March 26 - May 21 This Ango we continue our deep dive on the Daily Liturgy with the Heart Sutra, and introduce Dōgen’s guidance for householders on finding a true teacher. We also introduce our new shuso (Chief Disciple) for this Ango, Rev. Kaishin. Kaishin will lead the Ango from the first seat and will engage in Dharma Combat with the sangha at the Ango closing Shuso Hossen Ceremony. Through the Ango, Rev. Kaishin will offer a weekly blog post (Mondays), and a weekly series of short videos (Thursdays) regarding practice and Temple life. What more fitting way to begin this Ango than with Rev ..read more

The Missing Piece As Rinsen and Hoshi mentioned in a recent Abbot’s Address – we have some exciting news to share about the coming year. Before we get into news and what it means for you, we need to share a little history so it all makes sense. Abbot’s Address, December 31, 2022 Several years ago, our generous donors and friends, Rena and Hoshi, gave the sangha the gift of land and funds toward building the new Temple building. The Temple land was originally part of a larger wooded plot that included the a home on Estateway. The original owner, who became our neighbor, sold a large part of th ..read more

We would invite all Temple Members to an open hearted and direct conversation on Sunday, October 30th 2022 from 1:30 to 3:00, directly following the monthly potluck. We will discuss funerals, memorial services, estate planning, and the exciting vision for our temple cemetery. Please bring your questions and concerns as you discern for yourself what path is best for you and your loved ones. The rest of this post shares wisdom about death and dying from the depths of our tradition that has been the foundation and inspiration for Temple Leadership in developing a program for the sangha. In Buddhi ..read more

September 18 - December 4 This Ango we continue our deep study of the Daily Liturgy with focus on Clarifying the Mahayana Path. We will continue our work from our July Teachings Retreat Understanding the Daily Liturgy: The Stages of the Mahayana Path by focusing on “The Seven Practices of the Bodhisattva”, “Generating Love and Compassion”, and “The Heart Surtra” from our Daily Liturgy. The Daily Liturgy is a concise explication of the entirety of the Buddha’s teachings. At each Ango workshop, we’ll take a section of the Daily Liturgy and go over every line in great detail. If you would like t ..read more

September 18 - December 4 This Ango we continue our deep study of the Daily Liturgy with focus on Clarifying the Mahayana Path. We will continue our work from our July Teachings Retreat Understanding the Daily Liturgy: The Stages of the Mahayana Path by focusing on “The Seven Practices of the Bodhisattva”, “Generating Love and Compassion”, and “The Heart Surtra” from our Daily Liturgy. The Daily Liturgy is a concise explication of the entirety of the Buddha’s teachings. At each Ango workshop, we’ll take a section of the Daily Liturgy and go over every line in great detail. If you would like t ..read more

March 20 - June 19 This Ango we will turn our attention towards recognizing and celebrating the immense struggles and contributions of women in the MahaSangha. It is particularly fitting that this is happening during Rev. Do’on’s Denbo transmission which comes to her from Jiyu Kennet Roshi, the first Western woman to receive the transmission of Soto Zen. (What’s Ango?) Ango Texts Each Ango, Our Teachers hold up relevant texts for independent reading and as source material for Dharma Talks. You may participate in Ango as much as you are able, even if you do not purchase or read these books. Op ..read more

March 20 - June 19 This Ango we will turn our attention towards recognizing and celebrating the immense struggles and contributions of women in the MahaSangha. It is particularly fitting that this is happening during Rev. Do’on’s Denbo transmission which comes to her from Jiyu Kennet Roshi, the first Western woman to receive the transmission of Soto Zen. (What’s Ango?) Ango Texts Each Ango, Our Teachers hold up relevant texts for independent reading and as source material for Dharma Talks. You may participate in Ango as much as you are able, even if you do not purchase or read these books. Op ..read more

September 5 - November 21 Photo by Mattia Faloretti on Unsplash More about this Ango Dear Ones -  For the past several Ango, the Sangha has focused on important issues of social engagement, including racism in America, food insecurity, and the climate crisis. As we write these words of guidance, the pandemic is raging anew as our children go back to school. Politics around the world are dangerously polarized, armed conflict is everywhere, trust in institutions, expertise and science are eroding, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared July 2021 the world’s hottes ..read more

September 5 - November 21 Photo by Mattia Faloretti on Unsplash More about this Ango Dear Ones -  For the past several Ango, the Sangha has focused on important issues of social engagement, including racism in America, food insecurity, and the climate crisis. As we write these words of guidance, the pandemic is raging anew as our children go back to school. Politics around the world are dangerously polarized, armed conflict is everywhere, trust in institutions, expertise and science are eroding, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared July 2021 the world’s hottes ..read more

March 21 - June 6, 2021 An Earth Witness Ango Cultivating Environmental Awareness and Action as Dharma Practice through Hands-On Exploration of Our Food and “How It Comes to Us” “We reflect on the effort that brought us this food and consider how it comes to us.” — Oryoki Meal ChantMore about this Ango Gardening is a beautiful metaphor for the Dharma, and the focus for this spring ango is gardening, raising food, food security and the impact food has on our bodies and our planet. As we work line-by-line through Swampland Flowers: Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (translated by Christ ..read more