The Noble Cause

"The Noble Cause" number 113 of 200 from Robert Aitken's book Miniatures of a Zen Master.

The Civil War was a long time ago and still is part of today's dialog in parts of the United States. Here in Moscow Idaho, we have our ties to the Civil War. I won't go into the details other than to say in my home town there is a fundamentalist Christian group, who's minister co-authored a book that espouses unconventional and unpopular views of slavery and the Civil War.

One hundred fifty years from now, what will be seen as my generations "Noble Cause" and who will be its deniers?

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There is a online 100 day practice period opportunity being offered by Dosho Port. I don't know if this is the first of its kind but this is surly early in the virtual online practice September 12 through December 19.

Background
100-days of zazen and dharma study will help stabilize and deepen your practice – if you turn the dharma wheel, the wheel will turn back. It is inspired by the 90 or 100-day practice periods during the rainy season that monks and nuns have done since the Buddha’s days. Katagiri Roshi might have been the first to start non-residential practice periods. The idea is the same:

• make a commitment
• work your edge
• and follow through (forgiving yourself when you don't and beginning again).

During this practice period Dosho will be leading study on Dogen's Genjokoan. There will be 11 Webex seminars along with Skype dokusan and a focused and guided study of the text of Dogen's Genjokoan.

All sounds so inviting.

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Any error or confusion created by my commentary on
Miniatures of a Zen Master
is solely a reflection of my own delusion and ignorance.
Any merit generated by this activity is solely the result of
Aitken Roshi's clear teaching and is dedicated to
all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.