From Katsuryu Bill Cooper
Dear Sangha,
Thank you for being a part of the Forum on January 12, 2023.
There were 10 of us: Hojo, Zenku, Mokuo, Ansel, John H, Zenku sensei, Ungan M., Zenki S., Andrew K. and myself (Katsuryu).
We began by chanting Opening the Dharma verse. Then I spoke briefly about the idea of inclusivity and its importance in our Forum meetings. I suggested we meet in such a way that we are allowing time during our discussions for curiosity, thoughtfulness, and all voices.
We welcomed the new attendees Zenki, Ansel, John H, and Andrew K. Some of them are starting Zen groups in their areas. Others are at the Forum to see how we work and what we’re doing.
Then Hojo gave the Opening Talk. He spoke about the model of STO, its history and how we came to adopt an (almost, similar) franchise approach. A franchise in the sense of establishing many, effective places or groups– in this case for Zen practice. So, a goal of STO is growth in the number of practice centers with qualified Practice Leaders and Guiding Teachers.
Zenku Sensei also clarified some aspects here, especially the intent of STO policies and docs. They can be considered as proposals and guidelines, outlines as such. In summary from both Hojo and Zenku, the guidelines for Practice Leaders were written in the spirit of passing on experience and best practices.
Then the meeting moved onto questions from the Practice Leaders. The first question was from Anchigyu Ansel. He’s with the Burning Rock Soto Zen in Birmingham, Alabama. His question raised the issue of situations when the Affiliate center encounters someone who may need mental health services. The PL may feel un-qualified or uncertain about procedure. There was a good discussion about this. But without a final result, yet. It’s a good question, and one that deserves attention. Perhaps some of us will want to discuss this by email?
We could revise the Guidelines, then send it to the entire PL Forum for review, discussion, etc.
If this interests you please let me, Katsuryu, know. I also would like to attend and contribute. As for leader of the subcommittee, this could be you!
Next, Zenki Salad, who is beginning a group in Ft. Lauderdale, raised a great question about motivation in our groups, both for ourselves and others. How do we develop and maintain motivation for our zazen? There was a heartfelt discussion here. I think this is an issue, in varying degrees for many of us.
There were announcements. We concluded the Forum by reciting the Four Vows.
Before I end, I want to give a shoutout of thanks to Hokai Jeff Harper who couldn’t make the Forum, but who is doing great work on the upcoming newsletter. Hokai is in Nova Scotia. Many thanks for volunteering your time and skills, Jeff!
To PLs: The upcoming newsletter can include your events, and a listing for your group, I believe. But Affiliates must send their information to Hokai Jeff. by Jan 25. This is for the February newsletter.
Next Forum, April 6, 2023. 6pm ET, 3pm PT. You are invited to attend!
Many thanks to everyone!
Gassho
Katsuryu Bill
