SUMMER 1994
| |
SUMMER 1994 |
Winter
| Last Winter Seichu seemed to come and go quickly; the weather was relatively mild, and there wasn't much precipitation. All the Dai-sesshins were fully attended. Ingrid Schwartzkopf and Brian Cobb were our only full-time Seichu students, but as many as 17 people were participating in regular Seichu practice together for a number of weeks. |  |
The New Year was celebrated at Rinzal-ji with the traditional Japanese trimmings including noodles before midnight and mochi et al. for the following breakfast. Ceremonies this winter at Mt. Baldy included Rinzai-ki and Jodo-e (Enlightenment Day). We were fortunate to have Roshi officiate as Doshi for both ceremonies.
January Dai-sesshin was held at the Centro Zen de Puerto Rico. a branch center of MBZC. Many thanks to the Board of Directors and Vice-abbot Tando Jeffrey Bower of CZPR for hosting Dai-sesshin at their beautiful temple. The Center sits atop a high ridge just south of San Juan and the Caribbean. To the north lie steep green hills and lush valleys. The large zendo was completely open on one side letting in the fresh breezes and the nightime singing of the coquilie frogs. There is a strong possibillty that a winter sesshin at the Puerto Rico branch center will become an ongoing tradition.
Upon return to the mainland we concentrated
our efforts on renovating the interior of the guest cabin. New
carpet, new wall paint and all the needed accessories were the
generous gifts of Sangha Coordinator Leonard Cohen. The project
was orchestrated by saugha friend and neighbor Jeanette Carress,
a local award-winning interior decorator. We're not finished but
already it has become somewhat of a luxury suite by Mount Baldy
standards.
Spring
As the skies begin to clear MBZC has begun several projects which will continue over the next few months. Though we have endured some late storms, spring has also brought us some pleasant surprises this year.
Bulbs of many varieties were planted last fall and now the hyacinths, tulips, and roses are blooming. We have been paying special attention to the garden behind the abbot's cabin: a continuing project which began over a year ago. A concerted effort to make our composting pit more productive and less malodorous has resulted in some great compost - the spreading of which is keeping our gardens healthy.
We have been fortunate to participate in two Dai-sesshnis this spring. one held at Rinai-ji. the other at MBZC. Officer changes took place after completion of the April Daisesshin at Rinzal-ji, and the staff wiil be holding their new postions for the next six months. Kigen is jikijitsu. Genshu- shoji, Kido-tenzo. Koshin-shika. Joining Laree Yancey on our staff this spring we welcome Sogen Gaensslen. and Ingrid Schwartzkopf from the European branch of our sangha, and Joni Cooke from the Vancouver Zen Center.
Leonard Cohen and his daughter Lorca
have eased some of our transportation difficulties through the
donation of a Dodge Colt station wagon. This gift was timely as
the Volvo suddenly came to rest.
Seichu is an extended training period
conducted during the winter and summer months. The emphasis is
on formal practice. Through this discipline we are able to see
that the suffering in our lives is rooted in our unconditional
acceptance of ourselves as individuals, unique and separate from
the rest of the world. To help us in resolving this basic misunderstanding
a challenging schedule is followed:
3:00 am wake-up
3:30 chanting
4:15 meditation
6:30 breakfast
8:00 work-practice
12:00pm lunch
2:00 work-practice
5:45 dinner
7:00 meditation
9:00 closing
Regularly scheduled within seichu are
week-long intensive retreats which are opportunities to test the
depth and clarity of our practice. With the emphasis on zazen,
silence predominates. The contemplative atmosphere frees us from
outside distractions, allowing us to concentrate our efforts.
As circumstances permit, Joshu Sasaki Roshi will guide our practice
by offering sanzen (private interviews) and teisho (commentary
on classic Zen texts).
During the spring and fall the Center functions in a relatively less formal way. There are zazen periods in the morning and evening but the focus is on work-practice and personal relationships. During this time we express, through our daily activities, the insight gained from meditation.
Residential training is available to
those who have shown a capacity for harmonious participation in
the life of the Zen Center. Work-scholarship will be considered
on an individual basis. Formal application and interview are necessary.
This is an opportunity for beginning
students to gain a firm foundation in the basics of Zen practice.
A moderate schedule will consist primarily of meditation, chanting
and silent meals. An introduction to Zen Buddhist teaching, taped
teisho, and time for informal discussion are also included. Experienced
students who wish to strengthen their practice are encouraged
to attend.
On many Saturday mornings. 9:00am to
12:30pm, the Center is open to individuals and groups who desire
a brief introduction to Zen practice. Meditation instruction,
short periods of zazen, informal discussion and a vegetarian buffet
lunch are offered. The morning provides a well-rounded initial
exposure to the Zen community. Please phone ahead to confirm your
attendance. Donations are welcomed.
A small, self-contained residence suitable
for private retreats (or simply a quiet weekend) is available.
Participation in the schedule, either full-time or part-time,
is optional and welcomed. Reservations are required.
The Zen Center is happy to host special
groups that wish to hold thefr own meetings or retreats amidst
the natural beauty of the mountains. Most accommodations are dormitory
style with a limited number of private and semiprivate rooms.
There are two large meeting halls, a small library and an outdoor
conference circle that can be used for group activities. Numerous
hiking trails and a large jacuzzi are available for your enjoyment.
Food is prepared according to request.
Friends and supporters can actively
participate in the development of the Zen Center by maintaining
an annual membership. All students who make use of the programs
are expected to be dues-paying members.
 | With the coming of fair weather our attention turns to necessary projects for the spring and beyond. The most sigrilficant project currently under way is the design and construction of a new toilet system. The chemical toilets presently used were purchased soon after the founding of MBZC. They were anticipated to serve the Zen Center for no more than two or tleee years while a new system was designed: twenty years have passed and still we rely on the same portable toilets. |
| Last summer Sam Landsberger agreed to assist MBZC in the pursuit of a new system. Sam has been a sangha member for years and his engineering experience made his efforts invaluable during the approval process. After poring over government documents and studying various toilet systems. a state of the art composting system was decided upon. MBZC's location-on an ancient rockslide-and the permeablilty of the soil will not allow for use of a standard septic system. |  |
So the Alascan composting toilet system. which uses the latest in Japanese technology, was chosen. It has proven itself effective even in the Alaskan winter.After a lengthy process the system was approved by the Health Department of San Bernardino- -the first time composting toilets have been accepted for use in this county. This was largely made possible by the office of Second District County Supervisor Jon Mikels. After listening to the complexities of the situation at MBZC. they made sure that our case was attended to by the Health Department despite its busy schedule. We are currently designing the buildings which will house the new toilets. Five will be put just to the west of the upper washroom where the clothesline is now. and two others will be put at the lower end of camp. Final approval now rests with the U. S. Forest Service.