October 2017

Dear Sangha,

When my children were little, they dreaded going to the doctor’s, especially when they knew they would be getting a shot. Maybe some of us adults still fear it? But always, that pre-suffering suffering far eclipsed that instant prick on the arm! And yet, how captivating (how apt a term) it is to imagine what the pain will be like.

Just think of the way the news is broadcast to us in a daily dose of “what if’s”. There is excitement in fear, energy stirred up in projected visions of doom – after all, that what sells the news. That’s what sells the tickets to the Big Top Show of not knowing. So what’s the difference between the dread of not knowing, and the awakened grace of not knowing? Should we simply disregard our concern for the future?

Of course we do need to prepare, in a practical sense. We need to consider the effects our actions have on the planet so that we can heal its wounds. We might well consider the possible repercussions of a political leader’s bad speech so that we do not become infected by it. But we also need to distinguish between when our minds get held “captive” by the hook of fear as opposed to a spacious wonder at the wild ride that is unfolding before our very eyes. 

May we always, all of us together, be the ride and the life of the dharma. Yours in wonder and joy,

Jeong Ji
Wave Swinger
photo by Eric Nord, JDPSN
Upcoming Events
Kong-An Interviews :

1st Tuesdays with Zen Master Jeong Ji : October 3

2nd Sunday with Zen Master Jeong Ji or Eric Nord, JDPSN : October 8

3rd Wednesday with Zen Master Jeong Ji : October 18

3rd Thursdays with Eric Nord, JDPSN : cancelled this month due to Dharma Talk

Consulting Interviews :

Tuesday, October 10 with Abbot and Senior Dharma Teacher Tom Campbell

Special Chanting :

1st Sunday : October 1

Tacoma Saturday Meditation :

Saturday, October 14
 
Please visit the  website calendar for complete and current details of these events and for the weekly practice schedule. 
Dharma Talk

Thursday, October 19 : 7pm

Please join us for a public dharma talk. Dharma Teacher John Craycraft will give the introductory talk titled “The Zen Circle”, and Zen Master Jeong Ji will answer questions from the audience. Everyone is welcome.
Three Day Retreat with Zen Master Jeong Ji
Friday - Sun, October 20 - 22
Fri - Sat : 6am - 8:30pm, Sun : 6am - 3pm
Retreats offer a rare opportunity to let go of the demands of our busy lives and recognize our inherent compassion and wisdom through dedicated Zen training. Each day includes chanting, sitting and walking meditation, work practice, a private kong-an interview and formal vegetarian meals. Here’s more detailed retreat information and retreat schedule.

Members: $30 plus dana* per day.
Non-members: $40 plus dana* per day.
*dana is a voluntary gratitude to our teacher (s)

Please register online by Tuesday, October 17.
Precepts Ceremony

Sunday, October 22 : 9:30am

Please join us as members take precepts and affirm their connection to the Zen path with the Blue Heron Zen Community. Everyone is welcome to attend this ceremony.
Notes from the Trail by Jill Irwin

It's amazing what you notice when you're simply paying attention. No talking; just walking, engaging all your senses. Each frond of the luxuriant big sword fern we just passed seems alert and awake. Tiny mushrooms clumped together on a mossy log beside the trail glow neon orange. We breathe in occasional musky whiffs of decaying trees and plants, breaking down into new soil.

After 30 minutes of silent hiking, the clear ring of a bell echos through the forest. We pull out sit pads and find a spot to settle alongside the trail for sitting meditation. Ten minutes later, the bell rings again.

Anyone and everyone are welcome to come along on our silent meditation hikes, which range from a few hours to all day, depending on interest. Talking and laughter before and after the hike are encouraged!

Look for the next scheduled hike in November.
Looking Forward

Green Seattle Day with Sangha Action Team, Saturday, November 4

Fundamentals of Zen, Sunday, November 12