by Richard
Our Melbourne Sesshin was held in a small group over four days. Geoff generously again shared his time and teachings, with talks ranging across many themes including beginners’ mind, stress responses, and the poetry of Ryokan.
Our time together was not without some unexpected events. We had a confronting start, with the sudden realisation that there was no coffee left: unheard of for any event held in Melbourne, let alone one with our Zen group. After everyone experienced a mild degree of panic, Steph quickly arranged for an emergency dash for supplies, which was greatly appreciated by all, as well as her extensive help in organising this year’s event more broadly.
From the beginning, the whole group was immediately supportive and settled. Anja was time keeper, and held the heart of Sesshin together as always. Jenny was Tenzo, and with support from Steph Steve John and Diana, provided much fine cooking in the kitchen. Michelle Anja and Diana led mindful movement in the dojo, alongside beautiful flower arrangements from Michelle. David, Tom, John and Steve diligently helped throughout the gardens. Thomas was unable to attend but kindly provided our shopping. And of course, Penny was in our hearts and spirits.
We are lucky to have such a beautiful setting to hold Sesshin. Our dojo has an outlook across a natural landscape with river red gums, ducks, ibises and rosellas. Evening sits were accompanied by frogs in the nearby pond, and croaks amassing into something in between cacophony and concerto.
Other assorted wildlife abounded, some of which were unexpected being this close to the centre of Melbourne. Diana observed that:
“Another surprise, during Sutra reading a ‘cloud’ of grey moved across the fields, only to see it was a huge herd of thirty or more kangaroo’s hopping gracefully through the trees – the Heart Sutra in action.”
At the nearby Yarra River was another wildlife sighting that made for a highlight this year. A platypus surfaced on the river below the suspension bridge, attempting to join our morning walk by splashing and dancing around. Never before were so many Zen students seen trying to contain their excitement whilst holding a noble silence.
Calm before the storm: moments in the lead up to the platypus.
Each year Sesshin arrives, and it becomes a small life event of sorts. In the days afterwards, everything seems different: life is somehow simpler and more vibrant. Unexpected observations may occur, and for me this time it was a tendency to notice small signs around the place: little reminders of the teachings.
- Sticker on son’s school bag: Instructions on how to hold one’s self during Kinhin
- Sign on planter box in the street: Sun-faced Buddha, moon-faced Buddha
- Fridge magnet at home: Describing the precepts
Sesshin this year has had a mixture of happiness and sadness. Events occur in the world, events occur with one another, and events occur within ourselves. But we also sat together quietly in a room for a few days, and nothing too much happened. A great thank you to all who worked together to make this wonderful practice possible.
My hut lies in the middle of a dense forest;
Every year the green ivy grows longer.
No news of the affairs of men,
Only the occasional song of a woodcutter.
The sun shines and I mend my robe;
When the moon comes out I read Buddhist poems.
I have nothing to report, my friends.
If you want to find the meaning, stop chasing after so many things.
– Ryokan