Dharma Message from Taihaku

We have had a steady practice together for quite a while at Shao Shan Temple.  We have studied the Dharma together and sat many hours of zazen over the years.  With hardly knowing it we have been absorbing the Dharma.  These teaching are now there to guide each of us.  We have a refuge.  We have a way to calm our minds so that we can make better decisions as together we meet the oncoming wave of the pandemic.

We know that the world will never be quite the same again, but we don’t know exactly how it will change.  This is the time to express our love to those near and dear as well as to remember those we have forgotten.

Although we have deep concern, worry does not need to cloud our mind.  We can return to the peaceful ocean that resides in our every breath.  We wish that we will meet each moment with gratitude and presence of mind. 

May we all hold hands together in the great realm of Buddha as we face this oncoming wave of the corona virus.

Bows,

Taihaku

Senate Devotional - March 11th

Shao Shan Temple priests (Taihaku and Kenzan) have been asked on occasion to give a brief Senate Devotional at the Vermont State Senate in Montpelier. On Tuesday, March 11^th,2020, Kenzan offered the following at the start of the day’s legislative session.

In these times when many are fearful, with fear for health, finances, or safety,

may we find within a place of stability both for ourselves and to be a support to others. 

In these times of fear,

may we find within a stable, centered core.

May this stable core enable us to evaluate with clarity

With unclouded mind determining the best courses of action.

Seeing clearly the facts

Seeing clearly the possibilities

Seeing clearly the interconnectedness

In these times of fear,

may we find within a stable, centered core.

May this centered core enable us to act with lovingkindness

With kindness to those we encounter

With care for those who are anxious

With compassion for those who are suffering

In these times of fear,

may we find within a stable, centered core.

May this stable core enable us to be open in the face of the unknown

Open to respond to ever changing circumstances

Open to others as potential helpers

Open to be flexible

  

In these times of fear,

may we find within a stable, centered core.

Upright in the midst of turbulence

Steady in the face of storms

Helpful in the case of need

A strength that can afford to be kind

A stability that can afford to be flexible

A calm that can afford to be present

-          even here, even now, in these times of fear.

May we find within a stable, centered core.

No in-person programs beginning March 13th

In the face of the increased concern of the spread of Covid-19 through group gatherings, we have cancelled all in person programs beginning March 13^th.  At this point, we anticipate not having in-person programs for the next month, to be reevaluated April 12^th.  For the sake of those in our sangha who may be vulnerable, it seemed wise to take this proactive step early.

We plan to post more frequently during this time and are looking into ways for us as a sangha to stay connected during this time.

May you remain safe and healthy.

"Practicing with Life's Challenges" Workshop

An engaged group came together on Saturday for a new program: "Practicing with Life's Challenges".  This one hour participatory Mini Dharma Workshop investigated using Dharma tools in order to experience loss with less suffering.  The discussion was skillfully facilitated by Max KinSho Schlueter.