July 2023

Dear Friends,

In one of the oldest kong-ans in our collection, this one that comes from the Transmission of the Lamp, a collection of “dharma encounters” from 11th century China.

Master Nan-ch’uan said to the congregation, “Master Wang (Master Nan-ch’uan is referring to himself by his family name) wishes to sell his body. Who will buy him?” A monk came forward saying, “I will buy him.” Nan-ch’uan then added, “I will not accept a cheap price or an expensive one. What will you give me?”

If we strip down the dialogue to its essential qualities, the bizarreness of the exchange becomes something everyday and intimate. As ordinary as I am, I would like to make an offering of myself—with dignity and humility. Who cares? And what is its worth?

We wish to offer ourselves. We wish to be of value. At every phase of our lives, we want our lives to mean something worthwhile. 

While on the surface this may seem to be transactional, but it is not. It is, rather, our natural call and response to awakening. Like waves meeting the shore. An impression is made, and a gift is exchanged. What is it?

Yours in the dharma tide pool,

Jeong Ji

Photo by Eric Nord, JDPSN

Inka Ceremony

Saturday, July 15 9:30am

It is with great joy and appreciation that we announce the upcoming Inka Ceremony for Paul Gulick and Chris Chapman! This will take place on Saturday, July 15, at 9:30am, at the Blue Heron Zen Center. On this occasion, Paul and Chris will receive Inka, which is a recognition of their dharma teaching authority now extending to kong-an exploration with students. Paul and Chris will each give a formal dharma talk and then offer sangha members an opportunity to engage in a public dharma dialogue with them.

Please come to celebrate and support this new leadership for our community! All are invited.

Weather permitting, we’ll hold this ceremony outdoors, so there should be plenty of room for all who wish to attend. The ceremony will also be streamed live which you can join here at the designated time.

July In-Person Sessions

All in-person practices are open for walk-in attendance (no need to sign up in advance). Attendees are asked to have full Covid vaccinations. Masks are optional.

Sessions:

• Sunday 9am-10:30am (Also streamed online)
• Sunday 11am-noon
• Tuesday 7pm (Not streamed)
• Wednesdays at 10am
• Fridays at 10am

Newcomer Orientation:

• Sunday 10:30am

Sessions with a Dharma Talk and Special Chanting:

• Sunday, July 2 9am

To attend, simply show up 5-10 minutes before any practice time. The building will be open for those practices. Use the ground floor entrance from the back yard.

Dharma Dialogues

Eric Nord, JDPSN and Zen Master Jeong Ji are offering online Dharma Dialogues. Sign up here with Eric Poep Sa or here with Jeong Ji Soen Sa.

Our Senior Dharma Teachers are offering Online Dharma Dialogues if you would like to discuss your practice and any questions you may have. Please get in touch with them individually to schedule an appointment if you would like a one-on-one Zoom meeting.

• Jeff Tipp JDPSN jefftipp@gmail.com
• Greg Eisen eisengn@gmail.com
• Paul Gulick paul@blueheronzen.org
• John Craycraft john.craycraft@comcast.net
• Chris Chapman chris@blueheronzen.org

Looking Forward

Precepts Ceremony: August 19

9-Day Retreat with Zen Master Jeong Ji and Eric Nord, JDPSN: August 19-27