Drawing Your Life - Teen Program

On Sunday, February 17th, a group of young people came together for a exciting new Shao Shan Temple program specifically designed for the pre-teen and teen age group.
 The theme was "Drawing Your Life: An exploration of cause and effect" and included a Japanese calligraphy activity.  The teens had the opportunity to write the character "FUKU" meaning "blessing/ good fortune" on a wooden plaque to take home.  The day also included meditation instruction, fun mindfulness activities, lunch and brownies.

The Heart of the Way (Newsletter Article)

The Heart of the Way

Every one of us has some pull towards what is true, a pull to wake up. Sometimes this can feel like a search for “something more.” In Japanese this is expressed as “do-shin,” literally “Way – Heart/Mind.” Looking back over our life to see how The Way, The Dharma, The Bodhisattva Mind arose and got cultivated in our life can be a helpful new way to review our own life story. It can also help us to share in hearing someone else’s story. Sometimes there is an event or burning question that sparks this deeper aspiration or inquiry in our life. This newsletter contains our first feature of this kind of personal story.  We have asked Max Schlueter to be the first to tell his story.

                                                                                                                                Taihaku and Kenzan

Stumbling Around Zen

My journey to Zen Buddhism and Shao Shan Temple was unnecessarily long and twisting. It was hampered by two things:  1) my taking an overly academic approach to Zen; and 2) my reluctance to find a teacher and a sangha to support and help deepen my practice.

About 15 years ago I was experiencing some serious work-related stress.  Looking for more effective stress management strategies lead me to Jon Kabat-Zinn’s book entitled, Full Catastrophe Living.  Kabat-Zinn’s straightforward approach to mindfulness and meditation started me on my journey to Zen Buddhism. Zazen (sitting meditation) improved the quality of my life, which then allowed me to recognize a need to add a spiritual dimension to my life.  As a professional researcher, the empirical, non-faith based nature of the Dharma attracted me.  For the next five years I stumbled around doing daily meditation and reading Zen works with neither guidance nor direction. 

Looking for More

All of my readings suggested the importance of having a teacher and being affiliated with a Zen temple.  Though I understood this, I was reluctant to make the effort to try and find a teacher and a practice center. What could a teacher add to what I was already learning from reading the works of distinguished Buddhist teachers?  Finally, at the urging of a Buddhist friend, I enrolled in a couple of weekend retreats at Zen Mountain Monastery (ZMM) in upstate New York. Though the staff and sangha were welcoming and the Zazen instruction was helpful, ZMM was a 4.5 hour drive and program tuition was expensive.  As an alternative I sat briefly with a ZMM affiliate in Montpelier, but that was just sitting.  There was no interaction with a teacher or study of the Dharma. Unsure of the next step, I took the easy path.

The Three Jewels

For another four years I practiced and studied by myself. Intellectually I knew a few things about Zen teachings, but I also was realizing that I had little actual experience practicing the Dharma. Though I knew I needed a teacher and a sangha, the online list of Vermont Buddhist temples was long and intimidating. Which one should I choose? Finally, a former colleague and Buddhist friend recommended that I think about attending Shao Shan Temple. Another year passed during which I periodically read Shao Shan’s website, hemming and hawing about whether or not I wanted to contact the priests for an introductory meeting. 

Finally, in 2015 I met Taihaku and Kenzan and attended my first Thursday afternoon sitting and discussion program. The Shao Shan Temple grounds were peaceful, Taihaku and Kenzan were welcoming and knowledgeable, and the sangha was diverse and interesting.  I quickly realized that I had arrived at my Dharma home. In 2016 I received the Precepts and in 2017 I became a formal student. I now have two dedicated teachers, study the Dharma under their guidance, and have many Dharma friends who inform, enrich, and support my practice.  As a solo practitioner my practice was stagnant. As a member of Shao Shan Temple it has flourished.  

Max Schlueter

Radiant Blessings (Newsletter Dharma Talk)

by Rev. Kenzan Seidenberg

Radiant Blessings. The word “radiant” naturally brings to mind the sun – the epitome of radiance – sending out its warm rays in all directions. The sun does not choose in which direction its warmth radiates, nor does it make any special effort. Simply by its nature, warmth and light extend out in all directions. The Buddha also used the image of the sun when he spoke about Lovingkindness, saying that compared to the sun, moon and stars, “In shining, beaming and radiance, the heart of loving kindness far excels them.” 

The Lovingkindness Meditation (or Metta) involves sending out warm wishes/prayers/intentions. It is often practiced beginning with oneself: “May I be happy. May I be peaceful. May I be free from suffering.” And from there expanding outward. It can be done expanding outward to people we care about and then to those we have neutral feelings about and then to those who are more complicated or difficult for us. Alternatively, it can be practiced expanding outward in space: to others in this building, then in this town, in this state, this country, the planet earth and then all beings everywhere. The kind of mind this exercise can cultivate -- one of compassion, kindness, friendliness and goodwill -- is the radiant heart-mind taught by the Buddha.

Each of our actions has effects, like the ripples from a pebble tossed in a pond, the circles expanding out from the initial splash, small waves lasting perhaps for seconds or for several minutes. Our actions also ripple out through both space and time. It is difficult to know all who will be affected, near and far, current and in the distant future. It is also difficult to know what the effect will be. Our “actions” are not only what we do, but also what we say and even what we think. Paying attention to the results of our actions can help us become more attuned to how we can best have a beneficial presence in the world. We can become more familiar with this in Zazen, for example, by noticing the effects of our thoughts on our physical and emotional state. In the Bendowa, Dogen Zenji encourages us that the effects of our Zazen extend far beyond what we would usually imagine:

This being so, the zazen of even one person at one moment imperceptibly accords with all things and fully resonates through all time. Thus in the past, future and present of the limitless universe, this zazen carries on the Buddha’s teaching endlessly. Each moment of zazen is equally wholeness of practice, equally wholeness of realization. This is not only practice while sitting, it is like a hammer striking emptiness; before and after, its exquisite peal permeates everywhere. How can it be limited to this moment? Hundreds of things all manifest original practice from the original face; it is impossible to measure.

One definition of the word “blessing” is “the infusion of something with holiness.” Perhaps Dogen is encouraging us that our Zazen is exactly that.

May our practice be a radiant blessing in the world.

 

The message of Shao Shan Temple’s 2019 New Year’s Greeting is “Radiant Blessing”.

Introduction to Zen Program (newsletter article)

What is an effective way to introduce visitors to Zen and Shao Shan Temple? Shao Shan Temple (Taihaku and Kenzan) are always on the lookout for what needs are arising and whether the current programs are meeting the present needs. As more people have found Shao Shan Temple through the Internet, first-time visitors have been a growth area with rapidly changing needs. In the past, people who had an interest in coming to Shao Shan were encouraged to contact the temple and arrange a first-time visit with the priests. For some people this invitation was an ideal opportunity for a one-on-one meeting with Taihaku or Kenzan. For others, it felt intimidating and too much of a commitment. Also, it began to happen frequently that people would make an appointment and then simply not show up. It became clear that a more comfortable and informal way to have a glimpse into Shao Shan Temple was needed.

In August 2017, Shao Shan Temple held its first Open House Program. This was an opportunity for people who practice here at Shao Shan Temple to invite family and friends to experience the temple on a more informal occasion. It was also a time for neighbors and the local community to discover more about the Zen temple in their town. The program involved an overview of the temple, an opportunity for questions and answers, a tour of the temple grounds, and refreshments. Visitors could also participate in a guided meditation or take a hike up to the White Jewel Mountain Retreat. In both 2017 and 2018 the program was well attended. 

Subsequent to the 2018 Open House, visitors started contacting Shao Shan Temple to inquire when the next one might be. As hoped, the Open House format was filling the need for an opportunity to come to Shao Shan in an informal group setting to learn about Zen and temple programs. However, scheduling the program only once a year did not seem to be meeting the demand. Introduction to Zen organically developed as a result.

The first Introduction to Zen program was held on Sunday, November 18, 2018, from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. January 26 was the most recent program. The format for the program is similar to the successful Open House approach and includes:

• An introduction to the temple and programs,
• A Question and Answer period,
• An introduction to the meditation practice,
• The option to tour the buildings and grounds (weather permitting).

Within this framework Taihaku and Kenzan discuss Zen basics, the history of the temple, and the training that Taihaku and Kenzan have received. Taihaku emphasizes that Shao Shan Temple is affiliated with the Soto Zen Order of Japan and is accountable to the Order. They also mention that there is an active and involved sangha at the temple that supports each practitioner and that Shao Shan Temple is itself integrated into the broader community of surrounding towns. 

Taihaku and Kenzan’s informal and enthusiastic personal styles set the tone for the discussion. They are adept at taking the program in the direction which is of most interest to the visitors. If families are in attendance, then the Family Program becomes the focus. If teens are in the audience, then the Teen-Youth Program is mentioned, and if adults are present, then emphasis is placed on the Book Discussion and Intensive Practice programs. Typically, a formal student is also on hand to answer additional questions at the end of the program. Participants appear to be engaged in the program and appreciative of the new perspective they have gained about Zen and Shao Shan Temple as a result of their visit.

The priests are continuing to evaluate how frequently the Introduction to Zen program should be held.  Currently, it is expected that they will be held at least quarterly, along with the Annual Open House Program in August.

If you are interested in learning more about Shao Shan Temple or if you have a friend or family member who might like to learn more about Shao Shan Temple, please plan on attending the next Introduction to Zen Program. The program is typically scheduled on a weekend from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. You can click on this link to find out when the next Introduction to Zen program will be held. 

Introduction to Zen

Shao Shan Temple Cemetery Report

2018 was a significant year for Shao Shan Temple Cemetery. There were numerous grounds and landscaping improvements, a record number of lots purchased, and a maturing of the Shao Shan Temple Cemetery organization.

There is now a granite pagoda installed in the center of the Ceremonial Oval. Prior to September 2018, the center of this space was temporarily held with various objects and poles that did not last. Now a four-foot granite Rokkaku Yukumi, traditionally known as a "snow viewing lantern," contributes to the dignity and peacefulness of the cemetery.

A Communal Shrine was constructed and landscaped with a small surrounding garden. The Communal Shrine will allow interment in Shao Shan Temple Cemetery without an individual lot and memorial stone. The first interment in this new Communal Shrine occurred this past summer.

Also this past summer, granite corner posts were installed to mark the corners of the entire cemetery property and smaller posts installed to outline the ceremonial circle. Additional rhododendrons were added to the landscaping.

In 2018, a number of Shao Shan Temple sangha members either paid for or reserved with a down payment an individual cemetery lot. There were ten lots sold or reserved this past year, compared with seven lots total prior to 2018.

As Shao Shan Temple Cemetery has become more established, it has become evident that to ensure the cemetery’s longevity it is necessary to have multiple people aware of how the cemetery functions rather than leaving all of the information in Kenzan’s hands. This past fall was the first meeting of the newly formed Cemetery Committee. Thanks to Peter Burke and Susan Calza for agreeing to serve on this Committee.

Lovingkindness Family Program

At this month's Family Program, we explored the theme of the force of lovingkindness. In honor of the very windy weather of the day, we considered how even though we can't see the wind, we can feel its power and see its effects. Similarly with lovingkindness, we can't quite see it, yet we can feel its strength and witness its effects in the world. We mimicked the power of the wind by blowing forcefully on pinwheels, and then practiced lovingkindness meditation, wishing happiness, safety and peace to ourselves, our families, our friends, people we don't know very well, and to everyone and everything everywhere. We made lovingkindness cards to give to others, and blessed the cards in the temple by ringing the bell and passing the cards over incense.

2019 Rakusu Sewing

As is part of Shao Shan Temple tradition, Rakusu sewing takes place weekly from January to June for those who will be participating in this year's Jukai Ceremony.  Once a week, the Little Hall is transformed into the "Sewing Room" and the quiet atmosphere of sewing-meditation permeates the space.  The Rakusu is an "abbreviated Buddha's Robe" that is created while putting a prayer/intention/mantra in with each stitch.

Example of Rakusu and the mantra

This year Heather and Monica are working on sewing rakusus and will be becoming Rev. Taihaku's formal students.

Thanks to Donna, Judy and Kathleen for their on-going dedication as sewing leaders.