Earth:
Yellow River Civilization (Northern China, Japan, Korea, S.E. Asia)
Fall Season: Pure
Land, Neidan, Chan, Zen, Shinto, Shingon, Tendai, Soto, Shugendo...
This Fall Season begins with the first new or full moon after October 25, and lasts 2-1/2 lunar months. It contains five lunar fortnights which last half a lunar month each. Each of these five 15 day periods focus on a different spiritual problem and its solution. Like the other four seasons, this particular one has its own unique region and focus. It is centered on the Yellow River Civilization and various lands influenced by it, such as China, Japan, and Korea and the spiritual movements that arose there like Taoism, Shinto and Shugendo.
During the 73 day period of this season various
problems, like coldness, distancing, aloofness, unyeildingness, authoritarianism
and over rigidity, are addressed. In there place virtues like orderliness,
emotional control, ordered speech, forbearance and a disciplined mind are
developed. The ultimate goal is the sought after Satori of Zen and the
Golden Elixer of Chinese Alchemy. In pursuit of this, the best practices
and teachings from various esoteric schools of this region have been compiled
into the five fortnight program. Historical movements and influencial figures
of this region are:
Each fortnight is divided into three periods
of five days each. Each one of these fifteen five day periods of the season
deal with a different phase and level of Neidan, or Chinese Alchemy. In
addition, there is a simplified ritual that begins each of these five day
periods, mostly taken from the Japanese tradition of Shugendo. The first
one of each fortnight is a bit more elaborate. Simple exercises or meditations,
mostly taken from the Chaan and Zen schools, are offered for observance
on all days. The predominant structural element of this program is the
15 day fortnight period which begins with a feast of sorts, and ends with
a two day partial fast. The 15 days are divided into three five day periods
(called "Ko" by the Japanese). Five of these 15 day fortnights complete
the seasons program. Five seasonal programs
complete the Liturgical Year. Each fiveday stage includes daily Po meditations
to cultivate internal energy and Shugendo exercises to deepen ascetic and
spiritual connection, progressing through Shugendo’s degrees and cave chambers.
The Five Chamber Cave initiation symbolizes death and rebirth, paralleling
Po’s alchemical transformation.
This 15 stage, 75day program offers a rigorous path toward immortality and sagehood, blending Taoist alchemy with Shugendo’s mountain mysticism. It seeks a properly structuring and balancing life, a natural lifestyle, and communal farm life if possible. Sustainable, ordered, natural, harmonious and peaceful lifestyle is the goal, along with Satori (Enlightenment). Mountain farming, especially monastic farming, is a theme. Nature is sought as a potential revealer of our Buddha nature. Each of this Fall Seasons five fortnights are ruled over by one of the five Chinese elements, these element inform the rites that are assigned therein and each is associated with Neidan alchemy stages:
Peace to all....
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