Znafud: Ango 2011

Had a bagel w/hummous for breakfast and had to share about half with my 3 y/o as we watched Monsters vs Aliens...great movie.
Shaku practice

Brought my seiza bench and a mat out in my backyard and sat in front of my zen garden playing.
My daughter played in the rocks ("fixing" the perfectly contoured lines) while I played Kyorei.
Didn't practice Choshi today as I didn't want my neighbours to call animal control. ;)

COMPLETELY lost on this one. Read it twice and still nothing. I'm going to chalk this fascicle as one I need to come back to.
In all honesty, all of them really are as such. But this is one of the ones that I just didn't get at all.

The next one is Power of the Robe and I'm super excited to read this as I've not yet read it in Kaz Tanahashi's translation.

Being a okesa junkie (Thanks to Tomoe Katagiri, Kodo Sawaki and especially Taigu) I love reading the fascicles Dogen has wrote on the matter. Probably spend a few days on this one.

Today for samu I scrubbed the floors in my house. I was contemplating doing it soji style. But then I realized I'm too old and lazy. Plus I'd probably kill myself doing it.
So instead I busted out the old hockey gear, threw on the shin pads and got to scrubbing. Was quite a sight.
Our entire downstairs is either tile or hardwood floors (except the master bedroom) and so it took maybe an hour.
During that time I focused completely on the task at hand. I thought about the trees that made the hardwood. I thought about how they once stood tall and majestic and how they continue to provide beauty to my family. How I must take great care of them and be mindful and respectful of their offering.
I also thought about the men who put them in my house. The effort that must have been required. The pain and discomfort that I now felt in my knees and back and how they must have experienced it every day. How wonderful of a job they did and how grateful I am to have their handiwork showing for years to come.
Also during this time I chanted Enmei Jukku Kannon Gyo for a friend of a dharma brother from the sangha. Much metta to him and his friends and family after a tragic accident. Normally I do it 108 times (number of juzu beads on my necklace) but I'm sure it was at least that. Then, afterwards I lit incense and dedicated the merit to his friend. May the udumbara bloom in eternal spring...may we realize the Buddha way together.

Broke out all the gear to work on the next kesa but then decided that maybe I should sew a zagu. Zagu is a bowing mat that can also be used in lieu of a zabuton. Purpose is to keep your robe clean while you are doing prostrations or sitting. I thought this may be useful for my retreat to ZMM at the end of the month. Shouldn't take too long to sew and so put some time into that.
Ran out of material however for the kagami so will need to pick some up before I can continue.
Was able to cut all the other pieces however.
I had planned on using the material from the obi that I wore in my wedding, but it's only 9" in width and I need twice that...so will try to think of something else...or maybe sew two pieces together, will have to ask Taigu about that.

Rest of my day was spent building a doll house for my daughter, fixing sprinkler heads and going for a walk with the family.
Sat tonight for ~25 min zazen on G+.

Was alone but was still a wonderful sit.
Been trying full lotus for the shorter evening ones and think that it's slowly getting better. I normally sit half-lotus but prefer the stability in full. Maybe some yoga is in order.

On a final sad note, one of the first fish I've had died. Not really sure how, but Leroy was one of my favourites. He was a sailfin balloon molly with a wicked attitude. Gave him a proper send off with recitations and incense and hope his rebirth is a kind one.

Monday, September 5, 2011