All intentional action is karma. When we concentrate and focus our consciousness on our actions, we actualize the Way. We purify the mind. Steady our hands. Perfect the Way.

 

 

RETREAT OVERVIEW

Zendo’s and churches are closed so it’s up to each one of us to put together a zendo and/or church, a place of worship for our practice, right there at home. With the intention to realize that every space is a place of practice; a holy place. As the cook told Dogen, nothing is hidden from practice. But unless you practice this truth, nothing will be revealed as practice and you will not realize the Way of practice.

This retreat focuses on WORK – work as a spiritual practice. Those of you who are working at home, you may want to make your work-for-money a spiritual practice. Certainly those who are fortunate enough to have work at this time are grateful to have it. So….you can start with gratitude as an offering.

The first thing I’d like you to do is to choose a morning and afternoon activity that you can commit to for 90 days. Something you are willing to begin and continue. As an example, I will draw in the morning and write in the afternoon every day for 90 days. And this will be done as a devotion…with candles, flowers, and bells and bows and chants before I begin and when I finish. 

 Of course you can do more than two activities but two is the minimum for the retreat. Suggestions: going for a walk, exercise, reading, playing a board game, entertainment, speaking to someone on the phone…nothing is left out of practice. Offer all the activities for what it actually is – an opportunity to contemplate, meditate, concentrate, focus – not going after the end result…but attending to what is right in front of you. Sleep is also part of practice. 

This retreat is focused on WORK – the WORK suggested in this essay – WORK as the 4th Awareness.

In order to give your time and energy to this work you will need to contemplate what devotion is. Here are some thoughts on devotion.

To begin,  the two activities need to have a ritual, devotional approach surrounding the activity. The reason to create a ritual is simple – it reminds us to practice the WORK activity as devotion and not as a goal to complete and finish. Taking the finish line down will be difficult for some of you – and you may need to spend some time relinquishing a deadline. 

In order to do this you will need a space devoted to the activity. A sacred space is a space dedicated by you to your spiritual purpose. 

It is a space that is venerated; a space given respect and requires reverence from you. Now since we here are contemplatives and often spend solitary time in silence we suggest you do the same in regards to your activity. Before I go on – I want to remind each of us that our activity is KARMA.  

Anything you do intentionally lays down an imprint along the line of cause and effect – but don’t get too enmeshed in what that does. KARMA is complex and difficult to tease out.  

THE very best action is action given out of a courageous heart and big-open-generous hands that does not seek any result or reward. In many traditions, this refers to knowing you are not the doer. 

Think of all the ancient sages, Buddha, Christ, Rumi, Shams, mystics. Offer unselfishly what you have to do without seeking a reward.  

In order to do this type of ACTION, one must surrender the self-centered interest in the activity and just offer devotion as stated in the Way of the tenzo’s prayer. (See tenzo’s prayer here) 

This gives everyone an overview of the retreat. I will check in from time to time via e-mail. Sending teachings and support to those who sign-up.

If you’d like to join the retreat, please send an e-mail to: marilyn.fischbach@gmail.com and your name will go on the list. 

Please consider this carefully. Don’t just say, “oh, I think that might be fun.” Don’t just add your name as another thing to do – that will not serve your spiritual purpose. Contemplate this offering. If you are able to commit to it – then send an e-mail and join in. AND, remember this is a 90 DAY commitment.

The retreat begins here on May 20th. 

May we with all beings realize the emptiness of the three wheels,

Giver, receiver and gift.

If you have any questions, contact Marilyn at marilyn.fischbach@gmail.com