Dharma Rain Character

Still Point

Newsletter of Dharma Rain Zen Center

Portland, Oregon

Volume XXX Number 4

July/August 2005

 


Articles Daily Schedule Calendars of Events
News Membership Info  
Events Previous Articles Affiliated Groups


Editor’s Note: In this issue of Still Point, we wish to showcase some of the many facets of our sangha and practice. In the past few months, we have come together for several wonderful events: Kanzeon in the Kitchen, A Bodhisattva Act (Talent Night), Denkoe, Wesak and the annual term-closing of the Dharma School, featuring skits. In the following pages, please enjoy the photographs of these events and reflect on how each of these occasions draws us together in our earnest and deepening practice. This is sangha treasure!

by J.D. Onryu Devros

[Note: This article was written last summer. When our friend Richen died, the Men's Retreat was cancelled. What follows is Onryu's account of what became a one-man retreat.]

Future cryptozoologist Noah Devros advised me I'd be trespassing in prime Sasquatch habitat. I rather doubt that, because attempts at "sustainable forestry" leave airy acreage of stunted growth and only an occasional smattering of once majestic Ponderosa Pine.

This weekend was slated as "The Men's Retreat." But, Life did, as it does, and here I am: alone, again (naturally).

The hush of wind whispers through and through and the air is refreshing, aromatic - that true, dry pine scent you can't capture in a cleaning product. Red dust billows behind my 4-Runner; boulders zig and zag, hop-scotching with deep ruts in the steep climb. I'm just shy of four wheel drive when the "road" smoothes and levels out to a small, grassy clearing.

At 5500' elevation and 170' in the air, Tamarack Lookout harkens back to those lonely days when you could spend the summer going insane from solitude and monotony, ruining your eyesight scanning the horizon for a dangerous waft of blue-grey smoke. Rickety metal scaffolding reverberates with a deep clang, climbs narrow and high, up into the lightning zone, until you reach the lookout at the top. Here, B. Spivey and R. Mullins penciled in their summers: 1952 and 1955. Jazzy Jewels lets us know she's 39-24-36. And Rick H. of Spokane "Rocks On!" I gaze out: 360 degrees of high desert forests and red rock, distant snow capped peaks.

After a bit of this tenuous perch I cautiously negotiate the climb back to terra firma and explore what I scoped out from on high. To the east, high plateau of mixed fir and ponderosa pine; to the west, the plateau ends in a ragged escarpment that enfolds the dry, barren canyon lands of Central Oregon. In all this vast landscape only three ranches dot the lower valley. A swath of green and a flash of light reveal a bend in the river that cuts the main canyon.

From this vantage point the geology clearly shows volcanic flows, domes, and basalt piling, weathered and lichened at the edges, softened by the distant golden-green carpet of grasses. Delicate wildflowers - purple, white, and yellow - bloom from grassy stalks. There is a noticeable lack of wildlife - only a few birds. Of course, the ubiquitous horseflies are always where you don't want them.

A small patch of older trees - survivors, somehow, of the logging that has slashed these mountains for a hundred years - form a shadowed haven that edges up to the escarpment rim. There is a cross at the terminus of the trees, nicely constructed, kiln-dried 4x4s, facing the canyon lands below: a memorial to Cassandra ------- , 1968 -1999. A small bluish-green vase empty of any flowers it once held for her rests at the base supported by rocks. The small brass plaque gives no indication how she died, so young. Only a gentle "Sweet Dreams."

Conditioned arising: 50,000 years ago inland sea, dries slowly, ice ages build up pressure, crushing their way south, woolly mammoths, giant sloths, and saber-tooth cats roam this savannah; volcanoes explode, explode, and explode more and more, thick oozing lava flows, buckle and twist, cool into crystalline pillars of basalt, black obsidian, boiling mud slides roil and tumble; dry, crumble, erode sprout sage, forests, wildlife, elk, antelope, wolf, and bear; rivers, rich with salmon, sturgeon, red man, white man, stumps, dams, mines, highways, cities, lights, lights, lights, Cassandra, you, me.

The day winds down while the wind rushes on. Shadows tick off sunlight like primordial hands on a clock. Birds and wind. Bees, grasshoppers. My boots on the rocky trail. Sounds. Not noise. Amazing, that even my normally cacophonous mind is stilled. No internal case planning. No ringing telephones. No e-mail. No electrical hum; none of the abrasive chaos that drives every day of my/our working life/lives.

Question to my small self: What is it I get out of this? Why am I here and not home, with others, somewhere else, whatever? What dharma brings me to this place, space, time, being, body, mind? Is it peace, momentarily necessary, sanctuary of or from externals, the quiet still point to allow muddied waters calm, clearing?

I must have put the fear of Buddha in Bigfoot, for the scariest hominid to pass my way are four guys on ATVs (noise!). They stop, chat for a minute, thinking I work up there, in U-18, Tamarack Lookout. No, the past few hours have been peaceful. I'll stick around tomorrow. But all summer?

Dharma Bums: Kerouac and Snyder running down the talus full bore to a clear mountain lake; John Muir knapsacking it through the Sierras past Half Dome, El Capitan; John C. Fremont clinging to the edge of a cliff with his only arm; Me, twenty-some years ago all over this western landscape; Hallelujah, I'm a bum! Hallelujah, Bum again!

Retrograde: Back to the Present. I'd miss my family, my wife, kids, the busy city. I might even miss that chaos, the (oh, god, I'm going to say it) responsibility. Maybe twenty-some years ago, as a younger man, back when I had all the answers. But now?

The Man Retreat must come to closure.

This small self has a lot of work to do. It is no easy task to sit zazen, calming the bee-stung monkey. Proof therein confronts the small self every moment.

Now, I am full of questions; the forest holds no pat answers. Just a steady hush of wind and whispers. Like then. Only now. Like here. Only there.

by Renee Wood of Willow Springs, MO
Drawings by Gyokuko Carlson

I clang the two empty
coffee cans together,
measure out sweet feed and chops,
then top-dress them with Calf Manna.

The four sleek-coated calves
jog lazily to the barn in mild
mid-summer heat, bury their
velvet noses in golden feed,
snuffling, pushing, settling in.

Amazing, the pleasure
of simply listening to them eat, and
smelling their sweet grass-scented breath.

 

 

Two box turtles crossing
the road half a mile apart.
Summer rain coming.

 

 

An Evening of Meaningful dialogue Between Liberal Zen buddists and Conservative Evangelical Christians - a report by Domyo Sater

On Sat. June 4, a group of 25 Lay and Priest Disciples gathered with the abbots for their monthly potluck, but the evening's events were far from ordinary. A special guest, Dr. Paul Metzger, an assistant professor of theology at Multnomah Biblical Seminary, gave us a short presentation and then welcomed questions. Paul brought four of his students, who also answered questions and provided unique perspectives.

Kyogen has developed an ongoing dialogue with Paul after meeting him in at an interfaith dialogue with the Portland Police Department. Paul is a self-identified "conservative evangelical" Christian, and, given the political climate in the country, both Kyogen and Paul believe that it is of grave importance that we start building bridges between the "conservative" and "liberal" camps, and find common ground on which to develop respect and understanding. They each report finding themselves "at odds" with their own sides at times, and will speak out with a moderate voice for tolerance, patience and compassion (even toward them, and even when they appear to be threatening our way of life). Each has been surprised and dismayed at how anger and fear can lead to hard and closed minds in people sincerely working to live up to quite different principles.

One of the main questions at our dinner was, "What exactly do the words `conservative' and `evangelical' mean?" Dr. Metzger differentiated between "socially conservative" and "theologically conservative." A Christian may be socially moderate (believing abortion is acceptable in certain situations, and that gays deserve protection from hate crimes and discrimination) or even be very liberal, yet still be theologically conservative (Jesus literally rose from the dead, and ultimately we can be saved only through His grace).

"Evangel" refers to the Good News of salvation through Christ, and therefore an "evangelical" Christian not only feels called upon to share and spread the Good News (the liberal stereotype usually ends here) but also to live her or his life in accord with the teachings of Christ in a very concrete and real way, and be a living testament to the Good News. It occurred to some of us over the course of the evening that in some ways Zen is an evangelical form of Buddhism. Not, of course, in the sense that we proselytize, but in the sense that we make a point of deeply exploring and manifesting the truth in our daily lives. We expect to have a personal experience of Truth, much as the evangelical Christian must have, as they put it, a personal relationship with Christ.

Other issues were brought up over the course of the evening, including the arrogance that both the conservative and liberal sides can demonstrate. Some of the Buddhists present expressed sadness and hurt about past interactions with evangelical Christians in which Christians had either implied or said that unless one has a relationship with Jesus the way they do, one doesn't have a relationship with Truth, or God, or the divine, at all. It didn't come as a surprise, then, when our guests expressed a similar sadness and hurt about the disdain liberals sometimes show toward theologically conservative Christian beliefs and believers. A condescending and insensitive attitude can be implied by car decals of Darwin fish eating Christian fish, and bumper stickers with slogans like, "Too bad we can't feed Christians to lions anymore." A sense of real tenderness began to pervade the room during our Saturday meeting as both sides of this religious and political divide more or less asked each other for respect, while apologizing for injuries done by those on our own side of the metaphorical fence.

Finally, Paul and Kyogen both pointed out the pervasive sense of fear that drives much of the conflict between conservative and liberal. Paul listed, in a very frank manner, some of the worst fears of conservatives. Much of them had to do with the breakdown of the traditional family unit, which includes and celebrates children and is the ground on which Christian life is usually built. We had heard these concerns before but now they seemed more personal and worthy of consideration, for they were presented by someone standing before us, someone with whom we were forming a relationship. We expressed some of our concerns as well, particularly those around gay rights, and were struck by how the label "evangelical Christian" does not necessarily indicate a view that homosexual activity is an abomination that must be eradicated. Glimmers of hope for common ground emerged, slowly, from the discussion.

After the meeting (which lasted well over two hours), some of us continued talking with the students. The students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come to the meeting, challenge their own assumptions, and deepen their faith. They said that they were impressed by the compassion, thoughtfulness and sincerity of those of us associated with the Zen Center, and that this actually deepens their appreciation for how profoundly Christ operates in the world. (The students simply smiled when, in response, someone said that the evening's events had deepened their own appreciation for how profoundly the Dharma operates in the world.)

This brief introduction to Christian theology and practice as presented at Multnomah Biblical Seminary, via friendly and enthusiastic people, left many of us with a sense of respectful curiosity and a hope that this dialogue - and these budding relationships - will continue.

Dharma Rain Zen Center -Board Minutes Summary

12 May 2005

Present:, Gyokuko, Kyogen, Genko, Kat, Kisei, Kei'un, Sherman, Gary
Absent: Shisei, Dosho.

1) Approval of minutes from previous meeting: Approved unanimously. Noted that most of the board voted by e-mail to approve putting the 20th Street house on the market

2) Open Forum for Members - No members brought concerns.

3) Date for next meeting: Board retreat, potluck tentatively set for Saturday, July 16, 9:00-4:00; second choice would be July 31, a Sunday.

4) Treasurer's Report - Expenses up $12,000 for the three month period (Jan-Mar) over the previous year. Income for the same period is roughly the same as the previous year. Much of the increase in expenses shows up in the Maintenance category. Gary pointed out that there are some complications created in the accounting process by having several people working on deposits and bookkeeping who are working at separate times

5) Membership Committee Report - No members of the Membership committee came to give a report.

6) Operations Report Kei'un moved to authorize the purchase of carpet for about $4000 for the Dharma House. Kyogen seconded and it passed unanimously. Gyokuko presented several big ticket items that we will need to consider: the roof to the Zendo, a wheelchair lift for the Zendo and the Dharma House garage. Contractors have been contactedand a price of $40,000 came in for a PAL lift for the Zendo.   The garage has been roughly estimated at $15,000. Estimates havebeen requested from some roofing contractors but the bids have not yet come in for the roof. A new furnace has been installed at 20th St. house. The house is now on market at $329,900. One open house (for realtors only) was held last Tuesday (10th), another for the public is set for Sunday (15th). We have pressure washed 2 sides of building, put in new wooden steps to front porch, and the new steps are being painted. New locks have been installed on the Taylor St. House.
     Dharma House garage: roof is in bad shape, building has been jacked up and still wobbles, carpenter ants all through. We can demolish and rebuild it where it is, even though it doesn't meet current setback codes. Investigate multiple use - sleeping quarters or some auxiliary use - what what are the costs and complications? The board will follow up on DH garage, Zendo roof, and Zendo accessibility at the board retreat with more detailed information from the operations committee.

7) Calendar Committee Report: Kyogen reported on the success of the Sangha Forum, with many suggestions for books to use in introductory and intermediate level classes.   Due to Kyogen's illness, the committee is behind on class-planning and will need to catch up at an upcoming meeting.   People seem tobe enthusiastic about the New Members classes, also discussed at the Sangha Forum, that will be happening this summer, on some Wednesday evenings.

8) Prison Program Needs: Kisei reported on the Prison program needs.   Discussed the needs of prisoners who are scheduled for release and what the Sangha may be able to offer them.   Discussion covered legalities related to donations. The scholarship fund should be OK without too much complication but the idea of soliciting funds for personal needs gets us into an accounting problem with legal implications that Gary doesn't know how to handle. There was support for the idea of a standing committee to help guide people who have needs toward social service organizations that are appropriate resources. Potential problems contributing to individuals: could jeopardize tax status, and legalities need to be explored.

Adjourned at 8:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Joe Shisei Niski, Secretary

 

 

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Information about upcoming events

 

Picnic(s) are coming up , ...Click here to go to our Events Page now updated to July and August


Zen Center News

News now has its own, separate page.Click here to go to our News Page.

 

 
   
 

 


Affiliated Groups

Eugene:

The Eugene Zendo also has its own newsletter. Please contact the Eugene Zendo's resident priest, Ejo McMullen, for information on the Eugene Zendo: 541-302-4576 or ejo@eugenezendo.org, or visit their web site www.eugenezendo.org


Eugene Zendo Meetings -2190 Garfield St
Monday 5:30-7:30am Zazen, Service, Soji (Temple Cleaning)
Tuesday 5:30-7:30am Zazen, Service, Soji (Temple Cleaning)
7:30-9:30pm Service, Zazen, and Dharma Study
Wednesday 6:00-7:30am Zazen, Service, Soji (Temple Cleaning)
Thursday 5:30-7:30am Zazen, Service, Soji (Temple Cleaning)
Friday 5:30-7:30am Zazen, Service, Soji (Temple Cleaning)
Saturday 8:30am Zazenkai at Eugene Aikikai

 

Pendleton: The Pendleton group meets Monday-Thursday, 12-1pm. We will sit in the quiet reflection of Soto Zen meditation, conversation optional. Contact: Joseph Mugaku Engum, sammie@wtechlink.com, 541-276-8445 days, 541-276-0038 eves.

Hood River Meetings 

A sitting group meets in Hood River twice a month, with a teacher visiting from Portland once a month. Please see their web page at www.HoodRiverZen.org or call Catherine at 541-386-7388 for more information

 

Salem Meetings

The Salem group has returned after a long hiatus. Meditation, discussion, and formal interviews with Lay Teacher Jill Bukkai Washburn are offered Thursdays, 5:30-7:30 pm. Meditation instruction is also available. Contact Scott Teijin Grim for further information at (503) 391-5731 or salemzen@dragonflydesignstudio.com

OSP(Oregon State Penitentiary) Zen Group

Getsushin Brox meets regularly with dedicated members of the OSP Zen Group for ongoing Dharma work and study. For information contact Getsushin or Kisei through the Zen Center.

 

Oregon State Penitentiary
First Tuesday of the Month 1:00-3:00 PM - Zazen, Class, Closing Chants
Third Tuesday of the Month 6:00-8:00 PM - Zazen, Dharma Talk, Discussion, Closing Chants

 

Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (in Wilsonville)
Medium Security Prison  
First, Third and Fifth Friday of the Month 7:00-9:00 PM - Zazen, Dharma Talk, Discussion, Closing Chants
Minimum security Prison  
Second and fourth Saturday of the Month 2:00-4:00 PM - Zazen, Dharma Talk, Discussion, Closing Chants

 

 

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Membership

We would like to invite you to consider membership in the Dharma Rain Zen Center. Membership represents commitment to the Sangha and the Buddhist training that the Sangha embodies. Membership is required to vote for the members of Board of Directors and on any other issues that come up for a vote. Some classes and events are only open to members. There are five categories of membership, based on amount contributed each year, plus Full Member.

A Benefactor is a member pledging $100 per month or more. Privileges are the same as for Supporting Members and Sustaining Members. Benefactors are investing in the long term development of Dharma Rain Zen Center. This development will improve on the resources we already have, and ensure their continued availability to the growing number of people seeking the Dharma in the greater Portland area.

A Sustaining Member pledges $75-$99 per month. Privileges are the same as for Supporting Members, with the extra money given helping the Center keep the fees for retreats and other events low, and to continue providing classes and workshops free of charge to the general community.

A Supporting Member pledges $50-$74 per month. This is the basic level of Center membership, in that contributions at this level are enough to keep the facilities open and to help support the priests and other essential staff. Privileges include receiving Still Point, members' access to the library, and more substantial discounts on fee events and some bookshop items.

A Center Friend pledges $30-$49 per month. Pledges at this level help cover our basic expenses such as mortgage, utilities, mailing costs and general supplies. Privileges include receiving Still Point, members' access to the library, and discounts on fee events and some bookshop items.

An Associate Member pledges $10-$29 per month or a lump sum of $100 for one year. This category is primarily for students and others with limited income, but is also for those who may be less involved, yet wish to make a contribution to the Center. Privileges include receiving the Center newsletter, Still Point, and members' access to the library.


A Full Member (formerly called a Senior Member):

Some Zen Center offices and events are restricted to Full Members.

Lay Ordination is a ceremony in which one formally takes the Precepts and becomes a Buddhist.

Lay ordination is not required for any of the associate, basic, supporting, etc. memberships in the Zen Center, nor is membership required to receive the Precepts and become a Buddhist. The Center holds the Precept ceremony once each year. If you are interested in becoming a Buddhist, contact one of the priests. (503-239-4846 or e-mail at Staff@Dharma-Rain.Org )

If you would like to become a member of the Zen Center, click on this link to get a copy of the membership form.

 


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STILL POINT edit of 1 July 2005
Dharma Rain Zen Center Newsletter
Dharma Rain Logo
Volume XXX Number 4- July August 2005
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