Treetop Zen Center

Stories from the Sangha

2011-10-10T10:20:00.000-04:00

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.

When I got there, I found a small, comfortable renovated loft above the garage of a modest log home. As I walked up the stairs and into the zendo, the ceiling fan was spinning slowly and 8 or 10 people sat quietly, getting settled on the mats and cushions lining the perimeter of the room. I remember feeling uncertainty and apprehension, not knowing what would be expected of me. What was I getting myself into?

It turns out that all the expectations were my own. All the uncertainty, of my own making. From the moment I sat down, I felt welcomed and accepted. Yes, there were chants I didn’t understand, things that seemed confusing. But that didn’t seem to matter. It didn’t matter why I was there (as if I knew,) what I wore, what I said or didn’t say, how “well” I sat. None of it mattered. Being there, offering my energy, was all that mattered.

I had never been involved with any church or Buddhist group, and in a way it felt strange to me that it was so natural and comfortable meditating with people I didn’t know. But I’ve learned that that’s what happens at Treetop. There’s something about the place that is very special to me. And even though I came to it with a lot of uncertainty about my practice and whether I wanted to “join” a group, I knew it was the place I wanted to be the first time I walked through the door.

Now, almost 5 years later, it’s difficult to communicate how being at Treetop and practicing with the people there has affected my life. Even putting it in those terms, separating the practice and the sangha from “my life,” feels wrong. There is no separation. That’s one of the incredible gifts that has arisen for me: My life has grown into something more than just what I think it is. Or, perhaps, I’ve begun to realize that it’s never really been the self-defined reality I always believed it to be. And as I continue to practice, being able to go sit at Treetop and share my practice with the people there has changed many things for me.

It’s not always easy for me to get to Treetop. I have two teenage sons, my wife and I work busy schedules, and there’s always something going on. Some nights I drive to the zendo to sit and my energy is scattered and confused. Some nights it’s calm and focused. Sometimes I don’t have a clue where I’m at. But whatever it is, there’s something wonderful about being there, whether there’s ease and calm, or sadness, fear, and doubt. As I sit, they all come and go, and I can begin to open to accepting them for just what they are.

Sometimes we work with koans at Treetop, sometimes we practice with our breath. Everyone’s practice is unique, and I’ve experienced a beautiful atmosphere of support and commitment at Treetop that honors all of us. We’re incredibly fortunate to have two amazing teachers who work with us as we move through our own individual paths of practice, stumbling our way along together and alone, one breath at a time.

Thank you, everybody. It’s a joy to share the journey with you.

-Andy Hinson

Knitting into the Silence

2011-03-16T06:33:00.002-04:00

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.

Please bring approximately 500 yards of fingering weight yarn, and 29-26” circular size 6 needles. Bamboo needles are recommended for beginners. If you have a selection of needles, bring them along. Beginners with basic skills are welcome.

Locally spun yarn will be available for purchase. Email instructor Julie Rose - julesinrose@gmail.com - with any questions about materials, beginning knitting instruction for non-knitters, and to sign up for the workshop.

The workshop will follow the regular Saturday morning formal service, and two periods of zazen (meditation) from 9:30-noon. When you sign up for a workshop, please let us know if you would like beginning meditation instruction if you’re planning to attend the morning’s activities. There will be tea at noon. Please bring a bag lunch if you are spending the day with us.

Upcoming Events

2011-03-14T10:31:00.002-04:00

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!

No Sit Tomorrow!

2010-12-10T12:45:00.001-05:00

There will be no service/sit this Saturday, December 11. Keep warm and enjoy the snow!

No Sitting this Wednesday

2010-11-22T15:21:00.001-05:00

There will be no evening sit this Wednesday, November 24, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The regular schedule will resume on Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m.

Transitions, Changes & Upcoming Events

2010-11-10T08:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends of Treetop:

This Thursday is the 49th day since Stef's departure. In Buddhist
tradition, the 49th day marks the completion of transition from the
earthly realm. Please join us at Treetop this Thursday morning,
November 11, at 9 a.m. as we acknowledge and honor this passage.

* * * * *

Along with cooler temperatures and shorter days, the change of season
also brings the return to our winter schedule. Please note the
following schedule changes & upcoming events:

1. Starting with this Saturday's service (November 13th), services
will begin at 9:30AM.

2. The Saturday intensive sit scheduled for this Saturday, November
13th, is cancelled. We will be having a weekend intensive in March
2011. Details to come.

3. Our weeklong winter Rohatsu retreat (Dec. 4–10) is fast
approaching. If you are interested in joining us for the week (or any
part of it), please email as soon as possible to indicate what days/
times you'll be with us. This information is especially important for
the tenzos so they can plan meals accordingly.

4. The sangha business meeting will be held as usual, following sit on
the third Wednesday of this month (Wednesday, November 17th). We will
be discussing details for the upcoming Rohatsu retreat, as well as our
schedule for next year.

Wishing you a peaceful autumn,

Sheila Kennedy
(Treetop Resident)

Treetop Zen Center November Schedule

2010-10-29T16:31:00.002-04:00

3rd
Heart Sutra study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

6th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.
Ryaku Fusatsu 10 a.m.

10th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

13th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

17th
Heart Sutra study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

20th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

24th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

27th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

New Winter Service Time

2010-10-29T16:22:00.001-04:00

Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 13, Treetop Zen Center will revert to its winter service schedule. Saturday morning service will begin at 9:30 a.m., with zazen and daisan imediately following.

Service Position Talk, October 30

2010-10-25T13:49:00.008-04:00

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!

Treetop Zen Center October Schedule

2010-10-01T15:14:00.001-04:00

2nd
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

Ryaku Fusatsu 10 a.m.
Deep Ecology Retreat: Nahmakanta

6th
Heart Sutra study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

9th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

13th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

16th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

20th
Heart Sutra study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

23rd
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

27th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

30th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

Tonight

2010-09-29T06:37:00.002-04:00

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.

Stef's Teacher Remembers Him

2010-09-27T15:43:00.002-04:00

Stef's teacher, Bernie Glassman Roshi, offers this reflection of Stef's life over at the Zen Peacemakers Sangha Family Newsletter.

The World of Dew

2010-09-27T08:44:00.002-04:00

The world of dew—

A world of dew it is indeed,
And yet, and yet . . .

- Kobayashi Issa

Stef Memorialized on Sweeping Zen

2010-09-25T20:48:00.003-04:00

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"

2010-09-24T15:15:00.004-04:00

Over at MahaSangha News, the news blog put out by the Shambhala Sun Foundation, Rod Meade Sperry, Shambhala Sun web editor and creator of The Worst Horse blog, has written a lovely tribute to Stef.

No Saturday Service

2010-09-24T15:04:00.008-04:00

Due to the passing, last night, of Treetop founding teacher Stefano Mui Barragato, there will be no Saturday morning service or sitting this week.

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

2010-09-24T11:36:00.010-04:00

Stefano Mui Barragato

1930-2010

This morning, members and friends of Treetop Zen Center received the following message from Peter Seishin Wohl:

Dear Friends of Treetop:

It is with great sadness that I must tell you that our dear teacher and friend Stefano Barragato passed away peacefully last night. We will be burying him at Treetop this Sunday at 11 am. The burial will be followed by a Memorial Service.

Stef's body will be in state later this afternoon until the burial on Sunday. The viewing will end at 7:00 each evening.

We will also have the zendo open for sitting today through Sunday. Please join us as you can, as we join together as sangha in recognition of this enormous loss. There is no one who has expressed the Dharma with more clarity, compassion and humor than Stef. He deeply loved the Dharma and the Treetop sangha. He was a friend to us all.

Peter

Stef will be deeply missed.

Announcing Heart Sutra Study Class

2010-09-09T16:22:00.004-04:00

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 Sutra by Red Pine
The Heart of the Universe by Mu Soeng

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.

Treetop Zen Center August Schedule

2010-07-23T16:49:00.002-04:00

4th
Jukai study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

7th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

Fusatsu 10 a.m.

11th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

14th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

18th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

21st
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

25th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

28th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

28th – 30th
Deep Ecology Retreat: Nahmakanta

Treetop Zen Center July Schedule

2010-07-01T10:25:00.001-04:00

3rd
No service or Zazen

7th
Jukai study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

10th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

14th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

17th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

21st
Jukai study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

24th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

28th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

31st
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

Spring Retreat Schedule

2010-06-07T08:49:00.001-04:00

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.

Treetop Zen Center June Schedule

2010-06-01T15:59:00.002-04:00

2nd
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

5th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 10 a.m.

9th
Jukai study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

12th
No service or Zazen
Spring Sesshin begins 7 p.m.

13th
Spring Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

14th
Spring Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

15th
Spring Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

16th
Spring Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

17th
Spring Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

18th
Spring Sesshin 6 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

19th
No service or Zazen

23rd
Jukai study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

26th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

30th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

New Summer Schedule

2010-05-27T10:06:00.003-04:00

Effective this coming Saturday, May 29, Saturday morning services will begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by zazen at 9. This schedule will remain in effect through August.

Treetop Zen Center May Schedule

2010-04-30T22:11:00.000-04:00

1st
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 11 a.m.

5th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

8th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

12th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

15th
Saturday Intensive Sit 6:00 a.m. – Noon

21st
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

22nd
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

26th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

29th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.treetopzencenter.org.

Treetop Zen Center April Schedule

2010-04-06T08:33:00.001-04:00

3rd
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 11 a.m.

7th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

10th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

14th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

17th
Saturday Intensive Sit 6:00 a.m. – Noon

21st
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

24th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

28th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.treetopzencenter.org.

Christian-Buddhist Dialogue

2010-03-01T13:28:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, March 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Margaret Barragato, one of the teachers at Treetop Zen Center, will present a Christian-Buddhist Dialogue workshop at the Living Water Spiritual Center in Winslow, Maine.

Reading sacred texts from both traditions, Margaret will explore ways the two religions complement and inform each other. Attendees will also experience meditation and chanting from both traditions. The intent is to broaden understanding of both traditions and to deepen the experiences of one’s own faith.

Cost to attend is $45, and includes the program, snack breaks, and lunch. Please pre-register early to confirm and hold your reservation. This fee is nonrefundable unless the program is cancelled by Living Water Spiritual Center. Registrations are accepted through March 12.

For more information, visit www.e-livingwater.org, or view the program brochure.

Margaret Barragato is both a Zen Buddhist teacher and priest, and a Roman Catholic. She has been practicing meditation in both traditions for more than thirty years. She currently teaches at Treetop Zen Center in Oakland, Maine.

Special Sangha Meeting

2010-03-01T13:02:00.002-05:00

A special Sangha Meeting will be held after the regularly-scheduled zazen session this Wednesday, March 3, to discuss an important proposal that could affect the future of Treetop Zen Center. All are welcome to attend. Zazen begins at 7 p.m.

Treetop Zen Center March Schedule

2010-03-01T12:46:00.001-05:00

3rd
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Special Sangha Meeting

6th-8th
Paradise Below Zero Retreat

6th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 11 a.m.

10th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

13th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

17th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

20th
Saturday Intensive Sit 6:00 a.m. – Noon

24th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

27th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

31st
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.treetopzencenter.org.

I'm Nobody

2010-02-09T09:02:00.001-05:00

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us — don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know.
How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!

- by Emily Dickinson

Paradise Below Zero

2010-02-03T13:43:00.005-05:00

Peter Seishin Wohl will lead the next Deep Ecology retreat, Paradise Below Zero, over the weekend of March 6 through March 8. In addition to serving as one of the teachers at Treetop Zen Center, Peter is a Registered Maine Guide. Those wishing to participate in this retreat must register by February 15. A deposit of $50 is due at the time of registration. For more information, email peterwohlmaine@gmail.com or call 207-465-7563.

Treetop Zen Center February Schedule

2010-02-03T13:40:00.001-05:00

3rd
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

6th
Poetry Workshop 9:30 a.m.

10th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

13th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

17th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

20th
Saturday Intensive Sit 6:00 a.m. – Noon

24th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

27th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.treetopzencenter.org.

The Music of What Happens

2010-01-21T11:40:00.006-05:00

You are invited to a day with the Zen of Emily Dickinson and W.S. Merwin

Saturday, February 6th, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: $25, lunch included

Place: Treetop Zen Center, Oakland, Maine
For directions, visit www.treetopzencenter.org

Facilitator: Peter Harris*

Emily Dickinson never heard of Zen, but her poetry is shot through with Zen-like insights. Pulitzer Prize winner W.S. Merwin is a Zen student who shuns the label of Zen poet. We’ll read some of their poems, talk about what they have to offer, and write a little in response. No experience with Dickinson, Merwin, or Zen is necessary. Just bring pen and paper. Please email muisensei@earthlink.net if you plan to attend.

*Peter has been teaching literature and writing at Colby College since 1974, and practicing Zen since 1994. He is an ordained priest at Treetop Zen Center.

Snowfall on Snow

2010-01-19T15:42:00.001-05:00

snowfall on snow
becoming
silence

-by Santoka

2010 Special Events Calendar

2010-01-06T12:46:00.007-05:00

In addition to the regular weekly schedule of zazen, chanting services, and dharma talks, Treetop Zen Center's calendar for the coming year will include the following special events, open to all. Preregistration is requested. Please call 207-465-7563, or email treetopzen@earthlink.net for more information, or to register.

Saturday, Jan. 16, 6 a.m. – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Saturday, Feb. 6, 9:30 a.m.
Poetry workshop: “The Music of What Happens: The Zen of Emily Dickinson and W.S. Merwin”
Although Dickinson never heard of Zen, her poetry is shot through with Zen-like insights and language. By contrast, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, W.S. Merwin, a Zen student, refuses any attempt to label him as a ‘Zen poet.’ We’ll read, talk, and write a little. No experience necessary.

Saturday, Feb. 20, 6 a.m. – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Saturday March 6 – Monday, March 8
Paradise Below Zero Deep Ecology weekend
An experience of the vastness and solitude of winter in the Maine woods.

Saturday, March 20, 6 a.m. – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Saturday, Aprril 17, 6 a.m. – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Saturday, May 15, 6 a.m. – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Saturday, May 22 – Friday, June 18
Shuso Peter Joryu Harris Personal Monthlong Retreat
Peter will be living at Treetop Zen Center for the entire month, and will be sitting daily, mornings and evenings. People of the sangha are invited to join him. One of the Teachers will be offering daisan every evening. A schedule of the month-long retreat will be prepared and available.

Saturday, June 12 – Friday, June 18
Spring Weeklong Retreat
An extended silent practice, including services, meditation, interviews with teachers, formal meals, work practice and dharma talks.

Friday, June 18, 8 p.m.
Shuso Hossen Ceremony of Peter Joryu Harris
This wonderful ceremony will culminate in a Dharma Talk given by Peter, after which he will engage in Dharma Combat with people of the sangha. Sangha people will challenge Peter’s understanding of the Dharma with their questions. Sangha people are strongly encouraged to participate in this ceremony and especially in the Dharma Combat.

Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26
Quiet Waters Deep Ecology Weekend
Paddling on the ponds, marshes and bogs, where stillness is only interrupted by the cry of a loon, the splash of a frog.

Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30
Nahmakanta Deep Ecology Weekend
Moving quietly on the trails of this reserve in the Maine north woods, we will enter deeply into the experience of wilderness.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 6 a.m. – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Friday, Sept. 18 – Sunday, Sept. 20
Acadia Deep Ecology Weekend
The wonderful national park on the Maine coast, where mountains and ocean meet is the setting for this weekend experience of intimacy with nature.

Friday, Oct. 2 – Sunday, Oct. 4
Debsconeag Deep Ecology Weekend
Paddling on ponds in this remote north woods eco-reserve will take us far into deep connection with wildness.

Saturday, Oct. 16, 6 am – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Saturday, Nov. 13, 6 am – Noon
Saturday Intensive Sit
A silent practice including meditation, breakfast, teacher interviews and work.

Saturday, December 4, 7 p.m. – Friday, December 10, 5 p.m.
Rohatsu Retreat
An extended silent practice, including services, meditation, interviews with teachers, formal meals, work practice and dharma talks, honoring Buddha’s day of enlightenment.

Treetop Zen Center January Schedule

2010-01-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

2nd
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 11 a.m.

6th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

9th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

13th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

16th
Saturday Intensive Sit 6:00 a.m. – Noon

20th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

23rd
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

27th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

The Snow Man

2009-12-21T12:11:00.003-05:00

The Snow Man

One must have a mind of winter
To regard the frost and the boughs
Of the pine-trees crusted with snow;

And have been cold a long time
To behold the junipers shagged with ice,
The spruces rough in the distant glitter

Of the January sun; and not to think
Of any misery in the sound of the wind,
In the sound of a few leaves,

Which is the sound of the land
Full of the same wind
That is blowing in the same bare place

For the listener, who listens in the snow,
And, nothing himself, beholds
Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is.

- by Wallace Stevens

A Holiday Message

2009-12-21T12:09:00.001-05:00

Loving wishes for a safe and happy Christmas and Holiday Season for you and your family.

We look forward to another year of sitting and practice with you.

The schedule for 2010 will be finalized soon. The major difference will be a change from the weekend retreats that were held from Friday evening at 7 pm to Saturday afternoon to around 4 pm. Instead, we are calling a monthly Intensive Sit beginning Saturday at 6 am, ending at Noon. No lunch will be served. We hope this type of intensive focus and sit will sharpen our practice together, and still provide you with weekend family time. If you wish to come on Friday evenings to sleep over to get an early start, you will of course be welcome.

The first Intensive will be on Saturday, the 16th, from 6 am to Noon.

Also as a reminder, there will be no sitting on Saturday, the 26th of December, but there will be sitting on the next two Wednesdays, the 23rd and 30th. And there will sitting on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010.

Be well, and have a safe and happy New Year.

Peter, Margaret, and Stef

Rohatsu Sesshin Schedule

2009-12-01T12:06:00.004-05:00

During the week leading up to December 8 - the date celebrated as the anniversary of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment - Treetop Zen Center will host its annual Rohatsu Sesshin. The first week in December has traditionally been a period of intense practice for Zen monks in Japan, and the annual Rohatsu Sesshin continues to be an important focal point of practice at Treetop.

Several Treetop students will 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.

Thursday, December 3 - Monday, December 7
6-8 a.m.: Zazen
8-9:30 a.m.: Breakfast and Jundo (Chanting at various Zen Center altars)
9:30-11:30 a.m.: Service and Zazen
11:30-12:30 p.m.: Samu (Work practice.)
12:30-2 p.m.: Lunch and Jundo
2-3:30 p.m.: Rest
3:30-5:30 p.m.: Zazen
5:30-7 p.m.: Supper and Jundo
7-9 p.m.: Zazen, Daisan, Dharma Talk

Monday, December 7
7 p.m.: Jukai Ceremony for Deborah Kelly

Tuesday, December 8
6-8 a.m.: Zazen
8-9 a.m.: Breakfast & Roundup
9-9:30 a.m.: Service
9:30-11:30 a.m.: Zazen
11:30-End: Lunch & Closing Celebration

For more information, email treetopzen@earthlink.net.

Treetop Zen Center December Schedule

2009-12-01T11:51:00.004-05:00

3rd
Rohatsu Sesshin begins 6 p.m.

4th
Rohatsu Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

5th
Rohatsu Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

6th
Rohatsu Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

7th
Rohatsu Sesshin 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

8th
Rohatsu Sesshin 6 a.m. – Noon

9th
No evening Zazen

12th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

16th
Jukai study 6 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

19th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

23rd
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

26th
No service or Zazen

30th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

Zen of Housework

2009-11-18T14:59:00.004-05:00

Zen of Housework

I look over my own shoulder
down my arms
to where they disappear under water
into hands inside pink rubber gloves
moiling among dinner dishes.

My hands lift a wind glass,
holding it by the stemand under the bowl.
It breaks the surface
like a chalice
rising from a medieval lake.

Full of the grey wine
of domesticity, the glass floats
to the level of my eyes.
Behind it, through the window
above the sink, the sun, among
a ceremony of sparrows and bare branches
is setting in Western America.

I can seethousands of droplets
of steam--each a tiny spectrum--rising
from my goblet of grey wine.

They sway, changing directions
constantly--like a school of playful fish,
or like the sheer curtain
on the window to another world.

Ah, grey sacrament of the mundane!

- by Al Zolynas

Ode to My Socks

2009-10-22T09:23:00.003-04:00

Ode to My Socks

Mara Mori brought me
a pair of socks
which she knitted herself
with her sheepherder's hands,
two socks as soft as rabbits.
I slipped my feet into them
as if they were two cases
knitted with threads of twilight and goatskin,
Violent socks,
my feet were two fish made of wool,
two long sharks
sea blue, shot through
by one golden thread,
two immense blackbirds,
two cannons,
my feet were honored in this way
by these heavenly socks.
They were so handsome for the first time
my feet seemed to me unacceptable
like two decrepit firemen,
firemen unworthy of that woven fire,
of those glowing socks.

Nevertheless, I resisted the sharp temptation
to save them somewhere as schoolboys
keep fireflies,
as learned men collect
sacred texts,
I resisted the mad impulse to put them
in a golden cage and each day give them
birdseed and pieces of pink melon.
Like explorers in the jungle
who hand over the very rare green deer
to the spit and eat it with remorse,
I stretched out my feet and pulled on
the magnificent socks and then my shoes.

The moral of my ode is this:
beauty is twice beauty
and what is good is doubly good
when it is a matter of two socks
made of wool in winter.

- by Pablo Neruda
translated by Robert Bly

A Haiku ...

2009-10-16T07:24:00.005-04:00

Even in Kyoto
hearing the cuckoo's cry
I long for Kyoto

- by Basho

Haiku and You: A Poetry Retreat

2009-10-16T06:48:00.007-04:00

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Peter Harris, a professor at Colby College, will offer a poetry workshop, "Haiku and You," at Treetop Zen Center in Oakland.

Attendees will look at different types of haiku from Japan and America, discuss the formal aspects, take haiku hikes, and try writing their own haiku.

Lunch will be served.

For more information, please call 207-465-7536 or email muisensi@earthlink.net.

Schedule

10:00 to 10:30 — What’s haiku?

10:30 to 11:15 — Looking at nature in haiku

11:15 to 11:30 — Break

11:30 to 12:15 — Looking At Nature and then Writing nature Haiku

12:15 to 1:00 — Lunch

1:00 to 1:30 — Remarks about Senryu—[haiku about people]

1:30 to 2:15 — Writing Senryu

2:15 to 2:30 — Break

2:30 to 3:20 — Renga Collaborative

3:20 to 3:40 — Roundup

Fee: $30, lunch included.

Allegro

2009-10-09T13:45:00.004-04:00

Allegro

After a black day, I play Haydn,
and feel a little warmth in my hands.

The keys are ready. Kind hammers fall.
The sound is spirited, green, and full of silence.

The sound says that freedom exists
and someone pays no taxes to Caesar.

I shove my hands in haydnpockets
and act like a man who is calm about it all.

I raise my haydnflag. The signal is:
“We do not surrender. But want peace.”

The music is a house of glass standing on a slope;
rocks are flying, rocks are rolling.

The rocks roll straight through the house
but every pane of glass is still whole.

-By Tomas Transtromer
translated from Swedish by Robert Bly

Weekend Retreat

2009-10-06T15:31:00.002-04:00

A silent weekend retreat will be held at Treetop Zen Center from 7 p.m. on October 9 until 5 p.m. on October 10. Participants will gather Friday night for sitting meditation from 7 to 9 p.m. Those who wish may bring a sleeping bag and spend the night in the zendo. Sitting meditation will resume at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. Breakfast and lunch will be served on Saturday. After lunch, work will resume to complete winterization on the two resident huts.

For more information, please call 207-465-7536 or email muisensi@earthlink.net.

Treetop Zen Center October Schedule

2009-10-01T15:22:00.002-04:00

3rd
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 11 a.m.

7th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

9th
Weekend Sit 7:00 p.m.

10th
Weekend Sit 6 a.m.
Service 9:30 a.m.
Lunch 12 p.m.
Samu 1 p.m.

14th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

17th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

21st
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

24th
Haiku Workshop 9:30 a.m.

28th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

The Same Inside

2009-09-16T14:57:00.004-04:00

Another Zen poem from Peter Harris:

The Same Inside

Walking to your place for a love feast
I saw at a street corner
an old beggar woman.

I took her hand,
kissed her delicate cheek,
we talked, she was
the same inside as I am,
from the same kind,
I sense this instantly
as a dog knows by scent
another dog.

I gave her money,
I could not part from her.
After all, one needs
someone who is close.

And then I no longer knew
why I was walking to your place.

- by Anna Swir

Translated by Milosz and Nathan in Book of Luminous Things

There is a Lake

2009-09-11T11:04:00.006-04:00

Please enjoy this poetry offering, coutesy of Treetop Shuso Peter Joryu Harris:

There is a Lake

There is a lake so tiny
that a mustard seed would cover it
easily, yet everyone drinks from this lake.

Deer, jackals, rhinocerouses, and sea elephants
keep falling into it, falling and dissolving
almost before they have time to be born.

- by Lalla,
Translated by Coleman Barks

Enjoy your weekend!

Treetop Zen Center September Schedule

2009-09-01T07:22:00.001-04:00

2nd
Jukai study 6:00 p.m..
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

5th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

9th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

12th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

16th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

19th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

23rd
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

26th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

30th
Jukai study 6:00 p.m.
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

Treetop Shuso Peter Harris Featured in Tricycle Community's New Poetry Forum

2009-08-26T16:42:00.004-04:00

Tricycle Magazine just launched a new poetry page in its community forums.

The first featured poet is none other than Peter Joryu Harris, a professor of English a Colby College, and shuso at Treetop Zen Center.

Pop on over to the Tricycle forums to check out Peter's poem, Will Buddhism Survive, and chat about the poetry of dharma, the dharma of poetry, or whatever else comes up. (You'll need to sign in first, or create an account if you don't already have one, to see Peter's posting).

Fusatsu This Wednesday

2009-08-03T13:07:00.002-04:00

Every month, members of Treetop Zen Center observe Fusatsu, or precept renewal. During this special service, Zen students renew their commitment to practicing the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts. In addition, each month Treetop examines one of the precepts in greater depth and discuss each student's understanding of the precept and practice of it.

This month, Fusatsu will be held on Wednesday, August 5, rather than Saturday, August 1.

Treetop Zen Center August Schedule

2009-08-01T12:59:00.006-04:00

1st
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

5th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Fusatsu 8:30 p.m.

8th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

12th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

15th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

19th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

22nd
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

26th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

29th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

Turner Pond

2009-07-23T14:49:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, a group of Treetoppers took a trek out to Turner Pond in Somerville for a Deep Ecology Experience led by Peter Seishin Wohl, one of the teachers at Treetop Zen Center.

The following is a reflection on the experience by Treetop shuso (head student) Peter Joryu Harris:

Turner Pond

6 a.m. zazen: for the birds

a country so rich and poor
there's no sign:
Turner Pond

dead calm
the water sparkles
with waterbugs

the turtle on the rock
doesn't need to see us-
time to slip into mystery

on a rock outcrop
in a four-inch crevice
five different kinds of grass

just one kayak hull
moving through lily pads
leaves a scar we call an opening

the brook that feeds the pond
can't be seen without parting
the reeds
approach the heron it moves
approach again it moves again
approach without approaching
it moves without moving

Sangha Meeting Tonight!

2009-07-15T12:20:00.003-04:00

Tonight is the third Wednesday in July, which means it's time for Treetop's monthly Sangha Meeting.

All are invited to participate.

Treetop Zen Center July Calendar

2009-07-01T10:32:00.003-04:00

1st
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

4th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.
Jeremie returns!

8th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

11th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

15th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.
Sangha Meeting

17th
Maine Quiet Waters Deep Ecology Trip

18th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

Maine Quiet Waters Deep Ecology Trip

19th
Maine Quiet Waters Deep Ecology Trip

22nd
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

25th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

29th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

Special July 4th Sitting

2009-06-28T07:36:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, July 4th, Treetop member at-large Jeremie Day-Glider will be joining us for the morning sit, fresh from a year in Vienna!

Despite the holiday, sitting will not be cancelled. Instead, we will have a short sit with Jeremie, followed by a party to celebrate seeing her, and hear all about her adventures in Vienna (hopefully in English, and not her newfound Viennese-German).

Treetop Zen Center June Calendar

2009-06-02T14:59:00.003-04:00

3rd
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

6th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 11:30 a.m.

10th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

13th
No Zazen!

14th
Spring Retreat 7 p.m.

15th
Spring Retreat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

16th
Spring Retreat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

17th
Spring Retreat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

18th
Spring Retreat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

19th
Spring Retreat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

20th
Spring Retreat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

21st
Spring Retreat 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

24th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

27th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

For more information about the Spring Retreat, see this prior posting.

For additional dates, see the Online calendar.

Paradise Below Zero Photos Posted!

2009-05-25T00:00:00.003-04:00

group photo
Originally uploaded by Treetop Zen Center

Photos from the Paradise Below Zero Deep Ecology retreat several Treetoppers enjoyed in March are now over at the Treetop Flickr page. Go check 'em out!

Sangha Meeting

2009-05-18T08:31:00.003-04:00

This coming Wednesday, May 20, Treetop Zen Center will begin a new practice called Sangha Meeting.

Here is a note from Stef, explaining the new practice:

Sangha Meeting is a time when the sangha will meet together to express what people want to talk about with one another. This will be a time when the Sangha will hear what people are doing, will hear from the people that are engaged in various sangha activities, like the Shuso, the upcoming poetry and writing workshops, the deep ecology trips, the publicity activities, a brief statement of the state of sangha finances from the treasurer, and whatever else is going on that people would like to share or that people would like to hear about. It will also be a time when someone may express a special concern that touches their heart and share that concern with the sangha.

The way it will work is like this. The Sangha Meeting will take place on the third Wednesday evening of every month (that means it will take place this Wednesday, the 20th). The first period will be zazen and probably daisan. The second period will begin Sangha Meeting. There will be tea and cookies for the meetings, and I hope maybe even pizza sometime! There will be a chairperson (who I hope will be rotating from month to month). The first thing that will happen is that the chair will ask the gathered sangha for items for the agenda that will be talked about. Then the chair will lead the sangha in discussions of these items. I will chair the first meeting.

So let's see what happens and if Sangha Meeting will meet a need.

Be well,

Stef

Treetop Zen Center Updates

2009-05-14T07:44:00.004-04:00

Last night, following an initial discussion made last Saturday morning, the sangha made several decisions:

1. Saturday schedule will once again begin at 9:30 a.m. and go to approximately 11:30 a.m.—Noon. This will begin this coming Saturday, the 16th.

2. The Writing Workshop of May 22 and 23 is postponed until sometime in the Fall of this year.

3. The Acadia National Park Deep Ecology trip of May 29—31 is similarly postponed until sometime in the Fall of this year.

4. The Spring Retreat of June 14—June 20 will take place as scheduled. To date there are five to six full-time participants in the retreat. It is hoped there will be more. Part time participants are also welcome. You are urged to register for this retreat as soon as possible so that meals and other activities relating to the retreat may be planned.

5. Miranda has graciously volunteered to be Tenzo (cook) for the retreat. Mary Jo will assist her in organizing and planning for this job.

Treetop Zen Center Spring Retreat

2009-05-13T07:35:00.001-04:00

Please note that the dates of the retreat are Sunday, June 14, at 7 p.m., through Saturday, June 20, ending after lunch. Also, there will be no zazen or schedule on the previous Saturday, the 13th, because of the coming retreat.

Please register by replying to this email indicating if you are planning to come to the retreat full-time, or part-time. If part-time, please indicate which days, and which meals you will have. There will also be copies of registration forms downstairs the zendo, at the foot of the stairs, on a spanking new little bulletin board.

The daily schedule will as usual begin at 6 a.m. and end at 8 p.m.

Daily fees are $25, or whatever you can afford to give at this time. Please do not let finances preclude your participation in the retreat.

Feel free to email Stef and Margaret at treetopzen@earthlink.net with any questions.

The Way of Not Being Greedy

2009-05-10T14:32:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday, members of Treetop Zen Center observed Fusatsu, or precept renewal. Each month, on the first Saturday, Treetop completes this special service, during which Zen students renew their commitment to practicing the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts. In addition, each month Treetop examines one of the precepts in greater depth and discuss each student's understanding of the precept and practice of it.

The precept for May is "I vow to take up the Way of Not Being Greedy."

This precept has also been expressed thusly by two of our most revered patriarchs:

Bodhidharma - "Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the ungilded Dharma, not creating a veneer of attachment is called the Precept of Not Misusing Sex." (This precept is also commonly translated as "Not Misusing Sex.")

Dogen Zenji - "The Three Wheels are pure and clear. When you have nothing to desire, you follow the way of all Buddhas."

Where are you in your understanding and practice of taking up "The Way of Not Being Greedy"?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

No Weekend Sit in May

2009-05-02T13:01:00.000-04:00

Due to the fact that there are two special retreats in May - Writing as Reflection on the 22nd and 23rd, and a Deep Ecology Weekend Retreat at Acadia National Park from May 29 to June 1 - the weekend sit previously scheduled for May 8th and 9th is cancelled.

Treetop Zen Center May Calendar

2009-05-01T10:36:00.001-04:00

2nd
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 10:30 a.m.

6th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

9th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

13th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

16th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

20th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

23rd
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

27th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

30th
Service and Zazen 9:30 a.m.

For additional dates, see the Online calendar.

A poem by Red Hawk

2009-04-13T18:29:00.003-04:00

Here's a poem by Red Hawk, who is white but received it from his spiritual teacher, who must have taught him well.

We Drink with Cupped Hands

On our knees drinking with cupped hands
from our creek
is a kind of praying for my daughters and me.
In time of drouth
there is nothing holier
than the water in the bowl of our hands
poured over our unpraised faces
or sipped on bent knee,
giving thanks.
Religion is such a simple thing:
either it is cupping hands in deep gratitude
and filling them with creek water,
swallowing God whole
or it is nothing at all.

Don't Waste Your Life!

2009-04-08T08:03:00.003-04:00

A deep and emotional discussion at the zendo this weekend caused someone to bring up the traditional evening gatha, chanted each night in many Zen monasteries:

Let me respectfully remind you,
Life and death are of supreme importance.
Time passes by swiftly and opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive to awaken.
Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.

A good reminder for all of us!

Zazen Tonight

2009-04-08T07:16:00.000-04:00

There will be zazen tonight at Treetop Zen Center, 293 Country Club Road, in Oakland, at 7 p.m. Instruction is provided for beginners. Just come about 15 minutes early. Visit the Treetop Web site for directions to the zendo.

See you there!

More Thoughts from Paradise

2009-04-07T14:07:00.005-04:00

Here is another reflection on the Paradise Below Zero retreat, this time courtesy of head student Peter Joryu Harris:

On the Edge of the Unincorporated

East of the North Road that leads to no named town
the weather wilded whenever when we were in the yurt,
big multi-toned throat singing stereo winds and rain
splat choruses sweeping in from can't-say-wheres.

But when we emerged it calmed, snowed lightly
or not. Thought burden lifting step by step,
we did slow kinhin in snowshoes down untracked trails
through beech, hemlock, maple, spruce and pine.
An hour walk, a hundred yards,
glimpses of the great white empty snowfield
of frozen Moosehead, Mount Kineo incarnating
in eyeblink flashbacks in gaps of treebark,
animal tracks, trembling needles,
algae blackened hemlocks, pearl white and
pale green lichen swatches painted on the north
faces of older maple trees.

Each morning the night's snow outlined branches
with two-inch eyebrows that tumbled in the slightest
sun-awakened breeze. Each minute, fresh blood
in our ears: Day One must-do mind
giving way to Day Two deeper breathing
seeping up through rib branches unawares. .
Day Three morning walk going nowhere:
blinkers, headbands loosen, slip free,
padlocks fall off the lips of trees,
doors open in the snow banks, skin portals
unbatten, blue flags snap open the rootless sky.

The Way of Not Stealing

2009-04-06T06:40:00.004-04:00

Each month, the Treetop Zen Center sangha members renew their commitment to practicing the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts. In addition, each month Treetop examines one of the precepts in greater depth and discuss each student's understanding of the precept and practice of it.

The precept for April is "I vow to take up the Way of Not Stealing."

This precept has also been expressed thusly by two of our most revered patriarchs:

Bodhidharma - "Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the unattainable Dharma, not having thoughts of gaining is called the Precept of Not Stealing." Dogen Zenji: T

Dogen Zenji - "The self and things of the world are just as they are. The gate of emancipation is open."

Where are you in your understanding and practice of taking up "The Way of Not Stealing"?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Thoughts from a Snowy Place

2009-04-03T12:19:00.006-04:00

It's been nearly a month since six adventurous souls set out for a weekend of practicing in the wilderness during Paradise Below Zero, one of the Zen and Deep Ecology Retreats offered here at Treetop Zen Center. Here are some reflections on the experience from Mary Jo Chomu Carlsen, a longtime Treetop student:

Gray weather, heavy skies, threatening. Low clouds over Moosehead Lake. Top of Mt. Kineo obscured. Very few snowmobiles on the lake, and almost no ice fishing shacks – probably too noisy.

We, six of us, load our gear onto three sleds, each one with two tow ropes. Then we put on snowshoes and head off. It probably took us 20-30 minutes to get up to the Overlook Yurt. Not too tough until the final hill. Soon after the sleds were unloaded and the gear stowed, heavy drops began to fall on the roof. Got windy, too. Lucky us!

Silence indoors. Fire crackles, rain on roof. Wind attack. Far-off jet plane. Closer, but almost- not-audible snowmobiles. Someone sips their tea. Another pulls on boots for a trip to the outhouse. Breathing. Silence. Then it’s time for breakfast.

Only cooking pots need washing, and the snow does a fine job. Now it’s time for outdoor kinhin (slow walking meditation). Bodies get layers of clothing, also sunblock, hat and gloves. Then we’re off, one by one, to move into the day. Taking in tree-beings, the sky, crunch of snowshoes, inhaling the cold air. We become snow creatures, discovering this wintry landscape. Thoughts slow to a stop. Just breathing, crunch-stepping, noticing.

Look for photos from the trip, here and on the Treetop Flickr page, in the next few weeks.

Treetop Zen Center April Calendar

2009-04-01T12:04:00.003-04:00

1st
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

4th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.
Fusatsu 10:30 a.m.

8th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

11th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

15th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

18th
Service and Zazen 8:30 a.m.

22nd
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

24th
Weekend Sit begins 7:00 p.m.

25th
Weekend sit ends 4:00 p.m.

29th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

For additional dates, see the Online calendar.

New Start Time for Saturday Schedule

2009-03-22T07:53:00.003-04:00

Starting next week, Saturday March 28, the Saturday morning program at Treetop Zen Center will begin an hour earlier, at 8:30 am.

The new schedule will be
8:30 a.m. - Service
9:00 a.m. - Zazen

This change will allow attendees to have time to socialize together over tea and cookies, while also leaving a bit earlier to attend to other things or get home to familes, spouses, partners, etc.

To volunteer to bring cookies, or another snack, for an upcoming Saturday, please contact the Shuso, Peter Harris, at pbharris@colby.edu.

Where Zen and Poetry Meet

2009-03-12T09:08:00.005-04:00

This Saturday, rather than observing the normal Saturday schedule, Treetop Zen Center will be host to a special one day workshop on Zen Wisdom in Poetry, led by Peter Joryu Harris, Treetop's head student and a professor of English at nearby Colby College.

Here's what Peter has to say about the workshop:
"Zen pervades everything from the cosmic to the mundane — from Buddha to your left foot, from expressions of grief to tiny details, like the pause between “hip-hip” and “hooray.” And yet, this omnipresence is hard, if not impossible, to put into words. This is where poetry comes in. Buddhists of all stripes have always turned to poetry as a way of expressing the inexpressible. In this workshop we’ll read and discuss a sampling of poetry in the Zen spirit — from Li Po and Basho, to Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, to Rilke and Gary Snyder."

The program will run from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and include writing, meditation, and discussion. The cost to attend is $30 - $15 for students - and includes a vegetarian lunch. No experience with Zen, poetry, or meditation is necessary.

Visit Treetop's Web site for directions to the zendo.

To register, or for more information, email muisensei@earthlink.net.

The Way of Not Killing

2009-03-11T11:50:00.006-04:00

This past Saturday, members of Treetop Zen Center - those of us not off in the woods for the weekend-long Deep Ecology retreat, that is - observed Fusatsu, or precept renewal. Each month, on the first Saturday, Treetop completes this special service, during which Zen students renew their commitment to practicing the Sixteen Bodhisattva Precepts. In addition, each month Treetop examines one of the precepts in greater depth and discuss each student's understanding of the precept and practice of it.

The precept for March is "I vow to take up the way of Not Killing."

This precept has also been expressed thusly by two of our most revered patriarchs:

Bodhidharma - "Self-nature is subtle and mysterious. In the realm of the everlasting Dharma, not giving rise to the ideal of killing is called the Precept of Not Killing."

Dogen Zenji - "The Buddha seed grows in accordance with not taking life. Transmit the life of Buddha's wisdom and do not kill."

Where are you in your understanding and practice of taking up the "Way of Not Killing"?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Have a Good Weekend, and Keep Warm!

2009-03-06T09:55:00.008-05:00

This weekend, Treetop Zen Center teacher Peter Seishin Wohl will lead a brave group of explorers into the wilderness for Paradise Below Zero, a weekend of Zen and deep ecology. This retreat, and others like it that are planned for the future, are an exciting new facet of programming at Treetop. These deep encounters with the wilderness are more than just a way to unwind and enjoy Maine's many acres of untouched beauty, they're another way to delve in and experience the truth of "no separation" that we meet in zazen practice.

This weekend also marks the arrival of Treetop's new resident, Kyle, who came just in time for this weekend's retreat. Those of us who haven't yet met Kyle look forward to meeting him when he returns from the wilds.

Best wishes for a safe and fruitful trip to all who are setting out!

Peter has promised to share some photos from the weekend after he returns. Look for those soon!

And for those of you not attending the trip, there is service and zazen on Saturday morning, at the usual time.

Is My Soul Asleep?

2009-03-03T17:41:00.007-05:00

The following is a poetry offering from Treetop's Shuso (head student), Peter Joryu Harris. Peter, who is an English professor at Colby College will be offering a workshop on Zen Wisdom in Poetry at Treetop Zen Center on Saturday, March 14 at 10 a.m.

Today's poem is Is My Soul Asleep, by Antonio Machado (1875-1939), one of Spain's greatest poets. His poetry often reflects an awareness of an animate universe where all things interpenetrate one another.

Is My Soul Asleep?

Is my soul asleep?
Have those beehives that work
in the night stopped. And the water-
wheel of thought, is it
going around now, cups
empty, carrying only shadows?

No, my soul is not asleep
It is awake, wide awake.
It neither sleeps nor dreams, but watches,
its eyes wide open,
far-off things, and listens
at the shores of the great silence.

Translated by Robert Bly

Treetop Zen Center March Calendar

2009-03-02T11:10:00.001-05:00

4th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

6th-8th
Paradise Below Zero Retreat

7th
Yoga 9:00 a.m.
Service 9:30 a.m.
Zazen 10:00 a.m.
Fusatsu 11:30 a.m.

11th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

14th
Yoga 9:00 a.m.
Service 9:30 a.m.
Zazen 10:00 a.m.
Zen Wisdom in Poetry 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

18th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

21st
Yoga 9:00 a.m.
Service 9:30 a.m.
Zazen 10:00 a.m.

25th
Zazen 7:00 p.m.

28th
Yoga 9:00 a.m.
Service 9:30 a.m.
Zazen 10:00 a.m.

For additional dates, see the Online calendar.

Welcome!

2009-03-02T10:54:00.001-05:00

Dear Treetoppers, Friends, and Curious Passers-by,

Welcome to the brand new blog for Treetop Zen Center! The sangha created this blog as a way for the community to come together in an Online, interactive space, allowing students and friends to touch base with one another and keep abreast of important information and announcements outside of the Zendo.

In addition to news and updates, this blog will be home to information about upcoming special workshops, retreats and events, photographs of past gatherings, Dharma writings and other musings from Treetop's teachers, videos of Dharma talks, Zen poetry and commentary from the Shuso (head student), Colby College Professor Peter Joryu Harris, and much more.

Check back here often for the latest updates, or add this blog to your RSS reader. And feel free to share your thoughts, in the comments section, on what you'd like to see here!