WELCOME TO THE ARIZONA SOTO ZEN TEMPLE NEWSLETTER

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past,
not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles,
but to live wisely and earnestly for the present.”
.... The Teaching of Buddha - Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai.

Our new retreat center in Washington is a 23 acre certified organic farm. We have a large garden, fruit trees, egg laying chickens, and wild natural beauty. Mt. Adams sits in our front yard, giving us a majestic view.

It is located about 1.5 hours drive from Portland, just north of the Columbia River. It is so very beautiful.
We have daily zazen at 6:40 am and plan to have full services on a regular basis.

Kozen will continue to be at the Phoenix and Tucson temples once a month.

On Saturday, September 27th, the AZSZC will be one of 3 temples hosting the first meeting of the new Buddhist Association of Arizona. We are excited to see this organization start and support the spread of Dharma.

TUCSON

The Tucson center has moved to a new location. The address is 7620 N. Hartman Lane, Suite 112, Tucson, AZ • 520.904.9474. Please check the AZSZC for driving directions and service times.

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 19 and plan on attending service to welcome Yuko San from California. She will be the attending priest for Sunday service. Also, join us in Phoenix on Saturday, October 18, for Zazenkei with Yuko San. If anyone from Tucson is able to attend and is willing to transport Yuko San from Phoenix to Tucson and then back to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport after Sunday service, please email Kozen and let him know. Your help is greatly appreciated.

PHOENIX

We are happy to announce that Yuko San will be flying in from California to host Friday evening and all day Saturday for Zazenkei on October 17 and 18. The cost for Saturday is $25 and includes lunch and a one on one meeting with Yuko San. Please email Kozen or sign up at the zen center.

Kozen will be at the Phoenix temple the weekend of September 19 and 20. Please make plans to attend.

Three Refuges

I take refuge in Buddha
I take refuge in Dharma
I take refuge in Sangha

The Ten Cardinal Precepts

I resolve not to kill, but to cherish all life.

I resolve not to take what is not given, but to respect the things of others.

I resolve not to engage in improper sexuality, but to lead a life of purity and self-restraint.

I resolve not to lie, but to speak the truth.

I resolve not to cause others to take substances that impair the mind, nor to do so myself, but to keep the mind clear.

I resolve not to speak of the faults of others, but to be understanding and sympathetic.

I resolve not praise myself and disparage others, but to overcome my own shortcomings.

I resolve not to withhold spiritual or material aid, but to give them freely where needed.

I resolve not to indulge in anger, but to exercise restraint.

I resolve not to revile the three treasure (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha), but to cherish and uphold them.

THE WAY OF PRACTICAL ATTAINMENT

Information contained within this section is taken directly from the Teaching of Buddha ­ Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, Tokyo (Society for the Promotion of Buddhism).  This book can be ordered by visiting their website at http://www.bdkamerica.org/default.aspx?MPID=53. If you have questions regarding any information contained herein, please attend one of our services and speak directly with Kozen Sensei or one of our attending Priests and the Recommended Reading page on this site to view Kozen Sensei’s personal recommended reading list.


He who is influenced by his likes and dislikes can not rightly understand the significance of circumstances and tends to be overcome by them; he who is free from attachments rightly understands circumstances and to him all things become new and significant.

Happiness follows sorrow, sorrow follows happiness, but when one no longer discriminates between happiness and sorrow, a good deed and a bad deed, one is able to realize freedom.

To worry in anticipation or to cherish regret for the past is like the reeds that are cut and wither away.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

It is worthy to perform the present duty well and without failure; do not seek to avoid or postpone it till tomorrow. By acting now, one can live a good day.

Wisdom is the best guide and faith is the best companion. One must try to escape from the darkness of ignorance and suffering, and seek the light of Enlightenment.

If a man’s body and mind are under control he should give evidence of it in virtuous deeds. This is a sacred duty. Faith will then be his wealth, sincerity will give his life a sweet savor, and to accumulate virtues will be his sacred task.

On life’s journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life nothing can destroy him; if he has conquered greed nothing can limit his freedom.

GASHO!

Kozen
Senior Priest
520.360.9080