Council Practice for Spring Equinox
The way of Council
Council Practice for Spring Equinox
By Blair Mushin Withcomb
We were elated to gather the very first council in our home zendo, Sensei Shinzan’s abode, in Chula Vista. Previously, for the winter solstice, we had our joyful sangha council and potluck event at the beach. Soon after, the contagion climbed and doors closed: we covered up again. Now as time glides, and all things move, we survivors of the winter season got the news: California could open again! It was okay to unmask indoors again on the 15th. That was just in time for us to plan that auspicious day for the 19th.
We gathered in person: Gregg Dojin, Paula Jisen , Alberto Anzan , Devon, Peter Daio, Joana Joren, Alexandra Yurin, Blair Mushin, Cathy Jikai, Ji Hyang Padma, Diana Doshin and her friend Quinn, and of course, Shinzan.
We arrived, mostly unmasked, garbed in dark fabrics, and warm textures. Our first steps pulled us into the small circular turret-like entryway. This was but the first circle we entered that day. We doffed shoes, turned to the right, and became sheltered by the warm, high-ceilinged dwelling. The gates opened and our family collected. The air filled with gleeful greetings, arms pulled in, and hearts felt the beating of one another. We checked in and caught up. The energy raised to a crescendo for an exciting interval. Then, on signal, the voices descended. The bells sounded, and we settled on our chairs, our cushions; we joined breaths, the moment, this equinox. That day, when light and dark become equal, and balanced, we took pleasure in centering ourselves, felt the collective energy of all, breathing along, as one.
The bell sounded again, resonated, lifted to the high ceiling, and gently returned. Outside, just out of reach over shoulders, the street susurrations with the background mumbles of traffic: the outside world that battles afar! What dukkha we may have brought all receded as we settled the circle we know so well. We made peace. Felt equanimity.
We began with two Zazen sits and one Kinhin walking meditation in between.
Following the completion of Zazen, we formed the circle of Council. Shinzan opened with the usual guidelines, and we prepared to speak and listen with open hearts. One at a time we respond to the topic: how was your practice last year, now, and where do you see yourself going forth. In the next popcorn round, one asked a great question: what is it like, and what does daily Zazen do for you? We all had something of our own to answer. This great question opened an opportunity to articulate deep feelings for our own practice. Following a few closing shares, Council brought itself to its own natural end. The Sangha felt rooted.
Shinzan now introduced some business. First, we learned Devon had joined the board: we were all so happy for that support. Then, we got a financial report from Daio and Ji Hyang. While not swimming in wealth, we were well at present. A number of people remarked that Shinzan is very good at managing money. While donations could be made by Paypal or one at a time by check or card, there was talk of setting up direct payment withdrawals from one’s bank for those who would prefer. One of the great news was that officially we are a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, So all your donations are tax-deductible.
Shinzan steered us to where we are going: toward an official opening to the public at large. Of course, we want to generate new memberships and grow. Some tasks were agreed on for some individuals—marketing ideas from Anzan, Mushin to work with Anzan on newsletters, and Dojin would coordinate Sangha duties calendar. There would be an expansion of offerings, including an evening of intro to Zen in English and Spanish. Saturday activities will include two sits and a Dharma talk. There will be a recovery sangha opening on Friday nights facilitated by Mushin, and a book Study on Tuesdays by Joren.
We concluded with our now traditional potluck. Again, the whole house was filled with much lively conversation. In here. amid the volume of voices, as in the silent zendo, knee to knee before, the energy of so many together in person, not just 2 or 3 or even 5, but this time a full dozen of us, and one stalwart practitioner from afar, Jikai and Ji Hyang made a baker’s dozen. Now we saw room for more; another twelve could make another row. But this time elbow to elbow, breath to breath, listening and feeling our familiar way: we felt one another, felt for one another. Thank you, my caring family in dharma.
