Shinkobusai Ceremony at Dechen Chöling

Sensei conducted the Shinbokusai, the annual kami tree blessing at Dechen Chöling, before leaving for London. Here's what it looked like as the residents of DCL burned the old ropes and boards, installed new ones, and made offerings.

Dechen Chöling 2009 Open Program

Following the advanced program at Dechen Chöling, near Limoges, France, Shibata Sensei presided over an open program attended by beginning and experienced students. He also offered teachings to Sun Camp and Family Camp participants. Here's a visual overview of the sights and events:

Advanced Program at Dechen Chöling, July 2009

This summer, Sensei traveled to Dechen Chöling Shambhala Buddhist Meditation Centre, near Limoges, France, to teach an advanced kyudo program, and an open program for beginning and intermediate students.

After nearly 24 hours of travel, Sensei and party arrived on July 9, and the advanced program ran from July 10 through 17. The following slideshow should give you a flavor of the place, the participants, and Sensei's presence. Stay tuned for photos from the open program, still in progress.

More International Gathering Photos

The photos below were taken by Tom Quinn Kumpf, professional photographer and Zenko Kyudojo regular. Kindly contact Tom for copies or prints.

Some International Gathering photos

Friday May 29, 2009:



Saturday May 30, 2009:



Sunday May 31, 2009:
Check back for more photos. Tom Quinn Kump was present Sunday and will share photos after he returns from travels.

Anticipation

Shibata Sensei and Zenko Kyudojo students are slowly preparing the ground for the upcoming International Gathering starting Thursday, May 28 and ending Sunday May 31. We welcome the presence and generous help of early arrivals Stephanie Miller and Chris Begnoche.

This Sunday Sensei spoke of the history of Zenko Kyudojo, expressing his gratitude for the gift from Trungpa Rinpoche of this property where Sensei resides and where they established their first kyudo practice hall together.

He also spoke at length about "shin wa" or "the peace of the Kami". He told a bit of the story of Amaterasu Omi Kami and how the aggressive activities of her brother drove her to turn her back on the world, until she was lured from her hiding place by a beautiful dancer.

At the end of this story, he emphasized how couples traditionally do not enter the Ise shrine together. The woman goes in a little way behind the man. It is said that for couples to enter together makes the Kami jealous. Sensei questioned this a bit and said it was really more a matter of "shin wa."

He also spoke at length about World War II and some of his own history during that time, including being wounded by airplane shrapnel in China. After this, he said, "Excuse me. This sort of thing is not the speech of the kami."

Thank you gentlemen!

Thank you to Matt Zimmer, Steve McQueen Wiseman, Brian White and Austin Linn for repair work to the platform. Your work greatly improves conditions. The new surfaces are very much appreciated and will be enjoyed for a long time to come! (Sorry if I misspelled names.)