Autumn 2023 News
Funeral. On July 1st we celebrated the funeral for Rev. Master Jisho Perry, our longest-ordained member of the community and the Order. We were pleased to have the participation of many other monks of the Order—Rev. Masters Seikai, Phoebe, Hugh, Leon, and Vivian, plus Rev. Veronica, who was his Transmission disciple—and eight of Rev. Master Jisho’s family. Sixty lay trainees joined us for a full Buddha Hall in chanting Scriptures and installing Rev. Master Jisho’s memorial tablet and ashes in the Founder’s Shrine. We were grateful for the effort everyone made to come
Retreats. In June Rev. Master Daishin offered a week-long retreat on Teachings of the Buddha from the Pali Canon. Each day he offered teachings on topics such as the Kalama Sutta, The Four Means of Embracing Others (the Four Wisdoms), the Five Contemplations (on the inevitable aspects of human life and the law of karma), the Four Noble Truths and Nirvana.
In July we held an Exploring Monastic Life retreat led by Rev. Masters Daishin, Kodo, Enya and Rev. Allard. Most of the community participated in talks, discussions, and mentoring the attendees.
Then in August Rev. Master Meian offered a week-long retreat on Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva. Her talks focused on the excellence of bodhichitta, the power of confession and conversion, the strength of faith, the importance of Precepts and carefulness, patience, vigor, meditation, wisdom, and dedication of merit.
Visitors. From July 6th to August 3rd we were delighted to host a visit of three monastics from Dharma Drum Mountain Monastery in Taiwan. The three monks—Venerables Chang Qi, Yan Jian, and Yan Tsing –came in order to learn how we taught the Dharma to Westerners. We learned a lot about their practice as well, as was surprisingly (to some) very similar to our own. We appreciated how seamlessly they fit into the life and practice of the community and the offering of assistance they made while here.
Rev. Margaret and Venerable Chuang Qi
Rev. Enya with Venerable Yan Jian and Venerable Yan Tsing
On July 15th we hosted a visit from the abbot of Dharma Rain Temple in Portland, Oregon, three of their priests, and seven lay trainees. They were making a pilgrimage to various temples on the West Coast they have some connection with. They offered incense at Rev. Master Jiyu’s stupa and joined the community for an outdoor meal, evening meditation, and morning service.