A message for Sendai

You appeared in a dream

and asked,

"How many flowers?"

There are more flowers than I can count.

Each of us imperfect

and perfect...

in a perfect sort of way.

Shotoku Taishi sends his love.

Sendai XX

Sendai,

may our ya fly

dispelling negativity

inviting wakefulness

cleansing our hearts and 

continually bringing us home 

to your forever-present example

of impeccable dignity and compassion. 

In loving memory of

Kanjuro Shibata XX 

December 29, 1921 - October 21, 2013

Note:

Kanjuro Shibata XX, formerly known as Sensei, is now referred to as Sendai, and Sensei will be used for Kanjuro Shibata XXI.

One for all, all for one

Sensei is enjoying this new ride thanks to his students from Koko Iba in Bern, Switzerland. Thank you kyudo brothers and sisters for making our master more mobile!

Please visit our fundraising page here to contribute any amount you like towards Sensei's care. 

Our Kyudo Master

Sensei making an offering after demonstrating kyudo at a children's Dharma camp

Lafayette, Colorado June 7, 2013

     As can be seen from these recent photos, Sensei's will to teach is alive and well even though his 91 year old body needs increasing assistance. Efforts have been underway to provide more support. A deep layer of help has arrived in the form of Ian Sheppard, a Certified Nursing Assistant and dedicated meditation practitioner. He has been working from 8am-1pm six days per week providing a steady presence and strong physical support during the most demanding hours of the day. The first six weeks of his help have been magnanimously donated by Bill and Inge Cox of Halifax. Now we are raising funds in order to hire him for the year ahead. 

Learn more and contribute any amount you like towards this care here. 

Sensei examines a tiny yumi and homemade ya at children's Dharma camp

Lafayette, Colorado June 7, 2013

Sensei teaches SMC staff

Emerging from his recent bout with pneumonia with renewed vigor, Sensei was in Zenko Iba teaching last week. Snow fell throughout the day and set the tone for the introduction to kyudo practice offered to receptive Shambhala Mountain Center staff members.

Sensei today

First shot 2013

Sensei receives cheerful birthday wishes

Weekend Intensive with the Swiss

Six Swiss kyudo students, along with two practitioners from New Mexico, swept into Boulder to join locals from Zenko Iba in creating a transformative weekend intensive. The collective mood was serious yet warm, focused yet easy. Though we came from varied backgrounds and different parts of the world, a circle of togetherness was palpable. Sharing the practice and resolve to learn the way of the bow from Shibata Sensei was a tremendous joy.

From Kyudo intensive 4/15/12

Sensei responded to the positive atmosphere by teaching... and teaching... and teaching. We did our best to soak up his offerings, and carry them into our practices with care.

Sensei touches young hearts and minds...

Each year, children from Crestview Elementary (the school across the street) visit Zenko Iba to learn about kyudo. One large group came on Tuesday March 20th (pictured above). An even larger group visited on Thursday.


Sensei fielded many fine questions.


The children shared their natural curiosity.


A good time seemed to be had by all.

Lunar New Year

Sensei celebrated the lunar new year with Zenko Iba practitioners. He offered well-wishes and encouraged us all to relax a bit. He said that to begin the New Year by launching right into practice, drawing the yumi and shooting, was not the best idea. Better to take a bit of time and renew one's aspiration, both individually and as a group. When we take time to look within and reconnect with our inspiration, then we create a good foundation for our practice for the year to come. He also said that the old style samurai would present themselves before the Emperor at the New Year in full regalia, very upright and strong, and the main purpose in doing so was to offer their good help for the year to come. He added that we do not have to be too tight and there is no reason to pretend we are of that era and place. We are in America and the style is different. Nevertheless, the sense of presence and offering can be there. Sensei also said that his own aspiration for this year is to see the kyudo group come together with a strong, powerful bond.

January 1, 2012

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

Thanksgiving

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

Back-to-school well wishes.

Intensive weekend coming up

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

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

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

Spring Greetings from Sensei

"Wishing everyone excellent health and long life!"

Photo by Carolyn Kanjuro.