2020年09月18日
Soto Zen Mission in North America and Beyond Sept 18
SOTO ZEN MISSION IN NORTH AMERICA AND BEYOND
September 18, 2020
SOZENJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE
https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.weebly.com
sozenjibuddhisttemple!@gmail.com / 323-724-6866
3020 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Zen Practice Wednesdays & Fridays 6 am - 7:15 am
Wednesdays 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
LONG BEACH BUDDHIST CHURCH
https://www.lbbuddhistchurch.com
longbeachbuddhistchurch@gmail.com / 562-426-4014
2360 Santa Fe. Ave. Long Beach, CA 90810
Sunday Service 10 am - 11 am
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Sunday Morning Meditation 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
Doji: Identifying ourselves "in" others, we let others identify themselves "in" us.
"A sense without a sense"
The true capability has no fixed self or personality
Negative Capability
In 1817, John Keats introduced the concept of negative capability as he discussed Shakespeare's creativity.
“I mean Negative Capability, that is when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.”
He states that Shakespeare's views and opinions are not imposed on his characters. He let go of his identity and allow the story to unfold.
His story allows us to interpret it according to our own capability and views. Myriad stories unfold through myriad views and capabilities
Our views and opinions lead the readers and audience our own conclusion... but Shakespeare allows the audience to have various answers as he doesn't impose his own.
The true capability has no fixed self or personality and, according to John Keats, this capability can be described as "a sense without a sense".
It is the ability that allows us to identify ourselves "in" others without letting our ego and views interfere in our communication.
The story of Shakespeare is not narrated by Shakespeare. This is the story narrated by the entirety.
That's why people of all different backgrounds can be a part of the story.
From Shushogi (Meaning of Practice and Verification)
It is, for example, like the human Tathagata who was the same as other human beings.
Self and others are without boundaries. The ocean does not reject any water； this is Doji.
It is because of this that water collects and becomes an ocean.
AUTUMN OHIGAN SERVICE (SEPTEMBER 13TH)
Long Beach Buddhist Church and Sozenji Buddhist Temple had their Autumn Ohigan service on September 13th to honor the buddhas of past, present, and future as well as to express our gratitude to our parents and ancestors. The actual day of the equinox will be on September 22nd. I hope you can put your hands together toward the sunset and think of the departed ones.
Blessings with the Buddhist Precepts
May you be free from any evil acts, freely conduct virtuous acts, and freely benefit all beings.
May you honor all life, take only what you receive, calm your desire and cravings and stay truthful.
May you maintain clarity of mind, stay nonjudgmental, humble, and respectful.
May you stay generous and embracing and stay free from anger and hatred.
May you embody the life of the awakened ones.
TENDOKU DAIHANNYA PRAYER SERVICE (AUGUST 23RD)
Soto Zen Buddhism North America organized a Tendoku Daihannya Prayer Service for the early containment of Covid-19 and all the natural disasters at Zenshuji Soto Mission, Los Angeles, on August 23. There were several members of ASZB (Association of Soto Zen Buddhists) joining the event online. Masks were purified during the service and were dedicated to the members.
TENDOKU DAIHANNYA PRAYER SERVICE VIDEO
Chanting of Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra & Disaster-prevention Dharani has been chanted as a means to prevent misfortune from the ancient days. The wind that is generated by when the sutras are revolved carry good fortune and power to keep us safe and strong.
Photos from Tendoku Daihannya Prayer Service 01
Photos from Tendoku Daihannya Prayer Service 02
MINISTERS FROM SAN FRANCISCO VISIT LONG BEACH
During their trip to Los Angeles for the prayer service, Rev. Gengo Akiba from Oakland Zen Center (Kojinan), Rev. Koshi Kurotaki from Sokoji temple in San Francisco, and Rev. Taiga Ito from Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Mateo visited Long Beach Buddhist Church. For Rev. Kurotaki and Rev. Ito, it was their first visit to Long Beach. Thank you for coming all the way to visit us.
SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION BIANNUAL CONFERENCE ON ZOOM (SEPTEMBER 3-4)
Soto Zen Buddhist Association had its biannual conference on zoom this year. I had an opportunity to support the event as a conference committee member and also participate in the BIPOC (*black, Indigenous, and people of color) group in the SZBA organization. The discussion that took place was centered around unpacking witness of the Zen communities and fostering awareness regarding the black lives matter movement, white supremacy, social injustice, and character formation of the Soto zen priests in North America.
SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
The conference committee was led by Rev. Chimyo Atkinson and Rev. Marc Lesser, Ms.Anna Breckenridge, to prepare the SZBA 2020 biannual conference. I had an opportunity to work with other fellow SZBA members and the administrator to support the conference. It was a very good learning experience.
BIPOC GROUP
During the SZBA conference, we had a unique opportunity to share our views on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) group in the mostly while North American Soto Zen community. It was particularly interesting to engage in the discussion reflecting on the history of Japanese and Japanese-American Buddhists in the past and the prospect of more black Americans and indigenous populations getting engaged in Buddhism in the future.
DISCUSSION ON THE TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE
Rev. Sara Tonen O'Connor of Milwaukee Zen Center and Rev. Karen Hagen of Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee kindly invited me to their meeting to share their experience of providing meals, education, and places to be for the homeless and underprivileged people. They have given me a great insight as to how to look at our overdependence on the police force and criminalization of the suffering of the society as the city of Long Beach continues to explore how to improve the community through spiritual resources.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE FALL SESSION "ZEN MEDITATION"
Due to the pandemic, OLLI has bene providing various classes on Zoom. I will have an opportunity to share the practice with the residents in Long Beach on Zoom this fall.
METRO VOLUNTEER MEDITATION SESSION
Honoring our Travel Buddies
Mrs. Stacy Yamato-Jasmin from Sozenji temple, who works for METRO, kindly invited me to the Metro Travel Buddy meeting.
I had a wonderful opportunity to share the history of Japanese-American Soto Zen temples and a short guided mediation.
Thank you for introducing me and Sozenji temple to Metro staff and volunteers for the Travel Buddy.
TEN COMMANDMENTS HIKE BUDDHIST MESSAGE
VIDEO MESSAGE
Interfaith Ten Commandment Hike takes place in November every year. This year, I was asked to talk about the 9th commandment.
It's always a pleasure to share our Buddhist view with the children of different faith in the city of Long Beach. This year, they are doing the hike in a small group to minimize the risk of the Covid-19 and the ministers are delivering the messages on videos.
SOTO ZEN PRIESTS IN TRAINING
SEIGKAU DEVIN AMATO (LBBC ASSISTANT MINISTER)
Seigkau has been training at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center since August. He has been learning how to work with priests from different schools and also how to sever the lay community through the guidance of Rev. Tenshin Fletcher.
As an assistant minister of LBBC, Seigaku has been contemplating on how to contribute to LBBC sangha after his training.
DOSHIN DIANA JOHNSON (LBBC INTERN & SOZENJI ASSISTANT MINISTER)
Doshin has been helping LBBC and Sozenji since she came back from Japan after her monastic training. She is now an assistant minister of Sozenji temple and a priest in intern at LBBC to complete her process to become an Osho.
SHUSHIN AUGUST PETERSON (MILITARY BUDDHIST CHAPLAIN)
Shusin has been exploring his unique Buddhist field as a Buddhist chaplain providing spiritual guidance and conducting many different services to many families and individuals.
He is also taking care of his young family as a great husband and a dad.
SHUKO LUIS LAUDERMILK (SOZENJI NOVICE PRIEST)
Shuko continues to serve Sozenji temple as a novice priest as he continues to watch over the temple and property.
LBBC ONLNE BUDDHIST SERVICE
SUNDAYS 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Long Beach Buddhist Church continues to observe its weekly Sunday service honoring its non-denominational value.
We continue to preserve and share the heritage of this Japanese-American Buddhist community.
ONLNE ZEN MEDITATION PRACTICE
MONDAY EVENINGS 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Monday meditation group now has people from all walks of life and nationalities.
One member's family recovered from Covid-19 recently and shared with his experience of taking care of the family staying strong.
Another member from Beirut did fundraising to support her family and friends in Beirut after the massive explosion destroyed
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
We chant various sutras of Soto Zen school every Wednesday morning.
FRIDAY MORNINGS 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
On Friday morning, we read the writing of the ancestral teachers to deepen our knowledge and insight.
We have been enjoying the company of the teachers from the Empty Moon Sangha.
OUTDOOR & ONLINE PRACTICE
SOZENJI WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sozenji started its outdoor Zazen kai exclusively for the students and a few other training monastics.
Others can still join online. We are learning the basics of the forms and know-how of services.
While Doshin, Shuko, and Shuraku attend the practice in-person, Shushin (Sozenji), and Jyoshin and Hojyo (Kanzeonji temple) attend the practice online.
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
SOZENJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE
https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.weebly.com
sozenjibuddhisttemple!@gmail.com / 323-724-6866
3020 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Zen Practice Wednesdays & Fridays 6 am - 7:15 am
Wednesdays 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
LONG BEACH BUDDHIST CHURCH
https://www.lbbuddhistchurch.com
longbeachbuddhistchurch@gmail.com / 562-426-4014
2360 Santa Fe. Ave. Long Beach, CA 90810
Sunday Service 10 am - 11 am
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Sunday Morning Meditation 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
SOTO ZEN BUDDHISM NORTH AMERICA OFFICE
https://www.facebook.com/SotoZenBuddhismNorthAmerica
123 South Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 U.S.A.
Phone: 1-213-617-0100
Fax: 1-213-617-0200
SOTO ZEN BUDDHISM INTERNATIONAL CENTER
https://www.facebook.com/Soto-Zen-Buddhism-International-Center-199228173432325
SOTO ZEN NET
https://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/index.html
SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION
https://szba.org/
September 18, 2020
SOZENJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE
https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.weebly.com
sozenjibuddhisttemple!@gmail.com / 323-724-6866
3020 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Zen Practice Wednesdays & Fridays 6 am - 7:15 am
Wednesdays 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
LONG BEACH BUDDHIST CHURCH
https://www.lbbuddhistchurch.com
longbeachbuddhistchurch@gmail.com / 562-426-4014
2360 Santa Fe. Ave. Long Beach, CA 90810
Sunday Service 10 am - 11 am
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Sunday Morning Meditation 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
Doji: Identifying ourselves "in" others, we let others identify themselves "in" us.
"A sense without a sense"
The true capability has no fixed self or personality
Negative Capability
In 1817, John Keats introduced the concept of negative capability as he discussed Shakespeare's creativity.
“I mean Negative Capability, that is when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason.”
He states that Shakespeare's views and opinions are not imposed on his characters. He let go of his identity and allow the story to unfold.
His story allows us to interpret it according to our own capability and views. Myriad stories unfold through myriad views and capabilities
Our views and opinions lead the readers and audience our own conclusion... but Shakespeare allows the audience to have various answers as he doesn't impose his own.
The true capability has no fixed self or personality and, according to John Keats, this capability can be described as "a sense without a sense".
It is the ability that allows us to identify ourselves "in" others without letting our ego and views interfere in our communication.
The story of Shakespeare is not narrated by Shakespeare. This is the story narrated by the entirety.
That's why people of all different backgrounds can be a part of the story.
From Shushogi (Meaning of Practice and Verification)
It is, for example, like the human Tathagata who was the same as other human beings.
Self and others are without boundaries. The ocean does not reject any water； this is Doji.
It is because of this that water collects and becomes an ocean.
AUTUMN OHIGAN SERVICE (SEPTEMBER 13TH)
Long Beach Buddhist Church and Sozenji Buddhist Temple had their Autumn Ohigan service on September 13th to honor the buddhas of past, present, and future as well as to express our gratitude to our parents and ancestors. The actual day of the equinox will be on September 22nd. I hope you can put your hands together toward the sunset and think of the departed ones.
Blessings with the Buddhist Precepts
May you be free from any evil acts, freely conduct virtuous acts, and freely benefit all beings.
May you honor all life, take only what you receive, calm your desire and cravings and stay truthful.
May you maintain clarity of mind, stay nonjudgmental, humble, and respectful.
May you stay generous and embracing and stay free from anger and hatred.
May you embody the life of the awakened ones.
TENDOKU DAIHANNYA PRAYER SERVICE (AUGUST 23RD)
Soto Zen Buddhism North America organized a Tendoku Daihannya Prayer Service for the early containment of Covid-19 and all the natural disasters at Zenshuji Soto Mission, Los Angeles, on August 23. There were several members of ASZB (Association of Soto Zen Buddhists) joining the event online. Masks were purified during the service and were dedicated to the members.
TENDOKU DAIHANNYA PRAYER SERVICE VIDEO
Chanting of Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra & Disaster-prevention Dharani has been chanted as a means to prevent misfortune from the ancient days. The wind that is generated by when the sutras are revolved carry good fortune and power to keep us safe and strong.
Photos from Tendoku Daihannya Prayer Service 01
Photos from Tendoku Daihannya Prayer Service 02
MINISTERS FROM SAN FRANCISCO VISIT LONG BEACH
During their trip to Los Angeles for the prayer service, Rev. Gengo Akiba from Oakland Zen Center (Kojinan), Rev. Koshi Kurotaki from Sokoji temple in San Francisco, and Rev. Taiga Ito from Soto Zen Buddhism International Center in San Mateo visited Long Beach Buddhist Church. For Rev. Kurotaki and Rev. Ito, it was their first visit to Long Beach. Thank you for coming all the way to visit us.
SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION BIANNUAL CONFERENCE ON ZOOM (SEPTEMBER 3-4)
Soto Zen Buddhist Association had its biannual conference on zoom this year. I had an opportunity to support the event as a conference committee member and also participate in the BIPOC (*black, Indigenous, and people of color) group in the SZBA organization. The discussion that took place was centered around unpacking witness of the Zen communities and fostering awareness regarding the black lives matter movement, white supremacy, social injustice, and character formation of the Soto zen priests in North America.
SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
The conference committee was led by Rev. Chimyo Atkinson and Rev. Marc Lesser, Ms.Anna Breckenridge, to prepare the SZBA 2020 biannual conference. I had an opportunity to work with other fellow SZBA members and the administrator to support the conference. It was a very good learning experience.
BIPOC GROUP
During the SZBA conference, we had a unique opportunity to share our views on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) group in the mostly while North American Soto Zen community. It was particularly interesting to engage in the discussion reflecting on the history of Japanese and Japanese-American Buddhists in the past and the prospect of more black Americans and indigenous populations getting engaged in Buddhism in the future.
DISCUSSION ON THE TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE
Rev. Sara Tonen O'Connor of Milwaukee Zen Center and Rev. Karen Hagen of Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee kindly invited me to their meeting to share their experience of providing meals, education, and places to be for the homeless and underprivileged people. They have given me a great insight as to how to look at our overdependence on the police force and criminalization of the suffering of the society as the city of Long Beach continues to explore how to improve the community through spiritual resources.
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
OSHER LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTE FALL SESSION "ZEN MEDITATION"
Due to the pandemic, OLLI has bene providing various classes on Zoom. I will have an opportunity to share the practice with the residents in Long Beach on Zoom this fall.
METRO VOLUNTEER MEDITATION SESSION
Honoring our Travel Buddies
Mrs. Stacy Yamato-Jasmin from Sozenji temple, who works for METRO, kindly invited me to the Metro Travel Buddy meeting.
I had a wonderful opportunity to share the history of Japanese-American Soto Zen temples and a short guided mediation.
Thank you for introducing me and Sozenji temple to Metro staff and volunteers for the Travel Buddy.
TEN COMMANDMENTS HIKE BUDDHIST MESSAGE
VIDEO MESSAGE
Interfaith Ten Commandment Hike takes place in November every year. This year, I was asked to talk about the 9th commandment.
It's always a pleasure to share our Buddhist view with the children of different faith in the city of Long Beach. This year, they are doing the hike in a small group to minimize the risk of the Covid-19 and the ministers are delivering the messages on videos.
SOTO ZEN PRIESTS IN TRAINING
SEIGKAU DEVIN AMATO (LBBC ASSISTANT MINISTER)
Seigkau has been training at Yokoji Zen Mountain Center since August. He has been learning how to work with priests from different schools and also how to sever the lay community through the guidance of Rev. Tenshin Fletcher.
As an assistant minister of LBBC, Seigaku has been contemplating on how to contribute to LBBC sangha after his training.
DOSHIN DIANA JOHNSON (LBBC INTERN & SOZENJI ASSISTANT MINISTER)
Doshin has been helping LBBC and Sozenji since she came back from Japan after her monastic training. She is now an assistant minister of Sozenji temple and a priest in intern at LBBC to complete her process to become an Osho.
SHUSHIN AUGUST PETERSON (MILITARY BUDDHIST CHAPLAIN)
Shusin has been exploring his unique Buddhist field as a Buddhist chaplain providing spiritual guidance and conducting many different services to many families and individuals.
He is also taking care of his young family as a great husband and a dad.
SHUKO LUIS LAUDERMILK (SOZENJI NOVICE PRIEST)
Shuko continues to serve Sozenji temple as a novice priest as he continues to watch over the temple and property.
LBBC ONLNE BUDDHIST SERVICE
SUNDAYS 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Long Beach Buddhist Church continues to observe its weekly Sunday service honoring its non-denominational value.
We continue to preserve and share the heritage of this Japanese-American Buddhist community.
ONLNE ZEN MEDITATION PRACTICE
MONDAY EVENINGS 7:00 PM - 8:45 PM
Monday meditation group now has people from all walks of life and nationalities.
One member's family recovered from Covid-19 recently and shared with his experience of taking care of the family staying strong.
Another member from Beirut did fundraising to support her family and friends in Beirut after the massive explosion destroyed
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
We chant various sutras of Soto Zen school every Wednesday morning.
FRIDAY MORNINGS 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
On Friday morning, we read the writing of the ancestral teachers to deepen our knowledge and insight.
We have been enjoying the company of the teachers from the Empty Moon Sangha.
OUTDOOR & ONLINE PRACTICE
SOZENJI WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sozenji started its outdoor Zazen kai exclusively for the students and a few other training monastics.
Others can still join online. We are learning the basics of the forms and know-how of services.
While Doshin, Shuko, and Shuraku attend the practice in-person, Shushin (Sozenji), and Jyoshin and Hojyo (Kanzeonji temple) attend the practice online.
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
SOZENJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE
https://sozenjibuddhisttemple.weebly.com
sozenjibuddhisttemple!@gmail.com / 323-724-6866
3020 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Zen Practice Wednesdays & Fridays 6 am - 7:15 am
Wednesdays 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
LONG BEACH BUDDHIST CHURCH
https://www.lbbuddhistchurch.com
longbeachbuddhistchurch@gmail.com / 562-426-4014
2360 Santa Fe. Ave. Long Beach, CA 90810
Sunday Service 10 am - 11 am
Monday Study & Meditation 7 pm - 8:45 pm
Sunday Morning Meditation 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Join us at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8111889419
SOTO ZEN BUDDHISM NORTH AMERICA OFFICE
https://www.facebook.com/SotoZenBuddhismNorthAmerica
123 South Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 U.S.A.
Phone: 1-213-617-0100
Fax: 1-213-617-0200
SOTO ZEN BUDDHISM INTERNATIONAL CENTER
https://www.facebook.com/Soto-Zen-Buddhism-International-Center-199228173432325
SOTO ZEN NET
https://global.sotozen-net.or.jp/eng/index.html
SOTO ZEN BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION
https://szba.org/
Posted by Gyokei Yokoyama at
08:53
