Znafud: Ango 2011

Woke up late this morning, jumped out of bed and hit the zafu as quick as I could so I could get a sit in before the house woke up.
In the interest of time I decided to forego the G+ Hangout and just do an Insight Timer on my phone. I set the timer to 45 min and began my sit.
About 65 Minutes in I felt like it was running a bit long so glanced at the clock nearby and noticed it was now 8:20! Grabbed my phone to see that I forgot to hit start. :)
Fortunately only my wife had awaken and kids were all still asleep...modern day miracle!

Spent a few hours today cutting and sewing a zagu (bowing mat). I wanted to have this for an upcoming trip to Zen Mountain Monastery so figured I'd take care of that before the okesa I'm steadily working on and the rakusu I should be doing for Jukai.
Using Tomoe Katagiri's guide for the instructions but finding them a bit light. Also, the measurements seem a tad bit off...but maybe it's just my cutting job. :)
I did the morning part of my sewing on G+ Hangout and Engyo stopped by and we got to chat for a bit. Was really nice!
So far the kagami is attached to the backpiece and I have one of the four ens on.
Spent most of this practice meditating on the victims of war and terrorism. Much metta to them.

I spent some time practicing the shaku today, although it was not formal, I did play off and on most of the day.
Again I focused on Choshi and I think I'm actually getting a wee bit better...still brutal, but better.

Still on Power of the Robe...enjoying it immensly, like a well marinated portobello mushroom.
Today was the discussion on Buddha's previous lives and how he sought merit and specially powers for the okesa when he was a Bodhisattva. Was very interesting and first time I've read this section.

Was quite a bit later than normal but tonight was movie night with the kiddos so had to delay.
Sat alone on Google+

Saturday, September 10, 2011