Joshu’s Oak Tree

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I wanted share something with a seasonal theme, given that spring is almost here. I realize that the spring equinox passed several weeks ago; a day on which the season undoubtedly arrived somewhere, perhaps in Maryland or New Jersey. However those of us who have endured the last few weeks punctuated with spells of cool, damp, weather, giving us frequent downpours of frigid rain and flooding the rivers, know that here in Maine spring has not arrived; we are mired in “mud season.” So, I thought that it would be a good time to look at a koan with a pleasant taste of nature to lift our spirits.

From the Mumonkan, Case 37:
A monk asked Joshu in all earnestness. “What is the meaning of the patriarch’s coming from the west?”

Joshu said, “The oak tree there in the garden.”

And from the Book of Serenity, Case 47:
A monk asked Zhaozhou, “What is the living meaning of Chan Buddhism?”

Zhaozhou said, “The cypress tree in the yard.”

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A Stalk of Grass

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When the Master was about to die, the head monk asked him, “Your Reverence, a hundred years from now where will you be?” “I shall be a water buffalo at the foot of the hill,” said the Master. “Will it be alright for me to follow you?” asked the head monk. “If you follow me, you must hold a stalk of grass in your mouth,” was Puyuan’s reply.

Puyuan is Nanquan Puyuan. This encounter appears in the Entangling Vines or the Shumon Kattoshu, in the biographical sketch on Nanquan. I find the monk’s question rather curious, why is he asking the Master where he will be a hundred years after his death? Perhaps the question is just what it appears to be, the monk simply wants to learn what the Master believes will happen after death. Nanquan’s response is even more curious. “I shall be a water buffalo at the foot of the hill.” Is he answering the monk’s question as to where he will be long after his death? Continue reading →

Stories from the Sangha

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A reflection by Treetopper Andy Hinson:

Those of us who sit at Treetop Zen Center thought it would be good to share some of our stories here on the TZC blog. So here’s mine.

I first went to visit Treetop, believe it or not, after I came across a scrap of a newspaper article about the Center while I was working in my compost pile one July afternoon. At the time, I had been meditating on my own for a while, and that summer I had started feeling like I wanted to sit with a group, to get input from other people who were doing it, maybe find out what it was like to work with a teacher. So when that shred of newspaper about this zendo that was not too far from home found itself in my hand, it seemed like I needed to check it out.
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Knitting into the Silence

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Knitting into the Silence – A lace knitting workshop
Saturday, April 23rd from 1-4 p.m.
Treetop Zen Center, 293 Country Club Road, Oakland, Maine

Knitting lace is not hard to do, but it does require close attention. As such, it is a perfect vehicle for knitting as meditation.

The workshop will begin with a general introduction to the principles of knitting lace and reading knitting charts. After this, we will knit in silence. A variety of patterns will be offered to accommodate all knitters. Technical questions will be answered one-on-one. This will be a great opportunity to really understand one’s knitting. For those used to knitting groups, knitting with others without chit chat will be a unique experience.

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Upcoming Events

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There are several exciting upcoming events at Treetop Zen Center.

Silent Weekend Retreat
March 25-27, 2011
Settle into a weekend of silent practice including service, zazen (meditation), daisan (interviews with teachers), Oryoki meals, and dharma talks.

Zen and Deep Ecology Wilderness Retreat:
Dwelling in Impermanence: Experiencing Winter’s End in the Maine Woods
April 9-11, 2011
Experience the silence and enter a deep connection with the transition from winter’s sparseness to the richness of the seasons to come. All are welcome! Space is limited; register early to guarantee your spot.

If you enjoy the outdoors and would like to explore Zen practice in the pristine Maine wilderness, check out our entire series of Zen and Deep Ecology Wilderness Retreats.

Knitting out of the Silence: A Lace Knitting Workshop
April 23rd, 2011 (1:00-4:00PM)
Knitting lace is not difficult, but it does require close attention. As such, it is a perfect vehicle to explore knitting as meditation. Suggested donation for this workshop is $30. Beginners with basic skills are welcome.

Visit our website for more information!

Service Position Talk, October 30

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Do you have questions about why Treetop Zen Center’s service is structured the way it is? Are you interested in volunteering for a service position, but feel too insecure or uncertain about the forms to try it? If so, this coming Saturday, October 30, will be a great opportunity to get those questions answered and learn more about the various service positions.

This Saturday’s dharma talk will focus on the Zen service. Specifically, Treetop’s teachers will give a detailed overview of what happens during service and explain each of the service positions so that everyone can become more familiar with the elements and routines of of the weekly service.

Hope to see you there!

Tonight

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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.