October 30, 2009

Golden Wind Sesshin 2009 at Dai Bosatsu Zendo was a very good one for me. I actually feel very strange to utter these words of judgement. After coming back from Poland this is exactly was I was dreaming off….

Trip back home for a change was terrible and lasted as long as going to Poland. A wonderful surprise awaited me in Rochester, a stack of orders. I must have done a good job in my zazen, I thought, perhaps now I will be able to pay all debts. Last three weeks were sort of samu sesshin, just work, zazen and silence. Only today I have a little time to write a few words.

During sesshin, October 1th, Roshi had his 77th Birthday and residents were secretly preparing a celebration. Last day many people arrived from NYC and Aiho-san, Roshi’s wife too. This time arrival of guests was so quiet and nonintrusive that we, sesshin crowd, did not even noticed it. This is quite an accomplishment.

As I learned, thanks to Jokei’s kindness, in Japanese culture certain Birthdays are very special. And this one is called kiju.  “ki” means joy and “ju” means longevity. Take a look here.

Roshi must have been surprised that before brunch on Sunday, nobody waited outside dining room, only one person, his inji….                                                                                                              We were all inside to surprise him with Happy Birthday chant as he enters.

Mariko Anraku accompanied us playing harp.

Roshi was not only surprised but impressed…

Mariko played couple of very beautiful pieces… As I preferred to look out through the window the nature was dancing with the sounds. It was magic!

The brunch was very delicious with special traditional rice prepared by Aiho-san and very special vegetable Japanese dish. She did not want to reveal the secret recipe… but the food was full of heart.

While we ate Mariko, who plays professionally in Metropolitan Orchestra in NYC, played more heavenly music. Jokei as professional reporter interviewed her and we learned something about harp.

Of cause there was a Birthday cake and chanting of Roshi’s favor song Impossible Dream.

But this was not enough… Roshi could not miss his opportunity to sing this song himself in very dramatic way…


Tears did come to my eyes seeing this…

Over the years my karma allowed me to celebrate many Roshi’s Birthdays, but this one was a really with a wonderful feeling and joyful one.

Congratulation Roshi!