I feel that 80% of Shikantaza teachers these days are teaching only 80% of Shikantaza ("Just Sitting" Zazen). The wind is often left out of Shikantaza's sails. The point of Shikantaza is an action done for such action's sake, with the action itself as Total Fulfillment beyond judgment or measure. This is a rarity in our never resting, never satisfied, always running and chasing lives. Sitting is Sacred, Whole and Complete just in Sitting alone.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Sailing, Shikantaza »

In Japan today, it is O-Higan (お彼岸), a holiday in Japanese Buddhism celebrated at the Spring and Fall Equinox. It is said that the etymology of the name, the "other shore", is from "the other shore of the Sanzu River" which river traditionally is said to separate this life from the world of the afterlife, much as the River Hades. The "other shore" can mean as well the world of Enlightenment, which transcends the life and death of this world, this shore. On this day, when the seasons change, the spirits of the dead ancestors are said to be close, and it is a time for communion and remembrance. Many Japanese people will return to their hometowns during the holiday season to pay respects to their ancestors, and Japanese Zen and other Buddhist priests are busy visiting the homes of their temple parishioners to chant for the ancestors in front of the family Buddhist altar.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Enter in Spring, Exit in Fall »

A little homework assignment for you, an experiment to help you discover the power of this Practice to change life. It is something to try even if you are new to this Practice, or if you have a lot of miles down the Zen road. It is also a litmus test, a demonstration of the ability of this Practice to work great change in your life right now. Oh, this little act won't fix all the problems in your life, and won't even change a flat tire. You still will have to grab a jack and get to work. But it can completely change how we experience and react to all circumstances, including detours and crashes and obstacles on life's bumpy road. ...
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:Sit-A-LONG with JUNDO: CHANGING HEART, CHANGING TIRES »

We are calling on ALL of our Treeleaf Members and friends to Vow to undertake one extra, special 'Good Deed' each day (besides all the Good you already do!) and dedicate this to our Sangha.
This is a manifestation of our Shikantaza Practice out in this world, this is a Community Project together. We recall especially that Mahayana Buddhism that is actually not about us at all, but is always dedicated to the world. We sit for the world, we act for the world and others. So, this is just another form of Shikantaza, like Chanting Metta ... it is Metta in Action. Like placing an offering on the Altar, this is making small offerings to the Altar which is the world. Like working in Samu to pick weeds or cook, or eating Oryoki, this is working to pick a few weeds in our town, to feed others as we feed ourselves.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:SIT-A-LONG with Jundo: The Treeleaf LEND-A-HAND ('LAH') Project ... WE NEED YOU! »

How does our Zen Practice blend with taking a stand? Do we stay "beyond the fray" or speak out for what is right? I have been wrestling with this lately, like many folks. I have advocated leaving "politics" outside the door of our Treeleaf Sangha. In principle. I still believe so, and that we should speak civilly and gently to each other in the Sangha, agreeing to disagree, leaving most political debate outside.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: Sit Down & Speak Up »

The past year has seen its ups and downs ... a lot of downs it seems. Next year will likely be so too. (And the year after that!) This is the roller coaster of life.
Do you know the still and quiet center at the heart of all ups and downs? Do you know that the world has always been so? Do you know that things are probably not as down (or as up) as you might think?
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:Sit-a-Long with Jundo: My Uplifting, Inspiring, Hopeful, Optimistic New Years Message »

When I began Zazen this morning, I felt so bad ... and then I didn't. The problems remained, but now filled with clarity, light, peace, compassion, equanimity, allowing ... No "I" and no "problem" remained ... even as the problems of life remained. What did I do? Better said, it's what "I" didn't need to do or not do.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: When I Feel So Bad »

We continue a series of talks on the Buddhist "Paramitas" (Virtues) which aid in our engaged and charitable work in the world. Today ... Verve, Vigor, Energy! ...
In Sanscrit, this is called the Virya Paramita ... which comes from the same root as vim and virile! And that energy is not only of use for all our social and political efforts to fix this world, clean up our country or town ... it is energy for whatever we need to "get er done" in life. And like all the "Perfections", it recognizes that we are only human, not perfect. Even superman needs to get his rest sometime.
Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum:SIT-A-LONG with JUNDO: ENGAGED ENERGY »