From the "better late than never" file. One of my favorite web cartoons, Toothpaste For Dinner.

Vienna: Guest Photographers Jakub Brzezinski and Knud Rosenmayer

Here are some more photos from Vienna, shared by sangha member Jakub Brzezinski.

Check out Jakub's photos here.

Knud Rosenmayr also brought his camera. In addition to our walking tour, he managed a few shots of the 1-day YMJJ.

Click here to see Knud's pictures.

Brno: Basic Questions, Basic Zen

Checking out the fountain

In Brno, Czech Republic, we were treated to a garden party as the setting for ZMBH's public talk. The setting sun and the gorgeous landscaping (complete with fountain) created a unique and wonderful atmosphere. (In case you missed the Brno photos, you can see them HERE and HERE.)

The Dharma talk in the garden

In today's clip, we have just heard the introductory talk by Roman (seated to camera left), and Zen Master Bon Haeng has just led us in five minutes of meditation. As was often the case in Europe, it took a few minutes for people to overcome their natural shyness to ask a question. Fortunately, Roman himself broke the ice with the question, "What is the most important thing in a person's life?"

I think that's what is known as a "doosey." (Recorded June 14, 2011)

A bit of fluff for your weekend

These don't really have anything to do with the teaching tour, but they are cute and funny, and very sound advice for anyone traveling anywhere. Of course, ZMBH was never attacked by an aardvark or an orca, but if he had been--well, you get the idea.

(NOTE: If you get an error message when trying to play these, just double-click on the video frame itself to open it in YouTube. It should play just fine then.)

Grounded & Ungrounded: a Story About Zen Master Seung Sahn

During his Dharma talk in Vienna on June 13, 2011, Zen Master Bon Haeng told this story about Zen Master Seung Sahn and his ability to remain grounded regardless of the situation.

MY pictures from Brno

Sorry for posting these pictures out of order like this. Yesterday I showed you Roman's pix from Brno, Czech Republic. Today, here are mine. I have also rearranged some pictures in other albums, and tried to include a few captions. Unfortunately, my notes with people's names in them are MIA, so please forgive the lack of identification in some of the pictures.

I chose as the album cover this little Czech beauty who entertained us the whole time. As I mention elsewhere, I took way too many pictures of her, but you can see why. What a cutie!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY PICTURES FROM BRNO

Photos from Brno

I haven't had the time to post my photos from Brno (Czech Republic) yet, but one of our Dharma brothers, Roman, has already put his on Picasa. In addition to their being really good pictures of our day touring the city, you actually get to see a shot or two of--me! Here I am talk to Andy on the train platform.

Roman smiles for his picture...

...and takes one himself.

And here is the photographer himself, caught in the act! Nice job with these pictures, Roman. My own will follow soon, but right now I need a shower and a coffee.

Best to everyone,

MarkO

CLICK HERE TO SEE ROMAN'S PICTURES FROM BRNO