Summer 2026 Newsletter

"Regarding the teaching "United, one pure illumination; Divided, six seamless harmonies:"
This 'one illumination' refers to the one Mind, while the six harmonies represent the six sense organs. Each of these sixth sense organs merge with its respective object and between them, the six consciousness arise, forming eighteen realms. If one realizes these eighteen realms have no inherent existence, the six harmonies are bound together into a single pure radiance.
This single pure radiance is Mind itself.
While all students of the way know this, they cannot avoid interpreting it as merely a single clarity divided into six harmonies. Consequently, they are shackled by concepts and fail to accord with the Original Mind."

— Master Obaku


From Shaku Daiko:
Originally all appearances are a single Oneness. It is only due to the identification as the body and mind that it is seen as the different various realms. Here Master Obaku divides them into eighteen: the sense, its object and the arising of sensation. This encompasses everything the person can experience.
We attach to the arising of an experience as a objecive manifest thing that is owned by myself. Some other thing that then "happens to me." We jump to conclusions and imagine it as happening elsewhere in relation to a separate and persistent being. This is a misunderstanding.
The supposed separate and persistent being is neither separate nor persistent and there is no elsewhere. This single pure illumination is fundamentally one and cannot "happen" anywhere to anyone. Nothing is happening.
"Divided it is a six-fold seamless harmony." There is never a gap. While all the manifold manifestations of the eighteen arise in succession, there is no hesitation or opportunity for something else to be. Everything is just as it is and there is no place that some kind of special self could enter. As there is no gap, there can be no center or "main stage." Any idea of 'I' must also arise and pass away, without hesitation, totally seamlessly.
Seeing that there can be no inherent separate existence, all the manifestations are known to be a single radiance.

Weekend Program

August 22nd and 23rd

The first two Weekend Programs were very successful. The first program was held this past fall and another in April. They are a good way to show those who are unfamiliar with the temple the basics of the practice. It is a short schedule designed to answer questions and demonstrate its simplicity. The simplicity itself is part of the challenge. We begin on Saturday afternoon to allow ample travel time and finish after lunch Sunday.
We have four positions available this August. If you or someone you know might be interested, please get in contact with Kojyu and feel free to forward this newsletter along. This is an exciting program the temple is cultivating and we are building this opportunity to encourage familiarity with the temple and the practice.
Visit this page for more information.

禅生活

Zen life

There has been a spat of late rain showers this year but the temple is slowly drying out. As midsummer passes we are preparing for the Roshi's Ceremony and Sesshin. There have been a few young travelers who have passed through the temple this summer and assisted in getting ready. This year there has been only one or perhaps two residential practitioners together at the temple at one time, so we are all looking forward to seeing the Sangha together.
We celebrated Susan John's memorial on June 2nd. Mary Orazem very kindly finished the quilt that Susan had began early last year. Raffle tickets are $5 apiece or $20 for 5. Through some subtle karmic affinities we are still able to have this fundraiser.
Morinaga Soko Roshi's memorial ceremony is in a few days, on Sunday July 12th. On this day we honor the Roshi and all the effort that has been made by those before us to ensure this teaching remains available to all. If you are able, please join us at 11am.

Schedule

Weekly

Tuesday-Saturday Online Zazen: 6:30 AM

Sunday Zazenkai: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Morinaga Soko Roshi's Memorial: July 12th 11am
  • Sesshin: July 14th - 19th
  • Weekend Program: August 22nd and 23rd (information)
  • Sesshin: September 22nd - 27th

Please check the calendar or email the temple for more information.

Support

Our sole means of support are your donations.

You can support the temple via Paypal below or on Venmo.
Physical donations can be remitted to:
PO Box 716 Garberville CA 95542

Thank you.

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