There will be sitting tonight at 7 p.m., but no Heart Sutra class. Due to scheduling conflicts, the class will resume on Wed., Oct. 6, at 6 p.m., and meet every other week thereafter.
Author Archives: Treetop Zen Center
Stef’s Teacher Remembers Him
Stef’s teacher, Bernie Glassman, Roshi, offers the following reflection of Stef’s life in the Zen Peacemakers Newsletter:
In 1975, Flora Courtois, one of the founding members of the Zen Center of Los Angeles, told Maezumi Roshi, its spiritual head, about a wonderful Quaker fundraiser who had raised lots of money for the American Friends. ZCLA needed money, so Roshi agreed to a meeting, and Stef Barragato came to the Zen center. It was quickly obvious that Stef was very good at his work. He believed not just in cultivating donors but also in developing genuine relationships for the long run; fundraising was a practice. Maezumi Roshi also believed in developing relationships, but in his culture it was considered impolite to actually ask for money, so he had a hard time following his new student’s advice. Continue reading
The World of Dew
The world of dew—
A world of dew it is indeed,
And yet, and yet . . .
– Kobayashi Issa
Stef Memorialized on Sweeping Zen
Adam Tebbe of Sweeping Zen, a thorough and useful online reference of Zen teachers and practice centers, has written a memorial of Stef. You can read it here.
Stef Memorialized by “The Worst Horse”
Over at MahaSangha News, the news blog put out by the Shambhala Sun Foundation, Rod Meade Sperry, Shambhala Sun web editor, has written a lovely tribute to Stef.
No Saturday Service
Viewing hours for Stef will begin this afternoon and will continue today and tomorrow through 7 p.m., and Sunday morning until 11 a.m. Sangha members and friends are welcome to sit quietly in the zendo for any period during that time.
All are invited to attend his burial and memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday at Treetop Zen Center, 293 Country Club Road, Oakland, ME, 04963.
In Loving Memory of Stefano Mui Barragato
Stefano Mui Barragato
1930-2010
This morning, members and friends of Treetop Zen Center received the following message from Peter Seishin Wohl: Continue reading
Announcing Heart Sutra Study Class
Beginning on Wednesday, September 15th, at 6:00 p.m., Treetop Zen Center teacher Peter Seishin Wohl will lead a biweekly text study group.
The first subject of study will be the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra, a central text for Zen Buddhists.
Peter will examine the sutra using following two texts:
The Heart of the Universe by Mu Soeng
Anyone is welcome to participate, though reasonably consistent attendance is requested.
Anyone is welcome to participate, though reasonably consistent attendance is requested.
The group will review the texts and discuss the specifics of the study on the 15th.
For more information, email peter@treetopzencenter.org.
Spring Retreat Schedule
From Saturday, June 12 through Friday, June 18, Treetop Zen Center will host its annual Spring Sesshin. This is a time for intense, silent, communal practice.
Regular Treetop students as well as first-time visitors may participate for either the entire week, or just a few days. Those not attending the retreat are welcome to drop in during any sitting period throughout the week.
A donation of $25 per full day, or $10 per meal, is requested to cover retreat costs, though no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. If you plan to attend during meal times, please call ahead to ensure that enough food is prepared – 207-465-7563.
Saturday, June 12
7-9 p.m.: Zazen
Sunday, June 13 – Thursday, June 17
6-8 a.m.: Zazen
8-9:30 a.m.: Breakfast and Jundo (Chanting at various Zen Center altars)
9:30-11 a.m.: Service and Zazen
11-1 p.m.: Samu (Work practice.)
1-3:30 p.m.: Lunch, Jundo, Rest
3:30-5:30 p.m.: Zazen
5:30-7 p.m.: Supper and Jundo
7-9 p.m.: Zazen
Friday, June 18
6-8 a.m.: Zazen
8-9:30 a.m.: Breakfast and Jundo
9:30-11:30 a.m.: Service and Zazen
11:30-12:30: Samu
12:30 – End: Lunch and Roundup
For more information, email treetopzen@earthlink.net.
Hsueh Feng’s Turtle-Nosed Snake
Blue Cliff Record, Case 22
Hsueh Feng taught the assembly saying, “On South Mountain there’s a turtle-nosed snake. All of you people must take a good look.”
Ch’ang Ch’ing said, “In the hall today there certainly are people who are losing their bodies and their lives.”
A monk related this to Hsuan Sha. Hsuan Sha said, “It takes Elder Brother Leng (Ch’ang Ch’ing) to be like this. Nevertheless, I am not this way.”
The monk asked, “What about you, Teacher?”
Hsuan Sha said, “Why make use of ‘South Mountain’?”
Yun men took his staff and threw it down in front of Hsueh Feng, making a gesture of fright. Continue reading