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It has been a while since LZ ( Lady Z) and I have gone out and had some fun or got to visit with friends. This Thursday we did both. The Tokyo Delegation was up own way so we decided to visit meet for dinner at Kirala Restaurant in Berkeley. LZ and I have been there before but it has been awhile. The Delegation had not been there. They had heard how good it is and also the owner is part of a Blasian couple like us. Additionally there is a Robata (Japanese grill ) there, not many here in CA.
LC and I arrived about 7pm , expecting it to be a line as always and no parking. We were surprised to find we got 1 of two street spaces right in front and no line. We thought maybe it was not open yet. I got out to check , it was open and pretty full. I spoke with the owner a bit in Japanese, she remember me once I spoke to her. She had me sign in and I said we were looking for our friends and it would be a few minutes. It would take a while for our table to be ready anyway she said.
I went back to the car for LZ, we hung out for some 10-15 min. The owner came out and got us, saying our table was ready, so we went in to sit. The Delegation we found out later was sitting on the Bay Bridge in traffic, pretty typical coming out of the City. So we ordered a drinks and appetizer whilst waiting. I had Lychee sake and LZ had Nihon no Beeru
Shortly afterward they arrived. Zu-san ordered Shochu. The waitress was not sure if they had it as not many Americans order that. However they did find some, but… served it with to much ice. Not Japanese style, but the second glass he explained how to do it and it was ok.
The food was excellent. We ordered a lot from the grill they were pleased with the deliciousness of the taste, just like Japan! Desho, I said. The owner came over after a while and I made introductions. We were a bit of celebrities as the table speaking Japanese. We chatted with a couple of the waitress one of who knew LZ from before. It was a good evening, we had a sense of being back in Japan.
Finally we finished dinner and most of the people were leaving, we were still chatting. We were the last of 3 tables still there. There was a Japanese fellow who had spoken with us earlier was leaving and he stopped by our table again. After a brief chat, he sits with us, and we have a very interesting conversation about Japan in the 60’s and 70’s. I’m glad he switched to English , because I was only getting about half of what he was saying in Japanese, I still have a long way t go to follow 100%. He told us of hanging out with a lot of GI ’s, played music some, loved, rock, R&B, did acid ( back in the day) partied a lot. He told us of the Black & White Culture in Japan back in the VietNam era. Meanwhile the staff was putting everything away, counting receipts, etc. We were the only customers left. Sumimasen I said to the Lady owner, while on my way back from the Loo, she said, no problem, you’re enjoying yourselves.
We continued to chat with the guy for about 10 min or so. Now it is close to 11:ppm and he excused himself. We asked if he was the Sushi chief, he said no, I’m the owner.
We were shocked! We all thought that the lady was the sole owner, but then just figured he was a partner. No matter, so we felt less bad about staying late, hanging with an owner, sweet. Yeah Good times!
Zen’s Loving Day Month Sailing Non-Sailing Celebration Sangria:
1 part pineapple juice
2 parts merlot wine
1 cup orange juice
1 part ginger beer
1 organic apple cut up
1 organic orange cut up
4-5 stawberries, cut up
2 oz ( or so) tequila ( gold)
2 oz (or so) Shochu ( a Japanese Liquor)
mix and chill over night…
enjoy…. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh oooshiiiiiiii!
This was the drink we had along with some grilled salmon w/pesto, a small spring veggie salad with Artichokes, palm hearts, red wine vinaigrette dressing, salsa & chips.
This was our Loving Day boatnic ( picnic on a boat) celebration. I had planned a sail with a couple of international couples friends. However no one could make it. The day was perfect for a sail, however since I had the boat backed into the slip so I could access the starboard side, I passed. To take it out meant I would need to back in in the slip again. Therefore since it was just the Lady Z and I choose to just hang out, grill some fish, drink Sangria, eat, read and NAP. It was a good afternoon. The Lady Z read her Japanese book on “Zen”. It was not written by a monk but by a layman. She said, he says the same as you, “Zen” is not about religion, or limited to Buddhist, it is about living life. I read Nine Nights with a Taoist Master. It is the Tao Te Ching, written in a story form about Lao Tzu. Interesting reading. There were some very pointed items in there that are relevant to our current financial situation and life change.
The wild salmon I grilled on s/v “zen” BBQ. It was delicious ( Oshii). This is the way to have salmon remarked the Lady Z, much better than frying. It was our first BBQ since last 4th of July. It went GREAT with the Sangria and the gentle rocking of the boat, and the sounds of Kudo and Japanese songs playing on the laptop. Things were quiet at the marina, but there were lots of picnic in the park. I doubt if they were for Loving day, but I let my mind think so anyway. Happy Loving Day ( month) to all you mixed couples out there. Remember it was not THAT LONG ago that you’d be breaking the Law in the good old US of A.
peace!
It is good not to have expectation about things, well, not too high expectations, especially things you can not control. Also a good perspective is a good thing to have. I say, the keys to life are timing, perspective and who you know any one of them gives the holder a happy life. Go ahead, match it to anything…zen
The adventure began on Sat. morning. It was a good example of life, and the flow of things, yin within yang, interdependence all that. I started my part of the day going to the Emeryville marine Flea market. I was also ready somewhat disappointed that a guy I had been talking to about an anchor for months could not find room for it in his truck. I let it go and moved on, to find another.
I was hoping to find one at the flea market today along with a part I needed for my Mainsheet controls on the boat. I did not check the starting time of the event and arrived almost two hours early DOH! Starting at 10 am, I never seen that before. I found this out after hanging out and seeing little signs of a sale. So I asked. While in the process of hanging out, watching folks setup. A guy comes up just off to my rear side vision. He has a wheelbarrow full of anchors. I go over to check things out. I spot the very Anchor I wanted from the other guy, (who was setup just across from where we were standing) perfect. I ask, how much?, he says make me an offer I have no idea what it is worth… Hmm I think, I want a good price, I also need to be fair. I offer 15.00 below what the other guy wanted. Done he says! Sweet!
After I acquire another small item, I head home to pack. We are together and ready to go without too much hassle. After all it is just over night. So let me go over the plan.
We land about 6:00, get a car and head over to dinner with the master at 7:00 p.m. which is 30 min from the airport. Then we head over to see my brother after dinner which ends at 8:30, next a stop at a friend who just got out of the hospital. From there back to the hotel around 11:00 p.m. Up early the next morning to pickup my Cuz. and another zendude at the airport, before heading over to the day retreat with the master. That was the plan and this should be a clue that when I say that was the plan, the universe had other plans…
We arrived to the airport on time, with easy access to the loading gate through the checkpoints. Once there things went downhill. First the flight was delayed 15 min.
Ok, no biggie, Once we got on the plane, something is wrong another delay. Then leave the gate, doh, something is still wrong,
It has to do with some lights we are told. Finally we are on the run way, and we stop again, this time told, delay 10 min, then it was back to the gate for a mechanic. We finally take off at 6:00pm one hour late.
We arrive in Ontario @ 7:00. Barley enough time, the diner had started. We got a car and made it to the restaurant by 7:30… We find, NO ONE there we know or knew us or the party we are looking for. We are told, perhaps that it was another place, which had almost the same name, but was across town… I find out later another restaurant was chosen.
I let it go as a lost effort. It is now 8:00 p.m. Rather than go visiting, I take the evening so far as a sign, I feel I should just bag the evening and find the hotel then decide. I was a bit concerned about where the location was, it was suppose to be near the airport by a few minutes, but I saw no signs of hotel on our way to the freeway. So we drive back to the airport area, I call for directions. I get some rough idea we are on the wrong side of from where we want to be. I should go look for this street and follow that to blah blah. Ok we drive, and drive, and look and look. We call again. More directions to a street I can not find. Oh did a say we have a map as well with none of the street on it working like we are told, if they are even there on the map!! I stop and ask a local, I get pointed in the right direction, I drive, and locate one street name, but nothing of the intersection. I stop again in a gas station, the lady, makes the call herself and writes down the directions. Thank God for folks like that, we finally got to the hotel at 11:00 p.m.. So much for any other traveling. The Force did not want us out and about visiting. We called it a night after locating some food.
Sunday with the Master.
We needed an early start in the morning…it is not everyday one meets a spiritual leader…and a deputy Abbot of Shaolin Temple.
We are at the hotel desk the next morning, Sunday, checking out. I ask the person behind the desk. Is the airport that way? and point let’s say north. She says, err ummm, I’m not sure.
We check the map, she looks up something. she points the other direction, south, I check the map hmmmm ok hmmm…
We are heading to the airport to pickup my Cuz and another person. We go about 4 blocks I feel something is not right, Lady Z also checking the map says something is not right with the direction. What kind of workers are these who can not give directions to and from the airport?! I ask a cop on a bike about the airport. He points north, ( the other way ) and gives me directions. We are there in 10 min. !!! Yeaa CHP!!! Arigato!!!
We make it to the airport, pickup my Cuz, pickup boarding passes for the trip home, pickup the other dude from Texas and we are off to see the Master. That went smooth, as did the trip to the Meditation center. We arrived in plenty of time for a few introductions and good to see you again happy faces and get settled into a seating spot before things start.
We were in the third row. sitting on foam mats. Yuk!, These are not comfortable and we are not suppose to bring cushions. For some reason this group does not use cushions, only if one really needs it, they prefer none. However it is ok to sit in a chair if you need. When at home sitting I use a traditional Japanese style cushion, when I practice in Fremont I use a smaller cushion, I find it makes a difference when doing long sessions. MAybe the floor things is par tof the training.
Anyway, the morning lecture was to be two hours. It was going to be a long sit, being still, respectful and sitting correctly, there was going to be some suffering, training time. Very much like Kung Fu training, learning to go beyond the discomfort… pain. (We most of us were suffering at the first hour. We did get a break. Even my senior said his legs hurt. We could not tell !!)
We get a few announcements from a couple of seniors, then told to center ourselves quietly and wait. We were sitting for 15 min or so before the master arrives. The Shifu arrived just about 10:00.
He walked up with a couple of aids. He looked young for the age I thought he was. Small in stature, calm in energy and face. I was curious about his energy, his chi, I can not say that I was covered with this aura of goodness and mercy, he did however feel like he is a good person a peaceful person. I got no sense of a power figure from him. Nor did I get a car salesman vibe, or the cult leader vibe from him or the others. I was pleased. Shifu spoke in a soft voice. Softer than I expected after listening to the DVD. He spoke with a soft convection. There were no robes or other formal ceremonial trappings. He wore a regular Chinese style dress jacket, with a gold Chain necklace with a small shrine/temple image with a Jade Buddha inside. I also had on my Gold chain with a Chinese Jade, it is of Fu Dogs ( Lion Dogs, the temple guards). I felt a connection 
Now as i post this, something comes to mind. He is wearing a jade temple, I am wearing jade temple guards… whoa…is it a sign… is it real…or memorix? * incert twilight zone music track here*
The first of his lecture was about Ch’an, the nature of Ch’an , why we need it. For balance of body, mind and spirit. It was also about the non-religious heart of Zen (ch’an) how Ch’an helps enhance whatever your faith. Ch’an is about the heart of man, the heart of nature, the heart of the universe. Our connection with all that was & is before we came up with religion. Ch’an is older than religion. He spoke of how Buddhist terms are used to describe Ch’an but it is not only Buddhist idea, or path. It is Universal in nature without the limits of names and labels. Which is why it is pushed to live it, experience it from practice not by reading books, or chanting, those are paths, ways of the mind and not true Ch’an. They are limited. He also explained the colors of our HeartZen logo.
All this had to go through translation from elder brother JM. So I’m sure it had more impact without the language change breaks and things are lessen sometimes in language and culture translations. There was a lot said, a lot I do not remember on the surface. I think that is of leaser importance than being there in the presence of the Shifu’s Chi. I wish I had a recording, maybe one will show up. There are old video sessions on line. Which I can listened to at leisure. I will do so again, I think they will sound different, now that I have seen the Shifu live…or not
We thankfully got a break after the first hour. We were suffering. I understand that part of the training in sitting is going beyond the discomfort to find calmness. Sitting is also training for life and spirit. Like doing horse stance in Kung Fu. Anyhow, you gotta break sometime.
After the second part of the morning lecture, on things, like Chakras, reincarnation, heaven, & hell. We broke for lunch. Sandwiches from Quzinos Subs! Nice, Veggie ones at that. I had two, I was hungry after a light dinner and much lighter breakfast.
I found Lady Z, my Cuz and I some shade to sit in. Oh btw, it was about 100 degrees there in Southern CA. Not at all like Northern Cal where it was somewhat cool and most of the US still dealing with coldness and snow in some places.
Not that we did not want to sit with anyone, but all the shade spots were taken, except up next the to bushes. We kind of grouped there. At some point while I was getting seconds to feed my face, brother JM came and sat and talked with the ladies and myself and one other who joined us. It is always interesting to listen to brother JM speak. He is able to explain things well. He spoke of living zen not just reading about what the Buddha did thousands of years ago from the Sutras. Basically practice and write ones own sutras. Also about the Shifu and his connection to the Force, also things that he himself had seen, and experienced. He also related how this visit came about and the number of people in attendance. My only disappointment, was that LadyZ did not get to get talk more with the other Japanese lady, she left just after lunch started and did not stay for the whole event. I did get to chat some with a couple of people about the Martial Arts side of Shaolin.
After lunch we had another session with the Shifu. Before he arrived, we were given Amber colored bracelets, which he, the Shifu had brought with him from Taiwan or south America ( I did not quite get which which) and had done blessings on. Generally we are told that the Shifu get the gifts. But with him he gives to his students, he has no needs.
We were asked to submit questions for him. He would address them. There were many questions. He went through them for the next hour and there were still more. I do not remember all of them. But some of his answers where funny and informative. I was pleased to hear him saying, he was not a Buddha. ( shows humbleness) He would say that The Dala Lama is the only one he has met. He also spoke on our need to do something about the environment a living presense. He spoke on Greed, and how in a sense staying up past 11:00 or 12:00 doing something is a form of greed. Our bodies operate on a natural cycle, when we disrupt that cycle by a choice we are being greedy. It was remarked later by my cuz she noticed, he did not directly answer some of the questions. He touched on them, but some things, he said needed to be experienced not just told this is how it is. Which is part of what our practice is about. Not being told how things are and feel but to practice and experience for ourselves what things are, and how they feel. That way you are not living, doing, acting on faith, on a belief, you are living an experience.
By now into the second section my legs are killing. I hear others around me shifting as well. I do not feel so bad now, others are suffering with me, we are a team
I am hoping for a break, my legs and my bladder need a break!!! The break did not come, but we finished that section early. Next it was meet and greet time with the Shifu. We lined up, with people who had met Shifu before standing in the rear. Us new folks in the front. Finally it was our turn. I was introduced and I introduced the Lady Z in Chinese. We had an exchange of words, in Japanese & Chinese then had a couple of pictures taken.
It was getting close to the end of the day now. Our plane would be leaving soon. There was another stop to make. This was the last meeting at this location. There was a new center which we were going to today so that the master could bless the location. So many of us headed over to the new park location.
We all relocated to the new place, the Shifu came last and we lined up to greet him. Once in the new room there was a Buddha painting that was hung.
The master did some brief ceremony that had to do with opening the “eyes” of the Buddha, turning on the light, otherwise it was just a painting. He did the blessing on the room and on all of us there. I did not get the words, but I understood what was happening.
Interestingly when I got home I thought to myself a couple of times that evening and the next day how peaceful I felt. Like everything would be ok, don’t worry be happy.
Later the next day I get an email from Brother JM, he said, he may have forgot to translate what was happening with the blessing. He said
“At the Heritage Park, when our Master turned around toward us, after he turn on the light for the Buddha, did you notice that he did a sprinkling like gesture to all of us? That is to sprinkle us with the Loving kindness of Buddha.
If you are calm, you can feel the energy. Some of us may even feel like crying.”
Wow I thought that is just how I felt. Not the crying part, but for real a sense of peace.
Anyway, back to the retreat, we are now to the closing. We take group pictures outside and end. Then we three head off to the airport sadly leaving the rest of the group. It was a good trip. Great to see old faces, and met the new ones. Meeting Shifu was an honor and worthwhile for the trip. My Christian side felt better not feeling any conflict coming from him. My Buddhist side felt comfort in meeting the Shifu and receiving the blessings. Being a Christian Buddhist or Zen Christian, I need to have internal balance and harmony with the concepts of both in my heart and mind.Yeah I knew there is no such things a Zen Christian or the like, but people make up labels all the time. I can also. Oh, maybe Shaolin Christian Buddhist , Christain Shaolin Buddhist,…A rose by any other name…Hmmm maybe I can start a new Christian Buddhist Ch’an Sect…
We made it back to the airport and made our plane with time to spare. We three sat together on the flight home. It was good, we napped a bit on our 1.15 hr flight. I said to my cousin. Wow, when we were growing up in Philly who would have ever thought we’d be flying back to the S.F. area after meeting with a Chinese Zen master from Taiwan in LA. Life is a trip isn’t!
What did you do last night?????
Here in the house of Zen we did our symbolic part for earth hour. We have all energy saving bulbs in our home anyway. Lady Z enjoyed doing the by candle evening. She says it should be done once a month. Once a year is nothing. She would be even up for everyday lights off by 9:00 or 10:00 pm. With her it was not so much the energy saving but she just likes the feel of it. We ended up with the lights off for about 2.5 hours not just the one. She got to talk, I got to listen , and listen and listen…
here are a few things about global warming:
Sidney alone - everyone turning the lights off for one hour was equivelent to taking all the cars off the road for a year.
1.Human activities are changing the composition of Earth’s atmosphere. Increasing levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere since pre-industrial times are well-documented and understood.
2.The atmospheric buildup of CO2 and other greenhouse gases is largely the result of human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.
3.An “unequivocal” warming trend of about 1.0 to 1.7°F occurred from 1906-2005. Warming occurred in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and over the oceans (IPCC, 2007).
4.The major greenhouse gases emitted by human activities remain in the atmosphere for periods ranging from decades to centuries. It is therefore virtually certain that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases will continue to rise over the next few decades.
5.Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations tend to warm the planet.
The Buddha taught that life is suffering. We suffer because we don’t get what we want, we suffer when we get what we don’t want, and we suffer when we do get what we want because we know we cannot hang onto it forever…me..I’m tired…
The family is gone back to Japan now. I am so glad that we got to have some time with them, with no worries. It was great sort of like our last visit to Nihon. Which was almost at the same time last year. Then came home to the bomb drop of being laided off at my last company. I believe it was around March 18th…March 15 isn’t that the ides of March and unlucky. I know it was for some Ceasar or somebody. Anyway I digress.
It is back to business at the office. It was an interesting week at work. I do not remember if it was this week or last, two people had gotten laided off. Not because business was bad , because their 3 mo probation was up and they were not workingout…
We had just finished up the BIG conference in Nashville. There are still post stuff to deal with. We had had a debrief after the big show and told we all did a fine job. I was busy with doing some web up dates, and taking care of the photos that need to be handled and cards designed, etc. Everyone was a busy, but …I’m feeling something is wrong in the Force.
After the end of the day on Thurs, I’m heading out and do my usual goodnight to those there. The President says her usual and I’m off to the car,… feeling very uneasy..Something IS wrong in the Force.
The next day there is a note on my desk, ” There will be a small meeting in the dining room ” Hmm, I’m thinking, food? Because we never meet in the dining room.
But, I’m not feeling food…
maybe the wrong room name …
I was right on that it was the other room…
Lady Z has been sick with the flu all weekend. We got out a little early on Friday, I have been letting her rest so far all weekend. I have just been staying inside seeing what she needed and meditating on life and the circles within it. I wrote a song over the last couple of days. The first I have done in a while. No words, different from my older stuff. This was really just done so Lady Tokyo could Jam with it and add some keyboards. It was good for me to make that musical connection, doing sometime like that always changes my spirit. A different way of meditating and connecting to the Universal Chi. Reminds me I do have some small talents to do something…
It is Sunday, I thought about going down to s/v Zen today, but I’ll wait until tomorrow, Monday. Nice that it is a holiday, bad that there is no wind for sailing. So I just sit here finishing up this and that, doing a few misc items before going back to work on Tuesday. Nice it will be a short 4 day week. I’m taking advantage of some down time to re-center.
Lady Z should be feeling better by Tues. She’ll have gotten some needed rest. I guess that is the time to tell her, about the movie Ground Hog Day…
Because that is how I feel like I’m in it after being told, I only had 1 more month of work, until March 14th, when the company moves it office and I am once again out of a job almost exactly a year later.
Even in Happiness there is Sadness or suffering. That would be the Buddhist outlook. Meaning all good things must end, Within light the is dark. one could go lots of ways with this. It is unfortunate that the little bit of badness with the flow on the 4th day was not the extent of the negative flow, but more on that later…
For now day 4. We had been looking forward to a sailing day on Monday. A short hop over to Benica for lunch and an easy sail back.
However there were two glitches in that plan. 1. Low tide, was keeping us in the slip until later in the PM. We did not have that much time to just set thing adrift so to speak. #2 was there was no wind! I without wind, sailboat is just another boat. We had already been on one all afternoon in Monterey and they were taking the ferry tomorrow. Not much difference in the board sense. So not much point taking out s/v Zen with no Wind.
So figuring to make the best of things, we drove over to Benica for lunch and a stroll around town.
Looking…
looking,…
ooshiiiiii!
Afterward we did the next best thing to going out and floating in one spot, we went back to the Marina and
Raised the family flag …
had wine and chatted there in the cockpit of the boat.
We enjoyed the day from where we were and what we had. The Kobe Crew had practicing throwing up the “Zen” sign so were just a bit disappointed,
but they were able to do it for the shots,
so no waste.
After a couple of hours or there-a-bout, we call it a day. They are off to a NBA game in Oaktown ( Oakland).
It would be several hours later before they could eat. With that in Mind we stopped at an All American Food Shop called the Hot Dog Stand . They would get the traditional faire for going to a Sport Game, Burgers N Fries, Hot Dogs and Milk Shake. Pig out!!!… I got the veggie burger. One of the reasons we stopped at this place was because it had “Air Fries”, not the deep fried usual stuff. These were made with hot air, and tasted great without the oil. That was broken…and the company was out of business!
All this great American Pig Out Food was cooked up by a sweet older couple from Korea who own the place.
So as bad goes, not having wind, and stuck in a slip until higher water, no “air fries” was mild…
Unlike the ugly…
I did not tie that flow in with the Zen Sense running in the background feeling a disturbance in the force…
Day 3,
Things are going along well. Everything has worked out and in the case of the last night even better. It is Sunday, we are off to Sonoma County for wine tasting. As we had such a late night on Sat, we sleep in a bit on Sunday then were off to the North.
We headed out on a familar route for me. I use it everyday to get to work. We had to drive almost right by my office so I took a small detour and showed the Crew the office house built in the early 19oo’s . It is am impressive house , total different than what they would see in Japan.
Next stop a winery. We did two wineries that day. The first we had drinks, more like sips, which was perfect ad it was free. I did not take pictures there, but for one of lil sis & hubby. Our next stop had more visual quality so I got some shots.
Also one of were Lady Z & I sat for our first picture together, just dating. It was kind of an anniversary return for us.
We all went into the shop for snack & spreads samples. However as the drinks sample cost 5.00 we passed. We’ll I passed , and they all felt so afterwards I spoke up…so they said.
After strolling around the grounds for a while, it took off for Olde Town Sonoma. Time for some shopping. They hit a few stores. We had ice cream, then looked around some more. Finally a suitable prize was selected and we were off.
From here it was a drive out further into the countryside . We made a stop at my big Sis’s house for shakes and bows before heading back home for Pizza & drinks.
The next day, Day 2 , Sat. We set off early in the a.m. for a Drive down the coast to Monterey, via Santa Cruz. The time for the day was perfect. It turned into my favorite of the visit. We arrived at our first way point on time, however I was concerned about time, if I was on track. After some inquiring locally about my ETA, I felt more relaxed somewhat. The other problem is Lady Z is now getting car sick.
We stopped for a break and some breakfast for me, as they ate at home before leaving but there was nothing for me. We also picked up some hand warmers for sister. After all that, plus Loo breaks we were off again. Our next stop on the journey is a small town called Davenport. Sorry, no pictures I was focused. There at one time there was a interesting little gift shop which was now remodeled to enlarge the restaurant. That was my planned rest point and time check. We were on course and on time, with a little help from no traffic and speeding … a bit.
We made it to Monterey with about a hour to kill before our planned whale watching trip. The Kobe Crew had never done it before and were REALLY Looking forward to it. Lady Z and I did it before , but on a bigger boat. We were hoping this would be better since we could get closer to the whales when possible. We took a lunch break after checking in with the boat people. There were 4 of us…
Once we all loaded on the boat , which was a small group, we took off for open water. I was a bit concerned about getting sick. Not so much from the sea motion , which added to it, but the fumes of the diesel motor and the motion. It was only about 30 min out from shore when we had our first sightings.
It was near the end of the season, so it was unsure if we would have any sighting. We were lucky and had several.
Sort of spread out into small groupings. But we did spot some a couple fairly near. I got one photo I liked, I would have liked to have done better. It is nice though to have been given one.
I have another shot that is fairly good, lil sis has the same shot on her camera. That was weird seeing that.
The trip lasted about 3 hours. I was ready for it to end , I had gotten at least one good shot, and I was fighting not getting sick. So far I was just ok. I was floating on the edge of going down hill… but still under control. It was a fast, chilly ride outside the cabin on the way back to port. Fast and Chilly but, helping to me to center. Calming my center, when there was the turmoil of the elements and man made power on the other side.
Next on our plan after WW is to visit our friends the “Tokyo Delgation” . We were all going to hook up for dinner. We headed over to their home for the meeting and a drink. We were very please to find brother in law could find his peeble Beach golf something , via our friend. Great timeing as well as they had 30 minutes to make the store, which was near. perfect!! Brother- in-law is all smiles now…
We band up and head out for dinner, we are now SIX. We go by this small family owned Italian place. It is full but we wait just a short time while a table is cleared up and prepared. We drop by Cost Plus for a quick look around. To kill the wait time. Dinner was excellent. Not really heavy but good flavor and fresh tasting.
After dinner whilst waiting for a couple of deserts a call comes in from a friend of the TD’s . She is another Japanese connection from Osaka and her husband. We agree to met up at the lounge at the Hotel and check out this Jazz band. It was only a short drive over, we are now 8. The Kobe Crew, The Tokyo Delegation, The Osaka Connection, and the Zen Clan.
The band was excellent we hung out with wine and chatted for awhile, before we got the hint it was time to leave.
A whale of a day…
With a title this you know it has to be epic…
The big event for us this year, which we have been waiting on for some 4 years, was; the visit from the Kobe Crew. Lady Z’s sister and husband finally made it here from Kobe Japan. We all have been excited about this for weeks on end. They have tried to make it over several times but something unpleasant always came up. We all were delighted fro them ot make it. I was intent on doing whatever was needed to have their needs taken care of for the visit. I needed to repay in a small way the kindness they showed when I came to Japan the first time to visit them. When I fell ill they helped and the many times of help since then with the family affairs in Japan and other visits.
Mother had made the trip now it was their turn. There was some family drama a couple of weeks before they arrived. We were concerned events would again require a postponement…
However this time they made it! They were under a very short time schedule so we had a lot of things to fit in a just a few days, less than a week to be exact. This was going to be a rush…
I picked them up at the S.F. Airport having borrowed my cousin’s SUV for the visit. That was a REAL blessing, thanks cuz. ANywHoo we head from the airport to the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park.
note* there are more pictures of all on another of my sites. If you can access on. The Photo album is here:
http://zenkazi.multiply.com/photos
A most excellent and beautiful energy spot. All the flowers, and the water a delight for the eyes and spirit.
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Or next stop which I had planned out was the Palace of Fine Arts, built in 1915 I believe for the Pan-Pacific Faire
or Expo I have been there several times now but it is always an visual event.
They are slowly renovating inside the dome. I must see that when it’s done. Hopefully before we go to Japan…
Next stop, this is a great path I worked out. Seeing much stuff all on the way home in a smooth round about road.
I was quite pleased with myself at the route. Anyway I degress with my ego
The Golden Gate Bridge. It is a amazing sight when it is partly covered with fog. I wanted to get a shot of that. There was major fog in the morning, however now it is returned to it source.
We can however enjoy the clear sky and the great northern Ca weather . We gather views from many sides to savor the visual meal spread before us.
That is followed by the desert of finally arriving home for a rest, a meal and some wine.
Nice…
For now a somewhat short post maybe… I may come back later and make/add some changes to this…
The rain on Friday turned into a major ordeal. We were without power for most of the evening, once I arrived home. That along with some in-harmonious companion energy made for …hmmm lets say challenging most of the weekend.
Marriage is alot like doing zazen at times…maybe all the time actually, some days are better than others!…zen heheheh
My zafu came on Friday I’m liking it. I have no plans on taking to the group sittings, but for home, prefect! Much nicer to have one nice cushion on the floor, than a small stack of several.
I went to Zen practice on Sat. It was pouring rain at first but cleared up for the ride home. The meeting was somewhat small because of the storm and the room was very cold. However it was still a good session. We did one finger Zen practice. which helps develop concentration. A simple explanation is, first you hold up one finger and concentrate on the tip for about 3 or so minutes. Then someone in the circle holds up their finger and everyone concentrates on that, and change to another person every min. or so. Also since it was a small group more time was spent on doing meditation than explaining what/how to do it.
It was interesting hearing some of the Chinese view on the New year 2008, year of the rat. 8 is a fortunate number in Chinese culture. Big thing in China with the Olympics, is the torch being lit at 8:00 on the 8th day, in the 8th month in the year of 08″, see the 8 pattern, it is a big deal. I wonder about in Japan about the number 8. I do know 4 is not or maybe it is just the way it is pronounced in counting, so it is changed. Oh well, I digress. It was also interesting to speak with one of the group about Zen and Christianity as he is a Catholic. We spoke of of other clergy within the Catholic circles that also practice Zen and the some I heard of that also teach to their followers. Zen goes across secular border.
Sunday things are settling. Other than now there is no water due to the rain. Sounds weird doesn’t. Well the condos on the first floor on the front of the building flooded due to the run off from the street, they are set just enough below ground level they get the problem from the rains. So the water was shut off whilst they deal with that. Bummer for everyone. More so for the residents, but everyone will pay with higher homeowners dues to pay for it.
I’m reading reports of the problems with the new finger printing of foreigners in & out of Japan. Many see it as yet another blow of discrimination to the foreign community by the government, which is becoming more and more less foreign friendly, even to permanent residents. Although individual Japanese are friendly and kind, the government does not make life, let’s say pleasant for non-Japanese. In a way it is still left over from the old days, when Japan was a closed country, but now with new muscle, yet need the outsider. Kind of strange catch ne! Some Americans who have said they really liked Japan at first living there, changed after a year. They were never accepted as being Japanese, they were always foreigners. Of course this is how millions of Blacks feel in this country. So Japan in many ways is the lesser of two evils for us to live there. There all non-Japanese have to deal with undercurrent discrimination, here it is just the minorities, because the “real” Americans have been conquered and put on reservations. Hmmm, I guess it is really the same though, because in Japan if you are not Japanese, you are the minority… welcome to our world. The main difference is you do not get burning crosses on your lawn, gang jumped, lynched, and the other sorted, violent weirdness that happens to the various minorities here in the US. True things are better than before. Anyway I expect it to be weird regardless starting in a new culture/country at my age.
I heard the band practicing in the club house today, so I stopped by to do the New Years wishes. Nice to see the folks. We chatted a bit. If I was not doing the put off house stuff I would have sat-in with them. Next time, I’m there. I’m feeling the need to play, it has been awhile. I was just thinking about that just a couple of days ago. I have no idea what happened with the church group, I never heard from the choir leader again after I said I was booked until after the holidays. That is too bad I liked doing that. I could call, but I figure if she was interested she would have replied to my emails or if she did not get them contact me.
Anywhoo, I hope everyone is off to a good start for 2008. I’m off to TCB…
Today is rainy rainy rainy and WINDY. There is a big storm settling in for the next few days. It is a good day to be next to a fireplace or in bed or both. I’m feeling a bit sluggish.
I’m on lunch break at work. There is a lot to do the next coupe of weeks before I head off to Nashville (yuk). Anyway we are now into the New Year. So far so good
This is lunar year of the Rat coming in Feb. I have to check on what that means to a Tiger Child:
“Expect a powerful year when people are firm about their goals, passions, and aspirations. Although there may be fluctuations in world economies, it is an excellent time to start a business, buy property, invest in long-term plans, or accumulate wealth. Ventures begun in the Rat year will prosper if well prepared, but it is not a time for foolish risks. Rat loves the pack, so this year is also a time for socializing, entertaining, and enjoying ourselves.”
TIGER Anticipate minimal gains and not too much advancement. Restless Tiger requires action, but money could be tight and compromises must be accepted. Rats think, plan, scheme, and ponder — which are not Tiger (nor Horse) traits. You will start a new fortunate life cycle in Tiger year 2010.”
hmmm ok. Well 2010 is just before we head to Nippon, that should help.
Also I may just for fun throw a I-Ching.
We had a quiet New Years Eve and Day. I spent NY eve day on the boat, since Lady Z had to work. I had a nice lunch, wrote for the Zensekai2 blog, a few misc chores, took pictures, etc. It was a good day.
NY eve night, which is NY day in Japan, we spoke with family in Japan via Skype that was fun.
Otherwise after we hung out. There was traditional food stuff out all day and we had left over for the next 3 days as there is no cooking. So whatever was made at NY or just before is consumed over the next few days…mostly cold.
loose Sushi cooling…
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We are off to Ch’an group practice this Sat. It seems like it has been ages since I’ve been. It has been at least a month for me, since I had that intenseness with the USCG study exam, which I passed!! ( sweet) In case you did not know. I finally got a Zafu ( meditation seat) cushion for Christmas. Even though we do not use them in Ch’an sitting. I got one anyway to help my knees. I would like to avoid that disabling suffering I went through last year. I did come across someone last year from Japan who did his Zen practice standing. We were in agreement that it is about the mind not the body. However… Fine for alone, but makes one standout (heheh) in a sitting group session.
I have a new office mate, no more solo in my office 
Oh well he seems ok enough, any rate I can be the Bamboo unless he is a real pain. He does not seem the sort. However if I have to share a room with him whilst traveling to the on site convention jobs, I will not be happy! However I’ll cross that bridge if it happens. One of the things I am doing in my new capacity as Team Captain Concord-CA for the ecoflag/GSA organization, is change all ( ok most) the incandescent bulbs in use here at the office to low emission florescents. Anything we can do, even small things make a difference and with the light bulbs, the reduction in cost and emission is substantial. Do your share, we all pollute, we all can reduce! Reduce, Recycle, Reuse! Reduce waste in 08′
I’m reading a new book I came across called, Thank you and OK. Weird title ne! Is about a guy from the SF Zen center who goes to stay and train in Japan for a while. Interesting reading. Not a whole lot about Zen, but more so about his life in the monstery and the monks. It is an old book, kind of fun to read about his adventures in the land of the Rising sun.
Sisuk is in Tawain or Hong Kong or someplace like that, I have a couple of weeks of break from his intensity. I will need to prepare fro some serious Tai Chi training when he gets back. He is there training and will be all amped up when he gets back, and I have been told I need to make time to get in to the studio and practice with him. Think drill Sargent! It will do me good, but it will not be fun . He says, training is not suppose to be fun. That is a western concept, it should be hard work otherwise he say one can just go to a gym. There was no Holiday party this last year from his school as he had to go oversea earlier than planned. I missed my Shifu’s Christmas party as I was in LA doing the anniversary thing with my classmate. I want to keep my schedule fairly simple this year so I can have some time for training. I maybe heading back to LA to give a couple more seminars. Althouhg I will plan on teaching less stuff and just being more in depth with whatever I am showing, as the class there can not handle too much information at once. I’m thinking maybe a Kali/Arnis seminar would be good. Hmmm, well there is still time to think on it. Another classmate who runs the The South Wind School of Classical Chinese Martial Art gave a combat stick seminar and not sure how that will work with them having learned that it maybe ok, I’ll need to check. It is completely different but maybe not so much, to someone who does not know better. So maybe they will not be interested in learning Kali basics.
A student asked if I was going to do any ceramics this year. I would like to but… That maybe too much for right now, I really need to put in some Kung Fu time even through my heavy nautical studies are over for the moment. Maybe in the second half of the year. That will be in time for some Christmas gifts.
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Anyway on with 2008, minasan Ganbatte ne! (everyone do your best) & let’s be careful out there!
Stillness…
With all the running and stuff I have been doing the last year and more so the last couple of months it is good to have some balance to that, some stillness. It feels weird though not doing anything of note. Yet, keeping in balance and doing nothing is of note and keeping in the Zen spirit. There are things I could be doing, but… I’m not, at least nothing on Sat. perhaps Sunday will be as well a day of Stillness.
We are preparing for New Years. There will be no food prepared on that day read: no cooking. We went to the Japanese Market today to get some traditional stuff. Only Japanese foods the rest of the year. Lady Z will make enough Mon. night for snacking all day on Tues. Will have a quiet reflective day. She says as she gets older and closer to moving back to Nippon she becomes more interested in traditional Japanese things. Last Year was also quiet, but that was a different quiet because of the lose of her father that year. This year is more of a thankful, quiet celebration quiet, that we can enjoy food and drink.
It will be a good way to start the New Year. I will do my prayer, meditation and Tai Chi early. The rest of the day will be eating, drinking, napping, reading, maybe a DVD. Lady Z will add to that mix watching Japanese TV. She has been looking forward to it.
I have a couple of things I will be looking forward to next year. There are two retreats I am looking forward to : Kyudo and Ch’an. Both are in May a week apart, this should be interesting. The Kyudo will be in a mountain Zen center, with a big influence from zazen and perhaps some of the monks. It is a “Sato” style center and the first place a was exposed to a formal Zen Practice years ago. A very different time and space in my life. It will be interesting to sit in that space again. It will be fun to be on the farm in the mountains, and get to “practice” the many faces of Zen in open space. Such vibes from the temple. The Ch’an retreat, hmmm so different all about internal …hmmm mostly, there is some moving Zen. But nothing like doing Tai Chi most of the day, with a little sitting. So, hmmm I guess it could be thought of as the Yin to the Yang of the Kyudo retreat. The stillness…
The big thing for early next year is my Sis-n-Bro in-law visit. They have taken care of us every time we went to Japan, they have been wanting to come here for a long time and something gets in the way each time. This time tickets are purchased and if the Force permits, they will be here. It will be great to show them a good time for a change . We are looking forward to that, Tanoshime desu! For now, there is only now and
stillness…
Like the day
full of fog and cool air
it called for stillness
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With the passing of Christmas this season , the sun begins to set on 2007. It was a challenging year. One in which we can be thankful to get through, and learn from our errors, celebrate our joys and sorrows, would be the Zen thought. For without those Yin moments of bitter tea, there would have been no chance to grow.
With the lost of my job early in the year I was not sure how this Christmas would be. I was fairly sure we would get by, but it would be very tight. Even tough we are both working, our Christmas was simple but pleasurable. We enjoyed the time we had together and that were were able to have food and a warm place to live. Our spending was modest. The high point for me was just being able to relax for a few days, no studies, no getting up early for class or work. I could read, study some Japan, clean up the garden a bit and tend to my plants. Of course some housework but nothing demanding…sweet. Some time to myself with a few chores to do at home to prepare for the New Year.
Lady Z had to work, but we still were able to feel like we had a holiday. Out to dinner on one night, to celebrate my passing my USCG exams and Christmas blessings. For dinner on Christmas, a filling but light homemade dinner, champagne, some good music, played “Go” , life was good. I had the place all to myself during the day, we spent time together in the evening. That has been rare these days. Only purchased a couple of small gifts for ourselves and immediate family.
I heard a someone say , that when they were kids they got some 40 presents . That really made Christmas for him. Understandable, it would for me also if I got 1/4 of that score. Now he could not get his kid anything but some simples toys and even doing that was struggle. He was sad, it was a lousy Christmas… There was the party the day before with friends over, and lots of eating and drinking and sharing with friends that came out… reaching out…but Christmas was otherwise pretty much a bust. They are broke. Interesting how life changes our views from a when we were young, ne! When we base our nows on then it brings suffering. Interesting Buddhist thought there, on a Christmas, pondering. Yet Christian as well about attachments. Interesting how a a holiday based on a man who spoke of non-attachments to things of illusions, worldly goods, is all about the goods. Kind of sad ne!
When I was a child Christmas there were presents (a few) and all, but before that there was church. It was made known Christmas was not all about presents. Even though my path is now not a regular church attender. The belief of non-attachment to the consumer spirit of Christmas is still there. I tell my son, and anyone else for that matter, Christmas is not about shopping. I think the more the true “ideals” of Christmas are shown and taught at this time of year the less guilt and depression many will feel. Not to mention the debit.
Of course then store and sales would suffer…more spirit , less spending…
Interesting cycle ne!
Yin, yang, cause and effect, karma
The Spirit of Christmas I feel is beyond religion so if taught correctly, should transcend countries illusion’s of boundaries. As it is now, but with the sacrifice of it’s soul. Fundamentalist would say, the Devil’s world has corrupted the Spirit of Christmas. But what do I know, I’m just a leaf…
Anyway, we had a good Christmas, we had our own space, ceremony, celebration, meditation, sparkle , we even received a few cards. Cards are kind of a big deal now. Because it is sooo easy & cheap to send ecards. Something that was common place years ago is a big deal now. Buying, signing, mailing.
Anyway now on to New Years…
The lady and I have never been the go out and party New Years type. So we will have a quiet New Year.
We are planning a simple Japanese Style New Year. Some meditation, some drink, snacks, traditional foods, quiet time. Like our Christmas was. Lady Z is off and looking forward to her first in a long time New Years day off.
Happy New Year!
For the first time in many moons, I/we did not run off to do something this weekend/holiday. Thursday was spent Chillin. We watched some TV did some “puter” stuff and read. Nothing exotic to practice, study, learn, just being in quiet moments. It was nice not to have to be someplace else.
We had a simple dinner which was enjoyable, we were thankful to share it and have it.Sat. we arise some what early but not too much, we are off to Monterey to visit the Tokyo Delegation. We had a few stops to make one of which was at the Japanese market, for food stuff and Sake.Another quick stop to check out a marine consignment then on the hwy to Monterey.It was a fairly quick drive down to Monterey traffic was light. The weather perfect Autumn day of Northern Ca. The water at the beach was a perfect peaceful blue with just a light breeze it would have been a easy sailing day.We found out friend’s place easy and good times began. It was good seeing our buds it had been a while. They were in their new Apt, that was part of the reason for the visit, the other just to visit.Lady Tokyo had said she played piano before, classical she said, but wanted to learn Jazz piano. I brought along my keyboard and flute. After a while of visiting I got out the keyboard and went through a few basics on Jazz and Blues. Then showed her a few cord progressions, a turned on a few effects. From there we jammed, for a while. That was a high point for me. I got to just free style over some basic cords, and we got into a groove. She caught on well and we had a good time. Next time it should be better after she picks up her own keyboard and gets to practice some. I think we can do some cool grooves, that will be fun.
(Note: Pictures are Arted out, Lady T is not comfortable being shown on the web. Gotta understand and respect that.)
Then dinner, OOOOSHIIIIII, A.E. did up dinner, and did it up right!!, The salad and pasta dinner was out standing! We had champagne, wine, and sake during and after dinner. We were in good spirits, but not wasted or close to it, all the food absorbed the liqueur. So unlike Nippon Style we did not get to the sloppy passing out drunk stage
We watched a great Music DVD during dinner, Prince, with Larry Graham on Bass, (my favorite funk bass player). With them were The Time, also there was Sly Stone’s horns section, James Brown’s sax player, & George Clinton also did a part. It was a GOOD concert. I was so pleased seeing some of my favorites. We chatted for while after dinner then went to bed as it was it the 2:00am range.
After a restful sleep we were up for breakfast, which Lady T was in charge of doing up. It was perfect for my taste, a simple Japanese breakfast! Miso soup with veggie, some mackerel fish and rice, with green tea. Simple, filling, & delicious.We watched a movie on Japanese abductions by Korea. A sad and interesting story. Something that is still not resolved it will be a sore spot with Japan for a long time.Then lunch time, Lady T. had started preparing almost right after breakfast seemed like. Of course we did not eat until 11:00 I think it was more like brunch.
It was Japanese style for lunch, sushi, tempura, sake, tea. Ah, very peaceful eating style visit, again Oshii!!! It was nice to have someone put the energy into cooking for us. We were grateful and full.
We watched a bit more of some taped shows from Japan our friend was in before we headed back home. It was a good visit. It was good to ge out with our only couple hangout friends.Traffic was bad (read as it sucked) most of the way, but it was a good visit enough that the bit of traffic was not a big deal. It was worth it.A nice end to a couple of hectic weeks. I expect it to be quiet around here for the next few weeks. I will be putting my energy into my US Coast Guard licensing Exam Study and training (by sea blog). So nothing interesting here, I as far as I know… however things change…the Universe is funny like that.
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