It’s Mid-year on the calendar, rather like the center of unfolding– fruition.
Prehistoric humans’ pattern recognition noted cycles, or patterns of recurrence. These were most useful in anticipation and sequencing; and predicting outcomes. Samsara is this cycle of coming and going, relative to “nature.” Buddha Nature is awakening to the absolute behind and intertwined: Samadhi. Samadhi – Wikipedia.
In Zen we refer to conditions and variables swirling every moment all interconnected and interconnected– Co-Arising. It is interplay of conditions and variables that generate phenomena. Reference.
As humans seem curious and use relative awareness to meet basic needs, it is worth exploring a major construct of time and space from a relative and absolute stand point. For example in Falmouth, Massachusetts, many businesses rely on the local conditions from May through August to attract people who will come and spend money. In short, Summer is their harvest season.
When we create field recognition we draw a hypothetical circle around space (and time, on occassion). So FSZS exists in Samsara by geographic coordinates in uncountable conditions and variables. It is now the Summer or time for realigning mission-goals, and programs based on significant changes. The field of summer is a fruitful time for FSZS.
Each summer FSZS modifies its schedule based on Sangha needs, People on Practice Paths, what our four sitting groups wish to do, and finally allowing Mokuo and me to take some time off. All of our decisions follow a quality and consequence review regarding time, people and finace. Keep in mind that each of these choices must be weighed against collective conditions and variables impact on all of us. This is why I ask you to think about ways you may wish to be more active in your sangha.
In July we will be half way through our 2025 Transition Plan with an update meeting at 8:00PM, on Tuesday July 29, 2025. As conditions and variables continue to change we are afforded time in making decisions for the Sangha that will begin in 2026. Keep in mind the largest change factor is my stepping back from many activities which mean more members of FSZS must step-up to help Mokuo as our Practice Leader. I feel all of you are capable of helping in ways that deepen your practice, so please drop Mokuo or me a note if you’d like to talk about possibilities.
Our July calendar will come out this Friday June 27, 2025, also be sure to schedule your Dokusan for July.
108 Bows for your support,
Sangaku