PDF of this book with OCR - 50MB ---- 8MB

Tassajara 25 Year Book ------ (text file)

with thumbnail links to high quality images of each page

1967 - 1990 - some practice periods incomplete or no info. Consider it all incomplete. If someone's name isn't listed for a particular practice period, it doesn't mean they weren't there. - dc

 

[DC corrections, additions in brackets]

***
I transcribed all of the pages of the Tassajara 25 Year book, mostly by Optical Character Recognition but some had to be hand-transcribed. At the end of each page's transcription you'll find the name of the file representing the scanned page. [Replaced file name with thumbnail image.] The main point here was to make the document searchable. Don't remember which practice periods you attended? Now you can find out! (As long as you were there before 1990). - Neil J. Rubenking (who hasn't gone by Kazan Ginfu for a long, long time).

Note: Click an image to see full size page. Click left/right in image for previous/next. Click outside image to return to text.

Tassajara
1967 - 1992
ANNIVERSARY

Tassajara
Zen Mountain Center
1967 - 1992

(no text)

Zenshinji
Twenty
Fifth
Anniversary
1967 — 1992

The Tassajara Road

The Sixties

SUMMER 1967

SHUSO:            Richard Baker

No List of Students Available

Caption: Ken Strauss, unidentified student, Suzuki-roshi, Silas Hoadley
Caption: Oryoki meals in front of the pine rooms, Summer 1967

There was quite a bit of excitement about the October 18 edition of Time, since it contained an almost full page article about us. The article was not as good as we had hoped, but neither was it nearly as bad as we had feared.

SHUSO LOG, FALL 1968

Caption: The old dining room porch
Caption: Niels Holm and friends on the bridge
Caption: Mike Dove [Daft] Making gomashio
Caption: Suzuki-roshi at teatime

 

SPRING 1968

SHUSO:            Philip Wilson
No List of Students Available

In describing Hallowe'en, many of us felt that it was a kind of an American Buddhist holy-day, and that we ought to work up some way of celebrating it at Tassajara.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1968

It was announced that nobody other than the kitchen crew should be coming into the kitchen. Quite a bit of food has been disappearing. Cayenne pepper was put in the peanut butter as a gentle reminder.
The kitchen has worked out a basic alternating menu:

 

ODD DAYS

EVEN DAYS

BKFST

Leftovers Gruel/Brown Rice

Hot Cereal

 

Fruit

Soybeans-plain, molasses, seaweed, etc.

 

Egg, or sometimes Nut Loaf

Pickle - miso, nuka, kimchee, cucumber

LUNCH

Bean Soup-lentil, pea, etc.

Vegetable Soup

 

Salad

Salad

 

Bread

Bread

 

Spread-peanut butter, sesame miso, margarine, cream cheese

DINNER

Vegetable

same

 

Brown Rice

 

 

Miso Soup

 

SHUSO LOG, FALL 1968

Caption: Louise Pryor
Caption: Donnie Crockin

The sewing room seems to have hit upon a technique for making baggy black pants for the zendo, and is turning them out a mile a minute.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1968

DOCHO ROSHI:

Shunryi Suzuki-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Peter Schneider

SHUSO:

Claude Dalenberg

ZENDO DIR:

Kobun Chino

ASST. ZENDO DIRECTOR:

Dan Welch

HEAD COOK:

Ed Brown

JISSHA:

Louise Welch

WORK FOREMAN:

Stan White

HEAD SEAMSTRESS:

Sally Block

HEAD CARPENTER:

Niels Holm

HEAD MASON:

Dan Welch

HEAD GARDENER:

Emily Buckley

STUDENTS:

Craig Boyan, Jeff Broadbent, Ron Browning, Dan Chesluk, Jack Elias, Christopher Herold, Harriet Hiestand, Jim Morton, Evelyn Pepper, Alan Rappaport, Jeff Sherman, Arnold Silberman, Frances Thompson, Jeff Williamson, Liz Wolf, Doug Bradle, Joyce Browning, David Chadwick, Paul Discoe, Chris Flynn, Pat Herreshoff, Pat Lang, Rick Morton, Mary Quagliata, Buncie Shadden, Bill Shurtleff, Katherine Thanas, Jack Weller, Alan Winter

FROM MID-PRACTICE PERIOD CELEBRATION "GUIDELINES"
ROBES: All students must wear robes in the zendo.
Robes should be spotlessly clean, wrinkle-free, and in perfect repair.
Walk in shashu at all times when thinking about your robe
Always wear a layer of clothing over your robes.
Change into and out of robes with no fewer than nine others present.

Caption: Kobun Chino-sensei
Captoin: Bob Shuman

SPRING 1969
No Shuso for this Practice Period

No List of Students Available

Caption: Shunryu Suzuki-roshi
Caption: Buncie Shadden, Kathy Cook, Lynne Faus, Louise Pryor and Sally Block

FALL 1969

DOCHO ROSHI:

Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Dan Welch

SHUSO:

Jean Ross

ZENDO DIR:

Ryogen Yoshimura

ASST. ZENDO DIRECTOR:

Ed Brown

JISHA:

Peter Schneider

HEAD COOK:

Angie Runyon

WORK FOREMAN:

Bill Shurtleff

SHOP FORMEAN:

Paul Shippee

HEAD SEAMSTRESS:

Molly Jones

HEAD CARPENTER:

Paul Discoe

HEAD MASON:

Bob Walter

HEAD GARDENER:

Roovain ben Yumin

NURSE:

Doris Griffin

TEACHER:

Jane Westberg

ASST. TEACHER:

Frances Thompson

BOOKKEEPER:

Stanley White

STUDENTS:

Jonathan Altman, Craig Boyan, Joanne Bull, Margaret Crowley, Tom Dorsey, Jerry Fuller, Paul Haley, E. L. Hazelwood, Jed Linde, Bonnie Miller, Paul Provosoli, Dennis Samson, Katherine Thanas, Frank Wood, Doug Baty, Steve Brown, Donny Crockin, Marian Derby, Maya Dreimane, Meg Gawler, Bob Halpern, Beverly Horowitz, Maria Linde, Rick Morton, Alan Rabald, Bob Shuman, Audrey Walter, Ken Berman, Doug Bradle, Peggy Cramer, Ruth Discoe, Jack Elias, Diane Goldschlag, Lucille Harris, Margret Kress, Alan Marlowe, Lou Musto, Paul Rosenblum, Ken Strauss, Louise Welch

 

Caption: Suzuki-roshi and students on picnic
Caption: Suzuki-roshi

Caption: The path to the hill cabins

The Seventies

SPRING 1970

DOCHO ROSHI:

Tatsugami Roshi [Should have been Seido, guest teacher. Docho is the abbot which was Suzuki]

GODO:

Katagiri Sensei

DIRECTOR:

Peter Schneider

SHUSO:

Mel Weitsman

INO:

Bob Halpern

TENZO:

Angie Runyon

TREASURER:

Stan White

SHIKA:

Katherine Thanas

ASST. DIRECTOR:

Paul Discoe

WORK FOREMAN:

Bill Shurtleff

JISHA:

Dan Welch

ANJAS:

Louise Welch, Lou Musto

DOAN RYO:

Jane Westberg, Bob Shuman, Niels Holm, Meg Gawler, Reb Anderson, David Chadwick.

LIBRARIAN:

Deborah Madison

TRANSCRIBING:

Maya Dreimane, Mary Quagliata

SHOP:

Paul Shippee, Jim McGuire

GARDEN DIGGING:

Peter DiGesu, Bonnie Miller, Ken Strauss, Margret Kress, Doris Griffin, Gail Mueller, Meg Gawler, Ed Brown

FIREWOOD:

Bob Shuman

MASONRY:

Donny Crockin, Alan Marlowe

PLUMBING:

Craig Boyan

KITCHEN:

Jim Murphy, Lucille Harris, Jack Elias, Bill Laws, Doris Griffin, Margaret Kress

BATH:

Elda Graves

SEWING:

Marian Derby, Carolyn Morton, Amy Richmond

MAINTENANCE:

E. L. Hazelwood

PIPELINE:

Ken Campbell, Araki, Mark Lewis, Steve Brown, Frank Wood, Reb Anderson, David Chadwick

CARPENTRY:

Niels Holm, Jerry Fuller, Rick Morton, Paul Haley

Caption: Picnic. Katagiri-sensei, Meg Gawler
Caption: Spring Practice Period 1970

FALL 1970

Docho Roshi:

Tatsugami Roshi Tatsugami Roshi [Should have been Seido, guest teacher. Docho is the abbot which was Suzuki]

Godo:

Katagiri Sensei

Director:

Dan Welch

Shuso:

Silas Hoadley

Ino:

Jane Westberg

Asst. Director:

Paul Discoe

Treasurer:

Margaret Kress

Tenzo:

Frances Thompson

Work Leader:

Neils Holm

Jisha:

Stanley White

Anjas:

Janet Sturgeon, Debbie Madison

Doan Ryo:

Francis Blanco, Tim Aston, Angie Runyon, Jerome Peterson, Louise Welch, Peter Schneider, Lew Richmond

Students:

Bill Shurtleff, Mary Williams, Tom Dorsey, Naome Rader, Cheryl Hughes, Jerry Halpern, Roovain ben Yuhmin, Mark Harris, Meg Brown, E. L. Hazelwood, John Hopkins, Van Voorhies, Paul Rifkin, Paul Shippee, Jeff Sherman, Jonathan Altman, Chuck Hoy, Marc Alexander, Jerry Fuller, Ken Sawyer, Lucille Harris, B. Hochberg, Marian Derby, Chuck Dagle, Amy Richmond, Sue Isaacson, Layla Smith, Julie Runk, Sandy McDill, David Chadwick, Phil Olson, Ed Brown, Les Kaye, Alan Marlowe

 

Caption: Mel Weitsman's Shuso Ceremony. Photo next to Suzuki-roshi's cabin.
Caption: Silas and Amber Hoadley, 1970

This training period was given its character by the presence of Tatsugami Roshi… it was characterized by changes. The first innovation was establishment of the Rokuchiji . . . the  position of Ino was new to us, and the Doan Rio [sic], which is a sort of liturgical orchestra.

Roshi spent a great deal of time training the Doans to chant and perform the service. His voice . . . seems to come from the deepest regions of the earth.
SHUSO LOG, SPRING 1970

Tenken was another new position . . . [which] was formerly done by the Shuso . . . everyone disliked this task and protested that they didn't want to be policemen. Another major change was meal serving. Formerly, the kitchen served meals. Now their duties did not extend outside of the kitchen.
SHUSO LOG, SPRING 1970

SPRING 1971
With thanks to Tai Sheridan for providing this list.

ABBOT:

Tatsugami Roshi

DIRECTOR:

Dan Welch

ASST. DIRECTOR:

Paul Discoe

GODO:

Katagiri and Yoshimura Sensei

SHUSO:

Peter Shneider

JISHA:

Lew Richmond

HOUSEKEEPERS:

Amy Richmond for Tatsugami, Beverly Horowitz for Katagiri and Yoshimura

INO:

Jane Westberg

LIBRARIAN:

Jerome Peterson

TRANSCRIBING:

Julia Rudnick?

WORK LEADER:

Tim Aston

ALTAR ATTENDANT:

Roovain Benjumin

SHOTEN:

Chuck Hoy

HEAD TENKEN:

Chris Miller

ACTIVITIES:

Janet Sturgon

CEREMONIES:

Angie Runyon

HEAD JIKIDO?:

Louise Welch

ATTENDING SICK:

Alan Klein

PLUMBING:

Steve Brown

CARPENTERS:

Jerry Fuller, Marc Alexander, Todd Sullivan

TENZO:

Frances Thompson

KITCHEN:

Tommy Dorsey, Jerry Halpern, Sue Issacson, Bruce McCallister, Layla Smith

TREASURER:

Margaret Kress

WORK FOREMAN:

Niels Holm

BOOKKEEPER:

Stan Swanson

SHOPPER:

Margaret Crowley

GARDENERS:

Marc Harris, Debbie Green, Paul Alexander, Molly Jones

BATHS:

Lucille Harris

SEWING?:

Cheryl Hughes, Rita Roniti, Martha Trundy

GENERAL LABOR:

Norm Randolf, Terry Gragg, Ron Leyva, Peter Overton, Larry Roniti, Gary Sekarak, Larry Sherdian, Steve Tipton

SHOP:

Paul Shippee, Van Vorheis, Jacob Fishman

MASONRY:

Jeff Sherman

WOODWORK:

David Chadwick, Naome Rader, Dennis White, Mary Wiggins

Caption: Tatsugami-roshi and Dan Welch
Caption: Ready for a ceremony in white tabi: Angie Runyon, Loring Palmer, Fran Thompson, Jane Westberg, Margaret Kress, Paul Discoe
Caption: Mealtime in the old zendo

FALL 1971

ABBOT:

Shunryu Suzuki-roshi

SEIDO:

Dainin Katagiri-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Dan Welch

SHUSO:

Bill Kwong

ASST. DIRECTOR: David Chadwick

 

JISHA:

Bob Walter

ANJA:

Bonnie Miller

INO:

Janet Sturgeon, Mary Williams

FUSU/SHIKA:

Jed Linde

WORK LEADER: Bon Ryu ben Yuhmin

 

TENZO:

Tom Dorsey

DOANS:

Ed Brown, Margaret Kress, Loring Palmer, Van Vorheis, Mary Williams

STUDENTS:

Tina Leong, Gail Strizich, Layla Smith, Sue Isaacson, Lucy Eisenberg, Bruce McAllister, Ken Berman, Chuck Hoy, Anna Rodgers, Peggy Rague, Marc Alexander, Davd, Bradley, Steve Bodian, Pam Chernoff, Gloria Coonen, Mark Gripman, Paul Johnson, Arnie Kotler, Todd Sullivan, Alan Klein, Ken Sawyer, John Coonen, Lou Hartman, Lynele Jones, Eric Remington, Paul Rosenblum, Barry Eisenberg, Lucy Bennett, Ken Campbell, Margaret Silva, Margaret Crowley, Norm Randolph, Barrie Mason, David Silva, Bonnie Slater, Barbara Young, Niels Holm, Charles Guilford, Jerry

Caption: Katagiri-roshi, Ed Brown
Caption: Mary Quagliata, Katagiri Roshi
Caption: Fall 1971 Practice Period

Shuso said that there were few blue jays around during Tassajara's first practice period, but there were many pigeons then. The jikido reported that the sun used to shine in the old zendo for about eight minutes at midday.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1975

SPRING 1972


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

SEIDO:

Dainin Katagiri-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Niels Holm

SHUSO

Dan Welch

ASST. DIRECTOR:

Ed Brown

INO:

Mary Williams

WORK LEADER:

Loring Palmer

FUSU/SHIKA:

Jed Linde

TENZO:

Tommy Dorsey

JISHA:

Stan Swanson

ANJA:

Lucy Bennett

DOANS:

Diane Goldschlag, Margaret Holm, Marc Alexander, Norm Randolph, Jeff Sherman, Bonnie Miller

STUDENTS:

Joe Cohen, Lynele Jones, Nancy Sheldon, Larry Beck, Mary Quagliata, Norman Moziccki, David Bradley, Peggy Rague, Eric Remington, Ken Campbell, Rick Levine, Barbara Young, John Hanlon, Barrie Mason, Todd Sullivan, Charles Guilford, Myra Litman, Steve Bodian, Bruce McArthur, Richard Arthur, Chris Miller, Tina Leong, Toby Grant, Meg Brown, Doug Huntley, Arnie Kotler, Layla Smith , Fil Lewin, David Silva, Ann Overton, Pam Chernoff, Sue Isaacson, Tom Ninkovitch, Ryuho Yamada, Jerry Halpern, Marc Gripman, Ken Berman

Caption: Richard Baker and Paul Discoe discussing the kitchen construction
Caption: Central area, early 1970s--kitchen wall begun.
Caption: Issan Dorsey in the old kitchen

FALL 1972


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Mel Weitsman

SHUSO:

Reb Anderson

INO:

Marc Alexander

WORK LEADER:

Paul Rosenblum

TENZO:

Mary Williams

FUSU:

Lucy Bennett

JISHA:

Ed Brown

ANJA:

Jerome Peterson

BENJI:

Rick Levine

DOANS:

Jerry Halpern, Layla Smith, Arnie Kotler, Sue Isaacson, Ken Straus, Ryuho Yamada

STUDENTS:

Bob Foster, Rebecca Foster, Jim Bockhorst, Richard Haspray, Joe Cohen, Betsy Sawyer, Bruce McAllister, Eric Larsen, Eric Arnow, Linda Lupo, Linda Cutts, Cam Burack, Doug Huntley, Philip Whalen , Bill Powell, Kim Kaiser, Blanche Hartman, Alice Haspray, Paula Grobman, Diane Goldschlag, Lynn Hesselban, Gail Bradley, Nancy Sheldon, Pat Phelan, Tom Ninkovitch, David Calm, Tony Patchell, Darlene Cohen, Georgette Jones, Mike Jamvold, Fran Tribe, Al Tribe, Kesang, Fran Lewis, Meg Brown, Susan Bums, Jerry Fuller, Paul Johnson, Liz Horowitz, Steve Bodian, Harry Garcia, Lou Hartman, Ann Overton, Britt Pyland, Peggy Rague


A deep pit
for ashes ceremony
     spring yet young

          Mitsu Suzuki

Shunryu Suzuki-roshi
Died Dec. 4, 1971
Memorial service held at
Tassajara April 29, 1972

Caption: Roofing the kitchen
Caption: Memorial service for Suzuki-roshi

SPRING 1973


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Mel Weitsman

SHUSO

Les Kaye

INO:

Marc Alexander

TENZO:

Sue Isaacson

Fuxu:

Arnie Kotler

WORK LEADER:

Paul Rosenblum

SHIKA:

Katherine Thanas

JISHA:

Ken Sawyer

ANJA:

Rick Levine

BENJI:

Lynn Hesselbart

DOANS:

Layla Smith, Al Tribe, Alice Haspray, Ken Straus, Britt Pyland, Linda Cutts

STUDENTS:

Tony Patchell, Blanche Hartman, Tom Ninkovitch, Eric Larsen, Mike Jamvold, Dennis Marshall, Joe Cohen, Tran Tribe, Richard Haspray, Paul Johnson, Georgette Jones, Eric Arnow, Gail Bradley, Betsy Sawyer, Mark Lewis, Steve Allen, Becca Foster, Jim Bockhorst, Susan Burns, Pat Phelan, Peter Overton, Liz Horowitz, Darlene Cohen, David Cohn, Bill Powell, Bob Foster, Paula Grobman, Bob Wolberg, Nancy Sheldon, Linda Lupo, Lucy Eisenberg, Pat McMahon

Caption: Work Meeting
Caption: Spring Practice Period 1973

FALL 1973


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Arnie Kotler

SHUSO:

Ed Brown

INO:

Layla Bockhorst

TENZO:

Sue Isaacson

FUSU:

Rick Levine

WORK LEADER:

Jim Bockhorst

SHIKA:

Katherine Thanas

JISHA:

Steve Weintraub

ANJA:

Gail Bradley

BENJI:

Joe Cohen

DOANS:

Peter Overton, David Cohn, Darlene Cohen, Mark Lewis, Pat Phelan, Terry Gragg

STUDENTS:

Tony Patchell, Dennis Marshall, Steve Allen, Mary Cunov, Ed Sattizahn, Eric Larsen, Ji, Mussman, Eric Arnow, Lou Hartman, Frank Ferrell, Georgette Jones, Mike Jamvold, Kim Kaiser, Ulysses Lowry, David Schneider, Rachel Homer, Wendy Johnson, Blanche Hartman, Nancy Sheldon, Linda Cutts, Susan Burns, Cathy Reynolds, Bruce Cutter, Peter Rudnick, Sue Wender, Lana Berman, Robert Lytle, Dan Stone, John Bailes, Roger Hawkins, Myphon Hunt, Linda Lupo, Tom Girardot, Michael Wenger, David

First big rain of year—all evening and night. Wonderful to again hear the rain on roofs and paper umbrellas.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1974

SPRING 1974


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Arnie Kotler

SHUSO:

David Chadwick

INO:

Linda Cutts

TENZO:

Peter Overton

FUSU:

Mary Williams

WORK LEADER:

Terry Gragg

SHIKA:

Katherine Thanas

JISHA:

Mary Williams

ANJA:

Barry Eisenberg

BENJI:

Sue Isaacson

DOANS:

Pat Phelan, Philip Whalen, Nancy Sheldon, Mike Jamvold, Eric Arnow, Susan Burns

SHOP HEAD:

Kim Kaiser

HEAD OF GARDEN:

Steve Allen

ASST. FUSU:

Mark Lewis

KITCHEN:

Eric Larsen — fukuten, Steve Weintraub, Robert Lytle, Cathy Reynolds, Wendy Johnson

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Tom Girardot

BATHS:

Diane Chadwick

SHOP:

Myphon Hunt, Frank Ferrell

CONSTRUCTION:

Ed Sattizahn, Peter Rudnick

MECHANIC:

Blanche Hartman

SEWING ROOM:

Trudy Hartman, Mary Cunov

GENL. LABOR:

Dennis Marshall-head, Leland Smithson, Dana Dantine, Roger Haw-kins, Steve Heywood

STONE MASONS:

Ulysses Lowry, John Bailes, Lou Hartman

GARDEN:

Diane Burr, Michael Wenger, Jim Mussman, Lana Berman

GROUNDS:

Sue Wender, Bruce Cutler

A few tangaryo students arrived today. Hot day. J.B. Blunk left Tassajara after working on the redwood benches among the Sycamore trees by the office. Gene de Smit and his carpenter friends fixed the roof of the reservoir while floating on inner tubes in the water.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1974

We went out to grasshopper flats and built a bonfire and had hot cider and home-made doughnuts. People sang songs, told stories and poems, and we ended the evening with Tassajara ghost stories followed by chanting the Heart Sutra, and moon gazing.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, HALLOWEEN 1974

Caption: Spring Practice Period 1974

FALL 1974


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

David Chadwick

SHUSO:

Lew Richmond

INO:

Linda Cutts

TENZO:

Peter Overton

TREASURER:

Susan Burns

SHIKA:

Pat Phelan

WORK LEADER:

Kim Kaiser

JISHA:

David Chadwick

ANJA:

Mary Williams

BENJI:

John Bailes

DOANS:

Steve Weintraub-head, Ulysses Lowry, Frank Ferrell, Eric Larsen, Sue Wender, Peter Rudnick

BATH:

Diane Burr

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Neil Rubenking

PLUMBER:

Rick Wicks

CONSTRUCTION:

Steve Stuckey, Jim O'Donnell

KITCHEN:

Jim Mussman — fukuten, Bruce Cutler, Mary Cunov, Roger 'Hawkins, Lana Berman, Dana Dantine

SHOP:

Ed Sattizahn — head, Steve Heywood, Andrew Atkinson, Trudy Hartman, Chas. Marrow, Steve Scheatzle

GROUNDS:

Diane Goldschlag, Edit Atkinson

GENERAL LABOR:

Nancy Sheldon — head, Ted Marshall, Charles Cagnon, Bruce Fortin, Francis Checkley, Brian Bauman, Mitch Durrell, Howard Dewar, Michael Gelfond, Bruce Halvorsen

STONE CREW:

Myphon Hunt — head, Wendy Johnson, Bob McKenzie, Brian Le Fevre, Liz Okamura, Joan Larkey

Evening light at bath time was magnificent. The head of the stone crew, Myphon Hunt, was pinned between stone and power wagon. She has torn a muscle in her leg.

In the afternoon about work meeting time, the Governor Elect of the State of California arrived unexpectedly at Tassajara, accompanied by his companion, manager, and two women. Very unusual event. Hardly any students recognized him.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1974

Caption: Rick Levine
Caption: On a picnic with Joshin-san

Morning // Sitting up awake // Since two, // I am glad for the  // Bird songs come in at // Dawn, again. - Kathy Cook

FROM MID-PRACTIVE PERIOD CELEBRATION "GUIDELINES"
ATTIRE: Feet: All students must wear feet in the zendo.
Long hair, for both subversives and women, should be combed, starched, and trained to stand up and off the shoulders.
When it is cold, slippers or socks may be worn in the zendo. If wearing socks, do not run across the zendo and slide to your seat.
Fluffy orange slippers or those with bunny ears are not permitted in the zendo (except on 4 and 9 days).
Sunglasses are not worn in the zendo, except during certain ceremonies.

 

SPRING 1975


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

David Chadwick

SHUSO:

Bill Lane

INO:

Steve Weintraub

TENZO:

Linda Cutts

FUSU:

Sue Wender

SHIKA:

Pat Phelan

WORK LEADER:

Peter Rudnick

JISHA:

David Chadwick

ANJA:

Deborah Madison

BENJI:

Michael Wenger

DOANS:

Ulysses Lowry, Frank Ferrell, John Bailes, Jim Mussman, Mary Cunov, Diane Burr

KITCHEN:

Lana Berman — fukuten, Dana Dantine, Myphon Hunt, Roger Hawkins, Liz Okamura, Ted Marshall

STONE CREW:

Peter van der Sterre, Dan Gourley, Neil Rubenking, Bob McKenzie

SHOP:

Andrew Atkinson, Steve Scheatzle, Leland Smithson, Bruce Cutler

PLUMBER:

Rick Wicks

KITCHEN CLEANER

Leslie James

BATH CLEANER:

Bruce Halvorsen

HEAD OF GENL. LABOR:

Bruce Fortin

HEAD OF GARDEN:

Wendy Johnson

HEAD OF SHOP:

Ed Sattizahn

GENERAL LABOR:

Charlie Cagnon, Michael Gelfond, Mitch Durrell

GROUNDS:

Diane Goldschlag, Edit Atkinson, Linda Lane

GARDEN:

Brian LeFevre, Howard Dewar, Mary Williams, Joan Larkey, Lisa Dunne

LIBRARIANS: (PART TIME)

Joan Larkey, Leland Smithson, Francis Checkley, Steve Heywood, Richard

Freezing cold; bright but feebly warm sun. Everybody is slightly freaky, cleaning up grounds and work areas in preparation for sesshin. The staff had a nondescript tea, talk of the many hikers who came through Tassajara Friday, Saturday, and today.

Cabin 5 was preternaturally cold this morning. The day went unscheduled after supper so that students could retire early: The first period of zazen tomorrow starts at 10 minutes before 3 a.m.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1975

Caption: Michael Jamvold in the garden
Caption: Peter, Wendy and Fox

FALL 1975
After tea, the baths were opened. Some students gathered in the grape arbor to carve jack-o-lanterns from pumpkins. The kitchen is creating several thousands of doughnuts. They have already manufactured masses of lasagne and sourdough French bread for our supper. There was a short service before dinner. After a general cleanup, students brought thermos bottles to the kitchen to be filled with hot cider. These containers, along with many trays full of doughnuts, were carted to the clearing east of the Lower Barn. A circle of stones had been made, around the pile of old boxes and junk lumber which had been assembled. As the students began to gather, the bonfire was started with great effect. The usual homely confused and gentle Zen Center style of "party" then commenced and lasted until 10 p.m. or so.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1975

Caption: Fall Practice Period 1975

ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Bill Lane

SHUSO:

Philip Whalen

INO:

Steve Weintraub

TENZO:

Linda Cutts

TREASURER:

Ed Sattizahn

SHIKA:

Diane Burr

WORK LEADER:

Ulysses Lowry

JISHA:

Bill Lane

ANJA:

John Bailes

BENJI:

Bob McKenzie

DOANS:

Katherine Thanas – head, head, Paul Discoe, Michael Wenger, Dana Dantine, Robert Lytle, Lana Berman

GARDEN:

Brian LeFevre – head, Neil Rubenking, Michael Gelfond, Sukey Parmalee, Linda Lane, Helen Kramer

SHOP:

Steve Scheatzle — head, Dan Gourley, Jay Simon-eaux, Mary Cunov

FIRE MARSHALLS:

Ted Marshall, Barbara Lubanski

KITCHEN:

Cathy Reynolds — fuku-ten, Tom Ninkovitch, Howard Dewar, Lisa Dunne, Mitch Durrell, Charlie Cagnon, Jordan Thorn

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Leslie James

FRUITCAKES:

Annie Somerville

GROUNDS:

Joan Larkey, Pam Chernoff

BATHS:

Annette Lille

LIBRARY:

Bruce Halvorsen

TOWN TRIPS:

Richard Graybill, Ted Marshall

PERSONAL SHOPPER:

Lana Berman

CONSTRUCTION:

Peter van der Sterre, Jim Mussman, Raymond Andre, Ted Marshall

SPRING 1976


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Linda Cutts

SHUSO:

Jerome Peterson

INO:

William Lane

TENZO:

Steve Weintraub

TREASURER:

Ed Sattizahn

SHIICA:

Dan Welch & Diane Burr

WORK LEADER:

Ulysses Lowry

JISHA:

Linda Cutts

ANJA:

Dan Welch

BENJI:

Neil Rubenking

DOANS:

Robert Lytle — head, Michael Wenger, Dana Dantine, Pam Chemoff, Cathy Reynolds, Dan Gourley

KITCHEN:

Tom Ninkovitch — fukuten, Howard Dewar, Steve Scheatzle, Teresa Rivera, Paul Discoe, Brian LeFevre, Mitch Durrell

CONSTRUCTION:

Peter van der Sterre, Keith Meyerhoff, Michael Gelfond, Raymond Andre

SHOP:

Dick Graybill — head, Jay Simoneaux, Annette Lille, Charles Cagnon

BATHS:

Lisa Dunne

LIBRARIAN:

Sukey Parmalee

FRUITCAKES:

Barbara Lubanski

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Carol Atherton

GENL. LABOR:

Leslie James — head, Lage Carlson, Julie Bongers, Jordan Thorn, Suzanne Suarez, George Varvares

GARDEN:

Lana Berman — head, Annie Somerville, Dan Kaplan, Judy Liggett, Tom Walsh

STONE CREW:

Ted Marshall, Robert Anderson

GROUNDS:

Joan Larkey, Jane Hirschfield

Closing practice period ceremony this morning. Ino offered incense at main altar, Shuso at Kaisando, and we proceeded to the various other main Tassajara altars "unbinding," going in reverse order from the opening practice period ceremony.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1975

Only about ten people attended Open Study. Rokuchiji went to look at proposed helicopter landing site, on the Hogback.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1976

Dec. 1-7. Rohatsu Sesshin. Last sitting on last day ended at 1:30 a.m. with chanting of Heart Sutra. Baths were crowded but everyone, just about, was out by firewatch at 2:15 a.m. It was difficult at the baths to continue strict silence.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1976

Jan. 1. Cold. 22 degrees. Ulysses, Keith and Michael leave at 7:15 a.m. to drive to Arroyo Seco to check the phone line. They find a break near Horsebridge, and do initial repairs, so we have our first phone link with the "outside" in five days.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, JAN. 1977

Caption: Dana Dantine, Annie Somerville, Julie Bongers, Marc Lesser, John Steiner, Carol Atherton
Caption: Sewing rakusus

Plastic windows on creek side of zendo put up today, except one by mokugyo (to allow ventilation).
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1976

Zendo didn't warm up this morning as it usually does—a window was left open by mistake during first zazen. It was closed at kinhin and later in the day, the plastic window by the mokugyo was installed. This plus keeping lamp flames high may be able to warm things up a bit.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1976

FALL 1976


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Linda Cutts

SHUDO:

Steve Weintraub

INO:

Ulysses Lowry

SHIKA:

Pam Chernoff

TENZO:

Dana Dantine

TREASURER:

Peter van der Sterre

WORKLEADER

Tom Ninkovitch

PARTIAL LIST OF STUDENTS:

 

Meredith Cleaves, Michael Ray, Andrew Main, Norman Fischer, Kathy Yockey Fischer, Janet Grove, Jim Zivic, Diane Gray, Ned Spencer, Meg Porter, Marilyn McCann, Rod Howell, Teah Strozer, Vanja Palmers, William Shaw, Tom Cabarga, Alan Lew, Frank Anderton, Pam Chernoff, Cathy Reynolds, Leslie James, Jay Simoneaux, Alan Block, Philip Whalen

COMPLETE LIST OF STUDENTS NOT AVAILABLE

Caption: Ted Marshall, Brian LeFevre, Maria Linde // Fall Practice Period 1976

Caption: Burnables
Caption: Spring Practice Period 1977

Hot. Many bugs, including deer flies, eye flies, mosquitos and others. They especially like shaved heads.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SUMMER 1975

Spring 1977


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Ed Sattizahn

SHUSO:

Paul Rosenblum

INO:

Ulysses Lowry

TENZO:

Dana Dantine

FUSU:

Peter van der Sterre

WORK LEADER:

Tom Ninkovitch

SHIKA:

Pam Chernoff

JISHA:

Ed Sattizahn

ANJA:

Cathy Reynolds

BENJI:

Jay Simoneaux

GENL. REP.:

Leslie James

NO FURTHER LIST OF STUDENTS AVAILABLE

First day of practice period. The financial loss due to the August fire occasioned the consideration of expanding guest season, and it was only two weeks ago that we decided to have a practice period this Fall. There is some apprehension about the possibility of Tassajara flooding or the road falling out, and there is no phone communication, but people are happy that we are having a practice period.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1977

Fall 1977


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Paul Rosenblum

SHUSO:

Marc Alexander

INO:

Pam Chernoff

TENZO:

Annie Somerville

TREASURER:

Leslie James

WORK LEADER:

Jay Simoneaux

SHIKA:

Joan Larkey

GENL. REP.:

Ted Marshall

JISHA:

Paul Rosenblum

ANJA:

Dana Dantine

BENJI:

Dan Kaplan

DOANS:

Jordan Thorn — head; John Steiner, Keith Meyerhoff, Brian LeFevre, Annette Lille, Jane Hirschfield

KITCHEN:

Peter van der Sterre — fukuten, Michael Ray, Janet Grove, Mike Jamvold, Ralph Wholey, David Schneider, Teah Strozer

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Diane Gray

GARDEN:

Meg Porter — head, Jerome Peterson, Kathie Fischer, Norman Fischer, Chuck Vetter, Ken Smith

BATHS:

Laura Burges

SHIKA'S ASST:

Gail Sher

SHOP:

Alan Block — head, Gloria Coonen, Howard Mc-Donald, Roger Hawkins (plumber)

CONSTRUCTION:

Brian Bauman — head, Tom Cabarga, Vanja Palmers, Paul Haller, Gib Robinson

STUDY CENTER TEACHER:

Philip Whalen

GROUNDS:

Meredith Cleaves — head, Judy Liggett

LIBRARY:

Ann McDonald

GENL. LABOR:

Marc Lesser — head, Jim Phalan, David Fleagle, Steve Harrison, Jack Tjeerdsma, Ted Howell, Ray Crivello, Diana Berys, Ellen Simon, Wendy Matlow, Michael Wynne, Jon Bernie, Ann McDonald

Main work is making almost 1,000 fruitcakes for Chrismas. In addition to the Docho Ryo fruitcake list, they will be sent to all fire fund donors above a certain amount.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1977

Caption: During the summer 1977 Marble Cone fire.
Caption: Lana Berman and Teresa Rivera
Caption: Leslie James Meyerhoff
Caption: Ted Marshall
Caption: Barbara Lubanski

SPRING 1978


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Marc Alexander

SHUSO:

Issan Tommy Dorsey

INO:

Pam Chernoff

TENZO:

Annie Somerville

ASST. DIRECTOR:

Leslie James

TREASURER:

Michael Jamvold

WORK LEADER:

Jay Simoneaux

SHIKA:

Meg Porter

SHIKA ASST.:

Cathy Reynolds

JISHA:

Marc Alexander

ANJA:

Paul Discoe

BENJI:

David Schneider

DOANS:

Jane Hirschfield — head; Keith Meyerhoff, Gail Sher, Roger Hawkins, Judy Liggett, John Steiner

KITCHEN:

Michael Ray — fukuten, Teah Strozer, Jim Phalan, Steve Harrison, Diane Gray, Laura Burges, Ted Howell

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Emila Palmers

GARDEN:

Janet Grove — head, Jack Tjeerdsma, Alan Block, Wendy Matlow, Michael Wynne, Trish Pillsbury

FLOOD MARSHALL:

Ted Marshall

BATHS:

Jon Bernie

LIBRARY:

Norman Fischer

FRUITCAKES:

Ellen Simon

TOWN TRIPS:

Gloria Coonen, Alan Block, Vanja Palmers

SHOP:

Howard McDonlad —head, Ken Smith, David Fleagle, John Nelson

CONSTRUCTION:

Vanja Palmers — head, Clay Calhoun, Chuck Vetter, Gib Robinson, Paul Haller, Ray Crivello

STUDY CENTER TEACHER

Philip Whalen

GROUPS:

Meredith Cleaves – head, Katie Fischer, Ann McDonald

GENERAL LABOR:

Gloria Coonen – head, Stuart Baillie, Rocio Hernandez, Kim Nelson, Alina Wagner, Wenceslao Aguirre, Nick Charles, Joel Clark, Kim Potochnik

FALL 1978

ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Marc Alexander

SHUSO:

Michael Jamvold

INO:

Issan Dorsey

TENZO:

John Steiner

ASST. DIRECTOR:

Leslie James

TREASURER:

Margaret Porter

WORK LEADER:

Keith Meyerhoff

SHIKA:

Diane Gray

GEN'L REP:

Vanja Palmers

JISHA:

Marc Alexander

ANJA:

Louise Pryor

BENJI:

Ray Crivello

DOANS:

David Schneider, Ann Overton, Meredith Cleaves, Teah Strozer, Michael Ray, Norman Fischer, Kathie Fischer

KITCHEN:

Judy Liggett — fukuten, Ellen Simon, Jon Bernie, Trish Pillsbury, Wendy Matlow, Bob Britton, Ted Howell

KITCHEN CLNR.:

David Rogers

GARDEN:

Jim Phalan — head, Jaime Thieile, Marilyn Lambert, David Fleagle

LIBRARY:

Alina Wagner

SHOP:

Paul Haller — head, Ken Smith, Frank Kilmer, Dennis Rodriguez

GROUNDS:

Mary Cunov

BATHS:

Lorli Baumgartton

TEACHER:

Laura Burges

CHILDCARE:

Kim Nelson

CONSTRUCTION:

Vanja Palmers — head, Nick Charles, Elaine Maisner, Kim Potochnik

GENERAL LABOR:

Clay Calhoun — head, Judy Gilbert, John Lipscomb, Theresa Selzer, Debbie West, Suzy Clymer, Melody Kean,

The length of tangaryo will vary this time, a minimum of 5 days, and a maximum of 10, depending on how well the students sit.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1978

Ino meets with Roshi to discuss various practice points. It is decided that junkos should hit students who sleep continuously throughout the period, three or four times during each period. If the students who are being hit feel that is too much, they may discuss it with Baker-Roshi.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1978

Steady rain, creeks keep rising. Moving and placing sandbags all day. Tassajara Creek rises 5 feet between 7 and 9 p.m. The library becomes flood emergency headquarters. There are only 9 people at Tassajara. The night is spent chaining the propane tanks together, looking for the dogs, snacking, napping, placing sandbags, moving pipes, emptying the walk-in, and patrolling for damage and rockslides.
10,000 YEAR BOOK,

WINTER INTERIM 1977
Jan. 1978. Students go out to work in the rain on culvert damaged by flood. Going over it, a portion of the road sinks into the creek, truck along with it.
Jan. 16. When we awaken in the morning the creek is very loud. Water high point is highest yet—splashing over bridge to bathhouse. Boarding up women's side of bathhouse only partly helpful. Drains are clogged with mud and silt. Students working in rain all day are excused from service. There is a strategy meeting regarding the town-trip for needed food and supplies. All four culverts are in bad shape, and the vehicles are all on the wrong side (our side). First priority becomes getting the vehicles across ford. One crew spends day rebuilding ford where bridge washed out. Other crews are working on all culverts. Zendo schedule same as usual. At afternoon work meeting Ted Marshall gives flood safety info. Don't go beyond stone cabin 1 or cabin 19 except in pairs. Also wear hard hats when going beyond the central area.
Feb. 7. The water level is above the previous high water mark. A state of emergency is declared, and Measures are Taken. Watchers are sent to cabin 19, some to the baths. Many people are sent to dig drainage ditches. There is a slide which comes down by the door of the upper barn, keeping it shut.
Another large portion of the rock wall by cabin 1 falls into the creek. .. All the people who are sick in bed are informed of the emergency, and note is made of where they are. Some people collect blankets, towels, first aid kits, and other emergency items. Rain diminishes, and most people return to the regular schedule. Some of the students who have worked many extra hours go to bed one period early
Feb. 8. All culverts are out, and work is being done on the ford, so that food can be brought in across the road. Howard McDonald, caught on the far side of the ford, can get back to the central area only by climbing over part of "Flat Rock."
All furniture, bells, Buddha, and Buddha drum are either moved from zendo, or elevated from floor. Furniture in pine and stone rooms is elevated or removed, and doors left open to lessen chances of buildings floating away. At 5:40, the staff meets, decides that unless the creek is more than four feet higher, there will be zazen. The creek rises, so zazen in cancelled. Flood patrols go on all night. People will all be sleeping in the eleven cabins immediately below the bridge.
Feb. 10. Tassajara Creek level is down one-half foot, zendo is reassembled, and service is held. There is still no cold water in the baths. The main water line to the cabins is now going through fire hoses in the trees.
Feb. 17. Culverts are out, and there are waterfalls where some of them used to be. Vehicles cannot get past Lime Point with food, so students are bringing food in on their backs and in garden way carts. There are only twenty people at dinner. For them, evening sitting schedule as usual. The others are working joju.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1978

Caption: Bringing in food

April 11. An unusual day. We had regular morning schedule, with servers setting up the dining room for a fancy meal to be held after the Shosan Ceremony.
After lunch, we prepared the zendo. About halfway through the ceremony Joel Clark thought he heard and smelled something, and went out, and found a fire coming up the stairs by the zendo.
We all quickly left the zendo and changed out of robes expecting to put out the fire quickly. A few people went in the side door and put out the altar and got a few things—Roshi's zagu and whisk, the small bell, the inkins. Some people couldn't get out the main door and ran out the side door. A few tried to get the Buddha, but it was too heavy for them alone and when others tried, there were already flames inside the zendo. It was very smoky and the fire was moving rapidly up the zendo ceiling. We all spent the next few hours trying to put out the fire. However, it was extremely hot and fast.
We had ordered a new fire pump which was due to arrive this week. In the meantime we were using the floating plump and the pressure wasn't so good. Also the water line from the reservoir was hooked up with fire hose as the pipes had broken so many times during the winter, so the pressure from there wasn't so good either.
It was all quite devastating. In just a few minutes, the zendo was consumed with fire. The Buddha drum went up in flames almost immediately. . . the mokugyo was burned. The fire spread to the office but the stone wall slowed it down. We kept the roof of the pine rooms wet and the area around the Sycamore trees so the fire would not spread in that direction. At the same time, the fire was spreading toward the kitchen and many people were wetting down the walls and roof of the kitchen to slow it down. Luckily, the wall of the kitchen on the zendo side was a one-hour fire wall which the county had required us to put in, so this slowed the fire down considerably. When sparks caught the shingles of the kitchen roof on fire, Paul Discoe and a few others climbed up there and took axes and cut away the burning shingles while others kept the building wet
from the inside and outside with hoses and bucket brigades. Finally we were able to put out the fire. The zendo, office, and linen room were completely burned down. Part of the kitchen wall and roof were burned, but basically the kitchen had been saved!
We all ate a Mexican dinner which we had passed from the oven out the window of the kitchen once the fire had seemed under control. Many of us walked over to see the Gandhara Buddha which was in many small pieces now, a devastating sight. Fire patrols continued all night. The doans gathered some zabutons, and set up a zendo in the dining room for use in the morning. We called Jamesburg to have some food bought, and sent people over the road to bring it in.
April 12. We arose when it was light for zazen, service, breakfast, then set up the zendo in the dining room for the rest of the shosan ceremony. After shosan, we had the closing practice period ceremony.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1978
April 17. Paul and Gloria Discoe and Jerry Fuller arrive with the flatbed from Green Gulch with foundation pieces for the new zendo in the upper garden. 100 people to work are expected next week!
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING INTERIM 1978

SPRING 1979

 ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Leslie James

SHUSO:

Katherine Thanas

INO:

Issan Dorsey

TENZO:

Diane Gray

ASST. DIR.:

John Nelson

TREASURER:

Davis Schneider

WORK LEADER:

Keith Meyerhoff

SHIKA:

Kim Nelson

GENL. REP.:

Vanja Palmers

JISHA:

Leslie James

ANJA:

Michael Jamvold

BENJI:

Judy Gilbert

STUDENTS:

Antoinette Artino, Miriam Bobkoff, Frederique Botermans, Ted Brown, Jim Corig, Adine Mansholt, Mick Sopko, Bob Britton, Laura Burges, Clay Calhoun, Nick Charles, Meredith Cleaves, Suzy Clymer, Kathy Cook, Ray Crivello, Mary Cunov, Kathie Fischer, Norman Fischer, Dave Fleagle, Paul Haller, Ted Howell, Melody Kean, Frank Kilmer, Judy Liggett, John Lipscomb, Elaine Maisner, Wendy Matlow, Ann Overton, Kay Pepitone, Jim Phalan, Kim Potochnik, Louise Pryor, Michael Ray, Denis Rodriguez, David Rogers, Pat Sellman, Theresa

 

FALL 1979


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Keith Meyerhoff

SHUSO:

Blanche Hartman

INO:

Katherine Thanas

TENZO:

Teah Strozer

WORK LEADER:

Vanja Palmers

TREASURER:

Norman Fischer

SHIKA:

Ann Overton

JISHA:

Keith Meyerhoff

ANJA:

Leslie James

BENJI:

Kathy Cook

HEAD DOAN:

Kathie Fischer

TANGARYO STUDENTS:

Herman Clausen, Chris Englehorn, John Harris, Zachary Klarich, Princess Gabrielle, Brad Miller, Jim O'Shea, Michael Sawyer, Alan Morgenstern

RETURNING STUDENTS:

Emila Palmers, Jim Corig

CONTINUING STUDENTS:

Miriam Bobkoff, Frederique Botermans, Suzy Clymer, Mary Cunov, Judy Gilbert, John Lipscomb, Adine Mansholt, Sukey Parmalee, Denis Rodriguez, Theresa Selzer, Mick Sopko, Debbie West, Philip Whalen

CHILDREN:

Robin Clymer, Kendra Cunov, Aron Fischer, Noah Fischer, Timmy Gilbert, Jamie Meyerhoff, Anna Sopko

Caption: Norman and Aron Fischer; Jesse and Wendy Johnson-Rudnick
Caption: Spring Practice Period, 1979

Noah and Aron (Norm and Kathy's baby twins) went trick or treating in the evening, but it was too far from the last town trip for them to find many treats.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1977

There have been many discussions as to whether the families being here works or not. Continues at work meeting. Children who are at Tassajara this practice period: Esa Brown, Robin Clymer, Kendra Cunov, Aron Fischer, Noah Fischer, Timmy Gilbert, Jen Gregg, Amber Hoadley, Jamie Meyerhoff, Bergen Nelson, Michelle Pepitone, Anna Sopko, Dion Thiele, and Johanna Welch.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING, 1979

Caption: The central area

THE EIGHTIES

How wonderful! // All over Tassajara // Nothing but Bodhisattvas. - Lou Hartman

SPRING 1980


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Keith Meyerhoff

SHUSO:

Linda Ruth Cutts

INO:

Katherine Thanas

TENZO:

Teah Strozer

WORK LEADER:

Vanja Palmers

SHIKA:

Ann Overton

TREASURER:

Norman Fischer

JISHA:

Keith Meyerhoff

ANJA:

Blanche Hartman

BENJI:

Emila Palmers

GENL. REP. & SHIKA ASST.:

Kathie Fischer

DOANs:

Deborah West, Theresa Selzer, Adine Mansholt, Zachary Klarich, Kim Potochnik

KITCHEN:

Chris Englehom — fukuten, Brad Miller, Alan Morgenstern, Melody Kean, Jim O'Shea, Bruce Fortin

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Mary Cunov

GARDEN & GROUNDS:

Kathy Cook, Judy Gilbert, John Harris

CHILDCARE:

Sukey Parmalee, Leslie James

STONE CREW:

Suzy Clymer, Hermann Clausen

GENL. LABOR:

Frank Kilmer, Alan Cohen, Barbara Horn, Gil Fronsdal, Michael Sawyer

RETURNING STDT.:

Philip Whalen

ASST. SHIKA & LIBRARY:

Frederique Botermans

CHILDREN:

Robin Clymer, Kendra Cunov, Aron Fischer, Noah Fischer, Timmy Gilbert, Jamie Meyerhoff, Anna Sopko

Caption: Buddha's Birthday celebration

Buddha's Birthday celebration, held in horse pasture. Road is too bad to use, so people go to horse pasture by trail. A beautiful bright-colored air balloon made by Vanja with streamers and calligraphy saying "Happy Birthday Buddha" is released. It is striking against the clear blue sky on a warm sunny day. There is a ceremony just before the sun goes down. The eko contains names of wildflowers blooming all around, and names of flowers at Tassajara, and mention is made of a fire-eating luminous balloon.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1978

FROM MID-PRACTICE PERIOD CELEBRATION "GUIDELINES"
KITCHEN: Do not enter the kitchen without tacit permission from Morgana.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should student steal any cookies, which are hidden underneath the Tenzo's desk, on the right side, on the top shelf.
The most crucial times not to do this are as follows:
1) In the morning before the breakfast cook arrives;
2) During the second round of the han for third period zacen;
3) Any time one is not in the zendo when everyone else is;
4) During afternoon tean, when everyone is occupied and the kitchen is on a break;
5) After goodnight bell.
All cookies are reserved for our beloved staff.

FALL 1980


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Vanja Palmers

SHUSO:

Lou Hartman

INO:

Ann Overton

TENZO:

Marc Lesser

ASST. DIR.:

Norman Fischer

TREASURER:

Keith Meyerhoff

SHIKA:

Debbie West

WORK LEADER:

Kim Potochnik

JISHA:

Vanja Palmers

ANJA:

Adine Mansholt

BENJI:

Jim O'Shea

GENL. REP.:

Kathie Fischer

KITCHEN:

Brad Miller — fukuten, Alan Cohen, Gil Frons-dal, Vicki Austin, Amie Diller, Jeff Schneider

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Jack Tjeerdsma

GDN/GROUNDS:

Mary Cunov — head, Mary Belshaw, Michael Lowell, John Harris

LIBRARY:

John Harris

BATHS:

Emila Heller

CHILDCARE:

Steve Allen — head, Barbara Horn

SHOP:

Bruce Fortin — head, Karin Gjording, Chris Olson

FRUITCAKES:

Kathie Fischer

GENL. LABOR:

Suzy Clymer — head, Cam Clapp, Wayne Codling, Ernie Gundling, Nina Hagen, Lee Klinger, Monique Mayers

CONSTRUCTION:

Mick Sopko — head, Chris Englehorn, Robbie Paterson

ALTAR BUILDING:

Michael Sawyer, Ralph Wholey

CHILDREN:

Robin Clymer, Kendra Cunov, Aron Fischer, Noah Fischer, Jamie Meyerhoff, Jessamyn Meyerhoff, Anna Sopko, Lauren Wholey

NEW BABY MOTHER:

Leslie Lames

SPOUSE:

Lorli Palmers

Caption: Fall Practice Period 1980

SPRING 1981


ABBOT:

Zentatsu Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Vanja Palmers

SHUSO:

Steve Allen

INO:

Ann Overton

TENZO:

Marc Lesser

SHIKA:

Deborah West

WORK LEADER:

Kim Potochnik

TREASURER:

Keith Meyerhoff

GENERAL REP:

Kathy Fischer

ASST. DIRECTOR:

Norman Fischer

ANJA:

Miriam Bobkoff

BENJI:

Frank Kilmer

DOAN RYO:

Annette Lille — head, Sukey Parmalee, Ralph Wholey, Frederique Botermans, Suzy Clymer, Mick Sopko, Michael Sawyer

KITCHEN:

Gil Fronsdal — fukuten, Vicki Austin, Jeff Schneider, Diane Burr, Karin Gjording, Chris Olson, Ernie Gundling

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Ernie Machen

SHOP:

Bruce Fortin — head, Neil Rubenking, Wayne Codling

GARDEN:

Mary Cunov — head, Nina Hagen, Mary Belshaw

BATHS:

Cam Clapp

CHILDCARE:

Lee Klinger, Monique Mayers

ASST. TREASURER

Leslie James

ASST. SHIKA

Jonathan Condit

ALTAR CONSTR.:

Michael Sawyer, Ralph Wholey

CONSTRUCTION:

Chris Englehorn —head, David Rogers, Robbie Paterson

GROUNDS:

Emily Heller — head, Michael Lowell, John Harris

LIBRARY:

Kathie Fischer

STONE CREW:

Lou Hartman

GENERAL LABOR:

Brad Miller — head, Barbara Horn, Alan Cohen, Amie Diller, Jill Coghlan, Richard Jaffe, Laurie Rusk

Caption: The new zendo
Caption; Spring Practice Period 1981

Roshi sends word to do Opening Ceremony without him. He is with Brother David somewhere between Taos, N. M., Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.

10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1981

FALL 1981


ABBOTT:

Zentatsu Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Paul Haller

SHUSO:

Arnold Kotler

INO:

Michael Sawyer

TENZO:

Elaine Maisner

TREASURER:

Neil Rubenking

ASST. DIR.:

Annette Lille

SHIKA:

Emila Heller

WORK LEADER:

Frank Kilmer

GENL. REP.:

Marc Lesser

BENJI:

Alan Cohen

DOAN RYO:

Ralph Wholey — head, Gil Fronsdal, Barbara Horn, Brad Miller, Karin Gjording, Marc Lesser, Frederique Botermans

KITCHEN:

Chris Olsen — fukuten, David Rogers, Jonathan Condit, Wayne Codling, Rocio Hernandez Pozo, Monique Mayers

SHOP:

Richard Jaffe — head, Brian Fikes

GARDEN:

Vicki Austin — head, Amie Diller, Betsy McGowan

FRUITCAKES:

Mary Cunov

LIBRARIAN:

Mary Belshaw

CHILDCARE:

Nancy Schroeder

BATHS:

Francine Busalacchi

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Connie Evert

GROUNDS:

Melody Haller — head, David Merrill

CONSTRUCTION:

Lee Klinger — head, Klaus Leipart, Dan Howe

GENERAL LABOR:

Jeff Schneider — head, Sarah Grayson, Carol Rankin, Rob Weinberg, Michael Katz, Jeff Bickner, Peter Thompson, Ronna

Captions: Okusan and Baker-roshi // Arnie Kotler's Shuso Ceremony, Fall 1981 // Arnie Kotler, Baker-roshi, Philip Whalen // Kendra Cunov and Issan Dorsey
FROM MID-PRACTICE PERIOD CELEBRATION "GUIDELINES":
SERVICE: Do not leave the zendo during service, unless you are on a serving crew or hate religion.
When bowing, crash noisily to the floor.
Do not fold the sutra cards into paper airplanes and fly them back to their box.
WORK: All students should be ready to work.
When the bell sounds, go immediately to work meeting. At the end of work meeting, clean up and get ready for the next zendo activity.

SPRING 1982


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Paul Haller

SHUSO:

Ulysses Lowry

INO:

Michael Sawyer

TENZO:

Jonathan Condit

TREASURER:

Neil Rubenking

SHIKA & ASST. DIRECTOR:

Emila Heller

WORK LEADER:

Frank Kilmer

GENL. REP.:

Marc Lesser

ASST. SHIKA:

Amie Diller

JISHA:

Paul Haller

ANJA:

Elaine Maisner

BENJI:

Brad Miller

DOANS:

Marc Lesser — head, Barbara Horn, Jeff Schneider, Vicki Austin, Alan Cohen, Frederique Botermans

KITCHEN:

Rocio Hernandez Pozo, Monique Mayers, Wayne Codling, Rob Weinberg, Nancy Schroeder, Brian Fikes

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Cary Johnson

GARDEN:

Gil Fronsdal — head, Ronna Adler, Connie Evert

SHOP:

Richard Jaffe — head, Peter Thompson

GROUNDS:

Melody Haller — head, Debbie West, David Merrill, Michael Katz

ROCK WORK & CONSTR.:

Dan Howe, Carol Rankin, Jeff Bickner

FRUITCAKES:

Mary Cunov

BATHS:

Klaus-Dieter Leipart

LIBRARY:

Mary Belshaw

IRRIGATION:

David Rogers

CHILDCARE:

Mary Cunov, Melody Kean, Betsy McGowan

GENERAL LABOR:

Lee Klinger — head, Francine Busalacchi, Sarah Grayson, Betsy McGowan, Jack Kamesar, Rob Lee

Caption: Deborah Madison and Linda Cutts Weintraub
Caption: Spring Practice Period 1982

New shuso today. // For outdoor kinhin along the creek, // Mose leads the way. - Lou Hartman

Roshi was quoted as having told the previous Ino that the Ino really shouldn't lead outside kinhin, "But when you do, you should take it easy." This came up because during one fast circuit a student was knocked down. We may also try more lights on the engawa.
10,000 YEAR BOOK FALL 1982

Fourth day of tangaryo. Still going strong, though two people look a bit desperate and two look a bit dull. Transmission ceremony (Tenshin Sensei's) is proceeding, out of sight and at all hours. Chino-sensei arrived unexpectedly during evening zazen, with a friend. Tangaryo students looked good this evening.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1982

FALL 1982


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

DIRECTOR:

Marc Lesser

SHUSO:

Deborah Welch

INO:

Neil Rubenking

TENZO:

Jonathan Condit

TREASURER:

Victoria Austin

SHIKA:

Elaine Maisner

WORK LEADER:

David Rogers

Jisha:

Marc Lesser

ANJA:

Alan Cohen

BENJI:

Amie Diller

DOCHO RYO:

Philip Whalen

DOANS:

Jeffrey Schneider — head, Rocio Hernandez Pozo, Wayne Codling, Richard Jaffe, Carol Rankin, Elaine Maisner

KITCHEN:

Brian Fikes — fukuten, Willem Malten, Peter Thompson, Betsy McGowan, David Merrill, Lee Klinger Lesser

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Dolores Kamesar

SHOP:

Rob Weinberg — head, Karen Schwelm

CONSTRUCTION:

Nancy Schroeder — head, Rob Lee

GARDEN:

Jim Hare — head, Dennis Marshall

GROUNDS:

Klaus Leipart — head, Jack Kamesar

FRUITCAKES:

Karen Hamilton

LIBRARY & SHIKA ASST.:

Connie Evert

CHILDCARE:

Kathy Gustin

GENERAL LABOR:

Dan Howe — head, Katherine Kenney, Kathy Strong, Rhonda Barr, Kathie Gustin, Dennis Lahey (shop), Katy O'Connell (baths), Bernhard Schmidt (construction)

CHILDREN:

Elan Kamesar, Brendan Kenney

Caption: Renee des Tombe, Elaine Maisner, Richard Backer-roshi, Emila Heller, Gil Fronsdal
Caption: Peter Thompson and Dan Howe

SPRING1983


ABBOT:

Richard Baker-roshi

GODO:

Reb Anderson

DIRECTOR:

Marc Lesser

SHUSO:

Peter Overton

INO:

Neil Rubenking

TENZO:

Richard Jaffe

TREASURER:

Vicki Austin

SHIKA & ASST. DIRECTOR:

Elaine Maisner

WORK LEADER:

David Rogers

GENE REP.:

Alan Cohen

JISHA:

Mark Lesser

ANJA:

Jeffrey Schneider

BENJI:

Wayne Codling

DOANS:

Rocio Hernandez — head, Amie Diller, Jonathan Condit, Nancy Schroeder, David Merrill, Dan Howe

KITCHEN:

Peter Thompson — fukuten, Betsy McGowan, Klaus Leipart, Bernhard Schmidt, Rhonda Barr, Kathy Gustin, Karen Schwelm

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Brenda Grosz

CHILDCARE:

Rob Lee

BATHS:

Alan Cohen

COOKBOOK & PROJECTS:

Deborah Welch

LIBRARY:

Connie Evert — head, Lee Klinger

GARDEN & GROUNDS:

Jim Hare — head, Dolores Kamesar, Nurit Baruch, Katy O'Connell, Don Colucci, Laurie Schley

MAINTENANCE:

Dan Howe — head, Jack Kamesar, Willem Malten, Katherine Kenney, Gerhard Kominek

GENERAL LABOR:

Brian Fikes — head, Ty Cashman, Chris Koen, Teijo Roberta Munich, Odette Lara, DougVolkmer, Sybil Wood

SHOP:

Rob Weinberg, Kathy Strong, Denis Lahey (vehicles)

Caption: Spring Practice Period 1983

FALL 1983

Yesterday Ino reminded folks that only doans wear watches in the zendo, and added that anyone whose watch beeps when they are accidentally wearing it in the zendo should make formal apology at work meeting.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1983

In April 1983, Richard Baker began an indefinite leave of absence from Zen Center.

During bath time the big live oak just across the path from the northwest corner of the dorm fell on the dorm. One branch penetrated straight down into David M.'s room, ending about 1 1/2 feet above his bed. Had he taken the quick bath and short nap that he had considered, he would have been surprised. A large work crew started immediately to cut up the tree with chain saws and axes, trying first to clear the roof so the holes could be covered.

Later, coming out of dinner we saw the "moon garden" piled high with cut branches, but even so the tree was still hooked on the roof. The biggest chain saw (the 45) wasn't starting and the light was failing, so tree work stopped and all involved concentrated on covering the roof, working by flashlight. The zendo that evening was quite empty feeling, and both the Ino and the Shuso felt that the roaring of the creek and the lashing of the wind and rain would be junko enough.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1983

Projects today involve preparing for the Thich Nhat Hanh visit: finishing the dorm roof, repairing the steps that were damaged in the tree fall; bringing back the stump of the fallen tree (Roshi's idea—graphic indication of why the area is a mess).
SHUSO LOG, SPRING 1983

At tea time, many people drank some bad elderberry juice. It seems some stems and leaves got mashed into it and they contain a compound that turns to cyanide upon digestion. Four students were helicoptered out and three more went by stage and ambulance. Many more drank the stuff and had no reaction—no explanation. The main symptom was interminable vomiting. All OK in the end.

FALL 1983


GODO:

Reb Anderson

HEAD SENIOR:

Steve Weintraub

DIRECTOR:

Elaine Maisner

SHUSO:

Layla Bockhorst

INO:

Jonathan Condit

RESIDENT SENIOR:

Linda Ruth Cutts

TENZO:

Richard Jaffe

TREASURER:

Vicki Austin

SHIKA:

Jeff Schneider

WORK LEADER:

Brian Fikes

ASST. TREAS.:

David Rogers

BENJI:

Rob Weinberg

DOANS:

Connie Evert – Head, Lou Hartman, Dan Howe, Klaus Leipart, Dennis Marshall, Teijo Munnich

KITCHEN:

Karen Schwelm – fukiten, Bernhard Schmidt, Doug Volkmer, Brenda Grosz, Akiba Gengo, Emyo Dielman

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Dan Leighton

LIBRARIAN & FRUITCAKES

Neil Rubenking

SHOP HEAD:

Peter Thompson

CONSTRUCTION:

Kathy Strong

SHOP & CONSTR:

Dennis Lahey, David Riggs

GARDEN:

Jim Phalan

GROUNDS:

Robert Lytle

GOTANJI & BATHS:

Laurie Schley

FRUITCAKES:

Sybil Wood

GENERAL LABOR:

Betsy McGowan – head, Wayne Pickerell, Joseph Murphy, Eleanor Edwards

SPRING 1984
During third zazen this morning the Shuso said, "We have such a short time at Tassajara—please wake up!"
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1979

Mel gives a lecture concerning his upcoming Transmission.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1984

Caption: The han
Caption: Serving in the zendo

SPRING 1984


GODO:

Ed Brown

HEAD SENIOR:

Steve Weintraub

DIRECTOR:

Elaine Maisner

SHUSO:

Paul Discoe

RESIDENT SENIOR:

Linda Ruth Cutts

INO:

Jonathan Condit

TENZO:

Brian Fikes

TREASURER:

David Rogers

SHIKA:

Jeff Schneider

WORK LEADER:

Rob Weinberg

GENL. REP.:

Connie Evert

GOTANJI:

Connie Evert

DOANs:

Klaus Leipart — head, Dennis Marshall, Peter Thompson, Bernhard Schmidt, Layla Bockhorst

KITCHEN:

Brenda Grosz — fukuten, Laurie Schley, Dan Howe, Kathy Strong, Denis Lahey, Wayne Pickerell

GROUNDS:

Betsy McGowan — head, Karen Schwelm

SHOP:

Doug Volkmer — head, David Riggs

ASST. SHIKA:

Eleanor Edwards

BENJI:

Richard Jaffe

GENERAL LABOR:

Layla Bockhorst — head, Robert Lytle, Akiba Gengo, Dan Leighton (baths and library), Joe Murphy, Melanie Terbovic, Ed Brown, Connie Evert

Katagiri-roshi had people sit facing out during third period. . . at this time it was also established that coming late or leaving early, one uses the back doors onto the garden. Roshi also said it was acceptable for people to enter up to five minutes late and that it was not necessary for the Tenken to check on people each time.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1985

The Abbot, Katherine Thanas and Robert Lytle went to Jamesburg to meet with Ed Brown, Mel and Yvonne to talk about the question of the next Abbot. Katagiri-roshi is being asked to consider being our Abbot. They left Tassajara about 1:30 p.m., returned about 7:30 p.m. Roshi did not come to the zendo for the first time.
10,000 YEAR BOOK SPRING 1985

FALL 1984


ABBOT:

Dainin Katagiri-roshi

HEAD OF PRACTICE:

Tenshin Reb Anderson

RESIDENT HEAD OF PRACTICE:

Katherine Thanas

VISITING HEAD OF PRACTICE:

Steve Weintraub

DIRECTOR:

Blanche Hartman

SHUSO:

Robert Lytle

INO:

Connie Evert

TENZO:

Laurie Schley

TREASURER:

Brenda Grosz

WORK LEADER:

Dan Howe

BENJI:

Brian Fikes

DOANS:

John Lipscomb — head, Gerhard Kominek, Jerome Peterson, Melanie Terbovic

KITCHEN:

Eleanor Edwards — fukuten, Dan Leighton, Rosalie Curtis, Tom Johnson

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Jeffrey Schneider

SHOP:

Joseph Murphy

GENERAL LABOR:

Ron Ortega — head, Alma Cristina, Robert Crabtree, Shindo Iizuka, Gloria Lee, Nolan Sturdevan

GROUNDS:

Barbara Isaksen

After Teisho there was a staff chosen with Katagiri Roshi to discuss how to best think about and talk with people having trouble following the schedule. Roshi reminded us to be compassionate.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1985

Today we said good-bye and a warm "Thank you! " to Katagiriroshi, Yuko, Nonin and Teijo, who leave the next day. Tassajara rocks will be sent to Hokyo-ji in gratitude. Katagiri-roshi is a real treasure and the time he has spent with us is a wonderful gift.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1985

SPRING 1985


ABBOT:

Dainin Katagiri-roshi

PRACTICE LEADER:

Katherine Thanas

RESIDENT SENIOR:

Lou Hartman

DIRECTOR:

Robert Lytle

SHUSO:

Davis Rogers

INO:

Connie Evert

TENZO:

Laurie Schley

TREASURER:

Eleanor Edwards

SHIKA:

Brenda Grosz

WORK LEADER:

Dan Howe

BENJO & KITCHEN CLEANER:

Nolan Sturdevan

ASST. DIRECTOR:

Jerome Peterson

ANJA:

Pam Chernoff

DOANS:

Roberta Munich – head, Jerome Peterson, Gerhard Kominek, Dan Leighton, Joseph Murphy

KITCHEN:

Jeffrey Schneider—fukuten, Daisho Shindo Rei Iizuka, Rosalie Curtis, Bob Crabtree, Ron Ortega

SHOP:

Brian Fikes – head, Gloria Lee

GDN/GROUNDS:

Barbara Isaksen

BATHS:

Alma Cristina

GENERAL LABOR:

Sharon Borden, Nonin Don Chowaney, Flora Taylor, Tom Johnson

 

Caption: Fall Practice Period 1984

The Tassajara baths are going to be rebuilt—Rosalie Curtis and Gary Stewart are the last to use the baths as we know them.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1985

FROM MID-PRACTICE PERIOD CELEBRATION "GUIDELINES"
BATHS: All students must bathe.
Before entering baths, do three standing bows at the Altar, blocking all passageways and as many people as possible.
Students should not stretch, do yoga, relax, or in any way enjoy bathing.
An attitude of discipline and competition should be practiced in the baths (except on 4 and 9 days, when mild giggling is permitted).
Students who must bathe at other than student bath time (kitchen crew) should observe.
Wear a towel to and from the steam room (doans may wear a watch).

Caption: The baths, 1947. Photo courtesy of Pat Hathaway, Pacific Grove, CA
Caption: The baths, 1967-1985

Caption: Tassajara Creek
Caption: The new baths. Construction completed 1986

Katagiri-roshi, Narazaki-roshi, Ekai Korematsu and two attendants arrived today along with Reb, Mel, Michael Wenger and Katherine Thanas. As the baths were not totally demolished, they were able to take a wonderful open-air hot bath.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, FALL 1985

Just this // A bluejay pounding acorns // On the zendo's iron roof. – Lou Hartman

FALL 1985


RESIDENT TEACHER:

Mel Weitsman

DIRECTOR:

Robert Lytle

INO:

Myphon Hunt

TENZO:

Nancy Schroeder

TREASURER/SHIKA/DOAN

Brenda Grosz

HEAD DOAN/ SOKU:

Rei Sjomdp Iizuka

DOANS:

Rosalie Curtis, Dennis Marshall, Jean Francois Blanchette, Nolan Sturdevan

KITCHEN:

Brian Fikes – fukuten, Barbara Smith, Sandy Bergst, Brigitta Sebasta, Licen Childs, Alan Senauke

ANJA:

Barbara Isaksen

SHOP:

Bill Benedek

BENJI:

Juan Alday

GENL. LABOR:

Monna Peuker, Robyn Churchill, Marie Murray, Carol Gallup, Douglas Griever, Eric Lisbon, Robert Thomas, Jim O'Donnell, Robert Paulsen, James Chidester, Rob Conklin, Sarah Chester, Theresa Bacon, Jeff Nourel, Keith Meyerhoff, Ekai Kuromatsu, Richart Levine, Robert Wasson

Fourteen-day sesshin was held with good spirit. It became a "way of life"— ended after thirteen days at Reb's suggestion when community energy appeared to flag a bit We stopped though some wanted to finish the fourteen days.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1986

ABBOT:

Tenshin Zenki Reb Anderson

PRACT. LEADER:

Paul Discoe

DIRECTOR:

Robert Lytle

SHUSO:

Jim Bockhorst

INO:

Myphon Hunt

TENZO:

Nancy Schroeder

TREASURER:

Dan Howe

WORK LEADER:

Brenda Grosz

SHIKA:

Eleanor Edwards

ABBOTS OFFICE:

(blank)

JISHA:

Connie Evert

ANJA:

Brian Fikes

APPT. SECTY.:

Dan Howe

ADMIN. ASST.:

Eleanor Edwards

CEREM. ASST.:

Rei Shindo Iizuka

SHUSO ADV:

Ekai Kuromatsu

BENJI:

Beth Bebout

PRACTICE LEADER'S ATTENDANT:

Dan Leighton

DOAN RYO:

Susan Wender – head, Rosalie Curtis, Barbara Isaksen, Rob Conklin, Nonin Chowaney

KITCHEN:

Rosy Penhallow – fukuten, Jean Francois Blanchette, Judith Kinst, Juan Alday

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Connie Evert

SHOP:

Nonin Chowaney – head, Bill Benedek, Edgar Arnold, Brigitta Sebasta

GDN/GROUNDs:

Avi Atid, Monna Peuker, James Chidester

SHIKA'S ASST.:

Kathy Gustin

GENL. LABOR:

Rei Shindo Iizuka – head, Connie Evert, Ekai Kuromatsu, Gail Simpson, Brigitta Sebasta, Lucien Childs, Dan Leighton, Lilian Fujimoto, Helen Chaloner, Schlomit Gal, Lee de Barros

FALL 1986


RESIDENT TEACHER:

Sojun Mel Weitsman

TANTO:

Katherine Thanas

DIRECTOR & JISHA:

Dan Howe

SHUSO:

Nonin Chowaney

INO:

Barbara Isaksen

TENZO:

Rosalie Curtis

TREASURER:

Brian Fikes

WORK LEADER:

Lucien Childs

ANJA:

Jean Francois Blanchette

BENJI:

Juan Alday

DOANS:

Helen Chaloner — head, Eleanor Edwards, Lee de Barros, Rosy Penhallow

KITCHEN:

Les Harmon — fukuten, Michael Smith, Varda Rotem, Rick Hodgen, Carlos Ponce

GARDEN:

Martha de Barros

GENL. LABOR:

Peggy Denial, Honin Anne Murray, Idilio Ceniceros, Gabriele Hartard, Jim Traversy (also Benji)

FROM MID-PRACTICE PERIOD CELEBRATION "GUIDELINES"
ENTERING THE ZENDO: All students must enter the zendo. Step over the threshold with the right foot if entering the right side, and with the left foot if entering the wrong side.
If you are left-handed, enter through the doshi door.
User your right hand to open the left door, and the right door to open your left foot. (Except on 4 and 9 days, when orderly entering with right-handed students is permitted.)
For students with difficulty determining right from left, JUMP with both feet through the CENTER of the entrance.
Land silently.

Caption: Blanche Hartman and Barbara Isaksen.
Caption: Spring Practice Period 1986

 

SPRING 1987


ABBOT:

Tenshin Reb Anderson

TANTO:

Katherine Thanas

DIRECTOR:

Dan Howe

SHUSO:

Vanja Palmers

INO:

Barbara Isaksen

TENZO:

Rosalie Curtis

TREASURER:

Brian Fikes

WORK LEADER:

Lee de Barros

SHIKA:

Gail Simpson

ANJA:

Eleanor Edwards

JISHA & SHOP:

Paul Discoe

BENJI:

Michael Smith

ABBOT'S ASST:

Laurie Schley

KITCHEN:

Jim Ryder, Nonin Chowaney, Idilio Ceniceros, Ekai Korematsu, Brigitta Sebasta

DOANS:

Juan Alday, Lucien Childs, Les Harmon, Rick Hodgen, Rosy Penhallow

GARDEN:

Helen Chaloner, Mark Hail

GROUNDS:

Tom Johnson

SHOP:

Blanche Hartman – head, Jim Abrams, Jean Francois Blanchette

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Monna Peuker

LIBRARIAN:

Jerome Peterson

ASST. SHIKA:

Layla Smith Bockhorst

BATHS / SEWING:

Meiya Susan Wender

GENERAL LABOR:

Brian Blix, Robyn Churchil, Albert Kutchins, Jaime Martinez, Rosalyn Parkinson, Zante River, Varda Rotem, Casrlos Ponce, Jim Traversy

FALL 1987


SEIDO:

Sojun Mel Weitsman

TANTO:

Katherine Thanas

DIRECTORY:

Barbara Isaksen

SHUSO:

Shosan Victoria Austin

INO:

Meiya Wender

TENZO:

Tom Johnson

WORK LEADER:

Taiyo Lipscomb

TREASURER:

Brian Fikes

JISHA:

Lou Hartman

ANJA:

Carlos Ponce

BENJI:

Helen Chaloner

WORK LEADER ASSISTANT:

Jim Abrams

KITCHEN:

Richard Ng – fukuten, Hal Papps, Gail Simpson, Brigitte Wolf, Lucien Childs

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Dennis Marshall

DOANS:

Judith Kinst – head, Brian Blix, Idilio Ceniceros, Garbriele Hartard, Robyn Churchill

SHOP:

Bob Thomas – head, Juan Alday

GARDEN:

Jaime Martinez – head, David Bullock

GENERAL LABOR:

David Lueck, Jim Parolini, Lani Roberts, Jusep Torabella

Lots of rain during the night. Cabarga Creek runs thick and brown. This, together with the rain on the roof, makes it hard to hear each other at formal tea with the Abbot.
SHUSO LOG, SPRING 1987

After stressing the point that taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself, the Abbot suggests . . . that we don't have a tenken for the rest of the sesshin.
SHUSO LOG, SPRING 1987

Caption: The Library
Caption: Morning Service

SPRING 1988


ABBOT:

Tenshin Reb Anderson

TANTO:

Vanja Palmers

DIR. & SHIKA:

Barbara Isaksen

SHUSO:

Gil Fronsdal

INO:

Meiya Susan Wender

TENZO:

Robyn Churchill

TREASURER:

Brian Fikes

WORK LEADER:

Taiyo John Lipscomb

ANJA:

Rosalie Curtis

JISHA:

Lucien Childs

BENJI:

Gabriele Hartard

KITCHEN:

Davis Lueck – fukuten, David Bullock, Helen Chaloner, Gail Simpson, Hal Papps

DOANS:

Judith Kinst – head, Brian Blix, Lani Roberts, Jim Abrams, Alan Senauke

GARDEN:

Brigitte Wolf – head, Gunter Illner

SHOP:

Richart Ng – hea, Bob Thomas, Idilio Ceniceros

LIBARIAN:

Alina Wagner

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Lucien Childs

ASST. SHIKA:

Barbara Kohn

SPECIAL PROJECTS:

Paul Discoe

GENERAL LABOR:

Jaime Aldana Martinez, Rodrigo Aldana, Harold Galicer, Tamara Kan, Mark Sammons, Karl Scherer, Suzanne Wheat, Jerome Peterson, Juan Alday, Albert Kutchins

We have begun chanting the Ancestors from Gassan Joseki through Shogaku Shunryu.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1988

FALL 1988


ABBOT:

Sojun Mel Weitsman

DIRECTOR:

Taiyo Lipscomb

SHUSO:

Meiya Wender

INO:

Teah Strozer

TENZO:

Kokai Roberts

TREASURER:

Brian Fikes

SHIKA:

Idilio Ceniceros

WORK LEADER:

Rick Hodgen

ANJA:

Daijaku Kinst

BENJI:

Gaelyn Godwin

DOANS:

Davis Bullock – head, Flether Ward, Misha Merrill, Kodo Simpson, Hal Papps

KITCHEN:

Suzanne Wheat, Dennis Marshall, Mark Sammon, Bob Thomas

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Stevee Duber

AFTERNOON KITCHEN:

Bill Smith, Rosabel Harris

GARDEN:

Brian Blix

GENERAL LABOR:

Mike Lyons, Christina Lenherr, Ken Knabb, Harris Rappaport, Susan Yenchik

This practice period the tangaryo students are walking with a spring in their step (sort of), a giggle and a cleam in their eyes.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1987

Caption: Fall Practice Period 1988

SPRING 1989


ABBOT:

Tenshin Reb Anderson

PRACTICE LEADER:

Meiya Wender

DIRECTOR:

Taiyo Lipscomb

SHUSO:

Myo Lahey

INO:

Teah Strozer

TENZO:

Kokai Roberts

WORK LEADER:

Rick Hodgen

TREASURER:

Daijaku Kinst

JISHA:

Mark Sammon

ANJA:

Kodo Simpson

BENJI:

Brian Blix

DOANS:

Kosho Zenki – head, Hal Papps, Suzanne Wheat, Maylie Scott, Pat Leonetti

KITCHEN:

Jim Traversy – fukuten, Bob Thomas, Rosabel Harris, Bill Smith

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Fletcher Ward

AFTERNOON KITCHEN:

Miguel Casuso

LIBRARIAN:

Dennis Marshall

GARDEN:

Stevee Duber – head, Muga Dunegan

SHOP:

Gaelyn Godwin – head, Mike Lyons, Harris Rappaport

GENERAL LABOR:

Randy Johnson, Wendy Lewis, Norine Yee, Sigrid Toschek

Watching the jikido running // To clean the low meal boards // I recall how I could do the same ting // Just ten years ago, in the old zendo. // Going home from late night sitting // I see the burned-out walls and realize // I am really getting to be an old man. – Lou Hartman

Work has begun on re-furbishing the stone rooms . . . The Kaisando is being finished also.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1989

Getting Lost. Moon, with you for a companion // I am more willing / To be straying here, lost between // The true and the false. – Kathy Cook.

Katagiri-roshi is gravely ill—we have been chanting for his protection daily.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1989

FALL 1989

ABBOTS:

Tenshi Reb Anderson, Sojun Mel Weitsman

SEIDO:

Chikudo Jerome Peterson

DIRECTOR:

Meiya Wender

SHUSO:

Hekizan Tom Girardot

INO:

Daijaku Kinst

TENZO:

Suzanne Wheat

WORK LEADER:

Mark Sammon

SHIKA:

Rosabel Harris

JISHAL

Kokai Roberts

ANJA & LIBRARIAN:

Wendy Lewis

BENJI:

Bob Thomas

DOANS:

Gaelyn Godwin – head, Ted Harrison, Mark Boydston, Mike Lyons, Rick Hodgen

KITCHEN:

Hal Papps – fukuten, Stevee Duber, Fletcher Ward, Kodo Simpson

KITCHEN CLNR.:

Karen DeCotis

P.M. ITCHEN:

Barry Gross, Edwina Chang

GENERAL LABOR:

Il Chul Sunim, Koki Miyazaki, Chris Hamberger, Toin Greven, Melissa McKee, Richard

Found out that Myo-on Maurine Stuart-roshi is quite ill, in the hospital and not expected to live—also that Katagiri-roshi is quite ill. Hard to hear.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1990

Feb. 26. Spring is here. Trees are blooming. Maurine Stuart-roshi died last night at 12:30. . . what an enormous loss. We rang the densho bell 108 times; all of us bowing together in the zendo.
Teah left to go to Minneapolis to be with Katagiri-roshi and to do the sitting they will do in honor of him and to attend the funeral as he is not expected to live long. So very sad, all this.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1990

Mar. 1. Katagiri-roshi died today. We rang the densho 108 times and bowed together. Reb flew to Minneapolis to participate in a three-day sitting in honor of him. We did a memorial service here.
10,000 YEAR BOOK, SPRING 1998

Caption: Dainin Katagiri-roshi. 1928 — 1990. Died March 1, 1990
Caption: Fall Practice Period 1989

Today was a beautiful fall day. Sunshine, temperature in the eighties, a gentle breeze, sunlight filtering through golden maple leaves, Virginia Creeper going red. Smell of woodsmoke from study hall in the morning and from staff office during the day . . . How lucky we are to be here and do this practice, in this peaceful mountain valley. Nine bows to Shakyamuni Buddha, Bodhidharma, Dogen-zenji, Suzuki-roshi, Katagiri-roshi, Baker-roshi, Tenshin Zenki-sensei and Sojun-sensei.
SHUSO LOG, FALL 1986 (Nonin Chowaney)

MANY THANKS to the following people for their help and contributions toward the creation of this yearbook:


Sarah Bockhorst

Michael Sawyer

Laura Burges

Laurie Schley

Caryl Cary

Jeffrey Schneider

Kathy Cook

Kodo Simpson

Rosalie Curtis

Katherine Thanas

Gaelyn Godwin

Fran Thompson

Jordan Good

Linda Cutts Weintraub

Lou Hartman

Stanley White

Charlie Henkle

All the Directors, Inos and

Brian LeFevre

Shusos of two and a half

Judy Liggett

decades who kept records

Teresa Rivera

in the 10,000 Year Book and

Kokai Roberts

the Shuso Log.

Stephen E. Roulac

 

A particular "thank you" to those people who sent in photos; we only wish there had been space to use them all. Special thanks are also due Brad Miller, the creator of the wonderful alternative "Guidelines for Practice."

Many of the photographs in this book were taken from the Zen Center archives, and in most cases the identity of the photographer is unknown. For anyone whose photos may appear in this book without credit, our apologies, as well as our sincere thanks for having taken the photo in the first place.

Credits for photos and artwork (when known):
PHOTOGRAPHS: Clay Calhoun and Vanja Palmers, pp. 2-3; Dan Howe, pp. 4, 12, 34, 48, 49 upper, 53 upper; Jordan Good, p. 7 lower right; Rob Weinberg, pp. 39, 2 middle and 1 lower right, 41 lower; Minoru Aoku, p. 7 lower center; Kathy Cook, p. 15 lower; Robert S. Boni, pp. 16 lower, 33 upper, 54; Layla Bockhorst, p. 21 top; Brian LeFevre, pp. 24 center, 27 center; Laura Burges, p. 26 top; Teresa Rivera, p. 27, all 4 photos at lower right; Kokai Roberts, p. 50 upper and lower; Linda Cutts, pp. 44 upper, 52 lower; Barbara Lubanski, p. 46-47 lower.
ARTWORK: Fran Thompson, pp. 1, 5, 13, 24, 27, 35, 46, 55; Michael Sawyer, pp. 6, 11, 19, 22, 41; Stanley White, p. 8; Charlie Henkle, pp. 10, 14, 32, 45.
Layla Bockhorst September, 1992

ANNIVERSARY