by Leland Shields (September 19, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-way-has-to-flow-without-obstruction-a-talk-by-leland-shields-september-19-2025/) - Listen to the talk …The Way has to flow without obstruction. Why would you block it? The Way flows freely when the mind doesn’t dwell on anything. Once it dwells on something, it is imprisoned… Pine, Red. Three Zen Sutras: The Heart, The Diamond, and The Platform Sutras (Counterpoints Book 7) (pp. 81-82). Catapult. Kindle - [Roaming the Mountains — a talk by Leland Shields (September 18, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/roaming-the-mountains-a-talk-by-leland-shields-september-18-2025/) - Listen to the talk Blue Cliff Record Case 36; Roaming the Mountains Chosha went roaming the mountains one day. On returning, when he came to the gate the congregation leader said, “Where have you been, Master?” Chosha said, “Roaming the mountains.” The congregation leader said, “Where did you go?” Chosha said, “First I followed the - [How is Buddhism Being Maintained Here? — a talk by Leland Shields (September 17, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/how-is-buddhism-being-maintained-here-a-talk-by-leland-shields-september-17-2025/) - Listen to the talk Blue Cliff Record Case 35: [Manjusri] “Three Three” [Manjusri] asked [Wu Cho], “Have you come from near or far?” “From the South,” replied [Wu Cho] (the south of China). “How is southern Buddhism being maintained?” asked [Manjusri]. [Wu Cho] replied, “In this corrupt age of the dharma, priests are venerating the - [Nothing in The World — a talk by Leland Shields (September 16, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/nothing-in-the-world-a-talk-by-leland-shields-september-16-2025/) - Listen to the talk Blue Cliff Record 37 Panshan’s Three Worlds – No Dharma Panshan gave words of instruction saying, "In the three worlds there is no Dharma. Where shall we search for the mind?" (translation: Aitken- Foster) We are settling into the sesshin schedule, the ritual, and zazen. What better place to be on - [“No Body” Breaks a Toe -- A talk by Leland Shields (September 14, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/no-body-breaks-a-toe-a-talk-by-leland-shields-september-14-2025/) - Listen to the talk A monk was walking along a path, chanting the Heart Sutra. He accidentally kicked a stone, broke his toe and shouted out in pain. As he did so, the line in the Heart Sutra spontaneously came to mind, “no body.” With this, body and mind dropped away. The related passage from - [Talks from the September, 2025 Sesshin](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-the-september-2025-sesshin/) - Talk 1 - "No Body" Breaks a Toe - by Leland Shields Read the transcript Listen to the talk Talk 2 - Buddha-nature - by Madelon Bolling Read the transcript Talk 3 - Nothing in The World - by Leland Shields Read the transcript Listen to the - [Zenkai (October 12, 2025) with Guest dharma talk by Carlos Abusaid Elias – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-12-2025-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Please join us for a special opportunity this zenkai to hear a talk by our dharma brother, Carlos. Many of us know and have practiced with Carlos for years. In December 2022, on the last day of the 8-day Winter Bones Intensive, Carlos Abusaid Elias received transmission as an apprentice teacher in the Diamond Sangha - [Buddha-nature: A Talk by Madelon Bolling (September 15, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/buddha-nature-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-september-15-2025/) - “If all sentient beings possess the buddha-nature . . . then why must people develop the aspiration for awakening and vigorously engage in austerities in order to realize this truth?” Dogen “[A]wakening is the paradigm of total, unreserved, and artless self-surrender.” C. W. Huntington Jr. “A Pathless Land” Tricycle magazine Aug. 31, 2025 Buddhist traditions - [Put it All Down: A Talk by Madelon Bolling (August 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/put-it-all-down-atalk-by-madelon-bolling-august-2025/) - Korean Zen Master Seung Sahn always told us: Put it all down. And: Only go straight, don’t know. Dahui Zong-gau has been quoted as saying: If you truly wish to practice, just let go of everything. Know nothing, understand nothing. (Attributed to Dahui, loc inconnu). And then in Andy Ferguson’s Zen’s Chinese Heritage: The Masters and - [Zenkai (August 10, 2025) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-10-2025-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Practice and Teaching – TTS and the Diamond Sangha -- a talk by Leland Shields, June 8, 2025](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/practice-and-teaching-tts-and-the-diamond-sangha-a-talk-by-leland-shields-june-8-2025/) - Practice and Teaching – TTS and the Diamond Sangha Diamond Sangha Teachers Meeting, Ring of Bone, 2025 Leland Shields, June 8, 2025 I saw myself a ring of bone in the clear stream of all of it and vowed, always to be open to it that all of it might flow through and - [3-Day Zenkai with Lee and Madelon (July 11-13, 2025) In person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/3-day-zenkai-with-lee-and-madelon-july-11-13-2024-in-person-and-zoom/) - With Lee Shields and Madelon Bolling Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreat has - [Drain the tank -- a talk by Leland Shields (July 12, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/drain-the-tank-a-talk-by-leland-shields-july-12-2025/) - Dogen; Zazen Universally Recommended …Therefore, stop your intellectual exercise of investigating words and chasing after talk; study the reverse way, turn the light and shine it back. Body and mind will drop away of themselves, and your original face will appear. If you want such an experience, exert yourselves urgently… (Version by Robert Aitken, based - [Fully Engaging Body and Mind -- A Talk by Madelon Bolling (May 11, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/fully-engaging-body-and-mind/) - There is a reality even prior to heaven and earth; Indeed, it has no form, much less a name; Eyes fail to see it; it has no voice for ears to detect. To call it Mind or Buddha violates its nature, For it then becomes like a visionary flower in the air. It is - [Zenkai (June 8, 2025) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-8-2025-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Talks from Twining Branches Sesshin, March 2025](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-by-from-the-september-retreat/) - Crack! Stone on Bamboo Pai-chang's Fox He Just Acted as He Was - [Zenkai (April 13, 2025) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-april-13-2025-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Crack! Stone on Bamboo -- a talk by Leland Shields -- March 2025](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/crack-stone-on-bamboo-a-talk-by-leland-shields-march-2025/) - Xiangyan’s Great Enlightenment Zen master Zhixian of Mount Xiangyan [Xideng] was bright in nature. Being at the assembly of Guishan, he was well learned and had extensive memory. Guishan one day said to Xiangyan, “Everything you say is what you’ve memorized from commentaries. Now I am going to ask you a question. When you were - [Pai-chang’s Fox -- A talk by Leland Shields -- March 2025](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/pai-changs-fox-a-talk-by-leland-shields-march-2025/) - Case 2 in the Gateless Barrier: Once when Pai-chang gave a series of talks, a certain old man was always there listening together with the monks. When they left, he would leave too. One day, however, he remained behind. Pai-chang asked him, “Who are you, standing here before me?” The old man replied, “I am - [Dharma Gate Work Retreat, March 29-30, 2025](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/dharma-gate-work-retreat-march-29-30-2025/) - Our annual 2-day work retreat at DG is our time to spruce up the Center after a long winter. A great deal of the work will be outside but there are a few things indoors that need attention. So if you have time to join us for the day(s), or any part thereof, we welcome - [March 2025 Sesshin (Meditation Retreat)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/march-2025-sesshin-meditation-retreat/) - you will be automatically redirected to the Sesshin page. - [Zenkai (February 9, 2025) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-february-9-2025-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [He Just Acted as He Was -- a Talk by Leland Shields (January 12, 2025)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/he-just-acted-as-he-was-a-talk-by-leland-shields-january-12-2025/) - One day a monk asked Master [Qingyuan Xingsi ]: “What was Master Bodhidharma’s intention in coming to China from India?” [Qingyuan ] said: “He just acted as he was.” The monk said: “Would you tell me again what you just said right now in words that I can understand?” [Qingyuan ] said: “Come here!” The - [Weaving Wind and Stone - a new book by Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/weaving-wind-and-stone-a-new-book-by-lee-shields/) - In Weaving Wind and Stone, Leland Shields uses stories from Zen koans that can help you connect everyday relationships with the mysteries that are right here and right now. Whether you are already practicing Zen meditation or are new to it, this book invites you to explore ancient Zen koans. At moments when your heart or mind - [Zenkai (January 12, 2025) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-12-2025-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [End of year solicitation letter from Larry](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/end-of-year-solicitation-letter-from-larry/) - Instructions for living a life: Pay attention Be astonished. Tell about it. Mary Oliver Hello TTS Members and Friends, One of the simplest instructions I was ever given when starting my Zen practice was “Sit down, shut up, pay attention.” Of course, I have read many words since then that have been written to give - [Zenkai (May 11, 2025) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-11-2025-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Living or Dead – A talk by Lee Shields -- October 13, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/living-or-dead-a-talk-by-lee-shields-october-13-2024/) - I gave this talk a year ago or so – it was my way to say something about the contagious, contemptuous divisiveness at that time. Among other divisions, it was soon after Hamas brutally attacked Israelis, and the Israeli government brutally responded. Since last year it seems only easier to do something or say something - [Zenkai (December 8, 2024) with Lee and Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-8-2024-with-lee-and-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Observing -- A Talk By Madelon Bolling -- November 10, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/observing/) - Daowu's Condolence: Case 55 of the Blue Cliff Record Daowu and Jianyuan went to a house to pay condolences. Yuan rapped on the coffin and asked, "Living or dead?" Daowu said, "Living I won't say. Dead I won't say." Jianyuan said, "Why won't you say?" Daowu said, "Won't say! Won't say!" During their return trip, - [Zenkai (November 10, 2024) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-november-10-2024-with-lee-in-person-and-zoo0/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Being Human - A talk by Madelon Bolling September 11, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/being-human/) - Emperor Wu of Liang asked Bodhidharma, “What is the first principle of the holy teaching?” Bodhidharma said, “Really empty, nothing holy.” The Emperor said, “Who is this accosting me?” Bodhidharma said, “I don’t know.” The Emperor could not reach accord. Bodhidharma then crossed the river and went on to the kingdom of Wei. (Blue Cliff - […Where There’s Nothing of Value - a talk by Lee Shields, September 8, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/where-theres-nothing-of-value-leland-shields-september-8-2024/) - I built a grass hut where there's nothing of value. After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap. When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared. Now it's been lived in -- covered by weeds. Attributed to Shih-T’ou Hsi-ch’ien [Shitou Xiqian], 700-790. Translation and copyright by Taigen Dan Leighton, Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination - [Talks from the September, 2024 Sesshin](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-the-september-2024-sesshin/) - …Where There’s Nothing of Value, Lee Shields Pilgrimage: Tung-shan's Sixty Blows, Lee Shields What was the purpose of Bodhidharma coming from the West, Lee Shields Being Human, Madelon Bolling The Iron Grindstone, Lee Shields Xuefengs Turtle Nose Snake, Lee Shields - [Zenkai (October 13, 2024) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-13-2024-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [The Iron Grindstone - a talk by Lee Shields, September 12, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-iron-grindstone-a-talk-by-lee-shields-september-12-2024-2/) - Iron Grindstone [Liu] went to [Guishan]. [Guishan] said, “Old cow, you’ve come!” She said, “Tomorrow there’s a great communal feast on Mount Tai —are you going?” [Guishan]lay down. Iron Grindstone Liu then left. Secrets of the Blue Cliff Record, Case 24, p 74. There is an elegance to the concise koans of our tradition like - [Pilgrimage – Tung-shan’s Sixty Blows - A talk by Lee Shields, September 9, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/pilgrimage-tung-shans-sixty-blows-a-talk-by-lee-shields-september-9-2024/) - Gateless Barrier Case 15 Tung-shan’s Sixty Blows Tung-shan came to see Yün-men. Yün-men asked him, “Where were you most recently?” Tung-shan said, “At Ch’a-tu.” Yün-men said, “Where were you during the summer?” Tung-shan said, “At Pao-tzu Monastery in Hu-nan.” Yün-men said, “When did you leave there?” Tung-shan said, “August 25th.” Yün-men said, “I spare you - [What was the Purpose of Bodhidharma Coming from the West? - A talk by Lee Shields, September 10, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/what-was-the-purpose-of-bodhidharma-coming-from-the-west-a-talk-by-lee-shields-september-10-2024/) - Someone asked [Linji], “What was the purpose of [Bodhidharma] coming from the West?” The master said, “If he had had a purpose he couldn’t have saved even himself.” Someone asked, “Since he had no purpose, how did the Second Patriarch obtain the dharma?” The master said, “‘To obtain’ is to not obtain.” Someone asked, “If - [Xuefeng’s Turtle Nose Snake - A talk by Lee Shields, September 13, 2024](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/xuefengs-turtle-nose-snake-a-talk-by-lee-shields-september-13-2024/) - Xuefeng said to the assembly, "On South Mountain, there's a turtle-nosed snake. You must all have a close look at it." Changqing said, "Today, in this very hall, there is definitely someone who has lost his body and life." A monk told Xuansha about this. Xuansha said, "Only Brother Leng [Changqing] would put it that - [Meaning - A Talk by Madelon Bolling (August 7,2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/meaning-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-august-72024/) - A monk asked Hsiang Lin, “What is the meaning of the Patriarch’s coming from the West?” Hsiang Lin said, “Sitting for a long time becomes toilsome.” (BCR Case 17) A monk asked Chao-chou, “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?” Chao-chou said, “The oak tree in the courtyard.” (GB Case 37) Both - [No Persons - a Talk by Madelon Bolling (July 14, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talk-for-july-by-madelon-bolling-july-14-2024/) - Changqing addressed the monks, saying, “If I truly expound the vehicle of our school, then I should simply close the door to the Dharma hall. Therefore I’ll just say that in the inexhaustible Dharma there are no persons.” 1 PSC As we continue to see one another in zenkai, or at Zoom sitting practice on - [Zenkai (August 11, 2024) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-11-2024-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [3-Day Zenkai with Lee and Madelon (July 12-14, 2024) In person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/3-day-zenkai-with-lee-and-madelon-july-12-14-2024-in-person-and-zoom/) - With Lee Shields and Madelon Bolling Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreat has - [Lotus Flowers and Lotus Leaves - A Talk by Leland Shields (July 13, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/lotus-flowers-and-lotus-leaves-a-talk-by-leland-shields-july-13-2024/) - A monk asked Chih Men, "How is it when the lotus flower has not yet emerged from the water?" Chih Men said, "A Lotus flower." The monk said, "What about after it has emerged from the water?" Men said, "Lotus leaves." (Translation) Thomas Cleary, Blue Cliff Record, p. 139. The story of an unnamed monk - [How do you realize the realm where no wisdom can reach? - A Talk by Leland Shields (June 9, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/how-do-you-realize-the-realm-where-no-wisdom-can-reach-a-talk-by-leland-shields-june-9-2024/) - Upon meeting Shitou, Daowu asked, “By what method do you reveal liberating wisdom to people?” Shitou said, “There are no slaves here. From what do you seek liberation?” Daowu said, “How can it be understood?” Shitou said, “So you’re still trying to grasp emptiness?” Zen’s Chinese Heritage: The Masters and Their Teachings, by Andrew Ferguson. - [Zen Talks from the 2024 Spring Sesshin](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-talks-from-the-2024-spring-sesshin/) - Relinquish Yourself, a talk be Lee Shields Not Wind, Not Flag, a talk be Lee Shields Wanderring Among the Poor, a talk be Lee Shields Voice of the Bird, a talk by Madelon Bolling The Zazen of the Mahayana, a talk be Lee Shields Blinded by Gold Dust, a talk be Lee Shields - [What Are We Really, A Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/what-are-we-really-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - What are we, really? The Sixth Patriarch, Hui-neng said, Good friends! You already possess the prajna wisdom of enlightenment! . . . Buddha nature isn’t different for the ignorant and the wise . . . (Platform Sutra, section 12) Now, how can that be? You mean, we ignorant folk have the prajna wisdom of enlightenment? - [Zenkai (June 9, 2024) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-9-2024-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Zenkai (May 12 2024) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-12-2024-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [A Rich Man Wandering Among the Poor, A Talk by Leland Shields (April 3, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/a-rich-man-wandering-among-the-poor-a-talk-by-leland-shields-april-3-2024/) - All beings by nature are Buddha, as ice by nature is water. Apart from water there is no ice; apart from beings, no Buddha. How sad that people ignore the near and search for truth afar: like someone in the midst of water crying out in thirst; like a child of a wealthy - [Blinded by Gold Dust - A Talk by Leland Shields (April 5, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/blinded-by-gold-dust-a-talk-by-leland-shields-april-5-2024/) - One day the Counselor Wang visited…Master [Lin-chi]. When he met the Master in front of the Monk’s Hall, he asked: “do the monks of this monastery read the sutras?” “No, they don’t read sutras,” said the Master. “Then do they learn meditation?” asked the Counselor. “No, they don’t learn meditation,” answered the Master. “If they - [The Zazen of the Mahayana - A Talk by Leland Shields (April 6, 2024) - Sesshin Day 5](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-zazen-of-the-mahayana-a-talk-by-leland-shields-april-6-2024/) - For all of us children of wealthy homes wandering among the poor, let’s return to Hakuin’s, “Song of Zazen,” Tuesday we left off on this verse: Lost on dark paths of ignorance, we wander through the Six Worlds; from dark path to dark path we wander -- when shall we be freed from birth and - [Voice of the Bird, A Talk by Madelon Bolling (April 4, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/voice-of-the-bird-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-april-4-2024/) - Voice of the Bird for sesshin, April 2024. Asan of Shinano lived in Japan in the eighteenth century. She was a sincere student who meditated assiduously. One morning, drifting in and out of sleep and struggling to stay present to her koan, she heard a rooster crow. Her mind suddenly opened, and she exclaimed: - [Not the Wind, Not the Flag, A Talk by Leland Shields (April 2, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/not-the-wind-not-the-flag-a-talk-by-leland-shields-april-2-2024/) - Case 29 of the Gateless Barrier: Hui-neng: “Not the Wind; Not the Flag” Two monks were arguing about the temple flag waving in the wind. One said, “The flag moves.” The other said, “The wind moves.” They argued back and forth but could not agree. The Sixth Ancestor said, “Gentlemen! It is not the wind - [Relinquish Yourself - A Talk by Leland Shields (April 1, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/relinquish-yourself-a-talk-by-leland-shields-april-1-2024/) - Daito Kokushi’s Admonition Oh you [monastics] who are in this mountain monastery, remember you are gathered here for the sake of religion, and not for the sake of clothes and food. As long as you have shoulders you will have clothes to wear. As long as you have a mouth you will have food to - [Zenkai (March 10, 2024) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-march-10-2024-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Nothing extra, nothing left out - a talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/nothing-extra-nothing-left-out-leland-shields-march-10-2024/) - Blue Cliff Record, Case 12: Tung Shan’s Three Pounds of Hemp A monk asked Tung-Shan, “What is Buddha?” Tung Shan said, “Three pounds of hemp.” Thomas Cleary, BCR 12 Blue Cliff Record, case 19: Chu Ti’s One Finger Ch’an Whenever anything was asked, Master Chu Ti would just raise one finger. Thomas Cleary, BCR 19 - [Sesshin (7-Day Meditation Retreat)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/sesshin-7-day-meditation-retreat/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, March 30-April 6. 2024 These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily teisho (dharma talk), and for dokusan - [TTS Annual Appeal Letter](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tts-annual-appeal-letter/) - If we weren’t unanimous about keeping our lives so much in motion, if we could do nothing for once, perhaps a great silence would interrupt this sadness, this never under-standing ourselves and threatening ourselves with death. From the poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda December 2023 Hello TTS members and friends, Recently I have been - [The Teachings of a Whole Lifetime - A Talk by Madelon Bolling (February 11, 2024)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-teachings-of-a-whole-lifetime-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-2-11-24/) - A monk asked Yun Men, “What are the teachings of a whole lifetime?” Yun Men said, “An appropriate statement.” (Blue Cliff Record, Case 14) * * * There is a reality even prior to Heaven and Earth. Indeed it has no form, much less a name . Eyes fail to see it: it has - [Zenkai (December 10, 2023) with Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-10-2023-with-madelon-bolling-and-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Living or Dead -- a talk by Leland Shields (November 12, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/living-or-dead-a-talk-by-leland-shields-november-12-2023/) - Case 55: Daowu's Condolence Daowu and Jianyuan went to a house to pay condolences. Yuan tapped on the coffin and asked, "Living or Dead?" Daowu said, "Living I won't say. Dead I won't say." Jianyuan said, "Why won't you say? Daowu said, "Won't say! Won't say!" During their return trip, Jianyuan said, "Heshang, please tell - [Zenkai (January 14, 2024) with Katie Egart – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-14-2024-with-katie-egart-in-person-and-zoom/) - During the time of the dharma talk, we’ll have a guest zoom presentation by Katie Egart, Diamond Sangha teacher from Yellow Springs Ohio. Hidden Light: Incarcerated Women Practice Zen Chaplain Katie Egart looks forward to sharing her video of the voices and images of women inside who have chosen to deeply engage with Zen practice. - [Zenkai (February 11, 2024) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-february-11-2024-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Zenkai (November 12, 2023) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-november-12-2023-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom-2/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Talks from 7-Day Intensive (September 9-16, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-7-day-intensive-september-9-16-2023/) - Beginning Anew A talk be Lee Shields The permeability of our skin – the whole of our training is for the development of compassion talk by Lee Shields (Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com) The koan of groups – Don’t think good don’t think evil A talk be Lee Shields - [Zenkai (October 8, 2023) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-8-2023-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom-2/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [The Zen of One Flavor, a talk by Leland Shields (September 16, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-zen-of-one-flavor-a-talk-by-leland-shields-september-16-2023/) - A monk was taking his leave. Kuei-tsung asked, “Where are you going?” The monk said, “I’m going here and there to study the Zen of the Five flavors.” Kuei-tsung said, “Other places may teach the Zen of the Five flavors; here I have only the Zen of one flavor.” “And what is the Zen of - [Be Yourself, a talk by Madelon Bolling (September 16, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/be-yourself-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-september-16-2023/) - Nanyue Polishes a Tile Nanyue Huairang asked Mazu Daoyi, "Worthy monk, why do you sit in meditation?" Mazu replied, "I wish to become a buddha." Huairang picked up a tile and started to rub it against a stone in front of Mazu's hermitage. Finally Mazu asked him what he was doing. Huairang replied, "Polishing it - [September Sesshin (7-day meditation retreat)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/september-sesshin-7-day-meditation-retreat/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, September 9-16, 2023 (Apply Online or Download Application Form) These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily teisho - [Zenkai (August 13, 2023) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-13-2023-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Talks from 3-Day Zenkai (July 7-9, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-3-day-zenkai-july-7-9-2023/) - Practicing together with suffering – the cold kills you A talk be Lee Shields (Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com) Failure is a Friend: A talk by Madelon Bolling Read talk - [Failure is a Friend -- A talk by Madelon Bolling (July 9, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/failure-is-a-friend-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-july-9-2023/) - Hakuin Zenji said, "They translated prajna as wisdom. All people have it. No one's excepted. It's faultlessly perfect in each one of us..." [Dokugyo Shingyo: Acid comments on the Heart Sutra] We go to extraordinary lengths to arrange our lives around this practice. We come to the zendo and sit, hear the Dharma as recorded - [3-Day Zenkai with Lee and Madelon (July 7-9, 2023) In person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/3-day-zenkai-july-7-9-2023/) - With Lee Shields and Madelon Bolling Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreat has - [Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, September 9-16, 2023](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/sesshin-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom-september-9-16-2023/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, September 9-16, 2023 These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily teisho (dharma talk), and for dokusan (practice-related - [Loneliness without separation – bare mountains and fallen leaves (A talk by Lee Shields)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/loneliness-without-separation-bare-mountains-and-fallen-leaves-a-talk-by-lee-shields/) - Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com). - [On Dealing With "Self" When There Is No Such Thing - A Talk by Madelon Bolling (June 11, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/on-dealing-with-self-when-there-is-no-such-thing-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-june-11-2023/) - A monk asked, "How should one act during every hour of the day such that the ancestors are not betrayed?" Yunmen said, "Give up your effort." The monk said, "How should I give up my effort?" Yunmen said, "Give up the words you just uttered." (Ferguson, p. 287) Today I want to explore a - [Zenkai (June 11, 2023) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-11-2023-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Lonliness - a talk by Madelon Bolling (April, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/lonliness-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-april-2023/) - This week we've been exploring relationship: various ways of relating with one another, with our practice, with ourselves, with the world in general and in all its amazing particulars. Seeing that we are interrelated in so many respects, I wondered at the plague of loneliness that sweeps through traumatized people whether from a pandemic or - [Zenkai (May 14, 2023) with Lee – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-14-2023-with-lee-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Talks from 7-Day Retreat (April, 2023)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-7-day-retreat-april-2023/) - Everyone we meet is our teacher – True World imposes on us A talk be Lee Shields (Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com) The form of Zen in relationship – attention, attention, attention A talk be Lee Shields (Text available to members and participants by email request to ttssangha@gmail.com) Sesshin, - [Zenkai (March 12, 2023) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-march-12-2023-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. Zoom Link: Send email to ttssangha@gmail.com. If this - [Why Does It Come to That? - A Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/why-does-it-come-to-that-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - One time when the Master was washing his bowls, he saw two birds contending over a frog. A monk who also saw this asked, "Why does it come to that?" The Master replied, "It's only for your benefit, Acarya." (Record of Tung-shan, case 98) As descendants of generations of colonizers here in - [Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, April 8-15, 2023](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/non-residential-sesshin-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom-april-8-15-2023/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, April 8-15 , 2023 (Apply Online or Download Application Form) These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily - [Zenkai (February 12, 2023) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-february-12-2023-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Zenkai (January 8, 2023) with guest Diamond Sangha Teacher Joe Bobrow – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-8-2023-with-guest-diamond-sangha-teacher-joe-bobrow-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. Zenkai with guest Diamond Sangha teacher Joe Bobrow to - [Zenkai (December 11, 2022) with Lee Shields and Madelon Bolling – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-11-2022-with-lee-shields-and-madelon-bolling-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. Rather than teisho or dharma talk for this day, - [(Trust) - a Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/trust-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - Raven took his perch on the Assembly Oak and addressed a special meeting of the Tallspruce community, saying, “It’s time for me to be to moving on.” [snip] A hush fell over the circle. Grouse could be heard sniffling. At last, Porcupine asked, “Do you have any last words for us?” Raven said, “Trust.” (Aitken, - [Zenkai (November 13, 2022) with Madelon – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-november-13-2022-with-madelon-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Talks from 7-day meditation retreat](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-7-day-meditation-retreat/) - Every Moment Zen A talk by Lee Shields Sesshin, Distractions, and Turning Away A talk by Lee Shields Beyond Intention A talk by Lee Shields Distractions: Meeting With Mara A talk by Madelon Bolling Touch the Mind A talk by Lee Shields Until Only the Mountain Remains A talk by Lee Shields - [Until Only the Mountain Remains - A Talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/until-only-the-mountain-remains-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - Until Only the Mountain Remains Leland Shields, September 16, 2022 The birds have vanished down the sky. Now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains. Translated by Sam Hamill, Poetry Foundation article 178390 I’ve brought this 8th century poem by Li Po to several talks - [Touch the Mind - A Talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/touch-the-mind-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - Touch the Mind Leland Shields - September 15,2022 There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, The earth and every common sight, To me did seem Appareled in celestial light, The Glory and the freshness of a dream, It is not now as it hath been of yore; – Turn wheresoe’er I may, By - [Distractions: Meeting With Mara - a Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/distractions-meeting-with-mara-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - What ails you? Lack of faith in yourself is what ails you. If you lack faith in yourself, you’ll keep on tumbling along, following in bewilderment after all kinds of circumstances and being taken by them through transformation after transformation without ever attaining freedom. Bring to rest the thoughts of the ceaselessly seeking mind . - [Beyond Intention - a Talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/beyond-intention-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - Beyond intention Leland Shields, September 13, 2022 Turn around the light to shine within, then just return. The vast inconceivable source can't be faced or turned away from. Meet the ancestral teachers, be familiar with their instruction, bind grasses to build a hut, and don't give up. Let go of hundreds of years and relax - [Sesshin, Distractions, and Turning Away - A Talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/sesshin-distractions-and-turning-away-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - Sesshin, Distractions, and Turning Away Leland Shields, September 12, 2022 Driven to find how to live in this world of sickness and inescapable loss, Siddhartha spent years searching in all ways available among the teachers and seekers of his time. He remained unsatisfied after years of effort, with great will, and with belief that spiritual - [Every Moment Zen - A Talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/every-moment-zen-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - Every Moment Zen Leland Shields, Intensive Day 1, September 11, 2022 The sounds of the valley streams are his long, broad tongue; The forms of the mountains are his pure body. At night I heard the myriad sutra verses uttered How can I relate to others what they say? Dogen, Eihei; (translation) Cook, Francis Dojun. - [Zenkai (October 9, 2022) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-9-2022-with-madelon-bolling-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, September 10-17 , 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/non-residential-sesshin-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom-september-10-17-2022/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. Non-Residential Sesshin with Lee Shields, In Person and Zoom, September 10-17 , 2022 (Apply Online or Download Application Form) These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily - [Zenkai (August 14, 2022) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-14-2022-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Jewels in the Sutras – a talk by Leland Shields – August 14, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/jewels-in-the-sutras-a-talk-by-leland-shields-august-14-2022/) - In the May teisho, I talked about using the sutras we chant during practice days such as this, and also carrying them with us as we walk the world. Today I’ll continue with focus on a few key perspectives that run through the sutras. I find it can deepen our consideration by looking at the - [3-Day Zenkai (July 8-10, 2022)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/3-day-zenkai-july-8-10-2022/) - With Lee Shields and Madelon Bolling Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreat has - [April 7-day intensive retreat talks](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/april-7-day-intensive-retreat-talks/) - April 7-day intensive retreat talks by Leland Shields and Madelon Bolling on the writings of Dogen: Day 1: Leland Shields, Every Moment Zen Day 2: Leland Shields, No Self – No Separation Day 3: Leland Shields, No Self – Embodied Self Day 4: Madelon Bolling, No Self – Resistance and the Mind of War Day - [The Most Important Place - A Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-most-important-place-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - A monk asked, “How should one act during every moment of every day such that the ancestors are not betrayed?” Yunmen said, “Give up your effort.” The monk said, “How should I give up my effort?” Yunmen said, “Give up the words you just uttered.” Here we are, gathered together on this new day, beginning - [Zenkai (May 8, 2022) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-8-2022-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Tending the Flame, Not Worshiping the Ashes -- Lee Shields, May 8, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tending-the-flame-not-worshiping-the-ashes-lee-shields-may-8-2022/) - Last week I attended the Diamond Sangha Teachers Circle gathering by Zoom. There were teachers from many countries and time zones, from New Zealand and Australia, to London and Germany. It was my first time participating in this august group of sincere people, dedicated to carrying Zen forward in gratitude. Rather than a talk on - [Zenkai (June 12, 2022) with Madelon Bolling – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-12-2022-with-madelon-bolling-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and current Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule. Guidelines are likely to change before the event, so check again as the date gets closer. If you are able, please join all or part - [Every Moment Zen - Leland Shields, Intensive Day 1, April 10, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/every-moment-zen-leland-shields-intensive-day-1-april-10-2022/) - The sounds of the valley streams are his long, broad tongue; The forms of the mountains are his pure body. At night I heard the myriad sutra verses uttered How can I relate to others what they say? Dogen, Eihei; (translation) Cook, Francis Dojun. How to Raise an Ox: Zen Practice as Taught in Master - [No Self – Embodied Self – Leland Shields, Intensive Day 3, April 12, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/no-self-embodied-self-leland-shields-intensive-day-3-april-12-2022/) - Today I’d like to share some passages from Dogen’s Keisei Sanshoku “The Sounds of the Valley Streams, the forms of the Mountains.” Now with regard to your practice and vows, whether or not you have aroused the thought of enlightenment, whether or not you are practicing, do not let others know about it. Practice in - [The Moon Brings Forth Two -- Leland Shields -- Intensive Day 6, April 15, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-moon-brings-forth-two-leland-shields-intensive-day-6-april-15-2022/) - In Dharma Hall Discourse 168, Dogen wrote this: The moon brings forth one, we pick up a brush and record it as good fortune. The moon brings forth two, the clear intention of the ancestral teachers. The moon brings forth three; a thousand ancient ones submit to Gautama. Although this is the case, is there - [Attention to Myriad Dharmas -- Leland Shields, Intensive Day 5, April 14, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/attention-to-myriad-dharmas-leland-shields-intensive-day-5-april-14-2022/) - Earlier in the retreat I presented Dogen’s often-repeated words from Actualizing the Fundamental Point: To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by the myriad dharmas. To be enlightened by the myriad dharmas is to bring - [Madelon Bolling, No Self – Resistance and the Mind of War - Madelon Bolling, Intensive Day 4, April 13, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/madelon-bolling-no-self-resistance-and-the-mind-of-war-madelon-bolling-intensive-day-4-april-13-2022/) - In the opening of Fukanzazengi, Dogen wrote: Fundamentally speaking, the basis of the Way is perfectly pervasive . . . Surely the whole being is far beyond defilement . . . It is never apart from this very place . . . And yet, with just a hair's breadth of distinction, the gap is like - [No Self – No separation – Leland Shields, Intensive Day 2, April 11, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/no-self-no-separation-leland-shields-intensive-day-2-april-11-2022/) - Dogen – Actualizing the Fundamental Point To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by the myriad dharmas. To be enlightened by the myriad dharmas is to bring about the dropping away of body and mind - [Jack Duffy talks on the works of Dogen; Steep Mountain Retreat](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/jack-duffy-talks-on-the-works-of-dogen-steep-mountain-retreat/) - During the Steep Mountain Retreat, Jack gave 3 talks on the works of Dogen. Two talks on Dogen’s One Bright Pearl, which was actually a saying of Xuan-sha, and a talk on Xuan-sha’s Drainage Stream – that is, “Where can I enter practice? Do you hear the sound of the drainage stream? Yes. Enter right - [7-Day Intensive Retreat with Lee Shields (April 9-16, 2022), In-Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/7-day-sesshin-with-lee-shields-april-9-16-2022/) - Three Treasures Sangha typically holds two, seven-day sesshin each year. 7-Day Intensive Retreat with Lee Shields April 9-16, 2022 (Apply Online or Download Application Form) Sitting zazen in longer retreats such as this can be a wonderful opportunity to deepen your practice. We encourage you to attend what you can, as you can. If you - [Do Nothing - a talk by Leland Shields – February 13, 2022](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/do-nothing-a-talk-by-leland-shields-february-13-2022/) - Master Yunmen mentioned the following anecdote: When Yunyan was sweeping the floor, Daowu said to him: “What good is so much petty effort? Yunyan replied: “You ought to know that there is one who doesn’t [make such a useless effort]!” Daowu said: “Well, that’s already a second moon!” Yunyan held up his broom and - [The Three Marks of Existence -- a talk by Madelon Bolling (March 13, 2022)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-three-marks-of-existence-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-march-13-2022/) - In Buddhism, the three marks of existence are Anicca (impermanence: everything changes, nothing lasts), Anatta (non-self: there is no permanent self in living beings and no abiding essence in phenomena), and Dukkha (unsatisfactoriness). It's hard to wrap our usual mind around this pervasive statement of fact. But it's no joke: all of existence is marked - [Zenkai (February 13, 2022) with Lee Shields – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-february-13-2022-with-lee-shields-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. Zoom Link: Send email to ttssangha@gmail.com. If this will - [A Reality Even Prior . . . A Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/a-reality-even-prior/) - Blue Cliff Record, case 43 A monk asked Dongshan, "When cold and heat visit us, how should we avoid them?" Dongshan said, "Why not go where there is neither cold nor heat?" The monk asked, "Where is there neither cold nor heat?" Dongshan said, "When it is cold, the cold kills you. When it is - [Zenkai (March 13, 2022) with Madelon Bolling – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-march-13-2022-with-madelon-bolling-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. Zoom Link: Send email to ttssangha@gmail.com. If this will - [Zenkai (January 9, 2022) with Madelon Bolling – In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-9-2022-with-madelon-bolling-in-person-and-zoom/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. Zoom Link: Send email to ttssangha@gmail.com. If this will - [“The only essential is that the gift must always move” – Annual donation to TTS](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-only-essential-is-that-the-gift-must-always-move-annual-donation-to-tts/) - Whatever we have been given is supposed to be given away again. The only essential is that the gift must always move. —Lewis Hyde, The Gift Winter 2021 Dear TTS Members and Friends, It is that time of year once again, the days grow shorter, the leaves fall off the trees, and we approach - [Zenkai (December 12, 2021) with Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields -In-person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-12-2021-with-madelon-bolling-and-lee-shields/) - TTS will host this event at our Dharma Gate facility, and also live on Zoom. Registration (by email) is necessary for in-person attendees. If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated - [Using the Mind to Seek the Mind -- Isn't That a Great Mistake? A Talk by Leland Shields – November 14, 2021](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/using-the-mind-to-seek-the-mind-isnt-that-a-great-mistake-a-talk-by-leland-shields-november-14-2021/) - (This is taken from a passage in…) Verse of the Faith-Mind …Using the mind to seek the mind -- isn't that a great mistake? (Attributed to Chien-Chih Seng-ts’an], d. 606) Case 37 of the Gateless Barrier: The Oak Tree in Front of the Garden A monk asked Chao-Chou in all earnestness, “What is the meaning - [Taking Refuge in the Dharma a talk by Leland Shields – October 10, 2021](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/taking-refuge-in-the-dharma-a-talk-by-leland-shields-october-10-2021/) - In our sutra service, we chant: I take refuge in the Buddha; I take refuge in the Dharma; I take refuge in the Sangha. In June I spoke of taking refuge in the Buddha – taken from the chant in our sutra book titled, “Ti-Sarana,” Pali for “three refuges.” As I said in June, the - [Three-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (November 12-14, 2021)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/three-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-november-12-14-2021/) - We will have a Zoom intensive retreat with Jack, Madelon, and Lee November 12-14. The detailed schedule is below. Here is an overall summary of the 3 days: SUMMARY SCHEDULE Friday: 6:30pm-9:00pm Saturday: 8:15am-12:30pm, lunch, 2:30-5:00pm Sunday: 8:15am-12:30pm The intensive weekend Zoom retreat will begin Friday at 6:30 PM with gathering for a short introduction - [Zenkai (October 10, 2021) with Lee Shields - In Person and Zoom](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-10-2021-with-lee-shields/) - Three Treasures Sangha will hold this event in-person at our Dharma Gate facility and live by Zoom. Registration information (for in-person) and Covid-19 Guidelines are posted below the schedule If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. Zoom Link: Send email to ttssangha@gmail.com. If this will - [Zenkai By Zoom: Three-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (July 9-11, 2021)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-by-zoom-three-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-july-9-11-2021/) - We will have an intensive retreat with Jack, Madelon, and Lee July 9-11. The detailed schedule is below. Here is an overall summary of the 3 days: SUMMARY SCHEDULE Friday: 6:30pm-9:00pm Saturday and Sunday: 8:15am-12:30pm, lunch, 2:30-5:00pm The intensive weekend Zoom retreat will begin Friday at 6:30 PM with gathering for a short introduction to - [Tung-shan’s Crossed Swords - a talk by Leland Shields, March 7, 2021](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tung-shans-crossed-swords-a-talk-by-leland-shields-march-7-2021/) - Within Tung-shan’s Five Ranks is this verse titled, “Proceeding Within Phenomena”: Like two crossed swords, neither permitting retreat;dexterously wielded, like the lotus in the midst of fire -a natural imperative to assail heaven itself. Robert Aitken, The Morning Star, p. 139. Tung-shan Liang-chieh (also translated as Dongshan Liangjie) was a Tang dynasty teacher recognized as - [Zenkai (May 13, 2018) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-13-2018-with-madelon-bolling/) - 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 - [Zenkai (January 13, 2019) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-13-2019-with-madelon-bolling/) - 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 - [Separate and Not Separate Are Consistent - Leland Shields, May 10, 2020, Zoom Zenkai](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/separate-and-not-separate-are-consistent/) - In the apparent but misleading dichotomy of practice, there is one breath, all else falling away. Yet in one breath, there is context – fast, chest heaving after running for a bus; ragged, with congestion; tortured, when in respiratory distress. Each is one breath. We cannot deny this breath, that is only obscured by our - [Zenkai (May 9, 2021) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-9-2021-with-madelon-bolling/) - TTS will hold the May 9, 2021 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:10 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku - [Zen Practice-at-home intensive with Jack Duffy (April 10-17, 2021)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-practice-at-home-intensive-with-jack-duffy/) - Registration is now available for the Zen Practice-at-home intensive with Jack Duffy. Schedule for 7-Day Practice @ Home Intensive with Jack Duffy April 10-17, 2021 Saturday, April 10: 6:45pm gather on Zoom 7:00 cautions and zoom ground rules, check-in 7:30 zazen 9:00 end of formal practice for the day Sunday-Friday: 6:30-8:15am - [Zenkai (June 13, 2021) with Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-13-2021-with-lee-shields/) - TTS will hold the June 13, 2021 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:10 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku - [Zenkai (August 8, 2021) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-8-2021-with-madelon-bolling/) - TTS will hold the August 8, 2021 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:10 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku - [Nothing to Attain – a talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/nothing-to-attain-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - Case 19, The Gateless Barrier Zhaozhou asked Nanquan, “What is the Dao?” Nanquan said, “Ordinary mind is the Dao.” Zhaozhou asked, “Should I direct myself toward it or not?” Nanquan said, “If you try to direct yourself you turn against it.” Zhaozhou asked, “How can I know the Dao if I do not direct myself?” - [Refuge In the Buddha - a Talk by Leland Shields, June 13, 2021](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/refuge-in-the-buddha-a-talk-by-leland-shields-june-13-2021/) - In our sutra service, we chant: I take refuge in the Buddha; I take refuge in the Dharma; I take refuge in the Sangha. And in Pali as: Buddham saranam gacchami; dhammam saranam gacchami; sangham saranam gacchami. In our sutra book this chant is titled, “Ti-Sarana,” Pali for “three refuges.” The same chant can be - [Zen Practice-at-home intensive with Jack Duffy (September 4-11, 2021)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-practice-at-home-intensive-with-jack-duffy-september-4-11-2021/) - Registration is now available for the Zen Practice-at-home intensive with Jack Duffy. Schedule for 7-Day Practice @ Home Intensive with Jack Duffy September 4-11, 2021 Saturday, September 4: 6:45pm gather on Zoom 7:00 check-in, cautions and Zoom ground rules 7:30 zazen 9:00 end of formal practice for the day Sunday-Friday: 6:30-8:15am - [Zenkai (March 7, 2021) with Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-march-7-2021-with-lee-shields/) - TTS will hold the March 7, 2021 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:10 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku - [hands and eyes - a talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/hands-and-eyes-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - The Blue Cliff Record, case 89: Yunyan asked Daowu, “How does the Bodhisattva Guanyin use those many hands and eyes?” Daowu answered, “It is like someone in the middle of the night reaching behind her head for the pillow.” Yunyan said, “I understand.” Daowu asked, “How do you understand it?” Yunyan said, “All over the - [Zenkai By Zoom: Three-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (February 12-14, 2021)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-by-zoom-three-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-february-12-14-2021/) - We will have an intensive retreat with Jack, Madelon, and Lee February 12-14, 2021. The detailed schedule is below. Here is an overall summary of the 3 days: SUMMARY SCHEDULE Friday: 6:30pm-9:30pm Saturday: 8:15am-12:30pm, lunch, 2:30-5:00, supper, 7:00-9:30pm Sunday: : 8:15am-12:30pm, lunch, 2:30-5:00pm The intensive weekend Zoom retreat will begin Friday at 6:30 PM with - [Zenkai (January 10, 2021) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-10-2021-with-madelon-bolling/) - TTS will hold the January 10, 2021 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:10 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku - [Zenkai (December 13, 2020) with Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-13-2020-with-madelon-bolling-and-lee-shields/) - TTS will hold the December 13, 2020 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:00 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku Seigan - [Zenkai By Zoom: Three-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (November 6-8, 2020)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-by-zoom-three-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-november-6-8-2020/) - We will have an intensive retreat with Jack, Madelon, and Lee November 6-8, 2020. The detailed schedule is below. Here is an overall summary of the 3 days: SUMMARY SCHEDULE Friday: 6:30pm-9:30pm Saturday: 8:15am-12:30pm, lunch, 2:30-5:00, supper, 7:00-9:30pm Sunday: : 8:15am-12:30pm, lunch, 2:30-5:00pm (with Jukai ceremony) The intensive weekend Zoom retreat will begin Friday at - [Zenkai (October 11, 2020) with Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-11-2020-with-lee-shields/) - TTS will hold the October 11, 2020 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:00 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku - [Why Does it Come to This? / I Vow to Free - A Talk Given by Lee Shields, October 11, 2020](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/why-does-it-come-to-this-i-vow-to-free-a-talk-given-by-lee-shields-october-11-2020/) - After the sittings on Friday mornings, the koan that has been shared recently is case 98 from The Record of Tung-shan (Dongshan) that goes like this: One time when the Master was washing his bowls, he saw two birds contending over a frog. A monk who also saw this asked, “Why does it come to - [Dahui, Swampland Flowers: 9 Enlightenment and Delusion (a talk by Lee Shields, September 7, 2020)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/dahui-swampland-flowers-9-enlightenment-and-delusion-a-talk-by-lee-shields-september-7-2020/) - Dahui, Swampland Flowers: 9 Enlightenment and Delusion In the last paragraph of lecture 9 of the Swampland Flowers, Dahui directed us with the following: If you want to cut directly through, don’t entertain doubts about buddhas and ancestral teachers, or doubts about birth and death – just always let go and make your heart empty - [Zenkai By Zoom: Three-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (August 7-9, 2020)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-by-zoom-three-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-august-7-9-2020/) - We will have an intensive retreat with Jack, Madelon, and Lee August 7-9, 2020. The detailed schedule is below. Here is an overall summary of the 3 days: SCHEDULE Specifics to be included soon. Friday — 6:45pm-9:45pm Saturday — 8:15am-12:30pm 2:30-5:00 & 7:00-9:30pm Sunday — 8:15am-12:30pm & 2:30-5 pm The intensive weekend Zoom retreat will begin Friday - [Zenkai By Zoom: Three-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (July 10-12, 2020)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-july-10-12-2020/) - We will have an intensive retreat with Jack, Madelon, and Lee July 10-12, 2020. The detailed schedule is below. Here is an overall summary of the 3 days: SCHEDULE Specifics to be included soon. Friday — 6:45pm-9:45pm Saturday — 8:15am-12:30pm 2:30-5:00 & 7:00-9:30pm Sunday — 8:15am-12:30pm & 2:30-5 pm The intensive weekend Zoom retreat will begin Friday - [This Moment - A Talk by Madelon Bolling - June 14, 2020](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/this-moment-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - A monk asked, “What is the essential meaning of Buddhism?” Mazu said, “What is the meaning of this moment?” (Ferguson, p. 76) Our world has changed so radically that ordinary routines don’t work any more or are not available. Like any other living thing, when the old ways don’t work, we try to meet - [Zenkai (June 14, 2020) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-14-2020/) - TTS will hold the June 14, 2020 Zenkai remotely (by Zoom). If you are able, please join all or part of this opportunity for intensive practice with others. 8:15 Samu – cleaning your space or home 8:45 Gathering on Zoom 8:55 Be seated 9:00 (5 Remembrances), Zazen, Kinhin 10:00 (Dai-O Kokushi) Dharma talk (Shiku - [Zenkai (May 10, 2020) with Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-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, - [Encouragement for Windblown Plum Home-Based Intensive -- a talk by Leland Shields, April 5, 2020](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/encouragement-for-windblown-plum-home-based-intensive-a-talk-by-leland-shields-april-5-2020/) - The phrase, “never apart from this very place” takes on new relevance as we are in lockdown for Covid-19, each practicing in our own homes, our own quiet rooms. This week is a chance to truly bring practice home, to the place before we were born, and to the home in which we sleep, cook, - [Staying Home--What's the Point? -- a talk by Madelon Bolling (April 6, 2020)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/staying-home-whats-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 - [Nothing Extra, Nothing Left Out - a talk by Leland Shields on June 10, 2018](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/nothing-extra-nothing-left-out/) - Blue Cliff Record, Case 12: Tung Shan’s Three Pounds of Hemp A monk asked Tung-Shan, “What is Buddha?” Tung Shan said, “Three pounds of hemp.” Thomas Cleary, BCR 12 Blue Cliff Record, case 19: Chu Ti’s One Finger Ch’an Whenever anything was asked, Master Chu Ti would just raise one finger. Thomas Cleary, BCR - [Zenkai (February 9, 2020) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-february-9-2020-with-madelon-bolling/) - 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 - [Like There Is No Tomorrow, A Talk By Madelon Bolling (February 9, 2020)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/like-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 - [2019 Year End Letter](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/2019-year-end-letter/) - Yes It could happen any time, tornado, Earthquake, Armageddon. It could happen. Or sunshine, love, salvation. It could, you know. That’s why we wake And look out—no guarantees In this life. But some bonuses, like morning, Like right now, like noon, Like evening. ~William Stafford December, 2019 Hello Sangha Members and Friends – Thank you, - [Zenkai (January 12, 2020) with Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-12-2020-with-leland-shields/) - 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 - [“No Body” Breaks a Toe A Talk by Leland Shields, January 12, 2020](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/no-body-breaks-a-toe-a-talk-by-leland-shields-january-12-2020/) - A nun was walking along a path, chanting the Heart Sutra. She accidentally kicked a stone, broke her toe and shouted out in pain. As she did so, the line in the Heart Sutra came to mind, “no body.” With this, body and mind dropped away. The related passage from the Heart Sutra is this - [Branching Moon Sesshin (April meditation retreat)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/april-2019-sesshin-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. - [Zenkai (December 8, 2019) with Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-8-2019-with-madelon-bolling-and-lee-shields-2/) - 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 - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (November 9-10, 2019)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-november-9-10-2019/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on November 9-10. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit Zen with - [The Indestructible Dharma-body, a Talk by Madelon Bolling (October 13, 2019)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-indestructible-dharma-body-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-october-13-2019/) - Blue Cliff Record, Case 82: A monk asked Ta-lung, “The body of form and color perishes. What is the indestructible Dharma-body?” Ta-lung said, “The mountain flowers bloom like brocade; the river between the hills runs blue as indigo.” The body of form and color perishes. Asking why is a complete waste of energy. There is - [Zenkai (July 10-12, 2020) with Madelon and Lee](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-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 - [Zenkai (October 13, 2019) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-13-2019-with-madelon-bolling/) - 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 - [Broken Raven Sesshin - September 7-14, 2019](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/broken-raven-sesshin-september-7-14-2019/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day sesshins each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. These retreats are rigorous and quite demanding, consisting of about 10 hours of zazen (sitting meditation) per day. They are silent except for the teacher’s daily teisho (dharma talk), and for dokusan (practice-related interview with the - [Reaching with Effort – Being with No Effort - A Talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/reaching-with-effort-being-with-no-effort-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - Lin-Chi was sleeping in the [Monks] Hall. Huang-po came in, and seeing him struck the front plank [of the sitting platform] with his staff. Lin-chi lifted his head, and seeing it was Huang-po, went back to sleep. Huang-po again struck the front plank, and went to the upper part of the Hall. Seeing the head - [Hazy Moon - A Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/hazy-moon/) - July 14, 2019 Case #6 of the Denkoroku is the story of the sixth patriarch in India, named Micchaka. Keizan’s closing verse to this story goes like this: Though we find clear waters raging to the vast blue sky in autumn; How can it compare with the hazy moon on a spring night? Most people - [In-City Supported Personal Retreat (July 12-14, 2019)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/in-city-supported-personal-retreat-july-12-14-2019/) - With Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreat has - [Cart without Wheels – A Talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/cart-without-wheels-a-talk-by-leland-shields/) - July 13, 2019 Hsi-chung Builds Carts The priest Yueh-an said to a monk, Hsi-chung made a hundred carts. If you take off both wheels and the axle, what would be vividly apparent? Wu-men’s comment: If you realize this directly, your eye is like a shooting star and your act is like snatching a bolt of - [Zenkai (August 11, 2019) with Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-11-2019-with-leland-shields/) - 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 - [Seven-Day Zen Retreat (Sesshin) with Jack Duffy (September 8-15, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/seven-day-zen-retreat-sesshin-with-jack-duffy-september-8-15-2018/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day meditation retreats (Sesshins) each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. See our Sesshin page for more information. - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (June 8-9, 2019)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-june-8-9-2019/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on June 8-9. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit Zen with - [Every day is a good day - a talk by Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/every-day-is-a-good-day/) - Blue Cliff Record, Case 6 Yun Men said, “I don’t ask you about before the fifteenth day; try to say something about after the fifteenth day.” Yun Men himself answered for everyone, “Every day is a good day.” Verse: He throws away one, picks up seven. Above, below, and in the four directions, there is - [Register now for Broken Raven sesshin, September 20-27](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/register-now-for-broken-raven-sesshin-september-20-27/) - On September 20 we begin our 7-day sesshin – an intensive meditation retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi. Sesshin is a wonderful opportunity to deepen practice with seven days of silent meditation, teishos and dokusan (talks and individual meetings) with Jack. In sesshin, we pick up practice early in the morning, and carry it with us - [2016 Year End Letter](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/2016-year-end-letter/) - "There is a reality even prior to heaven and earth." Dai-o Kokushi: On Zen "Hope locates itself in the premises that we don’t know what will happen and that in the spaciousness of uncertainty is room to act." Rebecca Solnit Greetings Three Treasures Members & Friends December, 2016 Most of the leaves are off the - [On Emptiness and Daily Life - a talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/on-emptiness-and-daily-life-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - January 13, 2019 It is said that the world is empty, the world is empty, lord. In what respect is it said that the world is empty?" The Buddha replied, "Insofar as it is empty of a self or of anything pertaining to a self: Thus it is said, Ānanda, that the world is empty. - [2018 Year End Letter](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/2018-year-end-letter/) - The way is perfect, like vast space, With nothing lacking and nothing in excess. Verses on the Faith Mind Greetings Three Treasures Sangha Members & Friends, December, 2018 It has been an incredibly beautiful fall with breathtaking views of the mountains and pristine beach scenes. At times, perfection does seem to be - [Zenkai (December 9, 2018) with Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-9-2018-with-madelon-bolling-and-lee-shields/) - 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 - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (November 10-11, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-november-10-11-2018/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on November 10-11. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit Zen with - [Free Me from My Fetters - a talk by Leland Shields (October 14, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/free-me-from-my-fetters-a-talk-by-leland-shields-october-14-2018/) - There are some koans that grabbed me and never loosened their grip. Today I’d like to share one that I long remembered without recalling its source, so I recently sought it out once again. The closest I could find was this, from Transmission of the Light: The thirty first patriarch (China’s Fourth Patriarch), Zen Master - [Dongshan's Cold and Heat - a talk by Madelon Bolling (August 12, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/dongshans-cold-and-heat-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-august-12-2018/) - Blue Cliff Record, Case 43: A monk asked Dongshan, "When cold and heat visit us, how should we avoid them?" Dongshan said, "Why not go where there is neither cold nor heat?" The monk asked, "Where is there neither cold nor heat?" Dongshan said, "When it is cold, the cold kills you. When it is - [Zenkai (October 14, 2018) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-14-2018-with-madelon-bolling/) - 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 - [Zenkai (August 12, 2018) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-august-12-2018-with-madelon-bolling/) - 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 - [Blinded by Gold Dust - Leland Shields (July 7, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/blinded-by-gold-dust-leland-shields-july-7-2018/) - One day the Counselor Wang visited the Master. When he met the Master in front of the Monk’s Hall, he asked: “do the monks of this monastery read the sutras?” “No, they don’t read sutra,” said the Master. “Then do they learn meditation?” asked the Counselor. “No, they don’t learn meditation,” answered the Master. “If - [On Being Left To Our Own Devices - by Madelon Bolling (July 8, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/on-being-left-to-our-own-devices-by-madelon-bolling-july-8-2018/) - A monk asked Hui-hai, "By what means can the gateway of our school be entered?" Hui-hai said, "By means of the Dana Paramita." . . . [some conversation ensued and then] The monk asked, "Why is it called the Dana Paramita?" Hui-hai said, "'Dana' means 'relinquishment.'" The monk asked, "Relinquishment of what?" Hui-hai said, "Relinquishment - [Zenkai (June 10, 2018) with Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-10-2018-with-leland-shields/) - 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 - [In-City Supported Personal Retreat (July 6-8, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/in-city-supported-personal-retreat-july-6-8-2018/) - With Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreats has - [Today is Mothers Day](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/today-is-mothers-day/) - Today is Mothers Day . . . for me as for many of us here, this day's observance is a bittersweet reminder that "all things pass quickly away…" Remembering my mom wakens an urgency to inquire into the Great Matter, into mortality, life and death. Remembering her is a first step into this - [Branching Moon Sesshin, April 14-21, 2018](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/branching-moon-sesshin-april-14-18-2018/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day sesshins each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. This year's sesshin is April 14-21. Details about our sesshins, as well as application forms, can be found on the Sesshin page. - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (February 10-11, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-february-10-11-2018/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on February 10 - 11. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit - [On Feeling Lost - Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/on-feeling-lost-madelon-bolling/) - The koan here is case 1 in Zen Echoes; also found as Case 1 in the Book of Equanimity and Case 92 in the Blue Cliff Record. One day, the World-Honored One ascended the seat. When the great assembly had gathered and settled down, Mañjuśri struck his gavel and said, "Observe deeply the Dharma of - [Facilities and Garden Work Retreat (March 10-11, 2018)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/facilities-and-garden-work-retreat-march-10-11-2018/) - 2018 Facilities retreat schedule March 10-11, 2018 This schedule applies to both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time so be sure to set your clocks ahead or you will miss sitting on Sunday. Please feel free to attend any portion of this retreat. No need to attend it all. This is a - [Zenkai (January 14, 2018) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-january-14-2018-with-madelon-bolling/) - 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 - [2017 Year End Letter](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/2017-year-end-letter/) - "To carry yourself forward and experience myriad things is delusion. That myriad things come forth and experience themselves is awakening." Dogen Greetings Three Treasures Members & Friends December, 2017 Despite all the disasters, both natural and human made, that have occurred recently, I was given some sliver of hope for our torn and tattered world - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (November 11-12, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-november-11-12-2017/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on November 11-12. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit Zen with - [Zenkai (December 10, 2017) with Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-december-10-2017-with-madelon-bolling-and-leland-shields/) - 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 - [Thinking of Pat Hawk](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/thinking-of-pat-hawk/) - Jack recently received a message from Rolf Drosten, a Diamond Sangha teacher who lives and teaches in Germany. Rolf wrote about Pat Hawk, a long-time Three Treasures supporter, known to many of us. Rolf’s message is a warm tribute, and a message about each of us practicing with our foibles. I, too, remember Pat with - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (November 10-11, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-november-10-11-2017/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on November 10-11. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit Zen with - [Engaging The Bodhisattva Precepts: a talk by Leland Shields on October 8, 2017](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/engaging-the-bodhisattva-precepts-a-talk-by-leland-shields-on-october-8-2017/) - It seems civility is violated daily in our public discourse. White supremacists seem newly emboldened as we saw in Charlottesville. Early this year in our own state, respected professor Bret Weinstein objected to a proposed demonstration on the Evergreen State College campus, and received death threats. Also this year, the Dallas News reported that Representative - [Broken Raven 7-day Sesshin September 9-16, 2017](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/broken-raven-7-day-sesshin-september-9-16-2017/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day sesshins each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. See our Sesshin page for complete details. - [Zenkai (October 8, 2017) with Leland Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-october-8-2017-with-lee-shields/) - 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 1:30am Zazen, Interviews 2:50pm Closing, Great Vows - [Talks by Lee and Madelon during the In-City Retreat, July 7-9, 2017](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-by-lee-and-madelon-during-the-in-city-retreat-in-city-retreat-july-7-9-2017/) - Observing: A Midsummer Retreat - A talk by Madelon Bolling, (July 9, 2017) To be clear and tranquil about the end of “me” I need to be clear and tranquil about what “me” is, and in general there is a lot of confusion on this point. We often hear teachers say, “you are not what - [Seven-Day Zen Retreat (Sesshin) with Jack Duffy (September 9-16, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/seven-day-zen-retreat-sesshin-with-jack-duffy-september-9-16-2017/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day meditation retreats (Sesshins) each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. See our Sesshin page for more information. - [Going to Abandoned Grassy Places - Introduction to long walking meditation (July 8, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/going-to-abandoned-grassy-places-introduction-to-long-walking-meditation-july-8-2017/) - The purpose of going to abandoned grassy places and doing zazen is to search for our self-nature. Now, at such a moment, where is your self-nature? This is the outdoor dojo. Unlike the indoor dojo: NO BELLS NO STRICT TIMING we rise and settle like geese – each alert to the others NO LOOKING INWARD - [Observing: A Midsummer Retreat - A talk by Madelon Bolling, (July 9, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/observing-a-midsummer-retreat-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling-july-9-2017/) - The predecessor of this midsummer retreat was called “Ancient Bones.” They say it was discontinued because fewer and fewer people could attend at all. Even with allowances for our limitations, it had become too arduous for those with ancient bones. I bought pre-paid cremation services for my dad a couple weekends ago and we scattered - [Purify – Already Pure, A Talk by Leland Shields (July 8, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/purify-already-pure-a-talk-by-leland-shields-july-8-2017/) - In Red Pine’s translation of the Platform Sutra, it begins with these words of Hui neng and then those of a narrator within the text: “Good friends, purify your minds by reciting the teaching of Mahaprajnaparamita.” Then the Master stopped speaking, while he purified his own mind. (Red Pine, The Platform Sutra: The Zen - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (August 12-13, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-august-12-13-2017/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on August 12-13. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit Zen with - [In-City Supported Personal Retreat (July 7 - 9, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/in-city-supported-personal-retreat/) - With Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields Many of us have regimented lives, with infrequent opportunities to ask, with an open mind, how we might deepen practice. Traditionally, Zen training included disciplined training periods alternating with periods of greater free time or travel, even as the spirit and dedication of practice continued. A personal retreats has - [Zenkai (June 11, 2017) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-june-11-2017/) - 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 1:30am Zazen, Interviews 2:50pm Closing, Great Vows - [Zenkai May 14th, 2017 with Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-may-14th-2017/) - In the talk, Lee will look at the koan, "Tung Shan's No Cold or Heat," and how our practice addresses suffering as it shows up in our lives and relationships. 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 - [Zen Practice: What About Thinking? – a talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-practice-what-about-thinking-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - Zen Practice: What About Thinking? In Zazen Universally Recommended, Dogen says: Think without thoughts. How do you think without thoughts? Nonthinking. This is the essential art of zazen. I am assuming that at least some here besides me wrestle with this unwieldy thing called thinking? If not, please just enjoy the story. Some years ago - [On Divisiveness - a talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/on-divisiveness-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - On Divisiveness Everywhere the fog has blown away revealing what I have been unwilling to acknowledge. Separateness is fiction. In Dai-O Kokushi’s On Zen, we recite, “There is a reality even prior to Heaven and Earth,” Heaven and Earth being the spiritual and material realms, respectively. But this line affirms that there is a reality, - [Facilities and Garden Work Retreat (March 11-12, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/facilities-and-garden-work-retreat/) - 2017 Facilities retreat schedule March 11-12, 2017 This schedule applies to both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time so be sure to set your clocks ahead or you will miss sitting on Sunday. Please feel free to attend any portion of this retreat. No need to attend it all. This - [Seven-Day Zen Retreat (Sesshin) with Jack Duffy (April 15-22, 2017)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/seven-day-zen-retreat-sesshin-with-jack-duffy-april-15-22-2017/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day meditation retreats (Sesshins) each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. See our Sesshin page for more information. - [Zenkai January 7 & 8, 2017](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-meditation-retreat-january-2017/) - Having missed November Zenkai, Jack offered to come down for a 2-day Zenkai in January. We scheduled one for January 7 and 8, 2017. The topic of the talks will be announced later. Here is the schedule: Saturday, January 7: 8:15 AM—Work practice if you can make it 9:00 AM—Opening Ceremony/Sutras 9:30 AM—Zazen 10:30 AM—Dokusan - [Zen Meditation Retreat with Madelon Bolling and Lee Shields (December 11)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-meditation-retreat-with-madelon-bolling-and-lee-shields-december-11/) - Please join us on December 11th for a day of Zen meditation. Lee and Madelon will co-lead the retreat. Rather than listening to a talk, we will offer music as teisho. Wu-Men Kuan case 16: Yun-men said, “See how vast and wide the world is? Why do you put on your seven-piece robe at the sound - [Annual Solstice Celebration (December 23)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/annual-solstice-celebration/) - Our annual Solstice celebration will take place on Friday, December 23, from 6:30-7:30 a.m., followed by a potluck breakfast and seasonally flavored ‘Buddhist Ballads’. The celebration includes candles, readings, bells and bows. Everyone is encouraged to bring a poem or reading to share. Please be on time; come a few minutes early to enjoy the - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (November 12,13 , 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-november-1213-2016/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on November 12-13th. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. If you’re looking for other opportunities to sit Zen with - [Zen Meditation Retreat with Madelon Bolling (October 9)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-meditation-retreat-with-madelon-bolling-october-9/) - Please join us on October 9th for a day of Zen meditation and a talk titled, "Liu Tiemo: More Than We Can Imagine." 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 - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (August 13,14 )](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-august-1314/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on August 14-15th. Jack Duffy will give a talk each day and hold dokusan (practice-related interviews). Everyone is welcome even if you haven’t attended a Three Treasures Sangha retreat. Bring your own lunch on Saturday. Breakfast will be served - [Seven-Day Zen Retreat (Sesshin) with Jack Duffy (September 10th-17, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/seven-day-zen-retreat-sesshin-with-jack-duffy-september-10th-17-2016/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day meditation retreats (Sesshins) each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. See our Sesshin page for more information. - [One-Day Zen Retreat (Zazenkai) with Leland Shields (July 10th, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/one-day-zen-retreat-zazenkai-with-leland-shields-july-10th-2016/) - Dharma Talk: Every koan is a story of support - two or more people engaging and clarifying. In his Dharma talk, Lee will examine the nature of the support reflected in koans, the story of Lin-Chi, and how we can extend this support to our lives and the world outside the dojo. Schedule 9:00am Opening, Five - [The Great Vows Project -A Talk by Larry Keil (June 12, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-great-vows-project-with-larry-keil-june-12-2016/) - I wanted to share with you a project I have been working on for the past couple of months. This project is a rewording of the Great Vows for All. This came about when I was reading the Diamond Sangha newsletter and noticed that some of the teachers were looking at a rewording of the - [One-Day Zen Retreat (Zazenkai) with talk by Larry Keil (June 12th, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/one-day-zen-retreat-zazenkai-with-madelon-bolling-june-12th-2016/) - Please join us for a day of sitting and a dharma talk. Larry will talk about the great vows and his personal project of rewording them a bit to resonate more closely with his own experiences. He hopes to keep the talking part short and then have a good discussion with time for whoever wants to contribute - [Mahaprajapati and the Philosophers’ Stone, a talk given by Madelon Bolling (May 8, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/mahaprajapati-and-the-philosophers-stone-a-talk-given-by-madelon-bolling-may-8-2016/) - To carry yourself forward and experience myriad things is delusion. That myriad things come forth and experience themselves is awakening. (Dogen: Genjo Koan, Aitken and Tanahashi trans.) Mahaprajapati and the Philosopher’s Stone The first of the women ancestors honored in our dedication chant is Mahaprajapati Gautami, foster mother of Shakyamuni Buddha and founder of - [Seven-Day Zen Retreat (Sesshin) with Jack Duffy (April 16th-April 23, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/seven-day-zen-retreat-sesshin-with-jack-duffy-april-16th-april-23-2016/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day meditation retreats (Sesshins) each year at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, Washington. See our Sesshin page for more information. - [One-Day Zen Retreat (Zazenkai) with Madelon Bolling (May 8th, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/one-day-zen-retreat-zazenkai-with-madelon-bolling-may-8th-2016/) - Dharma Talk: Continuing the project of introducing the ancestors added to our dedication chant, Madelon will talk a little about Mahaprajapati and the Philosophers' Stone, telling the story of the Buddha's mother and her turn toward liberation. Fanciful as this title may be, the Stone is an image of transformation, and transforming the ordinary is - [A Climate of Change: 3 Week Study Retreat with Eileen Kiera and Jack Duffy (June 4 - 25)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/a-climate-of-change-3-week-study-retreat-with-eileen-kiera-and-jack-duffy-june-4-25/) - During the 2016, 3-week study retreat, we will immerse ourselves in writings from Asia, Europe and North America which express and illuminate the natural configuration of reality. Held by a spacious and disciplined schedule of sitting, walking, working and eating, we will circumambulate the stupa of “a climate of change”. Individually and as a group, - [Two-Day Gardening and Facilities Retreat (March 12-13, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-gardening-and-facilities-retreat-march-12-13-2016/) - Three Treasures Sangha in Seattle's Facilities retreat. We will work both in the garden and in the house. Bring gloves and any of your favorite tools. - [One-Day Zen Retreat (Zazenkai) with Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/one-day-zen-retreat-zazenkai-with-madelon-bolling/) - Please join us on May 10th for a day of sitting and a dharma talk. Madelon Bolling will talk on Jishou Daojen. - [Two-Day Zen Retreat with Jack Duffy (February 13,14 )](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/two-day-zen-retreat-with-jack-duffy-august-8-9/) - Jack Duffy Roshi will host a monthly zen meditation retreat in Seattle. - [Verses on the Faith Mind](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/verses-on-the-faith-mind/) - "Nothing hangs in the mind,/There is nothing to remember./Boundless, clear, self-illuminating–/The mind does not make efforts./ This is the place of non-thinking,/Difficult to fathom with intellect or feeling.” Hello Everyone, I’d like to start today by saying something about the 16 Bodhisattva precepts. Our lineage looks at the precepts from 3 different vantage points–the hinayana, - [Buddha Twirls a Flower: Or, Buddha Albert Einstein, and George Carlin walk into a bar](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/buddha-twirls-a-flower-or-buddha-albert-einstein-and-george-carlin-walk-into-a-bar/) - By Lee Shields The Gateless Barrier, Case 6: Once, in ancient times, when the World-Honored One was at Mount Grdbrakuta, s/he twirled a flower before her assembled disciples. All were silent. Only Mahakasyapa broke into a smile. The World-Honored One said, “I have the eye treasury of right Dharma, the subtle mind of nirvana, the - [Zazenkai, November 9, Engaging Lay Practice](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zazenaki-november-9-engaging-lay-practice/) - This Sunday, at Dharma Gate, please join Three Treasures Sangha for a zazenkai, day of sitting & a dharma talk. The schedule will be: 9:00 Opening, Five Remembrances, Zazen 9:35 Zazen: Offering of selected lines of a reading from Dogen 10:30 Introductory words by Lee and/or Madelon, and discussion, Kinhin 11:30 Zazen 12:30 Informal lunch - [April 12th Zen Retreat: Practicing Zen Koans in Relationship](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/april-12th-zen-retreat-practicing-zen-koans-in-relationship/) - On April 12, 2015, Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a day-long retreat (zazenkai) with Lee Shields in Seattle. - [One-Day Zen Retreat (Zazenkai) with Lee Shield on June 14th](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-in-seattle-retreats-june-14th/) - Dharma talk and Zen meditation in Seattle with Lee Shields. - [Branching Moon Sesshin March 28 - April 4 with Jack Duffy Rōshi](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-buddhist-retrteat-bellingham-washington/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a sesshin with Jack Duffy Rōshi at Mountain Lamp, a rural practice center near Bellingham, WA. - [One-Day Zen Retreat (Zazenkai) with Lee Shield (April 10th, 2016)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/one-day-zen-retreat-zazenkai-with-lee-shield-april-10th-2016/) - Please join Three Treasures Sangha for a day of sitting and a dharma talk led by Lee Shields (Seattle, WA). - [Pang Family Practice – A Talk Given by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/pang-family-practice-a-talk-given-by-madelon-bolling/) - Madelon Bolling (Seattle) talks about the Pang Family meditation practice. They showed that non-monastic practice could be done authentically. - [2013 Practice Schedule](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/2013-practice-schedule/) - Here is the complete listing of the opportunities to practice Zen with Three Treasures Sangha in 2013. Of note: there will be three, more intensive (longer) Zazenkai's with Jack Duffy Roshi; and new teachers Lee Shields and Madelon Bolling will be leading monthly zazenkais and be present on one Wednesday evening per month. January 12-13 Zazenkai - [Demon of Doubt: Zen Meditation Retreat with Madelon Bolling (July 12)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/summer-zen-meditation-retreat/) - Please join us on July 12th for a day of Zen meditation and a talk on the demon of doubt and Miao-Dao, one of our Zen women ancestors. - [Talks From Beginners' Weekend](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks-from-beginners-weekend/) - The talks from the Beginners' Zazenkai, held November 11-13 at Dharma Gate, can now be listened on the Mountain Lamp website: "Talks for Beginners in 2 Parts" Also please join the Shin Jin Mei conversation on the web. Jack and the folks from the Palouse group are studying the Verse on the Faith Mind, and - [Undoing the Usual - Zenkai Talk by Madelon Bolling (Feb 9-10, 2014)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/undoing-the-usual/) - How can we extend the experience of sesshin and bring that settled focus into our workaday life? Right after sesshin, things often seem to go smoothly for awhile. For a few days as we recover from exhaustion and notice the strangeness of our surroundings, meal gathas echo quietly in our minds when we look around - [Zazenkai, June 8: Even Prior to Heaven and Earth](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zazenkai-june-8-even-prior-to-heaven-and-earth/) - Please join us on Sunday June 8 at Dharma Gate for a one-day zenkai with Madelon from 9am to 3pm. There will be an informal lunch, with soup, as well as brad & cheese for sandwiches, provided; please bring other sandwich fixings or other food to share. We will consider hints given in Daio Kokushi's - [Autumn appeal](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/autumn-appeal/) - Your continuing generosity will make it easier to meet the our obligations and make these offerings: Three Treasures Sangha Seattle. - [Into the Dark of the Year](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/into-the-dark-of-the-year/) - This piece was originally given by Madelon as a dharma talk at the Three Treasures Sangha zazenkai on December 14, 2014. - [Zenkai with Jack Duffy Roshi - February 14-15](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/sit-zen-in-seattle-february-14-15/) - Three Treasures Sangha is hosting a two-day retreat with Jack Duffy Roshi at Dharma Gate zendo on February 14-15th. - [The Buddha Project - An Inter-Sangha Event with Anita Feng, May 1 & 2](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-buddha-project-inter-sangha-event-with-anita-feng/) - Here's a unique opportunity to learn from a wonderful artist and teacher, Anita Feng, the resident teacher of Blue Heron Zen - [Walking Zen Meditation Retreat - May 31st](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/walking-zen-meditation-retreat-seattle/) - Please join Three Treasures Sangha for a morning of walking and sitting practice enjoying silence and alertness in Magnuson Park, Seattle. - [Jishou Daojen, the Unknown: A Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/jishou-daojen-the-unknown-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - Madelon Bolling's talk on Jishou Daojen, the Unknown, which she gave at this month's zazenkai is now available for download - [Miaodao and the Demon of Doubt -- A Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/women-zen-ancestors-a-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - If you missed Madelon Bolling’s talk on Miaodao at our one-day Zen retreat in July, you can download it here. - ["Even prior to heaven and earth"](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/even-prior-to-heaven-and-earth/) - By Madelon Bolling This piece was originally given by Madelon as a dharma talk at the Three Treasures Sangha zazenkai on June 8, 2014. [Note: Daio Kokushi is a dharma name. Daio means “great Yes,” “great affirmation,” or “great response.” Kokushi is the Japanese version of a Chinese term meaning “national teacher,” pronounced like the - [Newsletter Archive](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/newsletter-archive/) - Our newsletter includes our most recent schedule, talks, poems, and who does what in our sangha. You can find most of that information on this website, but many people prefer to receive it in their mailbox three times a year. We send it to all sangha members, but everyone can read it by download it - [Newsletter Winter 2011](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/newsletter-winter-2011/) - Our newsletter includes our most recent schedule, talks, poems, and who does what in our sangha. All sangha members also receive the newsletter in their mailboxes. If you want that, too, just sign up to become a member of Three Treasures Sangha. Winter 2011 Newsletter - [Karen Rosenstiel 1946-2012](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/karen-rosenthiel-1946-2012/) - From Grace and Family With a saddened heart, I want to let you all know that mom passed away this morning just before 10:45. My sister, Marian, arrived this morning from Japan, and we had around an hour together as a family, talking, chatting and having our usual family banter. My sisters left to get - [The Flip Side of Camp Indianola](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/the-flip-side-of-camp-indianola-by-sibyl-jame/) - Stare at a wall long enough and it reveals itself. The Flip Side of Camp Indianola (during sesshin) Doors open themselves and shut, invisible fingers rattling the knobs, the opposite of "good" children, unseen but heard. The giant fireplace of stones, islands in the rough lagoons of mortar. Faces rising from the rocks-- a British - [On The Middle Way -- Talk by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/on-the-middle-way-talk-by-madelon-bolling/) - Something caught my attention that has intrigued me for a long time. Maybe it intrigues you too, and we can start walking through it here. In the Coincidence of Opposites we recite: In the very midst of light, there is darkness; don’t meet another in the darkness. In the very midst - [Poetry of Ancestors Retreat at Mountain Lamp - May 10 - 30](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/poetry-and-zen-retreat-at-mountain-lamp/) - A three-week Poetry Study Retreat will be held from May 10-30 at Mountain Lamp. The retreat will be led by Jack Duffy and Eileen Kiera, and includes a weekend with Red Pine. For more information download the flyer: ML 3-Week Spring Retreat 2014. To register, visit mountainlamp.org. - [Jewels in Our Sutras - Talk by Lee Shields](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/jewels-in-our-sutras-talk-by-lee-shields/) - In recent months I’ve found myself particularly struck by passages in the sutras we chant. So for the talk today, I decided to do something different. Rather than starting with a single koan, or a single sutra, I will talk today about a few key perspectives that run through the sutras. My hope is that - [Lay Practice: A Dharma Talk](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/lay-practice-a-dharma-talk/) - By Lee Shields We are together involved in a great movement that is very personal to each of us, and is also playing out in countries around the world as we speak. Each of us is experimenting with the adaptation of an ancient monastic tradition to our busy lay lives. Even those of us who - [This Sunday: Commemorative stone dedication, October 26](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/this-sunday-commemorative-stone-dedication-october-26/) - Please join us this Sunday, October 26, for a special ceremony to initiate an area on the grounds that honors our root teachers, Robert Aiken and Thich Nhat Hanh, and members of our sanghas who have passed on. We will start with a half hour of sitting from 10:00 to 10:30 A.M. and then walk - [Wild Sacredness: Floating through the Grand Canyon](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/wild-sacredness-floating-through-the-grand-canyon/) - Here begin the terrors Here begin the miracles ―The Legend of the Grail Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time? That the river is everywhere at the same time, and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor - [Rain Chain](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/rain-chain-by-madelon-bolling/) - By Madelon Bolling I don't know how to write frost melting to drip gold, wink red, clear -- pinging the bronze cups chained under eaves, enticing fall of cold-trapped water from air to earth because there never was frost or bronze cups or eaves, let alone air or earth but in these words that freeze - [Participate in Online Discussion on Zen Master Keizan's Transmitting the Light](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-master-keizans-transmitting-the-light/) - You can read Jack's comments or post a comment at: rocksandstreams.palousezen.org Book currently under discussion: Transmitting the Light: Zen Master Keizan's Denkoroku with translations by both Francis Cook and Thomas Cleary Schedule of Postings: 10/19: Nagarjuna, 14th Ancestor 10/26: Rahulata, 16th Ancestor 11/2: Gayasata, 18th Ancestor 11/9: Shih-t'ou, 36th Ancestor (Coincidence of Opposites' Grass-Roof Hermitage) - [Introduction to Zen Meditation](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/introductory-talk-to-zen-meditation/) - Talk given by Lee Shields - May 12, 2013 Welcome to those of you new to Three Treasures (TTS), to Zen, and welcome to all my old friends in the dharma, joining again for a day of Zazen – Zen meditation. In my talk today I wanted to specifically offer an introduction to this practice - [Branching Moon Sesshin Haiku](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/branching-moon-sesshin-haiku/) - Amidst the downpour, Sitting drenched and solitary-- The red umbrella --written by Larry Keil, 2013 - [Failure is a Friend by Madelon Bolling](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/failure-is-a-frien-by-madelon-bolling/) - Hakuin Zenji said, "They translated prajna as wisdom. All people have it. No one's excepted. It's faultlessly perfect in each one of us..." [Dokugyo Shingyo: Acid comments on the Heart Sutra] We go to extraordinary lengths to arrange our lives around this practice. We come to the zendo and sit, hear the Dharma as recorded - [Branching Moon Sesshin Teisho's Available](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/branching-moon-sesshin-teishos-available/) - Jack Duffy's sesshin teishos are now available on on mountinlamp.org. If folks only have time to listen to one, please start with the talk "On Precepts" Please send comments as I am re-working some of the ideas in there. Warmly, Jack - [Blue Cliff Record Case 6: Yun-Men’s Good Day](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/blue-cliff-record-case-6-yun-mens-good-day/) - Talk given by Scott Ruplin Zenkai, Dec. 3-4, 2011 Blue Cliff Record Case 6: Yun-Men taught by saying, “I do not ask you about before the 15th of the month. Come, give a phrase about after the 15th:” He himself responded, “Every day is a good day” First let’s say some words about the life - [Bibliography](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/bibliography/) - Bibliography of Suggested Readings By Robert Aitken, Rōshi Encouraging Words: A collection of talks and essays offered by Aitken Rōshi to his students at meditation retreats "sesshin". These concise transcriptions are clear windows into Zen practice, covering topics such as attention, emptiness, diligence, death and the moral path. Mind of Clover: Essays in Zen Buddhist - [Zen Glossary](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zen-glossary/) - Glossary of Zen Terms bodhichitta: The aspiration of a practioner for enlightenment and Buddhahood. bodhisattva: A practitioner who defers his/her own enlightenment to benefit the liberation of all beings. Buddha: One who is enlightened or awakened to the true nature of existence; any being. dana: The voluntary giving of material, energy or wisdom to others; ## Pages - [2-Day Zenkai Fees](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/2-day-zenkai-fees/) - Pay full-time Flexible payment (Pay for the part you attend, or pay what you can afford) Donate If you are able, please add a donation for scholarships. Thanks! - [7-Day Sesshin Fees](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/7-day-sesshin-fees/) - Pay full-time Pay part-time Donate If you are able, please add a donation for scholarships. Thanks! - [2-Day Zenkai Registration](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/zenkai-registration/) - [Forms and Documents](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/resources/forms/) - Three Treasures Sangha of Seattle: forms to join. - [Sesshin (Intensive meditation retreat)](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/our-practice/sesshin/) - Three Treasures Sangha holds two, seven-day sesshin each year, currently at our Seattle practice center. - [Calendar](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/calendar/) - Three Treasures Sangha offers weekly Zen meditation, as well as week-long retreats. - [Upcoming Events](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/upcoming-events/) - Zenkai with Lee – In Person and Zoom April 12, 2026more information Zenkai with Madelon – In Person and Zoom May 10, 2026more information Zenkai with Lee – In Person and Zoom June 14, 2026more information Details about our sesshins, as well as application forms, can be found on the Sesshin page. For the - [Sesshin Registration](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/registration-for-7-day-practice-at-home-intensive/) - [Search TTS](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/search-tts/) - [Search](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/search/) - [Talks](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/talks/) - Talks at Three Treasures Sangha in Seattle. - [Teachers](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/teachers/) - Our teachers challenge our thinking, while offering guidance and encouragement for our individual practice—whether breath-counting, koan study, or just sitting. - [Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policies and Procedures](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/sexual-misconduct-and-harassment-policies-and-procedures/) - Three Treasures Sangha of the Pacific Northwest Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policies and Procedures Adopted 5/14/2006, Revised Oct 2008, minor revisions 2023 This document outlines sangha sexual misconduct and harassment policies. These policies are to be communicated to our membership on an annual basis as a requirement of both our insurance carrier and a - [About](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/about/) - Three Treasures Sangha is a lay Zen group, affiliated with the Diamond Sangha. Our practice helps us see and experience what is always right before us. We warmly welcome you to practice with us. - [Our Practice](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/our-practice/) - You are welcome to sit in meditation with us -- Three Treasures Sangha of Seattle -- for relaxation or exploration. - [Resources](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/resources/) - The teachers at Three Treasures Sangha give teishos--formal talks that present dharma--at our zazenkais and sesshins. - [Orientation](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/join-us/orientation/) - Three Treasures Sangha welcomes anyone interested in learning about practicing Zen. We also welcome Zen students looking for a place to practice in Seattle. - [Donate](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/donate/) - Make a Donation via Paypal One Time Donation Recurring Donation Donation for Lee Donation for Madelon - [Membership](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/join-us/membership/) - Levels of membership with the Seattle based meditation group Three Treasures Sangha. - [Sesshin Fees](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/sesshin-fees/) - Pay for Full Week Please choose "member" or "non-member" from the drop-down menu below, if you are paying for the full week. Pay per night (not full week) Regular and Supporting TTS Members, part time: $66 per night All others, part time: $77 per night If you are able, please add a - [Contact Information](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/contact-information/) - Contact information for Three Treasures Sangha, a Zen meditation group in Seattle. - [Join Us](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/join-us/) - Our group has been in existence for over 25 years. We come together to practice in a way consistent with Zen Buddhist practice. - [Application for Membership/Renewal](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/application-for-membership/) - [Dropbox](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/dropbox/) - Password protected area for those with need of access.Link to Dropbox - [Branching Moon Sesshin Registration](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/branching-moon-sesshin-registration/) - [Broken Raven Sesshin Registration](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/broken-raven-sesshin-registration/) - [Member Dues](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/member-dues/) - Three Treasures Sangha meditation group in Seattle: about our dues. - [Upcoming and Previous Events](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/news/) - Three Treasures Sangha upcoming meditation events (talks and retreats) as well as an archive of past meditation events. - [TTS Library](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/resources/tts-library/) - The TTS Library catalogue is a downloadable list (34 pages) of books and articles about Zen Buddhist practice. - [Robert Aitken Rōshi](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/teachers/robert-aitken/) - Information about meditation teacher and author Robert Aiken Roshi. - [Jack Duffy Rōshi](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/teachers/jack-duffy/) - Bio for Seattle based meditation teacher Jack Duffy Roshi. ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/uncategorized/) - [Announcements](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/announcements/) - [Article](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/article/) - [Library](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/library/) - [Newsletter](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/newsletter/) - [Poems](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/poems/) - [Practice Opportunity](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/practice-opportunity/) - [Reflections](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/reflections/) - [Zen Talks](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/zen-talks/) - [Meditation Retreat](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/meditation-retreat-seattle/) - [Beginner Zen Meditation](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/category/beginner-zen-meditation/) ## Tags - [buddhism](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/buddhism/) - [Daio Kokushi](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/daio-kokushi/) - [Dharma Gate](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/dharma-gate/) - [Grand Canyon](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/grand-canyon/) - [meditation](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/meditation/) - [Practice Opportunities](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/practice-opportunities/) - [Robert Aiken](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/robert-aiken/) - [sangha](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/sangha/) - [Seattle](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/seattle/) - [Sesshin](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/sesshin/) - [spirituality](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/spirituality/) - [Thich Nhat Hanh](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/thich-nhat-hanh/) - [travel](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/travel/) - [women in zen](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/women-in-zen/) - [zazen](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/zazen/) - [zazenkai](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/zazenkai/) - [zen](https://three-treasures-sangha.org/tag/zen/)