Zenko Iba News

January 1, 2012

2012-01-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Sensei welcomed everyone, wishing us all good health and joyful hearts as we enter the New Year. In his closing remarks, he cautioned us to be careful with our bodies and to recognize that each of our lives is like a delicate flower from the beginning to the end, so to please take good care.

First Zenko iba shot of 2012

Sensei today

2011-11-27T15:38:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Sensei,
From the depth of our hearts,
we offer you thanks
for showing
the way
of the
bow.

From Kyudo Intensive 9.11

8.28.11

2011-08-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Back-to-school well wishes.

Intensive weekend coming up

2011-08-22T17:57:00.001-07:00

Open practice at Zenko Iba September 3-4

Beginners are welcome

Please join us.

(Top two photos by Kerry Stoen)

Barbeque at Sensei's house

2011-06-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the decision to paint Sensei's house and also in honor of their visiting guest, Sensei and Carolyn hosted a spontaneous barbeque today.

Yasuo Ito visits from Chicago, helps around the house and Iba, and successfully runs the grill in his geta (see footwear). Anyone else care to try this?

Everyone, including Sensei, ate well...

Practice Intensive

2011-05-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

Last week's intensive was declared a success. We shared quiet, focused practice sessions together. Thanks to all who participated, especially those who travelled long distances to attend.

May 15, 2011

2011-05-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

Spring Greetings from Sensei

2011-05-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

"Wishing everyone excellent health and long life!"

Photo by Carolyn Kanjuro.

Invitation to Boulder practice intensive

2011-05-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

Weekend Practice Intensive
May 20-22, 2011 at the Boulder Iba

Zenko Iba will host a weekend practice intensive on May 20-22 at the Boulder Iba. We are pleased to say that Sensei will participate as much as his health and the weather permit.

The schedule is very simple - Friday night orientation at 7 pm. Practice on Saturday from 10 am to 12:00 noon and 2 pmto 5 pm. Practice on Sunday from 10 am to 12:00 noon. Meals will be organized spontaneously (or not at all).

No charge for Zenko members, but we hope you will join in a teacher's gift for Sensei.

Questions, comments, etc. Please contact Alex Halpern.

Q & A

2011-04-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Walter sent these questions with greetings from Germany and asked that they be brought to Sensei:

I have often been asked by kyunin of schools other than ours why we put the second ya in front of us and lean it against the knot of the hakama. I have seen this only in a very old demonstration movie of Honda Toshizane. How did this develop and why? Which is the japanese expression (term) for this? Are there tales around this custom?

Sensei spoke at length after hearing these questions. What follows is an attempt to capture the essence of what he said.

First he spoke of this as a way to remember the quality of our beginners' hearts. He made reference to the manner in which we call our groups together (by pounding the wooden han with a mallet). This call brings us together and signals the beginning of settling into meditation practice. These qualities he likened to the ya positioned in front of us, as per the question. In other words, he paralleled this with having the effect of settling our hearts into practice and the sense of working as a group, not just following one's own rhythm or idea. Likewise, when the wooden clack signals the end of practice, we stop whatever we are doing and prepare to close.

Sensei also mentioned that the ya in this position mirrors stability, balance and alignment. It exemplifies the fact that the body does not sway to the left, right, back or front. He said however, that the deeper answer as to why this is done cannot be conveyed well through words and who can say what is a lie and what is true? Sensei did not offer history or stories and felt that too much discussion would likely lead to confusion. He indicated that kyudo is not about defeating people or making money or fame. A good practice of the seven coordinations void of excessive striving brings us deeper understanding. He extended an invitation to come to Boulder and share in this type of good shichido practice.

From Sensei

2011-04-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

"Anytime my health is going well, I feel it is due everyone else's power. Truly, thank you! I'm ninety years old and enjoying a wonderful life. Please send my wife your aspirations, too, so that her health can increase. It would not be possible for me to live this way on my own. Again, I thank each and every one of you for all of your efforts and kindness."

New Addition - a message from Carolyn

2011-04-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sensei says of this: "Kan in ashi bumi."

Well...we were not actively (or even inactively) looking for a dog. Kan is a one year old rescue who came to us via the gentleman who cuts our hair. On Tuesday, as we were having our haircuts, he explained the situation. He has two dogs of the same crossbreed. A friend of his bought one, then had to relocate to New York and left the dog with him in the hopes that he could find him a new home. He's been on the lookout for the right situation for the last six months, emphasizing that, although three dogs were a bit much for him, he was very taken with this animal and refused to let him go to just anyone.

Relegating the story to salon banter, I didn't give it a second thought until it resurfaced in my mind about three hours later. By six hours later, I was strangely convinced this dog belonged with us. I tentatively presented the idea to Sensei over dinner, ready to let it go if he thought otherwise. (We had discussed getting a dog about six months ago and both quickly nixed it.) He started to say 'No', then paused mid-sentence, sat quietly and said, "Maybe, very good idea."

In the car after picking him up, Sensei named him, "Kan, as in 'Kanjuro'."

He's a one-year-old schnoodle (cross between a schnauzer and a poodle) and very mellow, but playful if you want to be. He's one of the most easygoing beings I've ever met. Even our parrot instantly relaxed with him in the house. If anyone had asked me two weeks ago if I'd find having a dog more relaxing I would have said, "Are you out of your mind?" But, as it turns out, Kan is taking care of us. A real plus that, being a schnoodle, he doesn't shed at all. He is gentle inside and out, very perceptive and apparently easily trainable (a mark of this crossbreed). Also, he came with a built in anytime dogsitter, as our friend who gave him to us has said he will happily care for him whenever we are away.

Perhaps our neighbor, Matt Zimmer, said it best: "Kan's hair is the same color as Sensei's. And they have the same eyebrows."

And, about having him in the house, Sensei simply says, "Good feeling."

Kan is not actually a lap dog, but he's been pretty amenable to anything we ask.

Enjoying the deer.

Sensei today

2011-04-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air here in Boulder,
and new leaves are bursting forth with fresh energy.
This is the image that best captures for me
what if felt like to share Sensei's presence
in the Iba today.

He's vibrant...

and leading the way to new growth.

Sensei today: A-OK!

(This photo was taken as Sensei was leaving the Iba.
Moments later, drops of rain turned to a hailstorm
covering the ground in lovely white
pellets of much-needed moisture.)

Words from Sensei

2011-03-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

"I am doing well now, not because I am strong, but because of the strength of all of you working together. You truly showed perseverance, practicing and holding together as though your lives depended upon it. You are not just preoccupied with material things, but came together and worked together and because of that, I am physically strong now. This was an expression of your hearts, not just words. It is thanks to all of you that I am well, truly."

Welcoming the New Year

2011-01-10T18:56:00.000-08:00

Ganjo Reisha Sunday, January 9, 2011

XX Birthday messages

2010-12-30T20:44:00.000-08:00

A deep arigato to each and every one of you for your many birthday greetings to Shibata Sensei. The candles were a tremendous delight! Here are some hastily shot photos from his birthday. At Sensei's request, we spent the day quietly. First, I arranged some of the candles on the dining table early in the morning. So, when he came out for breakfast he had his first glimpse of them. He was quite impressed.

You can see him here examining the messages...

then saying a silent prayer.

In the afternoon, we took a mountain drive. He wanted to have a big view of Boulder.

Here he is in the car telling me what to photograph.

During most of the rest of the day, he warmed himself in front of the fireplace. We lit candles gradually throughout the day and set them out around him as he relaxed. Each time we lit one, we read its message. So, by the end of the day, he had heard each one of your greetings. In between, I also passed him emails, cards that had arrived by post, a kabocha from the doorstep and handed him the phone several times for those who called in. So, although the day was quiet and peaceful it unfolded in a heartening atmosphere of abundance.

Finally, at night, he insisted that we set up all the candles together and take a couple of snapshots before bed. (I'm afraid I didn't manage to capture the fabulous view from the ceiling he was asking for.) Your many aspirations illuminated his birthday, providing a palpable connection with each of you.

Tonight, I asked him if he had a message for you all. It is this:

"Good health and harmony are completely interrelated. If there is no harmony, it is difficult to have a strong body. And if the body is not well, it is difficult to have harmony. These two are naturally bound together."

With gratitude,

Carolyn Kanjuro

First Shot

2010-11-14T18:34:00.001-08:00

Photos by Kerry Stoen

Amid the leaves

2010-11-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Photos by Kerry Stoen

Signs of Autumn at the Iba

2010-10-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

From ZenkoIba 10.10.10

Karme Choling Kyudo 2010

2010-06-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jack and LJ Reisha at Karme Choling

2010-06-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Zenko Iba May 2, 2010

2010-05-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

Shihobarai & Shihonmono Ceremony

2010-02-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

Celebration of Shibata Sensei's 89th Birthday and New Year

2010-01-01T23:24:00.000-08:00

December 13, 2009

2009-12-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Carolyn translates as Sensei visits with children, parents and teachers from the Eastern Sun Academy. Sensei sports heavy sunglasses after recent successful cataract eye surgery.

Shinkobusai Ceremony at Dechen Chöling

2009-07-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-04T09:00:00.001-07:00

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.)

Light drizzle

2009-04-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Zenko Kyudojo weather report: grey skies, cool temperatures and very light drizzle - a nice day to practice.

Exciting gathering info from Alex

2009-04-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

I am happy to say that Sensei's son, Shibata XXI, will be attending both the International Gathering and the Shambhala Mountain Center Intensive in May and June. While at SMC, he will do a two day yumi-making demonstration. He will also discuss the care and repair of yumi and other equipment.

In addition, he is able to take orders for yumi to be delivered at Boulder during the Gathering. If you are interested in acquiring a yumi, you may order them by e-mail through me. There are two grades available - class yumi quality at around $600; and personal yumi quality at around $1200. More expensive yumi can also be special ordered. I strongly recommend that for a personal yumi, you should purchase the higher quality. If you need a yumi that is more than 14 kg in strength, you really should not consider the lower cost as an option.

In order to process an order, we will need the following information from you:

1. Strength (current strength and/or preference)
2. Proper ya length for the individual using it.
3. height of the person (with ya length and/or height will decide the length of yumi, either nami-sun, nisun-nobi, or yonsun-nobi)
4. kake size (or trace of the hand) to determine the size and width of the grip.
5. Which quality of yumi
6. any other request for the specification, types and color of bamboo, etc.
and
7. contact e-mail address.

In addition, we will require a 25% deposit. Yumi will be shipped from Japan about a week ahead of the program. Therefore, we must receive your order absolutely no later than May first.

You should plan on receiving your yumi directly from Shibata XXI in Boulder or at SMC. This is very important and will also give you the opportunity to learn how to break it in and care for it.

Yours, Alex.

More practice

2009-03-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Another quiet day of practice amid melting bright white snow. Sensei and Carolyn leave for Californial tomorrow and will return at the end of the month.

Practice

2009-03-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sunday, March 22 was a day of simple, quiet practice.

Travelers from afar are starting to confirm plans to attend the International gathering of Shibata Sensei's kyudo students here May 28- 31, with some staying for the kyudo intensive at Shambhala Mountain Center as well (Advanced Intensive: May 31-June 2 and All Levels Retreat June 2 - 6). It looks like we will have a good number of rooms/beds/tents etc. to offer with local kyudo-practitioners during the Boulder portion of the activities.

Pearl Olson's passing - a message from Carolyn

2009-03-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Kyudo family,

As you may know by now, Pearl Olson (my mother) died Friday, March 13th at 10:55a.m., at her home here in Boulder. Shibata Sensei and I were present, along with two members of her remarkably large and caring circle of friends who have seen her through the last few months. She passed from ovarian cancer.

As per her request, her ceremony was held at Zenko Kyudojo, where she added kyudo to her various dharma practices at the age of 70. The ceremony took place Sunday at 10:55a.m. to align with the time of her death.

Pearl very much wanted an international announcement to be made upon her death that, in lieu of any gifts or flowers, people send contributions to:

Zenko International
4220 19th Street
Boulder, Colorado 80304

She greatly wished to support Shibata Sensei’s work for the benefit of sentient beings (and really abhorred the idea of expensive funeral flowers).

She was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She received her Buddhist refuge name from Trungpa Rinpoche: Fearless Dharma Cloud.

Pearl was long time student and practitioner of the Shambhala sangha, served as Academic Provost at Naropa University, helped start the Brattleboro, Vermont Shambhala Center and was an all-around willing and able helper in whatever form presented itself to her. She never balked at “lowly” tasks or particularly sought confirmation in positions and titles. The magnitude of her care circle these last number of months was a tribute to her willingness to give to others whenever she saw an opportunity to do so. She will be missed by many people, including me, her son Charles, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

Thank you all for your practice and kindness to her throughout her life and death.

Carolyn Kanjuro

Lunar New Year Celebration - Mochi Party!

2009-03-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

2009-02-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Today Level 3 Shambhala training students visited the dojo. They heard Alex Halpern give a brief explanation of kyudo and watched Carolyn Kanjuro demonstrate. This was followed by a question and answer gathering (pictured above).

One question was: "Sensei, what is the hardest part of teaching kyudo to Westerners?" Sensei: "Meditation heart. People so quickly give up when the weather changes. True meditation is based on perseverance, regardless of outer circumstances."

Calligraphy books ready!

2009-02-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

After months of detailed work on Carolyn's part, Sensei's calligraphy books will be soon ready to ship! Above, Sensei signs the first copy. Below are a few more photos of the work that went into finishing the handmade books. To see more photos, see the post in this blog from December 24, 2008.

>

Stringing a yumi

2009-02-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

On February 15, Sensei demonstrated the use of the dojo's newly installed wood block for stringing yumi. Thank you to Vajra Rich for designing, constructing and installing it.

Eastern Sun Academy visit

2009-02-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

Students, parents and teachers from the Eastern Sun Academy visited the dojo today. Shibata Sensei gave them a lesson in Japanese history, including some graphic descriptions of the 47 samurai who committed seppuku -- a strong diet for 8-year-olds, but it held everyone's attention. He described kyudo as completely different from sports or fighting forms. In kyudo one isn't working to perfect something (like getting a 100% on a test) or to beat someone else. Instead, it is a conversation with one's own heart. Through kyudo practice, we look into a mirror, but it's not like an ordinary mirror where we merely see our faces or fix our hair. It's something much deeper, a way to see not only our front selves, but what is behind and within. In practice, we can check ourselves to see whether we are on a clear path or if we are holding some tricky or mistaken ideas.

He told the children that loyalty is very important and one aspect of loyalty is to love your country. Only if you love your country can you offer help. Now, he said, America is experiencing a great economic downturn. The way to real recovery is through this conversation with our hearts and becoming strong from that clarity. He added that we are fortunate now to have someone in power in this country, Obama, who has a bit of the feeling of Abraham Lincoln (Sensei's all time favorite US president).

Vajra Rich and Bryant Lord (pictured above) provided demonstrations for the visitors who in turn expressed appreciation and gratitude after the warm gathering.

[From Carolyn Kanjuro]

For 2009

2009-02-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today Shibata Sensei was full of energy, and the day was clear and bright. His message to us was:

"We have a new slogan for 2009: Do not forget your beginner's heart! Also, do not think about quickly becoming good in your practice or trying to get good at hitting the target. In Kendo, Judo, or various budo forms, you have some kind of ambition for improvement in the form. In Kyudo, you are simply having a conversation with your own heart. That is the point of the practice. Kyudo is a long road, a long practice. My great hope is that you all will not forget your beginners' hearts!"

Sensei today

2009-01-25T16:29:00.000-08:00

Split ya

2009-01-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

Amid unseasonably warm temperatures at our practice session Sunday January 18th, Sensei offered his usual generous instruction to all who would ask.

One lesson related to the retirement of a ya whose bamboo had a split in the middle. Sensei explained that the weakness could fail if the ya were drawn under the tension of a strong yumi. In the worst case, a practitioner could be injured in the face, arm or hand by the explosion of bamboo splinters. Clearly it was time to retire this particular ya. Instead of simply discarding it, Sensei instructed that the end and tip be removed and saved for future use and the ya itself be set aside to become a flagpost for an upcoming ceremony.

We ended practice a bit early to stack wood and gather kindling. We burn through a fair amount of wood since Sensei likes the warmth, and the cinder block structure of the dojo (aka "the ice box") often maintains a colder temperature inside than out!

First Shot of the year

2009-01-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

On January 1, Zenko Kyudojo opened the New Year with a first shot ceremony. Wearing their Kyudo finest, participants prepared to shoot at a variety of festive targets ("go ko mono" - i.e. five small targets). The shooting once again reflected our tremendous dedication to non-emphasis on targets as many shots flew and our crowd of guests watched with Sensei and waited for a hit. When the first hit finally came (thank you, Scott), it was clean and clear and Sensei called it a wrap! Following the shooting, we all gathered in the dojo where Sensei sang the famous, haunting Goose Song accompanied by Yoko Hiraoka on koto, and we drank sake and ate dried squid to toast a fresh start for the New Year.

[From Carolyn Kanjuro]

Shibata Sensei's birthday celebration

2009-01-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

On December 28th, we each offered a last shot for 2008 and then joined friends and family of Shibata Sensei in the dojo to toast his his 88th birthday. (That is to say, he is entering his 88th year in 2009. By western counting, he will turn 88 in December 2009.) It is considered an auspicious year in Japan, his "rice year." Sensei says being in the West has given him strong power!

[From Carolyn Kanjuro, photo by Yoshie Koester]

Carolyn works on Shibata Sensei's Calligraphy book

2008-12-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

For months now, Carolyn has been working long hours on the crafting of Sensei's Calligraphy books. Each step along the way is labor intensive and rich with focused attention, the highest quality materials, skill and deep dedication. Below is a slideshow that captures a few steps of the process:

Celebration!

2008-12-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends of Kyudo!

Celebration is in the air at Zenko Kyudojo here in Boulder, Colorado as Shibata Sensei's auspicious 88th birthday (aka his "rice year") as well as the New Year approach. We thank Shibata Sensei for his continued tireless commitment to teaching and supporting Kyudo practice around the world. This blog is an attempt to share some of the happenings from Sensei's home dojo with Kyudo enthusiasts far and wide. I am a relative newcomer to Kyudo and will post the entries identifying when the content comes from Sensei, Carolyn and/or others.

May we all enjoy the priceless fruits of dedicated practice and community.