Myoju

Sangha is the living expression of the Buddha’s path—a community where practice becomes real through relationship. Taking precepts marks a turning point: an inner vow becomes visible and shared. In Sangha, we support each other not just in keeping the precepts, but in embodying them.

This 100th issue of Myoju Quarterly marks a milestone for our publication and our Sangha. All articles in this edition reflect on the power of collective practice in the Jikishoan Zen community. Practising together helps us stay grounded and connected amid modern distractions. In this shared effort, we find support, wisdom, and inspiration.

In a world often defined by isolation, Sangha offers a powerful antidote—a community that nurtures both the individual and the collective. Rooted in ancient India, Sangha traditionally refers to a group united by a shared purpose, especially in spiritual practice.

The wisdom of Buddhism and Socratic philosophy converge in their pursuit of truth and self-awareness. Prajna, often translated as ‘wisdom’, transcends mere knowledge, inviting practitioners to recognise the interdependence of all phenomena and the impermanence of self.

In Zen Buddhism, understanding transcends mere intellectual comprehension; it embodies a direct, experiential realisation of truth.

In the relentless pursuit of truth, the sub-theme ‘Beginner’s Mind’ for Myoju 95 emerges as a guiding light, casting its illumination upon the path to enlightenment. Grounded in the spirit of curiosity and unburdened by preconceived notions, this mindset transforms the journey into a profound exploration. Much like a novice approaching a new endeavour with eagerness, embracing the Beginner’s Mind opens doors to fresh insights and genuine understanding. By shedding the weight

Attachment, a natural inclination, often blinds us to the beauty of giving. The pursuit of possessions can imprison us in desire’s cycle, leaving us unsatisfied. Shifting from acquiring to contributing unlocks profound fulfillment. Yet, it is vital for the growth, success, and sustainability of communities, organisations, and groups.

In a world emphasising individualism, contribution often goes unnoticed. Yet, it is vital for the growth, success, and sustainability of communities, organisations, and groups. This edition of Myoju further explores the theme of contribution and delves into being a member, recognising its potential to shape individuals and the collective.

Welcome to the June 2023 edition of Myoju magazine, which explores the theme of Contribution, with a specific sub-theme of ‘Material and Non-material’. In this issue, we emphasise the importance of community practice, given our return to a residential retreat (R72) in March/April. Dharma talks on Bendoho and Foundation Day, one of Jikishoan’s annual commemoration events, are reflected in the cover page photo and given a centre page highlight.

Welcome to the March 2023 edition of Myoju magazine, which explores the main 2023 theme of Contribution, with a specific sub-theme of ‘Giving and Receiving’. In this issue, we continue to explore the topic of the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, with Part Two of the Dharma talk by Ekai Osho, delivered at the 10th anniversary of the Canberra Soto Zen Group.

The Dharma talk given by Ekai Osho at the 10th Anniversary of the Canberra Soto Zen Group discusses the topic of the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. Part two of this talk will be published in the March 2023 issue. The feature article is a student talk given by Naomi Richards on her training as A2 class coordinator. In this issue we have five reflective poems from Helena Demovsek-Zorko prior to her going to Japan for her training at Toshoji.

Welcome to the September edition of Myoju magazine. The theme for practice in this third quarter has been Harmony: Practice and Study, reflected in much of the content of this issue. At the time of writing the Jikishoan sangha has just concluded a five-week hybrid retreat period, our 70th retreat to date, combining online and face to face practice, training and study. In the final week of retreat we gathered together for intense, intimate practice centred each day around fou

The 23rd Annual Foundation Day celebration was held on the morning of 1 May at the Australian Shiatsu College and was followed in the afternoon by Jiho Marisha Rothman’s Hossen-shiki (Head Student ceremony).

To be called a student of Zen you have to demonstrate this harmony through your practice, through your life. No separation. Connect with everything you meet and make the best of it. - Ekai Korematsu Osho

The Dharma talk featured in this issue is taken from a Teisho given by Ekai Osho during retreat #68 which ended in late November. In his Teisho, Ekai Osho looks at the teaching of the Maha Prajna Paramita Sutra; the cultivation of Prajna or Wisdom as a balance point to which we continually return.

Each July, Ekai Osho gives a series of teachings at E-Vam Institute’s Winter Teaching Program in Melbourne. This year Osho taught on Zen Master Dogen’s Shushogi: What Is Truly Meant by Training and Enlightenment. A Dharma talk from the series is featured in this edition.

In this edition we celebrate the Jikishoan Sangha and the many ways the Community continues to grow and develop. Our retreat #66 ended in early April, and the last two months have been spent reviewing our practice activities to-date and planning for the time ahead, especially for the coming seven-week retreat period beginning in early July. A Shuso Ryo has been formed to lead us in the next practice period and training is already underway for our Shuso, Marisha Rothman.

This issue features a special Dharma talk given by Hoitsu Suzuki Roshi, Abbot of Rinso-in Temple, Japan. was delivered via Zoom in November last year to the Sangha of Green Gulch Farm and of San Francisco Zen Centre. We wish to thank Hoitsu Roshi for allowing us to include his talk in this edition.

Welcome to this edition of Myoju magazine. Our theme for this issue is Beginning: Return. This has been a remarkable year for the Tokozan Jikishoan community.

When we want to disseminate the truth of the Buddhist patriarchs, it is not always necessary to select a particular place or wait for favourable circumstances. Shall we just consider today to be the starting point? —Shobogenzo Bendowa