A Letter from San Quentin

This is a letter from Jarvis Masters, living on California's Death Row, slowly recovering from COVID 19. Jarvis is a writer and practicing Buddhist, an innocent man on the "row" for a crime he did not commit. (For more information, see his website: https://www.freejarvis.org)
I received it through Hozan Alan Senauke, who is the Vice Abbot of Berkeley Zen Center in California, a longtime social activist:

Editorial from Inside San Quentin

Jarvis Jay Masters

I used to think that none of what is going on with COVID-19 in San Quentin was a conspiracy.

Incompetence? Yes! But not some kind of planned conspiracy.

But today a memorandum was circulated that all phone privileges in the prison are to be taken away—not wanting any of us inside to communicate with our family, friends, or the media. This is sure to create sadness and untold fear among family members; rage and madness for everyone in here who, at the least, want to call home and say they're okay, or say that they need help and support, which we all know is the case.

At this point we're locked in, and the SQ administration wants to control the narrative unfolding inside the prison. The world gets to know only what the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) decides.

For sure we all know that SQ mail service is terrible, totally awful. Even more so now. So, at this point, how are we expected to talk with you, our friends, family, or even our attorneys? The guys in here like the “Prison Voices from Inside San Quentin” group are blocked from telling the truth, how they are witnessing what is now happening—2,000 cases of COVID-19 in the prison and, so far, ten deaths from this disease. If this is not some kind plan to silence our voices to the outside world, then I honestly don't what is... How can anyone possibly know now what is going on inside the prison walls, particularly on death row where most of the deaths are occurring?

I need to say this…The notion that outside support groups and politicians are advocating the early release of 8,000 prisoners in the CDCR—with an intent to provide more social distance in California prisons—is totally ludicrous.

Who are we really, really, I mean really trusting to deal with this contagion, this deadly virus? Please. Public health experts, even the CDC don't see what I see here every day and have experienced myself as one of the infected. With this kind of contagion, I don't trust a plan for the early release of 8,000. The COVID-19 infection in San Quentin began with the transfer of one hundred twenty inmates from prisons around the state. Think about the release of some 8,000 prisoners. COVID-19 infections would be released right into low income communities of mostly people of color, communities of people already suffering from serious underlying medical conditions—heart disease, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, etc. The death rate would be unconscionable.

If the CDCR could not safely transfer one hundred twenty prisoners within their own system, who can imagine they have the competence to release 8000 inmates, or deal with something like what's going on here in SQ?

Trust me. As someone who so badly wants out of here after almost 40 years, someone now infected with this deadly virus, no way hell should I or any right-minded person trust the early release of anyone by the CDCR. Not in the near future. All I see is incompetence on all levels, living here in San Quentin among 2,000 COVID-19 infections, with numbers rising.

I live in this place and see what it looks like. The effect of early release on poor communities will shock the country and the world, as this disaster inside San Quentin has shocked us all. It's dire, I know. But this is what the truth looks like inside these walls.

July 2020

So much has happened…

Lovely warm weather, sitting on the front porch, and finally making a new entry…

This morning, I promised to post several links; here they are:

Infinite Potential, documentary about scientist David Bohm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDpurdHKpb8

Terence McKenna Final Interview 1998 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdEKhIk-8Gg&t=30s

Rupert Sheldrake, Morphic Resonance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0koc5-AjcM&t=58s

This Is Milwaukee https://www.thisismilwaukee.us/?fbclid=IwAR2YPe5SclYsy_VIhrxPs6wCk3JqA6TVSoMYrK-EQZfwE8dQCHRcLYopNf8

Enjoy!

Yesterday we held our first “open” event, a Work Day, where nine of us did a lot of repair, cleaning, weed pulling etc., wearing face masks and keeping distance. We did not share meals or any group activity, but it was lovely seeing people in person again.

Since mid-March all our programs were available by Zoom teleconferencing only, and at that time we thought that the immediate danger of the novel coronavirus would pass within a few weeks, two months at the most. However, it became increasingly clear that we would be living under special conditions for a long time, and it is certainly not over by now (July 12).

The MZC Board decided to allow individuals to sit in the zendo with precautions that are stated on the homepage, and that seems to be working well for now. We will have to be creative offering new programs, such as the Fall Practice Period.

On May 25, George Floyd was killed by a policeman, and the world witnessed the brutal murder which was filmed on a bystander’s phone and went viral in minutes. In many countries, protests started happening right away, and solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement was voiced in unprecedented ways. Since then calls for the defunding of the police and awareness of racism and white supremacy have become more and more intense.

All this has had an immediate impact on myself as a Zen teacher. For a while I have been feeling the unrest and unease that was caused by mass shootings, police brutality, mass incarceration, deportation of migrants and climate disasters. Now I was asked for support by all kinds of interfaith and social justice organizations. Even though the actions of the last few months have been very satisfying, at the same time I am aware that there is so much more we need to do.

Without taking a side of a political party, it is very obvious that a change in leadership needs to happen in this country. As the crisis is unfolding, only radical changes can make a difference in the suffering of the world. That means, also as Buddhists we have to take a stand.

The SZBA (Soto Zen Buddhist Association) has been organizing meetings among ourselves, with climate and race specialists informing us about the problems that we are facing as Americans and as Zen teachers. How can we teach the dharma in a way that is congruent with the current crises?

MAY DAY

Happy May Day!

This used to be a big holiday in the old country. I remember ribboned may poles with children dancing, young birch trees at the entrances to people’s houses, marches in the city with union leaders, government officials with red carnations in their buttonholes giving speeches (a special memory a rousing speech by Willy Brandt, early Seventies?), and sunrise ceremonies with the Morris Dancers.

Of course, nothing like that is happening now, but maybe we can revive these beautiful celebrations again.

A Letter to the Supreme Court

MZC provides a place for meditation, study and reflection, leading to inner awakening and mindful, compassionate action through traditional Soto Zen Practice.

Wisconsin Supreme Court
Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, Wisconsin

April 25, 2020

Dear Justices,

As the resident priest and spiritual leader of the Milwaukee Zen Center and member of the Milwaukee Buddhist Peace Fellowship I am urging you to accept Governor Evers's Safer at Home order for this time of a pandemic crisis. It would be a shame to risk my community's health by opening the zendo doors too soon.

For the last weeks, I have offered all our programs online, and we meet every day by zoom teleconferencing for meditation, service, classes, dharma talks, board meetings and personal consultation. We held an Equinox Service in March. On April 8, we celebrated Vesak, the Annual Buddha's Birthday, and we hold a weekly well-being service for those who are in physical or emotional distress.
In addition, regular sangha letters are sent out for information and encouragement, and also healthy entertainment.

In fact, I am reaching more people than usual, because some join in who live too far away than regularly coming in person. Those who do not have internet access at their homes, I call by phone, and I also write letters to prisoners. I have reached and offered comfort to some who are living in anxiety about the widespread disease and deaths. We have conducted three memorial services during the last couple of weeks.

One of my friends, a Zen teacher and climate scientist in Washington D.C., was hospitalized with COVID-19 and almost died. She is at home now but extremely weak. She is in her 40s and had not expected to be susceptible to the virus. If we loosen the restrictions too soon, we risk more people to get sick and die.

We are all looking forward to being together and worship in person again, and I think the Badger Bounce Back, the gradual plan to open businesses and society in phases, sounds right.

Please, rule accordingly; I have trust in your judgment.

Sincerely,

Reirin

Rev. Reirin Gumbel
Milwaukee Zen Center

Interfaith Dialog

Yesterday I listened to a panel discussion of four Buddhist teachers and clergy, who were commenting on Climate Change from the religious perspective. I found it extremely insightful and appropriate, and the commonality between the two faiths astounding. Since there were hundreds of people in the audience, the theme obviously struck a chord, and it was decided to keep the dialog going.

Here is the link to yesterday’s recording. I hope you can access it:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/viewRecording/8777089468415379981/2230177224451916557/info@mkzen.org?registrantKey=7644867369910670861&type=ATTENDEEEMAILRECORDINGLINK  

EARTH DAY 2020

Today, 50 years ago, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies. Thousands of colleges and universities organized protests against the deterioration of the environment. Groups that had been fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, freeways, the loss of wilderness, and the extinction of wildlife suddenly realized their shared common values.

Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, city slickers and farmers, tycoons, and labor leaders. By the end of that year, the first Earth Day had led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

As 1990 approached, a group of environmental leaders asked Denis Hayes to organize another big campaign. This time, Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to recycling efforts worldwide and helped pave the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also prompted President Bill Clinton to award Senator Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1995) – the highest honor given to civilians in the US - for his role as Earth Day founder.

Earth Day 2000 used the power of the internet to organize activists focusing on global warming and clean energy and featured a drum chain in Gabon, Africa. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in Washington for a First Amendment Rally.

Earth Day 2010 came at a time of a great challenge for the environmental community with climate change deniers, well-funded oil-lobbyists and a disinterested public. However, 250,000 people rallied again at the National Mall and launched the world's greatest environmental service project: A billion Acts of Green, a global tree-planting initiative that grew into The Canopy Project , which engaged 22,000 partners in 192 countries in observing Earth Day.

Earth Day has become the largest secular observance in the world, celebrated by more than a billion people every year, and a day of action that changes human behavior and provokes policy changes.

Now, 50 years after the beginning of this movement, we find ourselves in the strangest situation, almost total isolation through the threat of the novel coronavirus for which we don't have a cure yet. At the same time as scientists warn about impending catastrophes, and we witness rising temperatures, melting ice deposits and fast disappearing species, the government of the United States of America dismantles all the improvements that have been made. It needs great intention and courage of many engaged citizens to remind ourselves that we are facing a new reality and work tirelessly towards beneficial change.

Let us vow with all bodhisattvas in the ten directions:

Beings are numberless, I vow to free them,
Delusions are inexhaustable, I vow to end them,
Dharma gates are boundless, I vow o enter them,
Buddha's Way is unsurpassable, I vow to realize it.not

(Note: I have used information from the internet for this article, but cannot find the source, sorry.)

Early Spring in Wisconsin

Despite the confinement during the coronavirus pandemic, people are still outside, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Walking the dog, fast walking, biking, scateboarding, but always 6 feet apart! Smiling when we pass each other at a safe distance.

A friend sent this painting by David Hockney with the title: Do Remember, They Cannot Cancel Spring!

David Hockney: Do Remember They Cannot Cancel Spring

We may ask: How long will this last? Will I or my family get sick? How many deaths? How will everybody cope? Will the election be postponed? What’s going to happen afterwards? and find ourselves in a constant state of uncertainty. Many of us feel anxiety and grief over losses, even if it just the loss of habits and comfort.

In these uncertain times, we can feel supported by our spiritual practice. Sitting with our feelings, accepting the reality of what comes up without pushing it away or making it into a story, the mind calms down eventually. Taking a deep breath, we are able to face the next moment, and the next, and the next. Being present with what is, we see the vast interconnectedness of life and meet it with curiosity and wonder.

Besides sitting together on zoom, I am personally available for individual calls. Please make an appointment by calling 414-399-3498.

May we with all beings be happy, healthy, and free from suffering.

There are also flowers in our yard now: crocuses, mini daffodils, early snow glories; such a joy after the long winter!

LIVING WITH THE VIRUS

During the second week of emergency measures which are gradually getting more stringent, we are adapting to social distancing, frequent handwashing and meeting with others on zoom. Good advice is plentiful and I will not reiterate it here. I recommend a healthy balance between news watching and mental hygiene. As much as added workout and fresh air I find spiritually uplifting podcasts and positive entertainment, like song and dance performances, often available from friends on facebook or instagram, very helpful.

MZC, like many other centers, has posted links for zazen periods, services, and Dharma talks and the March/April Class on Women in Buddhism on zoom. Zen priests are staying in supportive contact with each other. Interfaith groups send out messages with tips on how to aid people in need. The few times I venture out to grocery stores I find people especially helpful and friendly. All this feels so good that I ask myself why can we not be like this all the time?

This reminds me of what I read about an incident that happened a long time ago outside the San Francisco Zen Center, when a young Zen student had been fatally shot. Other students gathered around the body still lying on the pavement, in sorrow, and one of them said: “Why can’t we always be like this?” Maybe we need a catastrophe to remind us that life is precious and we have little time to show appreciation and love for each other.

A lot had happened before we shut down, and I had wanted to write this blog much sooner, but got interrupted by more pressing issues, like canceling events and setting up virtual meeting spaces. A few of these were:

On a cold evening on March 1, a Vigil was held at Milwaukee’s City Hall to commemorate the victims of a mass shooting at the Molson Coors Brewery. Clergy from twenty different denominations offered prayers and reflections to a large audience.

This year’s interfaith luncheon series on #Truth…or Consquences started on March 3 with a well-attended talk by George Stanley about An Independent Press: Essential for Democracy. George is known for his tireless work as editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, regional editor of USA TODAY Network Wisconsin, and vice president of the national News Leaders Association. It was followed by Democracy at Risk in Wisconsin, a talk by Matt Rothschild on March 10. Unfortunately the series had to be suspended because of danger of contagion by the corona virus.

It’s a shame that we had to step back from the election work. The one-day election sesshin with a voter registration training on March 7 went very well, and there was enthusiasm to keep going, but unfortunately that is on hold for now.

Let us hope that we will soon be able to meet in person again and schedule new events in the zendo and in the community. Please stay healthy and keep practicing despite anxieties about the future. You may call me any time and schedule a virtual meeting:
Reirin at 414-399-3498.

Letter to Bill McKibben

Dear Bill McKibben,

I have admired your courage and perseverance for a long time, and I would now like to get into a conversation with you.

Thank you for the newsletter, I am also following many other voices that thankfully get louder and more diverse. Having economists in the play is very encouraging!

Coming from a different position I would like you to know about the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. I have been a Zen practitioner for 30 years, am currently the Resident Priest and guiding teacher at the Milwaukee Zen Center. 

The bodhisattva, an enlightened being on the path towards buddhahood, vows to save all beings and at the same time is aware that separate beings don’t exist. Many years of meditation bring clarity to the vision of the three marks of existence: impermanence, no-self, and suffering.

From that wisdom it follows that death is unavoidable, in fact anything that has appeared will also fall away. Life is unbelievably precious, and we must be infinitely grateful and respectful towards anything we come in contact with.

Our world is the world of suffering, because we cling to ideas of permanence, knowing that nothing will last. This incongruity creates fear, and all our actions are based on the unrealistic hope that we can change the nature of reality.

Being aware of the cosmic joke, that all of this is only real in our minds, one could get out of this conundrum, but the bodhisattva vow includes a deep commitment to stay with suffering beings until all are awakened to the truth.

First, there needs to be a clear recognition of the facts as much as we can know, understanding that we know very little; then accept reality as it shows up. Thirdly, do what I can to change old karma into action that will now make a difference.

This is our practice, and it is work that needs to be done personally as well as globally.

I am not sure if you will be reading this. If you do, please respond to info@mkzen.org.

There is a group of American Zen teachers who are very concerned about the crisis, which is not only about climate, but also about racism, militarism, and all the other -isms.

Being joyful in a much deeper sense, in the knowledge that all is well and LIFE goes on, even without us,

Reirin

Parinirvana Ceremony

Last week, on February 15, we celebrated Shakyamuni Buddha’s Parinirvana, his final and complete entering into Nirvana. We made offerings on a specially beautiful altar, with a small figure of the reclining Buddha and extra flowers and candles.

Parinirvana Altar

I read his last teaching, Excerpts from the Parinirvana Brief Admonitions Sutra:

O good followers of the path! Do not grieve! Even if I were to live in the world for as long as a kalpa, our coming together would have to end. There can be no coming together without parting. The teaching which benefits both self and others has reached completion. Even if I were to live longer, there would be nothing to add to the teaching. Those who were to be awakened, whether in the heavens or among human beings, have all been awakened. Those who have not yet been awakened all possess the conditions for attaining awakening. If all my disciples practice from now on through generation after generation, the dharma body of the Tathagatha will exist forever and will not be destroyed.

Therefore, you should know that all things in the world are impermanent; coming together inevitably means departing. Do not be troubled, for this is the nature of life. Diligently practicing right effort, you must seek liberation immediately. With the light of wisdom, destroy the darkness of ignorance. Nothing is secure. Everything in this life is precarious.

Amanda, it may be that you think, “The teacher’s instructions have ceased.” But it should not be seen like this. For what I have taught shall be your teacher, all living beings shall be your teacher, this bright world and your very mind itself, shall be your teacher. Now, good followers of the way: You should always wholeheartedly seek the way of liberation. All things in the world, whether moving or non-moving, are characterized by disappearance and instability.

Be as lamps unto yourselves and pass on that light throughout the generations and to everyone in this world.

Stop now! Do not speak! Time is passing. I am about to cross over. This is my final teaching.

---

These words remind us to keep practicing, bringing the recognition into this world that the true nature of life is wisdom and compassion. Keep checking the website for updates on events throughout the year and visit Milwaukee Zen Center in person, or schedule a zoom meeting with the teacher.

Civic Engagement

As Bodhisattvas, we vow to liberate all beings from suffering. We can start in our own community, where many people suffer from injustice.

A week ago, Jeremy from the Milwaukee Mindfulness Center and I took a chartered bus to the Capitol in Madison, to join a Smart Justice Rally. Over 300 people came from all over the state for a day of dialog with our legislators.

The issue was Wisconsin’s Incarceration Crisis. We met in groups with others from our districts to urge the representatives to vote on bills that would help to reform the criminal justice system in our state. We believe in rehabilitation, not retribution. We believe that we need to invest in communities, not in cages. We believe in addressing the root causes for violence, and that citizens and communities will be safer when we invest in education and peaceful collaboration with the police.

Watch the video of Tonen O’Connor’s presentation of “Like an Animal in a Cage”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r_0KVqkEE4&t=539s

Another important topic for Wisconsin citizens is to improve our democracy by helping others to vote. Several Interfaith groups are organizing a civic engagement project to learn about the intersection of faith and social justice. The kick-off event: Bridging Faiths for a Stronger Democracy will be held at the First Unitarian Church in Milwaukee on Thursday, February 13. Please, check the flyer for details.

At Milwaukee Zen Center, we are going to hold a one-day election sesshin, where we will be doing zazen in the morning and go out in pairs to register voters in the afternoon: Saturday, March 7, 7:30 am. Contact Reirin for a training session.

Becoming a Bodhisattva - Ecosattva

Most of us are aware by now that we are living in an ecological crisis. This is not news, but it has taken major catastrophes all over the world to bring this fact home.

A large group of Zen teachers have been meeting by zoom to come to terms with the facts of fires, floods, disappearing species, melting glaciers and other disasters that are threatening habitat, livelihood and finally survival of living creatures. How can we bring this awareness to our sanghas, and how can we encourage Zen students to become ecosattvas?

David Loy, a professor of Buddhist philosophy and a teacher in the Sanbo Zen tradition, has created a way to bring awareness to interdependence of humans with our world around us. Here is a link to an interview he gave recently on TRICYCLE: https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/david-loy/

As Buddhists we have this opportunity to see clearly, gain strength through practice, and share both the grief and the comfort in our sanghas. We are currrently studying and practicing the paramitas; they are uniquely able to guide us through these trying times. The practices of generosity, ethical conduct, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom become perfections when we see them through large lenses, letting go of the small self, enabling empathy and kindness towards all beings.

Two books that have been helpful in framing these ancient practices are Reb Anderson’s Entering the Mind of Buddha. Zen and Six Heroic Practices of Bodhisattvas, and Norman Fischer’s The World Could Be Otherwise. Imagination and the Bodhisattva Path.

Another article that I find extremely helpful in understanding our predicament and how we can meet the changes ahead is by Peter Russell: What If There Were No Future? https://www.scienceandnonduality.com/article/what-if-there-were-no-future

On another note:

The Wisconsin Interfaith Civic Engagement Project invites us to a kick-off event for Bridging Faiths for a Stronger Democracy, an evening of information on the intersection between faith and social justice and the do’s and don’ts for tax-exempt faith communities. Thursday, February 13, 2020 6:00 to 8:30 pm, at the First Unitarian Society 1342 N Astor St Milwaukee, WI 53202 Vegetarian pizza and drinks will be served

Winter 2019

Time has crept up on me, and it is hard to believe that is already winter!

Let me recapitulate what happened in the fall:

In September MZC hosted the Branching Streams Conference, which was a great success. Forty Zen teachers in the Shunryu Suzuki lineage met for a three-day retreat in the idyllic and peaceful setting of the Siena Center in Racine. We heard Rev. Michaela Bono on Zen Practice and Restorative Justice, Rev. Tonen O'Connor on Prison Practice, and Stephanie Kaza on Climate Change and Climate Justice as Practice Fields. There was a presentation by former Poet Laureate Kimberley Blaeser on Picto-Poems and one on Election Sesshins with Rob Lyons. Breakout groups gave opportunities for discussions on various pressing issues, and every morning started with zazen and service. It was a wonderful time of reunion with old friends and new connections.

On September 22, we celebrated several practitioners’ 70th birthdays, my receiving Dharma Transmission, and the inauguration of our new altar. My teacher, Furyu Schroeder was with us and performed the Eye Opening Ritual for the new Buddha statue. We had a lovely party with great conversation and good food.

The Opening of the Fall Practice Period was supposed to happen on October 19 with a Half-Day Sitting, but my mother died and I had to unexpectedly fly to Germany for the funeral. So everything had to be postponed, and we started a week later.

A member of our sangha, Joseph Steve Lowry died after a long illness and decline of his lungs. We held a memorial service here on Friday, November 1, and in the afternoon there was a large memorial gathering at the First Unitarian Church. We are aware and in sympathy of the great loss that his death has brought to his family and friends.

One of the special events of the Practice Period was a field trip to the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts who had an exhibit on WATER on display. The artists’ expressions coincided perfectly with Dogen’s vision of the natural world as the intimate functioning of all beings.

The Practice Period will be ending on December 7 with a one-day Rohatsu Sesshin and the Enlightenment Ceremony.

Our Annual New Year’s Eve Sitting will conclude an eventful and gratifying year.

Our Patio

In the back of the Milwaukee Zen Center we have created a patio and recently installed three benches that were donated by a sangha member and placed a couple of stone statues under the trees. It is a lovely, peaceful space in dappled shade from the tall elm tree and accessible from the side alley. We have already used the patio for Equinox and Solstice ceremonies, and now, with the new benches, it invites everyone for a meditative pause from daily life.

Vigil for Victims of Recent Mass Shootings in the USA

A Vigil Against Hate: A Remembrance of Oak Creek, Gilroy, El Paso & Dayton took place at 7 p.m., Monday August 5, 2019 at Walker Square Park in Milwaukee. Several members of our sangha participated. Many interfaith clergy gave voice to the grief and anger that we all feel and invoked a wish for peace. Especially moving was the presence of a large contingent from the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, where six people were killed by a white supremacist exactly on that day seven years ago. The last sentence of their prayer, which Pardeep translated, says: “In God’s name, we shall be relentlessly optimistic because we want peace and prosperity for all people.” Their credo All are One includes the murderer.

THOUGHTS on the last day of July

So much comes up at this time, hard to keep track.

I wish the last two Dharma talks (Sunday, 7/21 “Extreme Views” and Sunday, 7/28 “Dongshan”) had posted, but the recording device did not work. Tried to fix the problem, but no success so far. Sorry about that!

The main theme I am grappling with these days is one I have been talking about in the past: The nonduality of relative and absolute aspects of reality. It’s not only the subject of the upcoming Jewel Mirror Sesshin (see calendar), which Dokai Georgesen, Daigaku Rumme and I will be presenting at Hokyoji, but also the foundational teaching of our Soto Zen School. This came home to me in a powerful way during the three weeks of Dharma Transmission. Sekito Kisen(Shitou)’s Harmony of Difference and Unity and Tozan Ryokai(Dongshan)’s Jewel Mirror Samadhi are deep philosophical texts, whose importance may be overlooked since they are written as relatively short poems.

As they are dealing with ideas that cannot be grasped by the rational mind, we need to find a practice that takes us to a level where consciousness opens up to another dimension. Of course, zazen is our main practice, but also devotional practices, creating art, being in nature, and even the use of certain drugs can open access to deeper awareness. (The last one I have not tried myself, but know their efficacy from credible sources.) In the end, it is necessary to let go of the sense of self that keeps us prisoner.

Demitra Copoulos, one of our sangha friends and local artist, is showing her work at the Grove Gallery in Milwaukee: Demitra Copoulos Imaginary Experiences - takes an unserious examination of metaphysics through a visual approach to questions of space and possibility.

Ben Connelly, Soto Zen Priest in Dainin Katagiri’s lineage, takes a group of practitioners on a week-long silent hike in Montana.

The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee explores devotional practices of different faith traditions by visiting places of worship in various communities.

These and many more are examples of ways to get in touch with what we may call truth, and how to incorporate it into our lives.

Recently I listened to a podcast with Jonathan Rowson (Krista Tippett interview https://onbeing.org/programs/jonathan-rowson-integrating-our-souls-systems-and-society/), which has brought the underlying issues into a new focus: How do we live with very different aspects of reality in our daily lives? How can the inner work inform how we are dealing with society issues, politics, justice etc?

Already, in my very first all-day sitting I had an awakening that put my practice in a different perspective, when the head student suddenly reminded the practitioners: “Remember, we are not sitting here for ourselves, but for the benefit of all beings.” The boredom that I had been struggling with suddenly disappeared, and new energy and determination arose that has kept me going for almost 30 years.

Enough for today, but I am sure I will come back to it. Please, share your ideas!

Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee Meeting and News Conference

A new executive director was elected, following the retirement of Tom Heinen, who has led the organisation for 10 years. Pardeep Singh Kaleka, from the Milwaukee Sikh Community, has a national reputation as peace builder. The basic understanding of Sikhism is that All Are One, and even after a fatal shooting at the temple in 2012, the members did not seek revenge, but responded with kindness. Pardeep has befriended a former white supremacist and together with him wrote a book “The Gift Of Our Wounds”. They also founded an organisation Serve 2 Unite. A former policeman, he lectures widely and teaches children about peace and forgiveness.

Members of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee with Tom Heinen (first left) and Pardeep Kaleka (next to Tom)

Thursday, June 27, Alice's Garden

Another warm summer day, and I took the opportunity to visit Alice’s Garden on N 21st Street. My friend Arthur came along and we walked the labyrinth and had a vegan lunch. (Arthur did not trust it; he likes real food.) Some people worked in their small plots and others cut long grass in a wild area.

The labyrinth is made of flowers and herbs, and the fragrance is part of the meditation.

the center of the labyrinth

Knitting graces the posts; I love it!

Family cooks, great food!

Refugee Fest at Lynden Sculpture Garden

June 22 was a warm sunny day and a perfect time to spend at the Lynden Sculpture Garden. The event on Saturday celebrated refugees and their stories, art, songs and dances. I had a great time dyeing a piece of cotton with indigo. Arienne, an artist from North Carolina, was teaching adults and children the ancient way of batik. Families held picnics, sampling great ethnic food and coffee. The sculptures were the perfect backdrop for this colorful display.

Milwaukee Action for Refugees

On Monday, June 24, concerned citizens met at the Milwaukee ICS building to protest deportations of refugees. It had started to rain, and we were not sure if anybody would show up. But within half an hour large groups of people gathered, banners and signs were unloaded from a truck, and picket lines were forming around the building, carefully not blocking the entrance. In the video you can hear one of the chants: No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here!

There was special dismay shared about the plight of children who have been separated from their parents and are held in unsanitary camps with little unhealthy food, no healthcare and not enough beds.

Police were standing by and did not intervene, even at the end, when the entrance to the ICS building did get blocked by a crowd listening to speeches. Hopefully, the outcry was heard, as our protest merged with others around the country.