~Greylock~

Just got back from a lovely solo hike at Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts.  It is the highest point in the state, and is woven through with many trails, including the AT.

Basically, I was checking out a route and camp site for later on in the summer for our big, overnight hike with the campers.  The weekend was ideal, with clear skys and warm yet dry air.  All in all I hiked about 10 miles over 24 hours, and found the adventure perfect for a group of 14 year olds.

Here is a slide show of my hike.

~Tendai Buddhist Institute~

On my way back to the farm, I almost missed a sign for a zen buddhist center in Canaan.  I decided to stop and poke around.  I'm glad I did, as I was able to meet and talk with the abbott there, a warm and mellow older man named Monshin that had spent much of his life in Japan.

He showed me around the land and their strikingly beautiful meditation hall, and described in fascinating detail different aspects of the zendo and this particular lineage, which is Tendai Buddhism as founded by Saicho in the end of the 8th century.

Interestingly, this lineage is also known as Ekayana, distinguishing it from Mahayana and so-called Hinayana traditions.  Eka means one, and yana means vehicle.  The approach of this school blends aspects of many schools, including Zen, Chan, Pure Land, Theravada, and Tibetan traditions.

As we finished our dialogue, Monshin invited me to stay and sit, which I did, and during this time I was further struck by the focus and simplicity of the space.

The zendo holds dharmatalks and sittings every Wednesday, and longer weekend services periodically.  Their website it www.tendai.org

Below are some images of the land and zendo.  Enjoy!

 

In gratitude,

Eka