“To study the buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be actualized by myriad things. When actualized by myriad things, your body and mind as well as the bodies and minds of others drop away. No trace of realization remains, and this no-trace continues endlessly.” This quote is from the Genjōkōan, an essay written by Dōgen Zenji, the founder of Zen Buddhism’s Sōtō school in Japan. It’s very influential because it summarizes Bodhidharma’s teachings on realizing the true self or Buddha Nature. Accordingly, Bodhidharma was a legendary 5th ..read more

When Shinzan asked me to write about my presentation on the Fifth Precept—the use and overuse of intoxicants—I found myself reflecting on the year-long journey of our newest "Buddhas" as they prepared for the Jukai ceremony. This formal taking of the precepts marks not just a ritual, but a profound declaration of commitment to living as a Buddhist. To begin, I turn to the wisdom of our ancestors. Bodhidharma, who brought Buddhism to China and shaped what became Chan, said: "In the sphere of the originally pure dharma, not being ignorant is called the precept of refraining from using intoxicant ..read more

We concluded our year with Winter Council and a potluck. The Council, a powerful practice adapted from Native American traditions, involves sitting in a circle and passing a "talking piece." There are guidelines that allow only one person to speak at a time, ideally unscripted and from the heart, while everyone else listens deeply with their hearts. This practice nurtures the skill of listening, which we cultivate with grace, and provides a profound opportunity to explore and express the core of our feelings and stories. While we avoid getting caught up in the narratives the mind creates durin ..read more

“I took Jukai as a commitment to myself: to heal the many wounds I carry, embark on a journey of self-discovery, learn to pay attention to my thoughts, words, and actions, and to find and cultivate joy, compassion, and wisdom in this lifetime to help heal both myself and others. My Dharma name, Seido, meaning "Clear Way," gives me the strength and confidence to follow the Bodhisattva path, bringing healing to myself and those around me. I believe I am meant to be at 4 Vows Sangha. Throughout my life, I sensed that meditation was the answer to my persistent "angst" and dissatisfaction. Though I ..read more

"Jukai felt like a natural progression in my Zen journey. One of the most challenging aspects was sharing my intentions and reasoning with my family. Having grown up Catholic and now identifying as an atheist, I struggled with the potential judgments and perceptions surrounding religion and spiritual practice. However, one of the greatest moments of joy and affirmation came when I overcame my insecurities, shared my Zen path with my family, and was met with nothing but love and acceptance. Preparing for Jukai offered me a valuable perspective on letting go and being fully present in the moment ..read more

Our dear Joren returned, surprising us with a wonderful visit. Collegial, friendly, and inspirational, she humbly shared her experiences and insights with us. Since moving to Japan, Joren hasn’t just continued her Zen practice; she has significantly deepened it. Having studied and trained at Tosho-ji Monastery—a traditional Japanese center—she returned to us now as a priest. There was a new aura about her, a radiant calmness and humility as she shared her journey. She described the training, which is quite formal by Western standards. The discipline, she said, was akin to military life. Every ..read more

Traditionally, during the monsoon season, Buddha and his monks would retreat under shelter rather than venture out into the streets among others. In this refuge, they gathered in solemn seclusion to deepen their practice. In our secular, non-monastic world, we do our best to replicate that experience as much as possible. For six weeks, we followed a schedule that included additional sittings to the regular meetings, as well as morning sittings—some in person, others via Zoom. As lay western practitioners, we committed at various levels, based on what we could manage. We vowed to participate in ..read more

A Recapitulation of the Ceremony Having spent several weeks in the Practice Period, culminating in the deepening of our sangha during sesshin, we meditate once more. We rehearsed this moment, especially on the last day of sesshin, and now Sensei Shinzan, Jisha, Shoryu, Head Trainee Dojin, and others come together to bring the rehearsed parts into action. We fall naturally into our tasks (mindfulness helps) and all gathering in support. Soon, family and friends assemble, making a whole of our separate selves. With strength and authority, the bell tolls, and the stately procession begi ..read more

Intensive Summer! What a fantastic summer season! In this edition, we're thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our 36-day Zen practice period! As the weekend retreat marked the end of the practice period, there was an unmistakable sense of transformation and accomplishment for those who surrendered to their practice. For those who embraced the rewarding challenges of extended meditation and self-reflection, these 36 days were a profound journey. For many, there was the cultivation of inner strength, resilience, and insights that have shifted into every ..read more

First Work Practice Day Was Amazing Samu, which means "work practice" in Zen Buddhism, is a form of meditation that involves actively engaging in tasks with mindfulness and a sense of service. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of our usual distractions and judgments, we can experience a sense of unity and connection with others and the world around us. We had our first samu practice with the intention of developing a culture of appreciation, responsibility, and self-sufficiency. During Work Practice Day, we had the opportunity to practice this form of meditation and bring a sens ..read more