Syllabus for Wintermester: 2012

TreeMind2

Spirituality

and

the

Living

World

the

Shingon

and

Shinto

Traditions

P:\htdocs\WintermesterTaijiiEditorial.pdf P:\htdocs\wintermestermacybuddhistecology.pdf

PACKING FOR TRIP:

Obtain one of the following books (available at Amazon.com) and bring it with you on the journey:

Teachings of the Earth by John Dado Loori

The Soul of the World: A Modern Book of Hours by Phil Cousineau

The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide to Making Travel Sacred by Phil Cousineau

Notebook and writing instruments (packed in a ziploc baggie)

Outerwear (it may get cold and wet, so the following are to keep you as comfortable as possible on the trail): waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, waterproof shoes; hat and gloves; a warm layer such as a fleece jacket or parka.

Other items: sweater and/or fleece/ polypro shirts; lighter weight shirts for first layer; long pants; one "dress-up" ensemble, bathing suit; casual shoes; pajamas; undies; towel; toiletries (packed in ziploc baggies). Waterbottle (will need to be empty to go through security).

Optional: camera, travel clock, calculator (or cell phone with these and battery charger); glasses, folding umbrella, small gifts, maps, personal first-aid and medications, snacks.

Money for "meals on your own," going out, and souvenirs ($500.00-1000.00)

All of the above should be packed in one small carry-on sized suitcase and one small backpack (bookbag sized) for the trail. Our luggage will be transported for us while we are on the trail.

COURSE WORK:

Phase 1, pre-travel readings and discussion questions:

Answers should be a paragraph or two in length. Answers are to be submitted via MyClasses course site no later than 5pm on Dec. 28th.

1. What is the Kumano Kodo trail and where is it located? Required reading: Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range - UNESCO World Heritage Centre

2. Please give an overview of religion in Japan. What are the main religions practiced? Required reading Religion in Japan (wikipedia)

3. What is the Shinto religion? What are the main precepts? Required reading: Shinto - Wikipedia

4. Give a brief history of Buddhism. Who founded it? Where and when? What are the precepts? Required reading: LIFE OF BUDDHA

5. Using the Web research Zen and Shingon Buddhism. Compare and contrast these two Japanese traditions of Buddhism.

6. Read "Dongshan and Shensen Cross the River" by John Daido Loori. Required reading: (Mountains Waters). What is your favorite line in this article and why?

7. Read "The records of a travel worn satchel" by Basho. Then take a walk outside and compose a Basho-style poem. Write your poem here. Required reading: (Basho)

8. In "The Life and Legend of Kobo Daishi (Kukai)", pg 56, is written, "Intrinsic to Kukai's argument is his perception that the primal "language" of ultimate reality -- that is, of the Dharma Buddha -- is communicated by nature in its varied phenomenal manifestations. In short, phenomenal nature as perceived by the enlightened mind is the Dharma Buddha." What do you think this means? Please give an example. Optional reading: (Kaukai's Life

)

9. In Dogen's "Mountains and Waters as Sutras (Sansui-Kyo)," by Graham Parkes, pg 87, is written, "If you doubt mountains' walking, you do not know your own walking." What do you think this means? Optional reading: (Mountain River Sutra)

10. Do you have what you would consider an “environmental spirituality”? If so, does it have anything to do with your religion (if you have one)? Please expound.

Additional Recommended Readings:

“Walking”: an essay by Henry David Thoreau.

Essays by Kumi Kato:

Prayers for the Whales.

Community, Connection and Conservation: Intangible Cultural Values in Natural Heritage—The Case of Shirakami-sanchi World Heritage Area

Editorial on The Cove

On Forest Spirits

Stanford Encyclopedia Article on Kukai

History of Koyosan