Farm, MWA Newsletter, Zen, -  Sep 07, 2022

Mountains and Waters Alliance September news and thoughts

Please forgive the long silence. I’m back and will try to be more regular.

First, upcoming events:

Sesshin, September 23-27

(arrive Thursday night, end Tuesday noon)

The term sesshin means “to settle the mind.” We sit quietly together, 6 am to 9 pm with breaks for walking meditation and for meals. It’s a gentle time, and if you haven’t done it before please call and talk with us first. I love this way of just sitting together, but for most people it’s best to explore gradually. Partial participation can be arranged.

Details are here, registration is required. There is no extra charge for staying here.

Workday, October 8

followed by a potluck supper. (There is not an event post for this.) Work is 9-4, break and socializing 4-6, potluck about 6.

Most likely projects involve garden and land care. If there are enough of us, moving wood and other heavy projects are offered. Lunch is provided.

Register by email; say whether you will come for work, potluck, or both.

Introduction to Zen October 14 – Friday evening 7-9

Stands alone or leads into land care retreat. Includes instruction in sitting and walking meditation, brief discussion of chanting and ceremonies, and questions and answers. By donation. If you would like to come just to this and not the land care retreat, please email.

Land care retreat October 15-16 (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)

This weekend begins with introduction to Zen, then combines meditation, dharma talks, and outdoor work in the spirit of being one with the earth. Registration is required, there is a fee, and more information is here. You may also begin Saturday morning after breakfast, at 9 am.

Online groups continue:

• Zen study group, Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm Central Time.
• Gift of Fearlessness, Sunday evenings 7 pm Central Time
• Monday morning zazen is still at 6 am Central Time. 50 minutes of sitting followed by a short chanting service and conversation.

These are all coordinated by email rather than website. If you are interested in joining any, email me.

Dharma talk online October 2, Sunday morning

This is at Northfield Buddhist Meditation Center The talk is in person and online. For online, use this link   The password is “med” followed by “55057” sitting is 9:30-10, talk is approximately 10-11.

Residents

Having finished major construction, upgraded to four bedrooms, and long work with  volunteers outdoors in garden and woods, I find myself talking with several potential residents. If you are tempted to come and practice here, please

contact me soon. Here are a few basics:

• I hope for people interested in joining in morning zazen and retreats. Zen background is helpful because we share a language, but it’s not required at all.
• Most people pay a modest rent, a share of what it costs to have this beautiful place. There are people who could make that from the land, and welcome to do so: farmers and gardeners, especially permaculturists; herbalists; woodworkers; and possibly basket weavers and other traditional skills.
• Community matters. A weekly house meeting is essential. We share decision-making, yet as owner (until that becomes shared) there are responsibilities that are mine.
• There is no incense or fragrance indoors, because of my chemical sensitivities. We will try to honor other disability needs as well.
• This is an incredibly beautiful place, and it needs care. Everyone who lives here shares in that.(There are photos throughout the website.)
• I hope eventually to share ownership.

Some thoughts on Zen and action:

Tuesday I had a lovely interview with Siddhesh Mukerji, who is writing a book about Buddhism and activism. His questions brought out my thoughts beautifully. Here is a recording of our conversation, unedited.

Last Monday, I learned of an opportunity to support Lakota-led prayer action protecting the Black Hills, He Sapa. My friend Karen Little Thunder and others gathered for prayer outside a Federal courthouse where there was a hearing on violations of the laws regarding new lithium mining. I emailed and used social media to reach whoever I could, and spent an hour at the Central Altar on this land, offering chanting, meditation, and energy. The Black Hills Clean Water Alliance will know what happened.

Blessings in the fall. Please remember to breathe.

Warmly,

Shodo Spring

for Mountains and Waters Alliance