New Year's Greetings

Fudoshin Steadfastness by Shinmon

Dai-i Great Healing by Shinmon

Dear sangha friends,

What a year this has been! We certainly never imagined a year ago when the Mountain Rain Zendo was packed with meditators from local sanghas on New Year's Eve, that the zendo would sit empty for most of 2020. But last night, an intrepid band of Zoom practitioners bravely chanted the Metta Sutta from their home places, and rang in the New Year on a motley array of bells, each in their turn. We have been so moved by your practice over these pandemic months, uplifted when downcast by the latest news, and grateful for your generous support of Mountain Rain Zen. (This includes those who have not been so visible on Zoom--it doesn't work for everyone--we know you're out there practicing with us, just as you know we're sitting with you.)

In Japan there is a tradition of kakizome, brushing a calligraphy that expresses one’s hopes for the New Year. The custom is to write it on New Year’s Day or the day after, but Michael brushed a calligraphy several days before the end of 2020. He wrote the word fudoshin, which consists of three characters, not-moving-heart/mind and then added an enso, or brushed circle with a stylized ox head as part of it since 2021 is the year of the ox according to the Chinese calendar. Fudoshin means steadfastness or patience, a quality we needed so much in 2020 and one we will need to continue to cultivate to meet the difficulties we will face in 2021. In talking with Kate, she agreed that steadfast practice has been deeply sustaining through these pandemic months, but something more would be needed in the months to come, healing. So, next Michael wrote a calligraphy with the word dai-i*, great healing, with the wish that 2021 be a time of deep healing for all. He added a blue enso, the traditional colour for healing in the Buddhist tradition.

Our sincere hope for 2021 is that all of us will remain steadfast in the face of any challenges that arise, as we turn our hearts and efforts towards healing ourselves, our relationships and the world around us.

Warm bows and wishes for peace and well-being to you and all beings,
Myoshin Kate and Shinmon Michael

p.s. If you would like to download a PDF copy of these kakizome to print on a colour printer, please click here: Fudoshin Dai-i

* Not coincidentally, the dharma name of sangha leader Dai-i Flo Rublee!