Dear zen friend

1)  June mini sesshin:  June 09, 10, 11. 

Sunday zazenkai on June 25th is cancelled

July mini sesshin:   July 07, 08, 09. 

Spring Cleaning: July 15th. 

2)    In November 2022, there was Jukaie at Zenshuji temple in Los Angeles. Series of ceremonies took place during a weeklong session. Jukaie was also a part of events for 100th anniversary of Soto Mission. Zenshuji was established in 1922. We performed celebrations on auspicious day in auspicious month. 

There were events at Zenshuji again last week from 25th to 28th. About 120 Soto Zen priests gathered not only from North America but also from South America, Europe, Hawaii, and Japan. This time, we celebrated fruit for last 100 years and set mind for work in coming 100 years. Pledges and continuation were confirmed. 

As a part of the events, Shobogenzo symposium was held. English translation of Shobogenzo sponsored by Sotoshu was completed and published. The official translation would help millions and billions people for centuries. 

Prof. Carl Beaulfelt, chief translator addressed remarks. He was a person of wit but said “I find mistakes in my translation everyday. Shobogenzo contains all the difficulties to rightly interpret sentence by sentence.”  He did not look happy. I personally thanked for his great contribution and shook hands.  

A merit of participation to these events is to meet people who can never be recognized, otherwise. This time I could meet the president of Sotoshu face to face. I can say “I saw him, I was there” for long.   

All ceremonial events planned for years ended well with cooperation of priests and well-wished supporters. It was fun.  

3)   On July 27th, Rev. Gyokei Yokoyama comes to Valley Zendo. He is abbot at Sozenji temple in Los Angeles. He was one of important personnels who led series of 100th anniversary events of Soto Mission to huge success. He will give us speech about anything on Soto Zen. Detailed schedule will be posted in the next email. 

27th is Thursday. If somebody wants to stay at zendo at night before or after, you are welcome. There are work like cleaning, making firewood, or mowing grass as well. Rev. Yokoyama will leave around noon next day on 28th. 

Regards.

Eishin Ikeda

Valley Zendo