一期一会 (ichi go ichi e)

New Years Eve Zazen and Sarei Event

We hosted zazen and Sarei event on 12/31. After short zazen session, Rev Ito explained word "ichi go ichi e".

一期一会 means one should try to make every occasion perfect to extend hospitality to another person as the occasion is unique in one's lifetime.
you can read more about this zengo here.

Noble Eightfold Path

Ann Kugyo continued explaining Noble Eightfold Path in buddhism, Right speech, Right action and Right livelihood.

Read more about Eightfold Path here.

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Truth of the path

Ann Kugyo explained Truth of the path leading to the cessation which is part of The Four Noble Truth. She also explained Noble Eightfold Path in buddhism.

Read more about Eightfold Path here.

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The Four Noble Truths

Ann Kugyo explained The Four Noble Truths.

1. The truth of dukkha (suffering, anxiety, stress)
2. The truth of the origin of dukkha
3. The truth of the cessation of dukkha
4. The truth of the path leading to the cessation of dukkha

Read more about it here.

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主人公 (syu jin ko)

主人公

syu jin ko

Do you know who you are?

Rev Ito also talked about Keisaku.

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平常心是道 (byo jo shin kore do)

平常心是道

byo jo shin kore do

Everyday mind is the way.   When Jo Shu Osho (趙州和尚) asked a question to Nansen Osho,(南泉和尚) zen master how to be enlightened.

Nansen osho's answer was "everyday mind is the way".

Rev Ito also talked about a book Mumonkan (無門関). This book is used to learn zen at zen monasteries.  You can read more about this book from this link.

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目耳鼻舌身意 (gan ji bi zetsu shin I)

目耳鼻舌身意

gan ji bi zetsu shin  I

   Gan: eye

       Ji: ear

      Bi: nose 

Zetsu: tongue

  Shin: body

         I: heart, mind

Rev Ito described this word.  You don't close your eyes during zazen. Keep half eye open.  1/3 of your focus should be on your nose line.

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