Editorial
“We are entering into a new phase, a new life, but our prac- tice continues, transforming ourselves, able to adapt to the conditions presented to us. That is Zen practice.”
—Ekai Osho
Welcome to the Winter 2020 issue of Myoju magazine. In December last year I met with Ekai Osho to discuss the theme for Myoju in the coming year. His choice for the year ahead was ‘Beginning’, which would prove to be fit- ting in ways I could never have imagined.
As we go to print, the Tokozan – Jikishoan community is in its fifth week of a new three-month Online Home Retreat Program which was launched on 17 May and will contin- ue to 16 August. This innovative program ensures that all Jikishoan teaching and community practice programs are still being delivered online. Due to the new online mode, students from all over Australia, New Zealand, Europe and America can now take part in practice activities.
Ekai Osho’s Dharma Talk Kaizen, Continuous Improvement, Endless Refinement was given at the second online Sunday Sanzenkai of the program. Kaizen, a Japanese term mean- ing “renewed improvement, continuous improvement of all aspects”, has underpinned all stages of planning and delivery of the new online program.
We are fortunate to have received a heartfelt message from Rev. Shunei Oniuda, President of Sotoshu Shu- mucho, in which he implores us to “act in accordance” with the wisdom and teachings of the Ancestors; Shakya- muni Buddha, Dogen Zenji and Keizan Zenji, and “with the mind of Compassion… be diligent in the practice of zazen.”
In this issue there are writings on pilgrimage and Sanzen in Japan, refuge in the bush, refining the practice-art of mak- ing gomasio, and the struggle to maintain the sajō in secu- lar life. Calligraphy by Ekai Osho, poetry by Nicky Coles, il- lustration by Sally Wain and a review of Painting Enlighten- ment – the Artwork of Iwasaki Tsuneo.
I wish to thank everyone who has contributed to the pro- duction of this issue of Myoju. I hope everyone stays safe and well over the coming months.
Gassho,
Margaret Kokyo Lynch, Coordinator
On behalf of Ekai Korematsu Osho – Editor
