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There was a song called that years ago. I do not recall you made it, maybe the Cars…no matter.
Things are unsettled, to say the least. No work to speak of, Interesting I am now on as a part time sailing instructor at 3 different places, non of which are enough to live on. But I did predict some work by June/July I’m still on Unemployment. Funny thing, not funny haha, but funny pain in the butt weird, is that they pay you 1/3 of your salary after making you wait 2 weeks, but paying you for one, and then when you make some extra money beside that, they take that much away from you. So it is like you are being punished for losing your job and for trying to make enough money to live off besde what they pay you. Weird anyway already I digress because i’m off the topic.
I did that wedding show a couple of weeks ago that was fun. I invited an old student of mine to the show with her husband to be. He is a sound engineer. He asked if I would be interested in writing a sound track for a audio play he was expecting. I said, hmm ok, I’ve not done that before, but… sure I can give it a shot.
Last week we had a read through for the play. It is an interesting piece, totally not what I expected. Myself and another guy, the partner of the husband to be are partnering up to do the sound track. This should be interesting, I love doing studio stuff and a new adventure will be fun. We are even suppose to get paid at some point. wow, how cool is that!
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!
This was my first visit with the Ch’an group since the retreat. After certain events I was feeling spiritually flat. I needed some cushion time today. Shixong ( brother) says, after we do some meditation we will have a special exercise to help with your detachment. It will help with those random thoughts you have during meditation. I’m thinking hmm ok, I can use that.
After about 30 min. of sitting we break. Shixong tells us about the drill/exercise. We are going to go hand out fliers. Oh No!!! I think. Facing strangers is good practice for you on detachment he says. Observe and reflect on your reaction to their response. In my mind I flash on the Japanese Soto exercise of begging, in a sense the same thing, but different. I think, oh jheeze, I do not like this, but I will do it. I have had plenty of exercise on detachment lately but one can not get enough, I guess until one is truly detached, It is always needed not just for sitting meditation but in daily life, eg: no email replies, job rejections, etc etc. Reminds of a Nurato Ninja cartoon where he was told, everything is training to a Ninja. Same as everything is Zen training. Ok, this one is dealing with strangers. For one as shy as I am, it is a major thing to do this, but I will “ganbatte” ( do my best) and face the shy demon. I will do the seperation, detachment thing I do when going on stage, getting up in front of a class, the like.
It was a nice day out side, cooler than it had been over the last few days. That was a blessing. We, my group, three of us, took a station in front of a Major Asian market. I notice there is already a group a people handing out fliers as well. Oh boy… It is not a real big deal to do this, but the other two in my group also admit they are shy as well. I pick a spot by a second entrance, alone and have at it. “Duweibuchi” ( excuse me) Jiega yau buyau, I say to the folks that look Chinese ( they look surprised to hear that from me, hehehaha) and show them the Chinese printed side of the flyer. Interested in class in Meditation, Would you like info, I say to the non-Chinese. One guy takes the flyer, looks at it, then looks at another flyer he is holding. He laughs and asks, this is interesting. This flier just handed to me a while ago is on the Christian path, now this one on Buddhism. We laugh. I say, this is not about Buddhism. Zen will help enhance the Christian experience. We use Buddhist words but it is not about being a Buddhist, it’s about being centered. We laugh, and he sets off to do what he was doing. There was one good encounter at least. Others just took the info, some with a slight smile some not. I thank them all.
After about 30 mintues, I had run out of flyers. Not bad. Only a few gave me the do not bug me look. A few plain ignored me, a few just said no, a few smiled and said no. I faced the demon and survived again…life continues. Did this help my detachment from thoughts when doing meditation…I’ve no idea. Perhaps the most important thing and Shixong did say something about this was…maybe it helped someone find THE TAO . Therefore helping fill my bodhisattva vows.
The title is not what it is your thinking, no matter what it is your thinking. It is the name of a play by my student and her husband. Yesterday, Sat was show time. I arrived at the theater @10:00 am and got setup. I was hoping we would have a band rehersal. We did of sorts, but it was on the fly, as in doing a run through of the whole show, just like it was live. It went for the most part well. Afterward we got a very short break, then the stage crew and sound did some more checks and stuff. Still no practice time for the band…
By now it is lunch time, I had to go pickup the lady Z and #2 son from the Bart. After a quick stop at Trader Joe’s for some food, flowers & drinks we were off to the show.
As with any show people we buzzing around doing stuff. In a few moments it was show time. There was a bridal family member sitting in with us as the band started some opening tunes.
It was a little shaky starting by we got rolling by the 3rd tune like we had been playing together for a long time not just a couple of hours. I kept getting signaled from back stage another some , another song, one more song. Yes, we had to stall for the players. It was ok, we got to warm up and by know we were cooking. Then …show time.
The show was a musical/clown show about how the couple got together and some of their life up to this point. It included meeting their familes who also came out and played with the band. The grooms family played some down home hillbilly kind of stuff, that went over well. The bride’s Mum came out playing bag pipes. The show was full of singing, acrobats, and fun stuff with a lot of good talent.
The only downer to the show was that I did not get any of the band’s stuff recorded.
Oh well. At one point the projector was not working so we had to fill in with a made up Jam. Fun stuff… I love live theater.
The final act was their real wedding, and a dance-in with everyone on the stage and the band played on…
good time… I needed it!
I need to play more often.
Life is not full of sunny days, love n happiness, and flowers nor are real blogs by real people. Alot of things are going on these days, not all pleasant, some are. Standard Yin and Yang. Studying Zen is about being Happy even when things are bad. Finding Joy in Sadness is another way of saying it. Overall I’m in a good state of mind. But some things bug me and disrupt my “Wa”
I’m not pleased about several things right now. In the big picture of life, small beans…or the pea in the bed. I got a letter from our condo management company saying, I had to replace a window in the club house…What??!! It said I broke it and rule something something said I need to replace it in 30 days. Grrrrrrrr. I did not even know there was a broken window!!! My students and I are very respectful of the place and the people who use it. I was not happy to get the letter. I wrote back. I DID NOT break any window. I want the person who said I did to face me and say it and be ready to prove it in front of a Judge!! I will not pay! Grrrr, Some excuse to get me to stop working out there with my students I think. I heard they have been bringing me teaching up in the owners meetings. I only have sometime three students there, most times two. This may turn into a big thing, crap. I pay my dues I should be able to use the club house for guests and exercise. I keep things very low key. There is always the park across the street, not great but, people do it. Winter will be the problem. However unless I get some real work soon, all this will be mute as we will lose the condo and have to move… non-attachment is a good thing.
Next it really bugs me when I take the time to write folks emails about whatever and get no reply! Not even a simple courteous, yes, no , maybe, thanks whatever!! I have written about 6 or so emails to different folks on different topics and no one has said boo in return!! I know it works, because sailing work related mails I get answers. Sigh, I know I expect too much of people sometimes, manners, politness and such, I try to keep that to a minimum, but sometimes… one wants a bit of courtesy. Sigh, I’ll need to work on that fault of mine. Ommm Ommmm 
With the economy as it is, as I said, we have been thinking about major what if’s… scary times.
The government has come up with yet another way to get money. They now want people who spent over $1,000 to get their Captain license to carry a new card when working ( as in teaching a sailing class) that proves something about they are not terrorist! This new card cost 300.00 dollars! If one does not have it, their license maybe revoked. Isn’t THAT special!!!
For the 5 or so regular readers, not the spammers, you may recall I said back in April I had a “feeling” ( the Zen sense) something would happen work wise in June. It did, and is, it is not enough to save our home, but we will not starve That is a good thing! Possessions, things, home cars, boats, whatever are temporary anyway. Health is our most important life value. Buddha said, non-attachment is the way, Jesus said give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar’s…and old Kung Fu Shifu ( who lost a lot of money) of mine once said, it is all a game anyway. Anyway we still have about 3 months before we run out enough money to survive as we are.
Interestingly I have been reading this book called 9 night with a Taoist Master there are many statement about relaxing and letting the “Tao” “God” take care of things. I’m trying to stay in that mindset. Sometimes it is not easy…sometimes it is.
There maybe another bit of light, I applied for a job at the college I went to for graphic design, they are looking for a media design person P/T. The pay is about what I was making hourly in the corporate world of design. They called!!! It is my first call since the bomb fell back in March. I did not speak with the person as I was out at a sailing instructor meeting at the new place, but they left a message. I am guessing it is for an interview, otherwise why would they call. If I can land this, along with the other P/T work this we could hang in there, until I get another break or we head off for Japan after cutting our loses. I could also get a chance to work on my ceramics again.
I heard today that unemployment in Cal was at it’s new high since 1970 something! I would not have guessed it when driving through Berkeley/Rockridge today on the way to band rehearsal. The restaurants and shops were full of people. Eating, laughing, shopping , etc.
The show/wedding /play is tomorrow. I’m looking forward to that, I always shift into a different space when I get to play! # 2 son will attend with Lady Z. It will be his first time seeing his old man play. Wonder if he cares…teens. Seems he mostly cares about his X-box 360
I did hear him talking to his friend the other night about GW Bush ( he thinks he is an idiot), the environment, cars and such, there is some hope. :-
Life is an adventure ne! The good, Bad and the ugly, full of this n that!
I had a surprise last night. I was asked by an old student to play with the band for her wedding & play this coming weekend. She and her husband-to-be are professional clowns, I did a show with them last year, for those who follow this there remember the the theater and the circus shows. Anyway, so I told them I would be glad to do it. I’m always up for playing. It meant going late to another event I had planned, over on Treasure Island for a Summer Sailstice event. Acually I had planned sailing to it, but that had to be canceled with the Wedding. Anyway, on my last gig, my Amp started to major act up. I had put off getting it fixed. At this point it was too late. I ended up with a little bit of extra money from our tax refund. So I went looking for a Used Amp. I found one, I thought would be good. I drove for 1 hr to this place got lost, which meant losing another 30 min. Only to find this Amp was NOT a good buy. Bummer!! 
I went back to the search on Craig’s list. I happened a cross a new ad the next day. It was for “like new” Amp much closer. I jumped on it! I called the guy only to find out, he runs a mUsic store and is clearing out some Amps he had. The amp was not “like New” it was NEW!! Still in the Box. At less than half price!!! Cooll!! I was there!
So now I have a new Amp, prefect size and weight and the Brand I wanted CHEAP!. How cool is that!? So last night I went to my first rehersal. The AMp sounded nice, but sounded better after I put in my In-line EQ. Now it was great! However that was not the surprise, I digress
The surprise is, I was expecting to do this gig for free. However when I got there my student has a small stack of stuff for me, which included MONEY! NICE! I tired to turn it down of course, but she insisted. I have learned through the years, not to try to argue with a woman
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!
Day 4 - Kai
Zazen to welcome the sun and wake my spirit. Since day one so far I have been almost the last to get to the Zendo. Today I was early, of sort and not almost breathless from Yuma-san ( the mountain) I had time to stretch and do some mini chi gong. I figured it will help the sitting. I find there are others doing it as well.
This was my best day, I feel normal today and the temp is more bearable. Still hot, but better. I must be adapting and it is getting cooler, relatively speaking from day ONE. Breakfast was the bomb, French toast, Roasted potatoes, fruit salad. OSHII !!
Lunch was also “bombalish”, as was dinner. In fact all the meals have been off the hook as they say.
I did my work period back in the garden pulling weeds. It was hot, I had no gloves or my missing bottle, but I dealt with what I could. It would have been nicer to start there earlier before the sun hit. Crawling around on the ground hands in the dirt, helping the plants. It is a different sense of connection with the earth.
I did a lot more shooting today. We learned targeting today. Sighting, hiting the target and the philosophy of it. One should hit the target, but not hitting hit does not make it a bad shot. Also practiced the kneeling form, Sumi again. It was good to get some real bow & target time in.
I have gotten in the rhythm of the Zazen sessions , even though still hecka-long. It is the second one that is the kicker. All in all it is not so bad, I heard of all nighters they have. Broken up into section, but still…
I have adjusted by really focusing on my Chakras, and taking advantage and grateful of this time to do so. That is the whole point of doing this retreat and practice. Even taking a break internally from doing that and just drifting at times, when it happens, then coming back to Chakras. Feeling Physically better helped… no duality
I was feeling well enough today after practice to go through my Tai Chi Palm sword set. On the back deck of the Yurt. Te view was great , but the deck was not comfortable. Now I’m thinking tonight after lights out I will do some Chen tai chi and sword again in the lower parking lot, Lil Kyoto, before taking a shower. I should be able to sleep much better. I did sleep better last night , but not perfect , but better.
I am writing earlier today , I have a bit of a break, before I just took naps today… I am alive
Now it is time to get back to shooting. I will write more later tonight before bedding down.
I had a treat today, I got some ice from the freezer when another student did it before me and we had a really cold drink , Yummmmmm. I have been lusting after one for days. It will be the first stop once this is over a large COLD COLD apple juice. Ahhh simple pleasures, great joy.
After all the sessions today, I did go to the lower parking lot to practice my Tai Chi and play my flute. I have figured out the routine here now and what I can do. I was surprised to see someone else there already practicing Tai Chi. This was a guy who had flown in from Texas. We had spoke a little before about his study of Wu style in Aston, Tx. I quietly watched for a while then, found my own spot away from him, with my back turn to give him and mysef a sense of privacy and started my Chen practice and Chi Gong.
The moon was almost full , it was cool enough to be comfortable. I practiced a bit before, playing a bit of flute in the darkness and the dog in the distance answering me . I really could not get into my flute playing since I was worried about disturbing anyone with my late night playing. So I only played for a short while before going to the bath house for a shower and finally finish this.
Day 3
Today I , er, my illusional transportation vessel, my body feels almost normal today. :-)… I must be adapting. The lower temp helped. I think it was only 90 today. This is still not fun, but this is livable. I have worked out in Kung Fu seminars with this temp. One can function with some effort. Hmm how is this different. Length I guess would be the number one thing. Hmm er, well beside the Spiritual training that is. Walking the Mountain would be the same as jumping around with weapons for time on end, or stances or a thousand kicks and punches, that sort of thing. Horse stance equal to Garden weeding…If you have a tool, weapons training… ahh, I know, cold water! the access is easy and plenty. Anyway onward…
Today I , er, my ilustional transportation vessel, my body feels almost normal today.
We started Zazen as usual @ 5:15 am!! YUK!!! 5:15 until 7:00 !!!! then breakfast.
I really dislike these long Zazen session. Like one dislikes taking a medicine. You know it will do you good, but it has a bitterness about it. Oh well, Yosh~
A 4O min sitting , then 15 min walk then another 30 min sitting, then chanting, then prostrating… I dislike that part the most…really Mostly because they do it like it is a race. There maybe a reason, but I do not know it. I’m feeling it maybe something to do with throwing away ego, being humble. If one is racing to be the first or fastest to throw away their ego. Isn’t that still ego? Now to be clear I do not dislike doing the zazen, just the l - o - n - g ones. That is because of my own weakness of mind and spirit… and laziness. Not wanting to fight, (make love not war) beyond the discomfort of aches and pains of sitting for a long periods. 30 min is good for me. I’m cool with that. Yes, I know, one must push themselves, go that extra 5 min in stance training, use that little stronger Yumi ( bow). Also sitting here is a breeze for a long times over that of my Ch’an practice who do not use cushions! It really is luxury when thinkning about it. I can endure, stillness. Find that calm in the storm….demon attacks…aches pains
I do feel though am getting more into the flow of the Zazen sessions here now. The sittings do not seems quite so long. I can follow the words on the written out for the chants.
The 5:15 am thing is still unpleasant but…Shikatanei…it cannot be help…. it’s good training. I am during one period of sitting, noticing we sit in darkness to light and light to darkness. We awake with the sun and life of the day. We turn turn Yang nature ( working) as does our part of the land, we are in harmony with the moment. That this dojo has a strong Zen practice intergrated awareness is one one of the main draws for me.
Breakfast was good today for me. I had cream of wheat with some fruit in it and some homemade Banana Walnut bread!! Sugoi oshii!!.
I have been noticing I am almost sick with hunger and in pain before breakfast and before lunch. I tried eating a bit of protein bar before morning zazen. Eating it made me feel ill slightly so I ate only a couple of bites. It worked somewhat but was so painful a few minutes later and dry at the time. I rather deal with the pure hunger pain than ones from a small amount of snack. I would have been better if I a drank alot of water like I generally do first in the morning…but…then there is the lack of freedom to just get up and answer natures call…
So a mouth full of water only…
Another thing I am noticing is I am almost sick when eating at first when I first start a meal. I see others just dig in. Me, I have to eat slowly or i’ll be sick. I do not want to eat much because of the heat, but I know I need to eat something. So I eat slowly…of my choices. I miss any seconds
Good training to eat less…sigh.
Today and last night I was on kitchen detail. Not bad, it makes things go faster with a bunch of us doing it. It also gives one the sense of a “wa” groupness. One also gets to interact with the residents..feeling non-duality. From there it is one hour of work practice. I am on gardening duty.
Pulling onions, weeds, lettuces, etc. It was kind of fun, kind of, it reminded me of the days in Virginia with my grandmother. If I had the proper gear, it could have been enjoyable. I wished for my gloves and to be starting before the sun was where it is, knee pads…
All the meals are great here part of the reason is alot of things are from the garden!!! The veggies are all organically grown here, one can really taste the favor and the freshness. The other is the chef and I think the chi that goes into the life here from the earth to the people back to the earth.
I’m really liking the feeling of being here in the Mountains with all the Redwoods, and Pines. It has been a while since I connected with the earth and trees, it was good. I had always enjoyed being in the woods as a child. The wooded path next to the Zendo reminds me of a Japanese forest. When walking around in my Kyudo gear of feel a real sense of old Japan in my mind…
well, other than the redwoods, but just imagining things, in old Japan. In a mountain forest walking to some village or shrine. A few
fancifully moments of simple fun.
Today was cooler, THANK GOD, so more people were into shooting today. I learned the kneeing form and also the weight of Yumi ( bow) that works well for me. It is interesting listening to Oniisan (older brother) speak on the relationship with Zen practice and Kyudo. Which is one of the things I enjoy about doing Kyudo with this group is the Zen practice connection as I’ve said before. Not just some abstract concept but real practice integration. I wished could have taped some of it. In one of the chats with another guy. We spoke on the “other” school I had spoke with in Emeryville and thought the teacher had a poor attitute for a instructor. This guy, I was speaking with said the instructor guy told him. If he wanted to study Kyudo as a Martial Art then , his group was the place to be. If one wanted the Spiritual Kyudo, Kyudo as meditation then our school was the path. For me I wanted both. But really more of the Zen Kyudo. I do not really care much for the “sport” chi. There was a Lady from LA with our group who also studied with the “ other “ style in LA. She was content to do both. I want knowledge from the other style for the rank and affiliation I can get and use in Japan. hmm kind of like taking up golf for business. The current style is purely about me learning, shooting and Zen.
Tao Mo says, “do not be attached, even to which is the “correct way” of Zen practice.”
Whaa hoo , Yatta! Here is something few think about or would expect to hear here. I figured out, today how to pee with out having to take off the Hakama. Very helpful with as much water as I have been drinking. Up until then I had to take all the ties and knots loose. Not something that can be done quickly when I HAVE to GO!!! Sometime it would take five minutes just to untie stuff so I could answer the call. I had to plan ahead. Anyway I figured it out. Omedeto Zen-kun!
I have been in desire of some ICE COLD something to drink. Today we had it at lunch! OMG!! I had several cups from the four pieces of ice I had in my first cup! It was sooo good and refreshing. That is one of the first things I plan on doing once back in a town. Get a large bottle of something COLD and a little sweet. Maybe some Apple juice, just thinking about it …Mmmmm. Simple pleasures , can bring great joy…
I slept better last night, not still not great, but better. I hope I can do better tonight.. Small steps are ok. I guess overall considering a lack of sleep, the heat, the altitude and terrain, being out of shape for this, hungry, and in some kind of pain… I’m dong ok. This is a warriors retreat…Banzai!
We just finished dinner, it is now break time. Zazen will start in 30 min. 7:30 to 9:00!!! Crimany! There will be lights out 30 min. from that point. Evening zazen is nicer in some way. Maybe because I do not have to walk up a hill in the dark at O-dark :10 in the morning, half asleep. Evening Zazen is a settling chi, the fading from sight of the trees, light to dark, shades and beams of colors, dimming…finally darkness and Yin chi settles on our world space.
I went to Zen practice today. It was the first since the Shifu’s visit. Week after next is our retreat, nice. Anyway back to here I digress.
Today there was a long time practitioner visiting from Taiwan. She has been doing Zen for 13 yrs I think she said. She gave a talk in the beginners class, which I missed, she did not want to just repeat the same for the advance session, so I missed the full story. What I got was that she had some kind of illness that the Shifu helped her with, when no one else could/would do anything. She was very sceptical in the beginning, until she witness her own change.
What she did in our session was just a short talk on choosing a Shifu and remembering our reasons for studying Zen in the first place so, we would not fall off the track, which can be easy to do. More so if your living a good, easy life. This cause me to think about my reasons for starting Shaolin Zen practice and why I chose this Style.
In a sense this style choose me. I am pleased with this style of Zen, because it for me, unlike some others covers the three levels of life, of our existence here. Physical, Mental and Spiritual. It is the missing link in my Shaolin training. As I said this style chose me. When the student is ready the teacher will come.
As I said before in another recent post, but on the other site, we do not have many visitors. This Sat we had guests over for lunch. This is a couple we met at and Islanders event. She is from Osaka, he is retired from working here in the Bay.
We met them at the last gathering we had heard they were moving to Japan,, once married. However they were still looking for a place to live. Anyway, they were getting married and figuring out where to live.
It was kind of disappointing to meet them now just before she was going back to Japan, so we would not get to hang with them other than lunch on Sat.
Lady Z had prepared a great lunch for us. We had a nice visit. The girls got to speak in detail to each other and even better in “Oska bin”. Over all we spoke of many things, including living in Nihon, food and even a bit of zen.
It was a pleasant short visit as they were off to visit his brother 2 hours away.
Yet all is not as it seems… I find out afterward they are not the lovey engaged couple we thought. He has not popped the question officially, and her parents, although she is long past 21 yr, do not want her with a forigener and do not know about him. She was here taking classes for 3 months is the story. I did not know that was still a thing with Japanese, marrying a foreigner. I thought is was pretty much accepted. I guess not, some of the old ways still live in Nihon.
I received the schedule for Sonoma Mtn Kyudo. Finally it is almost here. I have been waiting for this! I had wanted to attend this last year but could not. I saved since then to attend this year. It is not that costly but when one is watching funds…I’ll say no more. Then the timing, with the Heart Zen retreat next week, How was I going to pull of both? It is a blessing several things worked out so I could attend both. I guess the Force wants me in training. and training it is…wakeup @ 4:45 brutal!!!!
As for the schedule, OMG! There is no free time that I can see. Day or night, everything is planned out. When can I do my Tai Chi , reading, play my flute, take Pictures, update my blog! Sigh, Well it is not a vacation, it is a learning trip for mind, body, spirit. It is training. Shisuk says all the time, training is not suppose to be fun. It is training! You want fun go to the Gym. This is Martial Art.
Schedule:
Wed. May 14 intermediate/advanced students only)
10 am arrival to help set up venue ( what no lunch!!)
6:00-6:40 dinner
6:45-7:30 zazen instruction with Shinko for Kyudo students
7:30-9:00 zazen (Introductory talk )in Zendo Hall 9:30 lights out
Thurs May 15-Sat.May 17
4:45am wake-up
5:15-7:00 morning zazen and service in the Zendo Hall
7:00-7:30 >breakfast (all meals in the Sangha House)
7:30-8:00 kitchen cleanup for
assigned crew (4 Kyudo students + 1 SMZC resident)
8:15-9:15 silent work practice
9:30-11:45 Kyudo
12:00-12:45 lunch
12:45-1:15 kitchen clean-up for assigned crew>
1:30-5:00 Kyudo
5:00 pm Beginner students arrive>6:00-6:40 dinner>6:45-7:15 kitchen cleanup for assigned crew Thursday only
6:45-7:30 zazen instruction for beginner students
7:30: Introductory talk for Beginners–location to be announced
7:30-9:00 evening zazen
9:30 lights out
Sun. May 18th
4:45am wake-up
5:15-7:00 morning zazen
7:30-8:00 kitchen cleanup
8:15-9:15 work practice (packing and cleaning of living area)
9:30-11:00 Kyudo
11:00-11:30 Tosha( Closing kyudo demonstration)
11:30-12;00 Closing remarks.
12:15-1:00 lunch
1:00 tear down of venue
2:30 departure Zen Mtn Kyudo
A older student of mine wrote me asking if I knew of such n such person, “G” who teaching Wing Chun, is an accupunturist I said yes, he was younger classmate from the Tai Mantis School in Torrence. She sent me his website, for Turning Point where he works in partnership I guess. I read through it, I was impressed with his growth and that he was also a Zen student now. He is working with another younger classmate who is a Jujitsu master now and has a school in Oakland called Suigetsukan . I had seen them both several years ago at the grand opening of the Jujitsu school. I decided to arrange my schedule to be in Oakland on Friday night and drop by the Dojo.
The last time I was there, some 2 or 3 years a go. My classmate, the Professor was out of town. Today I went by after visiting Shisuk at the Photo studio. It was about 1 hour before class, the dojo looked empty. Knowing that some of the group live there I rang the bell. After a few mintues one of the student answers. I have a bit of a chat with her, because guess what her Sensei, the Professor is out of town. I am told he does not go out of town often, I said I do not come by often and both times he is out of town. Anyway, I was going to leave a note and then find out that the other classmate, “G” is living there as well and is home. I follow her to the upstairs dorm and am announced.
“G” is surprised and please to see me. As I am him. We sit and talk of old times and old mutual friends. It is a nice visit. It is funny the connection that we who trained together hold. I wonder if people who do regular sport have this. This guy was a kid when he started at the school, as was the Dojo Sensei, the Professor, who was one of my students for a while. Now he is all grown up, they are all grown up and we are still at it, different paths but still the focus, same mind as Lady Z would say. Time and the legacies continue. I guess the few who stick with it through time have that same weirdness and once you have you always have it. It is a strange feeling through to be looking at our studies from the other point in the spectrum, and not the beginners level.
The Dojo seems to be an interesting place. If I was younger and single it would be a cool place to hang out, learn some Arts and met some like minded peeps. It was brought up that they do seminars there at the school, would I be interested…If I was, it could be brought up with the Professor. He felt it would be interesting to see another point of view on combat.
They have a mixed of Arts there at the Dojo, Jujtsu, WIng Chun, Ba Qua, Eskrima. Zen meditation. A serious student coming out of that background, would be a well balanced Martial Artist.
We will met some time in the future for a reuinon lunch or tea.
The Walnut Creek, Tai Mantis School had a BBQ this Sat.
My students and I were invited. As usual unless it is a big event. I am the only one that shows up to these things.
There were not that many people there when I showed up. Even Shisuk ad not arrived yet and I was 1 hour later. No matter. I can hang out…
I went through the school, took some pictures said hello to all. I chatted with the senior student outside for a while it had been awhile since I had seen or spoke to him. I’m sure I will be hearing a lot more from him with the summer events coming.
There was no Chinese food today at the BBQ, just BBQ. I do not know how true but I hear the meat of the day was squirrel. The meat I saw them cutting up into small strips looked different..
I was having veggie burritos & pasta no matter what they ate. We had several nice wines to chose from. Finally Shisuk arrives so we can eat.
As we are into our plates more people show up. The interesting thing about Shisuk’s school is that there are a lot of couples with there kids.
Shisook is very much the parent with all of them… the Shifu. He gives advice, on health, study, business, relationships, not just kung fu. He students are very loyal. He is a firm teacher, but will do anything he can for his students. He truly helps them develop in character not just physically. When questioning him on it he will say, generally, this is how my Shifu taught me.
One of the late comers is a friend of mine from Vietnam. She is one of my favorite people there. For no other reason that we click and are about the same age. She is a vegetarian also, so at the banquet through the years we, her, Shifu’s wife, myself & wife, and another couple share the same table. This past banquet I find out she is a Zen student.
So when she comes today I figure, Oh, great I can hear some of her system. She pulls up a chair at a table with myself and Shisuk. Her and I get to chatting, this is really the first I had gotten to speak with her about her Zen practice. When I found out at the banquet when were just about leaving. This day I find out she holds sessions at her house, and goes to various other meditation centers around the Bay are as well. She is a student of Zen Master Tich Nhat Hanh, recieved her Dharma Name via him. She goes to all his retreats and such and hold her own session around town. She also is the Vietnamese translater for his books for publishing in English. Wow I had no idea, she was up there. We also spoke on Ophra’s new project with he author of “new Earth” I think it is called. She did not know of my studies, other than the motion side of Shaolin. I told her some of Shaolin Chan and she asked for the web address. It was a brief, but interesting talk, she needed to go pickup her husband. That was a good point for me also, there was a new flurry of activity, so I said my goodbyes as well and headed home.
Training/practice takes different shapes, different time. It had been a long day for me, nothing stressful just long, doing misc stuff. I was not up to going out late to Shisuks for practice. This was one those telling moments of what path you take on things, your spirit. I was not up for going , but I did. Part of training is just doing it.
The class had more students attending than cars, in the lot. I was a bit surprised. I bowed and entered. I headed to the back to put up my jacket and stuff then went back on the floor. I was checking out a few picture and getting a bit loosened up when Mae comes up with her orders from Shisuk, we are to practice Chen.
Nice!, I wanted to go over some Chen parts I knew I was missing so this worked out well. I thought Shisuk would have me doing breathing and silk weaving drills. I was pleased it was Chen tonight.
Chen is my favorite of the Tai Chi Chuan sets I have learned. I enjoy the feel of strong yin and yang flow, with the fa jing and the Spiraling chi. As I wrote that I flashed on a thought of trying to send that spiraling chi to the arrow next time I shoot. Maybe I am thinking too liner when I shoot. Just something to test… Away I digress.
I am pleased to be able to learn Chen from Shisuk, who can relate how things work and the crossover with our mantis techniques. He teaches heavy heavy basics, as well as where and how the power travels, the expanding spirals, the expansions and contractions of the body and chi flow. Balance, being centered, rooted, yet flexible. A bamboo in the storm…
I will miss my elders when I go to Nihon. I am blessed to know them and learn from them…Life will provide me with new Elders to learn from. Perhaps I have already met them…
Chen style for me is more like I’m doing Kung Fu and not just ‘motion zen”. This Chen, Shisuk is training me with, will be the advanced level training for my students under the Japanese Program. Yang 24-beginners, Chu 24 Palm-intermediate, Chen 24 - advanced. This will be in addition to other practice training, but these will be the forms for the foundation of the Tai Chi Chaun Path along with some Zazen. I think these give a good balance on training, rather than just a long 106 movement form few would practice. This way even if they picked just one form to learn and practice, and drill and digest and make it theirs… it would be a worthwhile path, for any age, even more so an active, heath wise senior, or middle age seeker!
So how was my practice tonight, ままをを! Some parts I felt better with because I have been practicing. I try to remember what I was told last time, and watch the girl I am following, with Shisuk watching me. He corrects her in Chinese , I listen, and correct myself. The lady I am following has gotten amazingly better with her Tai Chi in the last few years.
It was a short session, Shisuk needed to leave on time. So when the Lady I was with needed to leave, I left as well. It had been a while since I had trained with the WC school on a regular basis. They all said, WoW so short, you should stay. I thanked them but needed to go. It was their class time, another time for me, if it is in the Tao.
When I was a kid, staying with my Grandfather, he would not let me have a rifle like the other kids. I had to use a bow & arrow when I went out hunting with them or target shooting. When staying in the house, I’m taking about countryside here, there was some critter that use to get into my room. I did not know what it was, I stayed up waiting for it one night, and shot it. Imagine my shock when the arrow just bounced off it’s thick hide! Yeah, I’ve been into bows for a long time…
This Kyudo thing is a natural for me with that background. Another reason why my mind has been so Kyudo focused, I think also it gives me something else to think about other than finding work during a recession.
I heard more about the Tiger clan Kyudo retreat. We are suppose to be up at 5:30am and lights out for all at 
10:30pm. Everything is suppose to be planned out to give maximum exposure to all activities. From Zazen to Long Range shooting. I’m hopeful there will be some free time for me to take pictures, do Tai Chi and read. In a way I am looking forward to this more than the Ch’an retreat, where we will just sitting and listen, sit and talk, sit and well…sit. There will be a little a Tai Chi and motion zen, very little and I’m teaching the Tai Chi. This will also be a good retreat, just different, I’m really pleased the Lady Z is going. We will also be close enough to visit our Nihon homies at night.
I came across an old book I had called Buddhist Yoga whilst doing some storage room clearing. I studied Yoga a lot some 30 yrs ago. I also had Yoga as a large part of my Kung Fu class for a while. I changed it to almost nothing due to time reasons. I plan on bring it back more into the Japan program. There is a large population over fifty I plan on tapping into. I figured to start with my own training. I was surprised when the Lady Z also said she would like to learn some Yoga. So back to the book. This book I read years ago, when I found it I thought it was mostly about positions. It is really very little about positions, some, but mostly about the Principle Oneness of Body and Mind. From Breathing, Skin care, and Food, to Meditation, Repentance & Gratitude. Same things we speak of in Zen Practice…
“The correct practice of Zen centers on ellimination of all attachements, including attachment to the correct practice. The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo
A few days ago, maybe a week … or so, I thought about looking into other Kyudo schools in the area. There were several I found all linked to a Federation or Assoc. out of Japan. I figured why not check it out. There were a couple of things I noticed in Japan that were not happening when I attend the current class. I wanted to see where there was a difference.
It was a beautiful Sunday , warm Northern Ca day!! Wow great, Hills are covered with sades of green, and splashes of spring flowers. I have been, I think more grateful for these moments of clearity. Maybe the sitting is changing my mind… I digress
It was a pleasant hour drive in light traffic to meet the instructor. There were parts of the sky that looked like rain. I got a real sense of being back in Hawaii with all the green mountains and clear to dark skies I got to enjoy. I arrived at his house on time and meet his wife. He was playing the flute, and reading the music. I was impressed and for a flash I thought hmmm flute lessons. I did snap back to Kyudo after the flute was put away. They instructer S and the wife, seemed nice. I meet the cats, they were very shy. I was told that if the weather was good, he taught at the park and rec center, if it was not. We would shoot at home.
Since it was questionable on the weather Instructer S (IrS) deciedes we will stay at his place and shoot. Ok,…I’m thinking garage, in the back yard.. nope.. in the living room, Whoa, He has the equipment and, so after a few mintues of assembly we are ready to shoot with the Makawara Straw target. I am intrigued so little space can be use.
IrS is a knowledgable guy, 6 Dan certified in Japan. I pickup some interesting tips and corrections. There was only the two of us. He checked me out to see what how little I know and were my weakness are to be worked on. I do a couple of shots. He gives me some tips. I also ask about how to do the proper entrance to the floor and I am shown. We work mostly on my draw and grip. after some explaining and my identifing some of the same things Shisuk had said about when doing Tai CHi, what I was told sunk in more. I could relate it to something I was doing and was told to practice more of anyway by Shisuk. I also related some of how the bow grip , is similar to a mantis grip in Kung fu. One of the differences in this style, there is not much, is that they start the draw from high in front of the face. Where are thee other style starts more from an angle and tlit. I remember now Onii-san from the tiger school Said about one is the fighting or warrior style the other is the court style. I am more comfortable with the court style. It is the same as a Tai Chi opening. My body already flows to that position.
I was also run through some of the three kneeling positions and explained the sitting one. It was painful and interesting. I will need some losing up, interestingly again in another spot Shisuk tells me I need for my Tai Chi to improve, more horse stance. Hmmm ok, so I really need to work on those drills Shisuk showed me, I get a two win thing happing.I understand how Tai Chi helps my Mantis & Shaolin Fists. I did not expect it with the kyudo. Not only with the flow of the breath and chi but also the expanding end contraction of the body use of the body structure to be totally in the shot as in total in to a push or a punch Having that structure in place to support the push , the punch , the draw, starts in legs, the feet…
So over all, after I relaxed ( I’m nervous, with new people) the lesson was very good. I was shocked when I was told there was no charge!!! Whooa!! With me not working I was not going to insist and ruin his gift. So I just said that you & bowed. He said he enjoys teaching people the art Kyudo. I was impressed with his heart. My Japanese side said I need to do something for him, a gift… Too bad he lived so far, I thought to myself. I could come more often… the gas right now,…och…I was informed there was another dojo, of his style organization in my area I should look him up.
Hmmmm…cool
I was welcome to come back anytime…arigato
So which school do like better? Not a matter of like better. There is clear wisdom in walking a path that is mirrored in Nihon…with Nihon to be your path…ね
…however for now:
The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo
What I did find lacking in this class and I also found in Nihon is there is no meditation in the opening. I had heard this was something the Sensei from the Tiger school added in. No matter. I am glad I found that one first it gave me a direction to go with my Kung Fu Class and training. It really helped my mind focus on adding that part into my class and training. I enjoy doing the meditation before doing activity , Yin before yang. I am also looking forward to the Retreat at the Zen Center, with the Tiger group. Even though the princess will be there and treat me like a invisible person, the style of Zen mediation practiced there is different from the one I practice, the style of Kyudo is different from the one I may end up doing…No matter
The True Follower of Zen, simply does Zen”…TaMo
I feel pretty out of it today. Maybe too much sleep. I got up early @ 6:30 did some Zazen then went back to bed until 12:00. or maybe I am hung over, but I only had a small glass of TQ & OJ. More likely I’m just brunt out from the week.
Big trouble over the use of San, Chan, just the name or no name. Who knew outside of Japan it would would be such a big deal! Very Complex and too much to write about. Let’s just say I learned something the hard way, which will not be forgotten. Hard lessons are like that. Now I’ll just pull the nails out of my hands and continue. wiser…
I’m pretty disappointed today. There is a Kyudo demo in the city, I did not go. A couple of weeks ago I wrote to the instructor about an upcoming Seminar asking about the cost, so I could maybe put aside some money to attend. I did not go to the one last year at the S. Mtn Zen Center, as I was not working and no job. This year is a repeat (werid, eh) but I really wanted to attend. I had a small bit of money I would make the effort and have faith in the Tao. I received no reply. Early this week or late last week I got a mass email about needing people for the demo and info concerning the seminar would go out later in a few days. I replied I could help with the demo. I received no reply! My disappointment is not for not going, a bit that, but I received no answers, I felt blown off. I made up a couple of excuses for the reason for that, but still…maybe It’s me.
I have been doing my taxes all this past week for 06′. Sitting on the floor surrounded by papers and two computers a mess! Since I have no office space, it can not be helped. Yup I’m late but I knew I was owed some money so I did not sweat it. I got a notice from the State of CA, saying “Yo Zen dude, whats up we did not get a file from you, get on it by 4/2″ They did not say it like that but it translated to the same. Anywho I finished it, they owe me more than I thought, SWEET! I’ll send it off on Monday. Next week it is 2007 work, I’ll get that out of the way. Another refund will be nice, however it will be no where nice as 06′ from the Feds. It will help though.
I will be flying down to LA in 2 weeks to meet our Ch’an Shifu, he is making a rare visit to the States. My cousin gave me her airline flight credit so I can fly down. Nice! I had been waiting for this since around Thanksgiving, there were changes, then more changes. Finally I let it go it would happen. However now it is.
Tonight is Earth Hour, we will be doing our bit here, I hope you will/did as well!
There is a new blog site starting on Life in America from two Japanese ladies who live here who are in Blasian relationships. If you read Japanese you can check it out here: http://laydz.wordpress.com/
The Ch’an weekend retreat is upcoming in May. I’m still really torn about going or not going. $600.00 for the two of us including room and board. Not really a bad , but when one is not working, serious thought is needed.
We received a blessing on my unemployment check payments. Since I was not working much last year I did not have much in the fund. I thought we were toast. The condo would need to be put up for sale or, go into forecloser from us not paying. However I just made it under the line for the cut off time from my good job last year and my payment will make the mortgage. So we can get by although tightly for the next 6-mo to a year or I get a new job, which ever comes first. The I-Ching says I should meditate and clear my mind to see the path ahead. My plan years ago was to have the Boat not only to sail, enjoy and travel , but if worse came to worse, with work or the government, I would have a place to live and not be homeless…it was a good plan.
Amazing it is Sunday already. Shifu was just saying how times flies these days. Today was the last day of the White Elephant sale. I planned on going. I had a couple of small things I hoped for and nothing else in mind.
The place where the sale is being held is just a few blocks from my cousin. In fact I go by it every time I go to pick her up for “Zen practice” . That was in fact the big plan for today was to go to Zen session. I had not been in awhile. I guess the formal name is my Shanga, ( hmmmaybe that is not right, whatever ). Lady Z was sick last time so I stayed with her. It is more important for me to be consistent daily at home, more than if I go to Shanga. Also for now I will be cutting it down to once a month with the change of working status coming. Anyway moving on…
I dropped by the White Elephant sale, there were not as many people as years before, so I thought. There where however a lot still coming in as I was leaving. So maybe they, the masses start later or grow over time on the last day. I walked right through the lines as they started to break down the ropes for the opening of the day. It was my smoothest entry yet. Sweet.
I make my planned rounds , only to find nothing I was looking for was left or there. I was very tempted to buy a wetsuit, but figured I could wait until I was sure of the size. It was 25.00 bucks, if it was 10.00 I would have goen for it. It seemed a bit too small to risk the chance today. Even if I was not overdress for the weather which I was, the weather was great. Still I would not have been able to try it on to test the size. I had this feeling of fighting the force by buying it, so I passed. The only place I did not pass up on a purchase was the book dept. Books go for 4.00 a bag full on the last day. You buy a bag, pay $4.00 and fill it up with whatever you like. Sweet Deal! As a book lover I can not pass up such a deal. I got a few sailing books, for me. Some Japanese novels & Zen Philosophy for lady Z, plus some others fir me, about 25 books for $4.00 nice! After reading the disposable ones will go to a used book store and purchased or recycled. ( reuse, recycle , reduce) Nice desho?!
Next stop is over to get my Cuz, then we drive down to the Zen meeting in Fremont. We were attending the advance session this time. With the change of days and times, this was our best choice. The advance classes are longer. Longer sitting time, one legs and spirit must be up for challenge. The knees are really the only hard part about doing it, 30 min , 40 min. Getting into a comfortable spot and being able to be relaxed yet focus, Body, Chakras, Spirit in alignment, like Kyudo, like doing Tai Chi or Yoga.
We arrived in prefect time. The beginner session is just finished.
Today they had a movie done by the Shifu in Taiwan, part of his lecture series. Today was about sitting, and being centered. Also about not doing Spirit harmimg practices like letting yourself be possessed by negative force or spirit to gain power. Channeling spirits. This we were told is done in Taiwan by some to who seek enlightenment via some unknown being the key word spirit. Shifu said, we do not need to go to any outside source for spiritual power or enlightenment, or open ourselves up to he chance of Negative power. We have it , enlightenment, spiritual power already with in us. We just need to tap into it.
One can put it another way, God is within us all. All we need to do is turn to that living part of us. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Buddha, Allah, the Great Spirit there is true power.
This in turn after the 30 min. meditation lead to another discussion about, Chi, Spiritual energy, positive and negative. How we take on energy whenever we are out and exposed to other people. The good and the bad chi. How even not doing anything, just living a life of compassion adds good chi to the environment . However like the dust that gathers on us during the day, we need to wash off our spirit by meditation daily, to help rid us of negative chi. Meditation is a shower for our spirit. I have heard that before…
The interesting thing about Meditation is it can be many things. Prayer, worship, celebration, centering, relinking. Depends on where your heart and mind are… I feel like I’ve been to church today. hmmmmm
I doubt if me Mum would see it that way, but that’s another story.
I was thinking of heading down to s/v Zen today, which is Sat. as I start this post. I wanted to pickup a few things and maybe do a little work. As the morning turned to afternoon quickly from our late start. Also as even as this current time rapidly is going the way of yesterdays gas price, I came up with an alternate plan. This involved staying at home with the Lady Z on her day off , hanging out, home chores and saving a trip and gas until tomorrow. I had no deadline for doing stuff down at the marina and soon I would have plenty of time to get things down. I am planning of week of just working on the boat one work stops in two weeks.
I took the trash down to the lot and picked up the mail it occurred me that I needed to practice the Tai Chi Palm Sword so I would not forget what we went over yesterday. At the same time I took in what a great day it was. The tide had me land-bound today so I could not sail, I was staying home… I should practice. The clubhouse was empty, I could also have the choice of by the pool on the deck. I went in for my sword.
After I changed clothes and got my sword I decided outside was nice, but it was on the chilly side, I could not concentrate so I went inside. It was prefect. With all the glass windows facing the pool or the garden it was quiet and peaceful for a early afternoon practice.
I did Chen Style to warm-up. Slower than usual I went through things seperatly, like doing chakra activation in Ch’an meditation. Section by section then connecting them. Working on understanding each piece better and my body position, not the movements in between but the grounding. Staying grounded, a bamboo in the storm. using the waist, the spine, the legs. The weight here, mind here, sink, tuck…The arms attached, but they are not the leaders, right before left, lots of details. This is why it takes so long to understand, let alone master Tai Chi. This is also why it helps all else one does. Shisuk said many times, Tai Chi helps your Mantis, also your Shaolin. Practice your Tai Chi, remember the rest. I received a flash of understanding about doing Tai Chi on a boat. But that is another story.
Jian (sword) time, I was glad I decided to practice . There were a couple of parts I would have forgotten otherwise…maybe. Anyway it was good to practice with feel of nature around instead of walls, the glass gave a nice illusion of being in outside…without the chill. I had not been using this Sword for a while. I was surprise how quickly I adapted to it again. It must be my sword. Here I could not put the same kind of internal focus on the set. Here I had to remember the external before I could go internal. I am still learning this set. It may take another 3 moths if finish it. Then I need review on my others ones, and record them so I can keep them separated. Some moves are the same in all three forms ( sets).
Before I leave I practice a little Mantis. I do pieces of the last form worked on with Shifu, Lan Ji. I think it is my favorite from the Tai Chi Mantis System. The parts I remember are ok, however there are holes. Sigh, I have a lot of practice to do and notes to make. Fortunately I will not need all the forms I have learned over the years. Shisuk says I should concentrate on just a few things now. Which makes sense, however I need to review everything and make sure I have some filmed backup or notes. Generally we (teachers) work with a several forms repeatedly and have notes to remember the rest. Which is why it is nice to have some advanced students. One has to dig up those advanced sets and combo techniques. It is more fun then also to teach, rather than the masses of students that come, stay a week or a month then leave. The mass are like doing your daily Zazen . So one gets mostly in a loop teaching the same basic level. One flip side of that, one gets to really understand the basics, which is a very good thing. The better the roots, the stronger the tree.
I was watching a movie the other week about this guy in Japan who meet a girl on a train and he asked his on-line community how to go about dating her. It was a cute and funny film. It made me think on how things are on-line and the relationships that do come about.
I have seen or heard of a couple of sites during my blog-life where the writer passed away. I think most of the time it was an accident or something.
I went by someone site I have known via the blog world for a while. I visited him first because of his photography of Japan. He had lived there for a while, loved it and had some great shots. Needless to say he was also into Photography and did some nice work. He also was involved in Marital Arts training, was from Philly, my hometown and studied Zen. So his site was on my visit somewhat regular list. He played the 7 things game as part of my invite.
M, also had a health problem, a rare cancer that was killing him slowly. He spoke on his blog of his life and challenges and successes. He has now gone back to the source of us all. It is thought provoking to read someones last days blog.
Rest In Peace bud. His blog here
Looking back on things from my blog last year, I also see it has been over a year ago that I started with Heart Chan. So much has changed in the past year, yet in some ways I’m full circle to where I was a year ago. So I question myself on what needs to be changed, what was a good thing. What needs to go, with the new year it is good to clean out one’s house…and mind. Keeping what is needed & used.
I reflect on my Ch’an practice. I am still at it so that means a lot. I am now doing it twice a day for the last 5 months rather than just once daily. I enjoy the space I find when in Zuò Chán ( Zazen). I have found points of merger between the Yin of stillness and the Yang of Motion which can be passed to my Shaolin Students. I can explain the need for both in a balanced training and have included basic meditation as part of the standard warm ups along with Chi Gong. Awake the Body, awake the mind. This was my reason for seeking this out, to make that connection between them, and to understand the basics of how that worked, that was the knowledge I sought. That was the enlightenment I wanted. Although I have just peeped through the door of the training hall, and eaten the crumbs from the table of knowledge I am pleased at where I am. I am grateful to have found the table, & for the crumbs.
Gratitude… there are side-effects to the Ch’an practice. Because it is not just about sitting and going beyond the aches and pains of sitting and relating that to everyday life and going beyond to see joy. As Kung Fu is not just about punches and kicks. Ch’an is not just about sitting, it is also about compassion and gratitude, how you live your life. It is about examining other parts of your life and understanding, all other life touches all parts of your life, you are other life and it is you. We are interdependent. We are the world, the universe, all that was, is or will be. In treating other forms of life with compassion and gratitude, we treat ourselves to it. What we do to our Oceans, Lands, & Air, we do to ourselves and our children’s children. That is the reality of no-duality. This is our spiritual connection to all, our responsibility to ourselves, to care for other life.
Shaolin is Love, A Kung Fu brother once said that to me …Shaolin is about Love, hmmm. I thought about that for a long time. Until I understood more of the Ch’an Heart I did not understand. Our Motion Ch’an is another form of meditation, rather than the distraction of cramps in the leg or that itch, we have the complexity of movement, to connect with yet stay detached, remaining calm, centered, mindful. Connected but not attached. The same as washing dishes, walking down the street, driving a car, sailing a boat, defending your home, family, friends. Ch’an is not just about sitting and meditating. It is about living fully in each moment, compassionately in harmony with your environment. No mater if it is in perceived good or in a bad way, cycle, day. At the Heart of the Shaolin Practice lies, Ch’an ….
The Heart of Ch’an is Love.
A pretty good group of lessons for a year. Now that I can crawl it should even more interesting…
I am very thankful to have 4 more weeks of work before having to deal with EDD and life’s extreme cut backs again.
I am also very very thankful my family from Japan all got to visit us without, having the shadow of no job over our heads. I only slightly regret picking up the 300.00 dinner tab. That will work out in the big picture. From a Zen view, the money was only temporary and being fully in that moment it was the thing to do and it was pleasing.
In some ways this is easier than before looking forward from here last year. Perhaps because we just went through it, or it is just beginning. The big uncertainly in this is, will I get the Max amount for EDD? or how much? Since I made far less money in the last few cycles, than last year. It is good that I have some sailing teaching jobs upcoming in April. Also Sisuk has a lot of thing for me to do and I have not seen him since before the holidays. We’ve postponed a couple of meetings since, now both back from our travels. Too bad he can not afford me full time. I’m going to go with the ” Zen sense” that does not “feel” like it will be that long before, I’m too busy again. I will make a point to enjoy this time more than last. Perhaps my practicing is kicking in more now. I’m going to go ahead an still plan for the retreats this spring. The teaching monies will pay for it. God will put me there if I need to be. Somethings you just need to do for your spirit.
The hardest thing right now is coming to work everyday and still staying focused on doing something constructive, work related. I got my cleanup before relocation assignments today. Simple stuff, need to stretch it into 4 weeks. That will be a task.
I told Lady Z last night, she took it well. Disappointed of course, but calmer than I thought she would be about it. Maybe it is her “Zen” training kicking in. I feel better now that she knows what’s up also. She also felt it was pretty lame of the owner, how things were done, but I feel it could have been alot worse. Like a day or two notice, not a month. I do feel ok with that.
I still do not feel focused yet. Kind of like that half wake state after a long nap.
Part of me says, if you do the same thing ( look for just a job/income), high chance of the same results. Do something different, but what is the question. What do I want diminish in order to gain…what? My life is pretty simple and fine, other than being ready to move to Japan and needed to prepare, save, train, study, practice, save, Study, did I say save
そね…
There is the long range Nihon plans, but that will take time to reach that point of readiness and I need money to do that. I just want to find a decent job for 4-5 yrs. Four years at GOOD, Fun, satisfying, low commute, fair pay job would be great! It could happen…
Maybe Obama will be president…who would have thought 20 yrs ago, he could have gotten this far. Makes me think there is Hope for this country… it could happen…
I digress…
For now it is back to training for the next mission…back to basics, sleep, PRACTICE, re-center, sail (which is under practice), be open to the Tao let it run it’s course. The “Force” will put me where I need to be. In sailing terms it is called “Heaving To” in the storm, and as others storms on the sea, this too will pass…
Life is Change… Resistance is futile!
2008 - THE YEAR OF THE RAT
The “Rat” is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac.
Legend has it that the Jade Emperor invited the animals for a party. The first 12 to arrive was the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and lastly, the Pig. All the animals were named after the 12-year cycle that governs Chinese life thereafter.
Various versions of the Rat’s story are particularly revealing about his character.
One version has it that, towards the end of the journey, the animals had to cross a celestial river, and the Rat asked the Ox to ferry him across. When they arrived on the other side, the Rat jumped down off the Ox’s head and that’s how gained first spot in the order of the Chinese zodiac.
Those born in the “Year of the Rat” are clever, ambitious, creative, hard-working, fastidious, charming and sociable, but can be a bit stingy when it comes to sharing their wealth or possessions.
Rats are compatible with Dragons, Monkeys and Oxen, but should avoid Horses at all costs.
In the “Year of the Rat”, we can expect 12 months of plentiful opportunities and prospects not to mention being relatively free of turbulence, (which is great to know especially if you’re planning on making some long-term investments, starting new projects, or keeping the home fires burning brightly).
It’s also a rather fine time to socialise and grab a sumptuous meal or two with friends and family!
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 The Chinese calendar, commonly known as the Farmers’ Calendar, or the Hsia Calendar, is a fascinatingly accurate system, which not only records the passage of time, but is also a tool for fortune-telling. The famous traditional fortune-telling system – The Four Pillars of Destiny – is exactly referring to reading a person’s destiny from his birth data as presented in the Hsia calendar format. The unique feature of such calendar is that all information about time – year, month, day and hour are presented in terms of the five basic elements – metal, water, wood, fire and earth, which are believed to be the basic components of everything in the Universe. The relationship between the five elements accurately helps one predict what is to come by way of one’s fortunes and thus, one can by using this knowledge, multiply the good luck or minimize the bad luck in one’s life.The Year of the Rat, 2008, in the Hsia calendar, is symbolized by two elements – with earth sitting on top of water. According to the cycle of birth and destruction, which governs the inter-relationship between the elements, earth is the conqueror of water. . Therefore, earth sitting on water is a symbol of control. But the water of the Rat year is very strong and the earth floating on top of water has no foundation and cannot control the ocean of water. As such, instead of conquering water, it is more like confrontation between earth and water elements. The Earth on top is Yang earth which symbolizes a mountain, and mountain gives sense of stability and firmness. But such floating earth in the ocean is weak in foundation and the stability appears to be fragile. This elemental relationship will bring a year which apparently is more stable but there are a lot of underlying tensions and confrontations. The Chinese calendar year goes on 60-year cycle. This means that we have experienced the same year of yang earth on rat in 1948. This was a year when the confrontation between USSR and the west intensified with the Blockade of Berlin started and the formation of the Western Union by the Brussels Treaty to confront the threat of USSR; this is the predecessor to NATO. In May this year, the State of Israel was established and also the confrontation between Israel and Arabian countries began leading to the Arab-Israel war. . The Chinese character for “Yang Earth” represents a big mountain. . It is associated with the quality of a firm and steady person. People born in a day of “Yang Earth” .is often calm and steady and faithful, practical and “down to earth”. . Some examples of famous earth people born on a “Yang Earth” day are Hillary Clinton, Danzel Washington, David Beckham, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Michael Jackson, Dick Cheney, Eric Clapton and Ben Affleck . The Rat belongs to the strongest water element and it is the first of the 12 animal signs. So it also represents the beginning of a new 12 years cycle. As such, the Rat year can bring a new beginning of international relationships and social order; this could bring new regimes with new government in some countries. Indeed, there will be many major elections happening between 2007 and 2008 with change of leadership in many countries including U.S.A., United Kingdom, Russia, France, Taiwan…..The rat is also considered as a “Flower of Romance”. So years of the rat will stimulate more romance and sex scandals. The Rat is in clash relationship against the Horse. . This is a clash between water and fire elements and will often bring accidents related to both fire and water, air and the sea. The Rat is the most powerful ocean water and it will bring heavy flooding or even tsunami disaster. The most famous water disasters in history, such as the South Asia tsunami on 26/12/2004 and the sinking of the Titanic on 14/4/1912, both incidents happened on a date with prominent appearance of the Rat. Looking at past history, in 1228 a year of Earth Rat, there is big flood in Holland killing 100,000 people, and in 1588 another year of Earth Rat, the Spanish Armada encountered storm in Ireland and 5000 people died in this heavy storm. In 1888, year of Earth Rat, there is “Great Blizzard” in the east coast of the USA and 400 people died. The clash between fire and water will also bring accidents related to fire and the airline business is in the category of fire element. As such, it is observed that the year of the Rat seems to experience more air disasters. A typical year with many aviation disasters is the previous Rat year in 1996. During this year, there are over 20 major airplane crashes including the U.S. TWA Boeing 747 crashed in July, 1996 killing 230. Looking at the immediate last Earth Rat year in 1948, there were also quite a numbers of airplane crashes including the hijack of a Cathy Pacific airplane in June, 1948. ( could this be the Joy in the sadness? I hate flying) |
http://www.raymond-lo.com/ver2/aboutmasterlo/articles.asp
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