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Mt Adams Zen Buddhist Temple

 

March 2014 Newsletter

 Dear Dharma friends, 

   We had a minor theft at the temple; someone took a hand crafted incense ash screener.  It was from Japan and both beautiful and expensive.  We used it to remove bits of remaining unburned sticks of incense from our incense offering bowls.  Who did it and why are still unknown. 
   So what to do now?  Order a new one from Japan, or what?  A quick internet search came up with a small temple that used a common household flour sifter - what? A $6.95 common kitchen gadget?  I agreed to try it with a great deal of skepticism - how could it possibly work as well?  Laughing - it works actually far better and easier than our former screener and takes less time to use. 
   The moral of this story is about loss and acceptance.  The Buddha taught that all things are impermanent.  I was certain that at the time of our "loss" that the Buddha's teachings did not include the impermanent nature of our beautiful screener.  It was to be reverently kept forever. The simplicity of our new sifter makes me smile and the lesson of non-attachment still rings sweet in my heart.  Holding on to nothing, accepting everything, ah!
May we all live in Peace, Thay Kozen 


Ven. Kozen will go to China in October to visit two temples



Jishan temple, in Hunan Province China,  is the home of the Blue Cliff records which Dogen Zenji studied in China before bringing Zen back to Japan.   Abbot Mingchan has visited our temple in Trout lake and is one of our senior teachers.  It will be an honor to visit his temple.


Venerable Master Wan Xing's beautiful temple in Guangzhen China.  Master Wan Xing is an enlightened master who has written several wonderful books, which are currently being translated into English.

As of right now there are four other people going with Ven. Kozen on his trip to China.  Thanks to the folks who donated miles for Kozen's travel.
We are a small Thien (Zen) Buddhist Temple practicing  "laughing farmer zen" - living our practice, sitting zazen, being here - right now!

Services & Meditation 

 

Morning Meditation


Morning Service
9:00 AM
 Everyday 

Evening Meditation
6:30 PM
every evening 

Calendar

Please note our daily  

practice schedule

 

MARCH

17 - Thay Kozen to CRCC   

 

APRIL

6 Buddha's Birthday  

21 Thay Kozen to CRCC

26 Earthday   


MAY
May 3 (Saturday) - Wesak or Buddha day The most important of the Buddhist festivals. It celebrates the Buddha's birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death.
19 Thay Kozen to CRCC
 

 "Guru also opposed the book-reading-only approach in cultivation. Written by sages and attained masters after enlightenment, Buddhist scriptures and discourses cannot be penetrated by the ordinary person who understands only the literal meaning of the words. One must cultivate dhyana and experience Samadhi oneself in order to truly grasp the underlying true wisdom embedded in the books by the wise. 

The more one uses his mind, the deeper he buries his self-nature, and the further he separates from the universal totality. Engaging a reasoning and calculating mind in cultivation paves an opposite way to the Tao; as a matter of fact, it is unlikely for one to commence a meaningful cultivation without first emptying his mind. Upon obtaining the ultimate perception of the Tao, the practitioner shall embody his learning into actions, for to share the same mind as the Buddha, a convergence of theoretical understanding and empirical experience is a must. "  Master Wan Xing

From Pope Francis 

 

"Becoming a cardinal does not signify a promotion, an honor nor a decoration: it is simply a service that demands a broader vision and a bigger heart," he said.

 

And, although it seems a paradox, this ability to look further and love more universally with greater intensity can be acquired only by following the way of the Lord: The way of lowliness and of humility, taking the form of a servant."

What a kind and loving practice this man has - Kozen 

The Lankavatara Sutra translated by Red Pine, is one of Chan's early roots. 
   Red Pine tell us "Just as the Diamond Sutra teaches detachment form dharmas, and the Heart Sutra teaches the emptiness of dharmas, the Lankavatara Sutra teaches the non-projection of dharmas, that there would be no dharmas to be empty or be detached from if we did not project them as existing or not existing in the first place."
   This book is a delight to read.  Red Pine seems to be a real treasure for our knowledge of Zen. 
Newly born baby Kensington Rose Meyer receives a metta blessing at the temple with her proud parents, Stephanie and Kevin Meyer.  What a great way to start a life!
A New Feature - from Plum Mountain 
The Plum Mountain schedule will now be included in this newsletter at the bottom of this page.  Thay Kobai Scott Whitney's group is active in the Aberdeen, Washington area.  Thay Kobai is ordained in the Rinzai school of Vietnamese Zen.
Thays Kobai and Kozen return from 6:30 am morning temple on a snowy morning March 2nd.
Shrines      
Small Buddha Shrines surround the inside of the retreat area, The Cloister.  These small Buddhas face inward towards the meditation huts.  It has been said that to look upon the face of a Buddha statue is to start the process of opening our hearts to the Dharma.  We have erected over 60 small shrines so far which house Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.


                     
                      
We hope to someday have 1000 Buddhas to surround The Cloister.  At our current 60 we're feeling fairly full, so let's see what happens as more Buddhas arrive.  If you would like to donate a Buddha, stone statues last best in our cold environment  and ceramic, resin, or wooden statues are acceptable.
Is your group part of the Northwest Dharma Association? 
if not, it is time to join!  If you are a solitary practitioner or without a sangha you can still donate dana (money).  They are a clearing house for Buddhist Activity in the Northwest and need our support. 
read more about the NWDA at http://www.northwestdharma.org/ 

Active Hope - a retreat  

 

March 15            9am - 4pm     

Trout Lake Abbey, Trout Lake WA

 

Based on the 'Work That Reconnects' by author, activist and educator Joanna Macy. www.joannamacy.net

Cost $35 includes lunch ($40 after March 6)

Register at mamabearproject.com  

I want to invite you Active Hope a retreat based on Joanna Macy's Work That Reconnects has been resceduled for March 15th. This retreat will be open for men and women and will be held at Trout Lake Abbey. 
www.mamabearproject.com   

Our time will be grounded in the work of Joanna Macy and her Work That Reconnects and infused with the energy and spirit of Mama Bear's love for our world, our children and our future.

We have kept the cost low to cover rental fees, food and scholorships for anyone who may need support. Join us for a day of nurturing, education and  co-intelligence rising to action. www.mamabearproject.com  

 

Plum Mountain Schedule - March 2014 

(Contact: Thay Kobai , kobai @ plum mountain. org - with no spaces)

March 1, 14 Thay Kobai at Trout Lake Abbey

March 1, 14 NW Dharma Association Buddhism and the Arts Program Portland,  More information @ web link: www.nwdharma.org 

4 March, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Aberdeen Sangha meeting, 516 W. Cushing St. Aberdeen, WA 98520. Chris H. and Doris R. facilitating.

5 March, 14. 11:00 to 1. Ash Wednesday Interfaith lunch, under the Southside Bridge. Call Deacon Sarah @ 360.533.2511 for more information.

6 March 1, 14 Thay Kobai returns from Trout Lake Abbey.

11 March 14, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 516 W. Cushing. Aberdeen, 98520. 

14-15 March, Thay Kobai @ Wat Atam in Woodinville for Day of Mindful Recovery. Contact: www.nwbuddhistrecovery.orgto register.  

18 March, Tuesday, 4 March, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Aberdeen Sangha meeting, 516 W. Cushing St. Aberdeen, WA 98520. Thay Kobai facilitating.

22 March, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pot Luck Practice. Bring a brunch dish and join us for a sit-walk-sit schedule of extended practice. Leadership Circle will also discuss this year's PMR  programs.

25 March Tuesday, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Aberdeen Sangha meeting, 516 W. Cushing St. Aberdeen, WA 98520. Thay Kobai facilitating.

29 March Buddha Day at Mc Neil Island Prison.

1 April Faith Action Network (FAN) presentation to Plum Mountain Buddhist Community in Aberdeen. Venue to be announced.

PO Box 487, Trout Lake WA 98650     www.MtAdamsZen.org

509.395.2030  (e-mail -put in the @ sign) kozen1 at embarqmail.com