This is the Q&A; with the participants during the final session and the vow ceremony …
This final session was a thoughtful discussion on the role and experiences of Bodhisattvas in the modern world. Roshi Joan, Dekila Chungyalpa, and John Dunne emphasize the importance of community, compassion, and the interconnectivity of all beings as realities to be seen and expressed through practice. The discussion continues, covering various aspects of Bodhisattva action, including the necessity of facing and engaging with societal and personal suffering actively, reinforcing the idea that such engagement is the actual practice of the Bodhisattva path. Additionally, the importance of maintaining a balance between personal limitations and the aspirational goals of Bodhisattva practice was addressed, suggesting that one’s capacity for action can expand through mindful practice and deep connection with others.
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The Bodhisattva’s Activism (8 of 8)

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Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt’s discussion on Haiku delves into the depth and nuances of this poetic form, exploring its historical context, cultural significance, and the intricacies of its composition. They discuss the story of a young female poet who impressed one of Basho’s main students with her Haiku, demonstrating the longstanding tradition of Haiku as a revered art form.
Peter Levitt’s portion of the talk shifts to the writing aspect of Haiku, describing it as “poetry of the glance” – a moment captured in a brief yet profound way. He highlights the unpredictable yet truthful nature of Haiku, where the juxtaposition of elements brings forth an authenticity that resonates with both the writer and the reader.
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The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (5 of 9)

Kazuaki Tanahashi and Peter Levitt’s discussion on Haiku delves into the depth and nuances of this poetic form, exploring its historical context, cultural significance, and the intricacies of its composition. They discuss the story of a young female poet who impressed one of Basho’s main students with her Haiku, demonstrating the longstanding tradition of Haiku as a revered art form. Tanahashi emphasizes the importance of sound, visual effect, and seasonal elements in Haiku. He explains that the beauty of Haiku often lies in the unexpected pairing of elements that creates a sense of surprise or a clash, leading to a deeper insight or image.
The summary for Peter Levitt’s portion of the talk is provided in the next part (#5).
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The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (4 of 9)

Beth Howard’s talk at a Haiku retreat delves into the transformative power of Haiku writing, both as a practice of mindfulness and as a tool for activism. She shares her own journey with Haiku, integrating this with her appreciation for Haiku’s capacity to capture and appreciate fleeting moments of beauty and peace, even in times of personal or global crisis. Howard also discusses her work with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, highlighting how Haiku has helped her maintain balance and focus in her advocacy against gun violence. She stresses the importance of finding common ground in legislative battles, using precise and effective communication, a skill honed through her Haiku practice.
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The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (3 of 9)

Natalie Goldberg’s talk on Haiku delves into the life of the famous Haiku poet Matsuo Basho, particularly focusing on Basho’s years of suffering, meditation under the guidance of a Zen priest, and the profound impact this had on his ability to perceive and interact with the world. Goldberg emphasizes Basho’s philosophy of staying awake to the moment, transcending the quest for complete enlightenment to find beauty in the everyday.
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The Way Of Haiku: Waking Up Through Writing (2 of 9)

In this opening session Roshi Joan outlines the schedule for the weekend. The faculty then discusses the transformative power of Haiku and shares personal experiences of haiku practice. The themes of each introductory talk highlights the significance of Haiku in its ability to capture moments, describe the natural world, and unlock deep intimacy with ourselves. The conversations also reveal the connections between Zen practice, the art of Haiku, activism, and personal resilience.
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The Bodhisattva’s Activism (8 of 8)

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