Dear zen friend

1)      May Sesshin.    05/10,   05/11,   05/12. 

         June Sesshin:   06/07,  06/08,   06/09.  

2). When driving Warner Hill Road, we often encounter two or three deer. They don’t look scared. They stand and look at us. Then, they walk into woods.  

Deer used to be quick to run away. Humans were enemies, and we were danger.  

A neighbor hunter moved away a few years ago. Since then no neighbor intends to chase after them nor kill them. Deer community must have sensed the change. Their minds and action patterns are influenced by peaceful environments. They seem to be able to tell peace from danger.  

3)  There is a huge shrine called Izumo Taisha in Japan. It is 24 meter high, made from woods. It is known as one of the oldest shrines. The official myth mentions stories about the shrine and its related hero. 

There were drawings which showed the design of the original shrine without its height. There were rumors saying that the height of the shrine used to be 48 meter tall. There was a song about tall buildings a thousand yeas ago. It said that Izumo Taisha was the tallest building in the country. Second was the building in which a huge Buddha sat in Nara city. No one believed there was a taller building than the temple in Nara.  

In the year 2000, an old big pit was found near the shrine. In the pit there were 3 cedar trees bundled together, each was 1.3 meter in diameter. The trees are exhibit at the museum of the shrine. Suddenly the song turned to be true and old rumors seemed to be correct. 48 meter tall building was likely to exist. 

Where were those big trees? How were the woods cut, moved and crafted? Were there nails and hammers? Were there saws and planes? Countless questions are asked. Were there more carbon dioxides those days?  We know very little while researchers are working hard.  

4)  Birds start making nests. Daffodils are in bloom. We will be busy for outdoor work. Firewood must be made, grass must be mowed. Painting and staining are planned. We need hands and volunteers.  If interested, please let us know.     

Regards, 

Eishin Ikeda

Valley Zendo