Scenes from a Summer Day



The spectacle of July's Shuso Hossen, the ceremony that concludes the Ango training period, once again upheld the artistry and authenticity of our tradition. In her shining wisdom, wit, grace and utter relief, Head Monk Laurie JJ Kyoji Anderson proved that every day is a good day.

Above: Shuso drives home the point to conclude dharma combat with her Shoki, Claudia Hosso Politi.

Below: Nothing left to do but smile. Shuso and Nyogen Roshi surrounded by the vanquished dragons and elephants at the conclusion of the ceremony.

A Hazy Homecoming



Shindo and Gyonin Mayer have relocated their hearts and home from Mexico City to LA. While their brilliant and charming children adapt to life in 90210, we are grateful to welcome their energy, commitment and deep love of the Dharma here to our doorstep.

Taking the Cake

Kim Chishin Russo exhibited her work in two Santa Fe venues this summer. Three of her drawings shown at the Art Santa Fe international art fair were created during her month as tenzo (cook) during our Summer Ango. Inspiration for her recent concoctions is the parable of the Burning House from the Lotus Sutra.



Cultivating Fields

Nick Shindo Street was busy this summer cultivating the often spiritually empty field of mainstream journalism as a fellow with News21, a graduate student educational initiative. Shindo filed three timely pieces about the intersection of spirituality and science in society: using meditation to help soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder, mindfulness in public schools, and the scientific search for consciousness.

Karen Maezen Miller's writing is featured in the new "Best Buddhist Writing of 2007," proving the benefit of the Zen admonition, "Do not judge by any standards."