The Buddha's rain retreats were in August, September and October, and then maybe later September, October and November. I live in NYC. I'm wondering when it might be natural to have rains retreats in north America, when is the time when things are the most mellow and would accept retreats as a thing. Summer of course is a good idea, kids traditionally had 2 months off growing up. I know other traditions have the retreats at other times to suit their needs. I'm thinking I want a 3 month intensification to allow for me to also relax a little the other months. Is there anything equivalent to it raining and the Buddha wanting to get the monks out of the farmer's hair a little with retreats? Your thoughts?

The cook said, “The study of written words is to understand the purpose of written words. Exertion in pursuit of the way requires an affirmation of the purpose of pursuing the way.” I asked him, “What are written words?” The cook answered, “One, two, three, four, five.” I also asked, “What is pursuit of the way?” He said, “In the whole world, it can never be hidden.”

Okumura is consistently clear, calming, and insightful. I also appreciated his portrayal of Buddha’s compassionate light and wisdom illuminating us, a form of “other power” frequently discussed in Pure Land schools, yet no school is strictly other or self power, because there is no self or other to start with 🙏🏼