The first I didn't know about until yesterday, but actually happened Friday. Andy, author of the Bayou City Buddhist invited me to join in on the Buddha bus at the Bayou Buddhist Houston Belief site. Of course I said yes, so that's in the works right now. <<<EDIT: It's up now>>
The second, and somewhat expected but still exciting, was the first leadership meeting we had at the dojo concerning the future developments my teacher wants to make for the school. Lots of volunteering for various things occurred, one of the more notable for me that of dealing with organizing food for our parties. The other was formally signing up to be instructors for private lessons as well as administrative duties, which should bring me some much needed cash. We also intend to have Zen meditation to complement our class occasionally, so I was volunteered to (help?) organize that due to my experience. So all of that's pretty exciting.
The last has to do with business at the zendo. The Rohatsu Sesshin is coming up in December and me being without a job/money wanted to see if there was something I could do in exchange to be allowed to attend. Seeing as I have yet to even attend a 1 day sitting, I though offering my services in the kitchen would be a nice transition into such intensive practice. Since the preparation and service of food is formal practice as well, I won't really be missing out on anything but a little extra boredom and aching legs.
My offer was received with great enthusiasm. It turns out the tenzo has held the position for two years and done most of the work all by himself so an assistant would be wonderful. I was told today that someone had provided a scholarship for me to attend. I kind of thought they came from the community as a whole, but it seems like I have an anonymous sponsor. If that's the case, I may have a feeling as to who it is but know if they wanted me to know, I would so I'll just be grateful to the community at large.
I've also been asked to help in the kitchen for a couple other occasions before the sesshin that won't be as formal so I jumped at those as well out of gratitude and the opportunity for experience.
So once again, I'm grateful for the generosity of the communities I find myself a member of, inspiring me to return the favor.
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Congrats! Andy is a great guy and a good friend, you are in good hands.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about the hustle.
ReplyDeleteI must be doing something right. It's not like you haven't done your share to get me traffic and I'm still grateful for that, too.