Letters from Musai Sensei, Prajna Zendo, Santa Fe NM


			Out of rocks and thorns, this lovely blossom-- May our True Nature flower everywhere.
	Home Page About the Teacher Letters from Musai Roshi Dharma Talks Upcoming Events Recent Events Supporting Prajna Zendo Projects 2008 CALENDARS: January February March April May June July August September October November December Directions to Prajna Zendo Kannon Zendo, Los Alamos		May 18, 2008 Dear Sangha and Friends, We recently completed a 7 day sesshin * at Prajna Zendo. Although our numbers were small, the sesshin was strong. I am very glad that we can offer two 7 day sesshin during the year, for those who wish to pursue an intensive practice. Henning, a German man who I met last January on Ameland, came over to participate in this sesshin. His wife, Claudia, accompanied him, thinking she might participate for only a day or two. She stayed for the full week. [* link takes you to the sesshin schedule, typical of 7-day-sesshins at Prajna Zendo--in .pdf format] During the sesshin we continued to investigate THE PLATFORM SUTRA through the Big Mind process. As we proceeded with this work, questions arose from participants about free will, suffering, and cruelty. When these questions arise in any spiritual practice, they are often answered by dogma or by complicated philosophical explanations. It is deeply satisfying to me to realize that, with the proper method of inquiry, each of us already knows the answers. Truly, the wisdom of the Buddha is within each of us, and Big Mind provides a way to access that wisdom. ********************************** Next Saturday, the Prajna Zendo Board of Directors is having a retreat to discuss the future of our facility and our sangha. Daishin established Prajna Zendo in 1998, and I have been teaching here since 2002. Now David Daishin Brighton has received shiho, to become my dharma successor, and Jim Kando Green has received hoshi, to become a dharma holder. We are starting a sitting group in Santa Fe, at Body, beginning June 1. Every year, in April, I hold a Big Mind workshop for therapists, and I may begin teaching a class in Zen Buddhism at the Community College this Fall. Where do we go from here? How do we increase participation at PZ? I have some ideas myself, and I look forward to what the other Board members will contribute to this dialogue. *********************************** With the death of Tukey Cleveland, Prajna Zendo received a generous bequest. Tukey began practicing with us when she was 80, and died last November at 85. Throughout her practice and into the illness that took her from us, Tukey continued to express her deep gratitude for this practice that she said transformed her life. She was an inspiration to all of us, and a clear affirmation that it is never too late to embrace Zen practice and change your life. Gassho, Musai Roshi ********************************** Winter fades Spring arises ancient rocks endure May 2, 2008** Dear Sangha and Friends, As I mentioned in my last sangha letter, Jim Kando Green is starting a sitting group in Santa Fe. The group will begin June 1st, and will continue each Sunday thereafter, from 1:15 to 2:15. Either Jim or myself will be present for instruction, to answer questions, and to offer private interviews. The location for the group is Body, on Cordova Road.We are excited about this extension of Prajna Zendo's programming. I have been wanting to form a sitting group in Santa Fe for some time, and now that Kando has been empowered as a Dharma Holder, the time is ripe. Gassho, Musai
	April 23, 2008 Dear Sangha and Friends, On April 12 & 13, I held my annual Big Mind workshop for mental health professionals. It’s not limited to them, and they can receive continuing education units, to satisfy licensure requirements. This year I followed a day-long Basic Big Mind Workshop with a day in which we investigated the Ten Grave Precepts through the Big Mind process. The workshop was so well attended that we needed a bigger space than Prajna Zendo could provide, so we held it in the auditorium of the Medical Dental Center, in Santa Fe. I get tremendous satisfaction out of bringing together two worlds that are very important to me--the world of psychotherapy and the world of Zen practice. The workshops probe deeply into questions that concern both communities, and the response from my psychotherapy colleagues is very positive. The feedback I get tells me that the therapists develop significant new insights from these workshops, and I always learn something more about how to convey the Buddhadharma through the Big Mind process. The more I engage in Big Mind work, the more I am convinced that Genpo Roshi, with the development of Big Mind, has created a way of teaching the Buddhadharma that will transform the teaching of Zen Buddhism in the West. Inviting the psychological/dualistic mind into Buddhist teaching and practice, rather than treating it as an objectionable relative that has to be tolerated, but that we would really be better off without, is groundbreaking. The accessibility of this teaching, and the enthusiastic response of those who experience it, convince me that many more people in our culture will realize and actualize Buddha Mind than would have been possible without this skillful means. ***************************** On April 20, I made Jim Kando Green a Dharma Holder. This empowerment recognizes that he is on his way to becoming a dharma successor, and allows him to teach through private interviews with students. Kando has practiced Zen for many years with different teachers, and has been studying and practicing now with me for more than five years. Because his commitment to practice, to me as his teacher, and to Prajna Zendo has been wholehearted, and because his Realization of the Buddhadharma is deep, broad, and continually developing, I am deeply pleased to confer this empowerment. Kando and I will soon be starting a sitting group in Santa Fe. I will send another letter when we know place and schedule. ************************** May 4-11 we will hold a seven day sesshin at Prajna Zendo. Beginning last year, we added this seven day retreat to the schedule, so that those who wish to practice intensively can have the benefit of two 7 day sesshin each year, and so those who are unable to attend our rohatsu sesshin in December have another opportunity for a seven day sesshin. Participants may sign up for all or part of the sesshin. Call 505-699-1464 for more information or to register. We always offer instructions for beginners. If you decide not to attend, still consider using this opportunity to intensify your practice. Anyone may join us for dawn and evening zazen (6 AM and 7 PM) and anyone who has had previous experience with the Big Mind process may join us in the afternoon (3:20 PM) for Big Mind work on THE PLATFORM SUTRA. Gassho, Musai Thirty-five years crossing paths on the Way-- now two arrows meet in mid-air February 24, 2008 Dear Sangha and Friends, Jim Kando Green and I are just back from ten days on an island in the North Sea, at Genpo Roshi’s Mahasangha Retreat. Genpo Roshi has several dharma successors and a large sangha spread out over much of Europe. At the annual Mahasangha (tr: Great Sangha) Retreat, fifteen or so teachers, all successors of Genpo Roshi or his successors, along with about 250 other participants at all levels of Zen practice, meet for ten days of zazen, Big Mind practice, discussion and socializing. For me, it is an opportunity to talk with other teachers, learn new Big Mind processes, and offer my services as a psychotherapist/ Zen teacher to students who are struggling with some aspect of their lives and practice. A rich experience. Before I go on to write about what was most significant for me during the retreat, let me say a few words about my long relationship with Genpo Roshi. We first met when we sat next to each other during a sesshin at Zen Center of Los Angeles, in 1972. I had been practicing for a couple of years, and that sesshin was Dennis Merzel’s first taste of Zen. After that sesshin, Genpo’s career in Zen was like an arrow shot from a bow, and he went on to become a dharma successor of Maezumi Roshi in what must have been record time. My Zen career, as with most developments in my life, has been much more a meander. Our paths crossed many times over the years until 2002, when it changed dramatically. In 1995, I helped Jitsudo Sensei, a dharma successor of Bernie Glassman Roshi, to found Hidden Mountain Zen Center, in Albuquerque. I received dharma transmission from Jitsudo Sensei in 1999 and practiced with him until 2002, when he left Hidden Mountain. Suddenly I was thrust into a leadership role for which I felt unprepared. I turned to Genpo Roshi, and he offered me whatever help I needed in assuming this new role. Since then, Genpo has never failed to respond when I needed him, and I have called upon him repeatedly. I completed koan study with him. I studied Big Mind, and became a Big Mind facilitator. I received denkai (priest empowerment) from him, since I had been a lay sensei. Whenever I needed his guidance on matters pertaining to leading a sangha, he made himself available. Genpo’s generosity has been boundless, and my gratitude toward him is immeasurable. On January 23, I received Inka from Genpo Roshi. Inka is a feature of our Rinzai lineage, and it is considered “the final seal of approval.” It signifies that both Roshi and Sensei, old teacher and new teacher, now have confidence that the new teacher can function with full independence. Both now carry the title of “Roshi.” It certainly does not mean that I have no more to learn, nor even that I have no more to learn from Genpo Roshi. I expect our continuing association to be dynamic and fruitful for both of us. I hope to go forward in my teaching career in the spirit of Joshu. When his teacher, Nansen died, Joshu began a pilgrimage to deepen his Realization that was to last for 40 years. As he set off on this pilgrimage he vowed, “If I meet a seven year old child who has something to teach me, I will learn from her; if I meet a one hundred year old man who has something to learn from me, I will teach him.” *************************** February 7 through 10, Prajna Zendo will hold a three day sesshin. During this sesshin, we will continue to do Big Mind work, on Friday and Saturday afternoons, on Hui-neng’s Platform Sutra. This is a seminal document of Zen Buddhism, and the Big Mind process allows us penetrate its meaning. In this sutra, Hui-neng says: “Don’t misdirect your attention. The sutras only say to take refuge in the buddha of yourselves. They don’t say take refuge in some other buddha. If you don’t take refuge in your own nature, there’s no other place of refuge.” Our Big Mind work shows us the way--and The Way. On Sunday, February 10, Karen Klinefelter, Corazon Halasan and Melani Burcham will receive jukai. In this ceremony they will take vows expressing their commitment to the Buddha Way. They have been preparing for this ceremony for several months. Please join us in celebration and support of their practice. The ceremony will take place at around 10:30 AM, after service and two periods of zazen. ********************************* There will be a zazenkai (one day of sitting) on March 15, and a two day Big Mind workshop April 12 and 13. April 12 will be the basic Big Mind workshop and on April 13 we will use the Big Mind process to investigate the Mahayana Precepts. Psychotherapists and Social Workers can receive Continuing Education Units for this workshop. I will send out a separate mailing on the Big Mind workshop soon. ********************************** It is snowing as a write this, and Northern New Mexico is still very much in the grip of Winter. This has been a cold and snowy Winter, but the days have already begun to lengthen, and as the earth tilts more towards Spring, tender new leaves and flowers will emerge from the snow. Gassho, Musai *********************** December 18, 2007 Within light there is darkness, But do not try to understand that darkness. Within darkness there is light, But do not look for that light. Light and darkness are a pair, Like the foot before and the foot behind in walking. from "The Identity of Relative and Absolute" Dear Sangha and Friends, Rohatsu, our week-long sesshin in December, is always an especially intense retreat. It comes at the darkest time of the year and it celebrates the great enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha, on December 8. After many years of practices that failed to answer the questions that so deeply troubled him, Siddartha Gautama sat beneath a tree, vowing to remain sitting until he was enlightened. After seven days and seven nights, on the morning of the 8th day, he looked up to see the morning star and all the questions simply vanished in his realization: "Wonderful, wonderful! I and all beings and the great earth itself simultaneously attain the way." Having brought an end to his own suffering, the Buddha began teaching, in order to relieve the suffering of others. Knowing that like all of us he must die, the Buddha wanted to transmit his realization to another. In order that the teaching might continue with vigor, and not become some stale retelling of his own story, the Buddha needed to choose a dharma successor whose realization matched his own. The Buddha gathered together his disciples for a dharma talk, and instead of saying anything he held up a flower. No one responded, except Mahakashyapa, who smiled. The Buddha then said, "I have the True Dharma Eye and the Marvelous Mind of Nirvana. I now transmit this to Mahakashyapa." The Buddha's Realization and Mahakashyapa's smile have been passed down in an unbroken line for almost 2500 years through India, China, Japan and now America. During rohatsu I passed this transmission to David Daishin Brighton. Transmission is perhaps not such a good word--it is more of an acknowledgment that the successor has realized in his own heart and mind what the Buddha realized and what his teacher has to impart, and is ready to assume the role of teacher himself. The transmission ceremony extends over 7 days, and is emotionally and physically grueling. Rich Taido Christofferson Sensei, from Kanzeon Zen Center, and Liz Seiki Fox assisted me in this ceremony. My own feelings are of profound gratitude to all, and especially to Daishin, for his practice and realization. Throughout the week, the support of the Prajna Zendo sangha was magnificent. I feel very fortunate to have such dedicated students practicing here. I asked Daishin to contribute a paragraph to this letter, to say something about his experience of shiho. Here is what he wrote: I was extremely grateful to receive shiho from Musai Roshi during this year's Rohatsu. Musai is a teacher of great benevolence and compassion who also has had the patience to endure having me as his student for many years. For that alone, I said his name every time I made one of the many bows required during this week-long ceremony. I will always be Musai Roshi's student, and I still have much to learn from him. In that sense, I don't believe that any so-called "transmission" can ever be considered complete. Namu Kugen Musai Daiosho! On December 31, we will host our usual New Year's Eve celebration. Sitting begins at 8 PM, with council at 10 PM, service at midnight, and a party after that. Arrive whenever you like. Contributions of food for a midnight snack are welcome. Daishin has offered to make breakfast for anyone who would like to stay overnight and avoid the perils of driving that night. If you decide to stay overnight, we have mattresses--bring your own sleeping bag. In January 12th, we will have a zazenkai. This all day sitting (9 AM to 4:30 PM) is a good opportunity for those who have begun to develop a sitting practice and would like to intensify it, as well as for seasoned practitioners. During our February 7-10 sesshin, four people will be receiving jukai. This is the ceremony where one commits to the Buddha Way and to living according to the sixteen Buddhists precepts. It is a lovely ceremony that will take place after the usual 2 periods of zazen on Sunday morning, 2/10. Whether or not you attend the sesshin, I encourage you to come to the ceremony and lend your support to the jukai recipients. I will be away for 2 weeks in January, at Genpo Roshi's Mahasangha gathering, on the island of Ameland, off the coast of The Netherlands. When colleagues ask me where I'm going, I tell them to a retreat on an island. Their eyes light up and they ask, "Where is the island?" When I respond, "In the North Sea," the light dims considerably. Daishin and the rest of the sangha will keep things going at Prajna Zendo while I'm away. I wish you joyful holidays and a New Year full of discovery. Gassho, Musai ******************************* Water flows and returns to the sea (from the Shuso Hossen ceremony) November 2007** Dear Members and Friends of Prajna Zendo, Another year. They seem to roll around faster and faster, and it’s time to let you know about developments in our sangha again. For more information than I can include in this letter, check out our website www.prajnazendo.org. Speaking of our website, it now has a new feature, thanks to Nancy Jisho St. Clair’s ingenuity--you can listen to a selection of my dharma talks there. I am delighted that I can extend my teaching in this way to students who live at a distance. We have just completed a three day sesshin, at the end of which Suzanne Seiko Barry presented a dharma talk on a koan from The Book of Serenity, then responded to questions that challenged her understanding of the dharma. This ceremony, shuso hossen, comes at the end of a year of serving as Practice Leader. The Practice Leader learns all of the service positions during the year, and is responsible for a myriad of organizational details. Seiko has done a wonderful job, and she now joins Kathleen Hoju O’Rourke and Jim Kando Green as senior students at Prajna Zendo From December 2 through December 9, we will hold our annual rohatsu sesshin. This week long retreat commemorates the great enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. Besides intensive zazen, all our sesshin feature Big Mind work in the afternoons. This process, developed by Genpo Roshi, is an exceptionally effective approach to realizing for ourselves what the Buddha taught. Combining Big Mind with zazen makes for a powerful sesshin. During rohatsu we will continue to apply Big Mind work to The Platform Sutra, the Sixth Patriarch’s seminal teaching on Realization and Actualization. I am very pleased to announce that David Daishin Brighton will receive shiho from me during rohatsu. Daishin will be my first dharma successor, and it is impossible for me to put into words what this means to me. To be able to acknowledge that someone I have taught has penetrated to the heart of the Buddhadharma fills me with gratitude and joy. ********************************************************** As with all non-profit organizations, we depend on the generosity of our members and supporters to meet expenses. I hope you will consider a tax-deductible gift to Prajna Zendo this year. Dana Paramita (The Perfection of Generosity) is an important aspect of our practice. To have a place to practice and a community committed to practicing the Buddha Way is a great blessing. To sustain and extend this blessing we need your support. A one time gift is one way to support Prajna Zendo. Another way is to make a monthly pledge. In addition, any time you attend an event at the zendo, you can make a contribution to the dana box, at the foot of the stairs. If you are in regular attendance at the zendo, you can also contribute by taking on one or more of the tasks that support the practice. Contact Daishin at the zendo to make a commitment in this regard. Contributions of money and/or time are deeply appreciated, and create a stronger community as we pursue the Buddha Way together. Gassho, Musai Roshi August 23, 2007 This spider web-- so elaborately constructed. Sun behind, it glistens bewitchingly. Sun in front, it is as vague as mist. Tomorrow, or the next day, it will vanish without a trace. Dear Sangha and Friends, Daishin and I just returned from a retreat together in the Columbine-Hondo Wilderness. This was the beginning of the shiho process, whereby Daishin will receive dharma transmission from me and become a sensei. The ceremony of dharma transmission (shiho) will take place in December, at rohatsu sesshin. Since the ceremony requires two fully empowered priests, Rich Christofferson, who has received dharma transmission from Genpo Roshi, will come down from Salt Lake City to assist me. Daishin’s commitment to the Dharma, to Prajna Zendo, and to me as a teacher, has been unwavering. He has looked deeply into the nature of Mind, seen through the entangling delusions of self, completed koan study, and already guides and inspires the practice of sangha members. It is deeply moving for me to consider empowering him as a Zen teacher and priest. Not just Daishin and myself are involved here. The entire sangha has participated in this journey. Dependent co-arising is not just a clever idea, it is the very matrix of our lives. I am grateful to all of you. ************************ I want to give you a preview of practice opportunities for the rest of the year. September 8: Zazenkai. A day of sitting practice, including a dharma talk. October 11-14: 3 day sesshin. In the afternoons we will continue Big Mind work on The Platform Sutra. During this sesshin, Suzanne Seiko Barry, who has been Practice Leader at Prajna Zendo for the past year, will have her Shuso Hossen ceremony, thereby becoming a senior member of the sangha. As a part of this ceremony, Seiko will give a dharma talk on a koan from The Book Of Serenity. After her talk, all who are present will have the opportunity to challenge her understanding of the koan in dharma combat. November 10: Another zazenkai. December 2-9: rohatsu sesshin, celebrating the Great Enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha, on December 8. We will continue Big Mind work on The Platform Sutra, and Daishin will receive Dharma Transmission. Looking forward into 2008, during our February sesshin, Karen Klinefelter and Melani Burcham will commit to the Buddha Way by receiving the precepts (jukai). I am in contact with a woman at the Women’s Prison, in Grants, who also wishes to receive jukai. She will be released by then, and may join Karen and Melani in receiving jukai at that sesshin. ************************ I have begun reading The Mindful Brain, by Daniel Siegel. Much of it is quite technical, and probably of limited interest. However, the author gives an account of his first Vipassana mindfulness retreat (much like our sesshin), which I found utterly fascinating. It is a look into the experience of a Thinking Type (Jung’s typology) undertaking such a retreat. Siegel is a scientist, and one of the intriguing findings he presents is that the brain actually undergoes structural changes with meditation and mindfulness practice. These changes resemble the brain development that occurs in children who benefit from secure attachment in their growing up. This is a profound discovery, suggesting that the traumas and neglect of childhood can, at least to some extent, be repaired through mindfulness and meditation. I expect to find many more riches in this book. ***************************** As Summer draws to a close, and the golden sunflowers proliferating everywhere presage the golden leaves and golden chamisa of Autumn, I wish all of you the blessings of a gatha that Hoju and I learned from Enkyo Roshi: May I and all beings be free of suffering. May I and all beings appreciate our True Nature. May I and all beings be at peace. Gassho, Musai
	JULY 26, 2007 bones of the earth an eagle cries disappointment dissolves into gratitude Dear Sangha and Friends, The above verse was inspired when, on my solo retreat, I set out to see how far up I could climb on Toner Mountain (summit 12,495'). I had hoped to get at least up to alpine terrain (somewhere between 11,000' and 12,000'), so I was disappointed when I reached the spot where this photo was taken, and realized the terrain was too steep and treacherous to continue on, especially since I was hiking alone. While I was stewing about not being able to climb higher, an eagle flew over just above these formations, uttering its wild, clear cry. The eagle seemed to be saying to me, "Look where you are! Appreciate your life." I bowed in gratitude. These solo retreats that I enjoy each Summer are a time of renewal for me. I drive to the end of a forest road, set up camp, and spend a week sitting and walking. I sleep in my camper and I have a tent for my zendo. I have no set schedule during the day, some days doing a lot of zazen and a little walking, and sometimes reversing the proportions of those activities. It is a fluid time, as I move to the rhythm of the sun and the weather. Aspects of my life and practice that are obscured by the round of daily activity in Santa Fe sort themselves out, and I find clarity on matters that have been troubling me. I return with renewed energy for practice and teaching. I made this note in my journal on 7/8: Zazen itself is the complete manifestation of the Buddhadharma. Awake, alert, grasping nothing. Letting go of whatever arises, "Like a ball tossed on rushing water; moment to moment non-stop flow." No attachment, no aversion, no opinions. Not needing to act; ready to act in whatever way the situation demands. Sitting with dignity, neither proud nor humble. Sometimes the mind a flowing stream, sometimes a still pool. The same water, always a complete manifestation of the Way. And on 7/12: Out here I am freed from planning ahead. In the evening I decide what I'll do the next day, and once I set out my plans often change in response to terrain and weather. Sometimes I am planning no more than an hour ahead, sometimes when I'm walking off trail, no more than a footfall. The wildflowers were spectacular this year. Primroses in abundance along Lean Creek, Larkspur as tall as I am in the meadows below Toner Mountain, Cow Parsnips 7' and taller. ***************************************** whisper of rain clouds tinged with pink fragrance of earth I stepped out on the deck the last morning of sesshin at dawn. The sun was just touching the clouds with pink, the lightest of rain was falling, and the smell of earth and vegetation was indescribably wonderful. The word "greed" sprang to mind. But greed implies going after something, and going after it with ruthless intensity. I didn't have to go after anything. Greed, of course, is one of the three poisons, and we speak of our practice transforming the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance). Perhaps this is the transformation of greed--opening to the abundance of each moment. The sesshin, as always, was a deep experience. It was good to see some new faces this time. I am always moved by what I hear in daisan that tells me that this practice, zazen and Big Mind, is opening students to their True Nature and enabling them to bring this Realization into the activity of their lives. The weather was a blessing this time. July sesshin can be very hot, but last weekend we were refreshed and cooled by afternoon rains. We continued Big Mind work on the Platform Sutra. We began this work in the October 2006 sesshin. This sesshin we addressed the section which many commentators see as the heart of Hui-neng's teaching. We investigated No Attachment, No Form, and No Thought. Even though Hui-neng's language is simple and straightforward, understanding what he means by these concepts can be a challenge. Students have told me it's mind-boggling, and sometimes their response is to close the book in frustration. I think I can safely say that everyone in sesshin had some insight into these difficult teachings last weekend, thanks to Big Mind. **************************************** Nancy Jisho St Clair, our webmaster, has made some of my recorded talks available on our website www.prajnazendo.org I gave a talk the last day of sesshin on No Attachment, and it will soon be available on the website. I am very excited about this development. Students who miss a talk, students who live out of town, or students who want to listen again to a particular talk, can now access these talks on the web. Thank you Jisho. ******************************************* If you are receiving this letter, and you are not a member, consider becoming a member and supporting Prajna Zendo financially. Contact Kathleen Hoju O'Rourke. Gassho, Musai
May 23, 2007 spring came slowly. wind, rain, snow, and then... ten thousand petals, ten thousand blessings Dear Sangha and Friends, This has been a busy and deeply moving month for me. In May, we had our first Spring seven day sesshin. I was very glad we could add a second seven day sesshin to the year, for those who feel a need to intensify and deepen their practice. During the sesshin, we continued Big Mind work on THE PLATFORM SUTRA. We are moving slowly through this seminal work, and will spend many more sesshin investigating Hui-neng's teaching. During the May sesshin, we focused especially on No Attachment, No Form, and No Thought--what Red Pine considers to be the central themes of this sutra. With Big Mind work, we can experience these concepts not just as ideas, but as the foundation of our lives, as who we are. Last weekend, Jim Kando Green and I traveled to Los Angeles for the annual White Plum Asanga meeting. The White Plum Asanga is an organization comprised of all the dharma successors of Maezumi Roshi, their dharma successors, and so on. There are now more than 70 teachers in this organization. This year, senior students were invited to attend along with teachers, and the meeting was held at the Mother Temple in Los Angeles, where it all began 40 years ago. I attend this meeting almost every year, and this year, the 40th anniversary celebration, was especially meaningful. So many aspects were special to me. I sat in the zendo where I began my studies with Maezumi Roshi in 1971. So many have sat so strongly there. I said to Kando that I could feel the samadhi coming out of the walls. There were two memorial services for Maezumi Roshi, who died 12 years ago this month. One of Roshi's brothers and a nephew were in attendance from Japan. In a teacher's circle, where each of us shared how we are manifesting the dharma now, I was struck by the great diversity, the integrity, and the intensity of this group. Each of us has a different way of presenting the dharma, and all of us are manifesting the dharma that Maezumi Roshi taught and embodied. That we can meet and share in an atmosphere of respect and appreciation is a tribute to Maezumi Roshi, as well as to Bernie Glassman Roshi and Genpo Roshi, the first two spiritual leaders of the White Plum. This leadership has now been passed to Shishin Roshi, with the understanding that all of us are maturing as teachers and that the spirit of the organization is becoming more democratic and egalitarian. One afternoon, Jikyo Roshi and I co-led a Big Mind workshop with Genpo Roshi. This is the first time I have worked together with Genpo Roshi in facilitating a Big Mind workshop, and it was a wonderful experience of "moment to moment non-stop flow." Here at Prajna Zendo, more people are turning up for sitting and dharma talks on Sunday. This is very gratifying to me, and leading me to think more about future developments. We have a strong and committed Board of Directors now, and I hope to have a Board retreat sometime soon, to imagine together visions for the future. Take a look at the calendar on this website ( www.prajnazendo.org) and come join us in this life-changing practice. Gassho, Musai photographs by Musai Roshi
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