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Joined: 9/11/2007
Posts: 494
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This is an exceptionally well-written entry. I parlciularty liked the observation: And now, after three and a half years, two and a half of which I have worked in the office, I am grateful for my heritage, for a family that I can look to with respect for what they have achieved in the world, and for a depth of knowledge that I can draw from when I haven’t got a clue as to how best address the problems we face here at Yokoji. It sounds like dharma practice is already paying dividends, to utilize the terminology of the financial sector. Yokoji is pretty close to many people with means in nearby cities like Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells. They might be interested in the practice of meditation or maybe looking to clarify the great matter (but not knowing how to even begin the inquiry). If you have any members who live there, approach them to see if they have the willingness and the capacity to host a weekly sitting group. A UU church might also be able to accommodate you. If there are Christian churches that are engaged in contemplative practices, then perhaps they'd be open to hosting an event like a daylong retreat. The area also features many gays and Latinos, two demographics that are not as engaged in dharma practice as they could be.The short of it is that people often need an invitation to come sit at a time and place that's close at hand before they learn how to come home to themselves more intensively. When I was in Palm Springs for about a week last October, I searched pretty hard for a sitting group. I was glad that I came to Yokoji despite only 5 hours of sleep after a 500-mile drive. Spending the better part of the day there was not anticipated but it proved to be most invigorating, right up to seeing advancing clouds over Lake Hemet in the afternoon light a sight had me stop and take in the sight from the hood of my car for a good ten minutes.The continued use of web-based media is much appreciated, from Fletcher-roshi's dharma talks on iTunes to photos of nature and the sangha to available video. The 8-minute introductory feature is fantastic. Don't underestimate Fletcher-roshi's telegenic qualities, along with the fact that many Americans are drawn to a British accent (even a Mancunian one).It would be nice to see more of Maezumi on the website, including pictures of the memorial and ceremonies held there.Great photos on this post too. Good luck with your meeting!
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