Work is a long standing element of practice in the Zen tradition and represents a concrete way to put practice into action in our everyday life. Working Meditation days at the Priory are a way to concentrate on and develop this aspect of practice and they are a way to give expression to generosity by helping take care of the practical elements of the life of the temple.

Meditation, walking meditation and meditation.

Since the teaching of compassion is fundamentally important in Buddhism, in many Zen temples each day begins with a ceremony for the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshwara or Kanzeon. Our Kanzeon ceremony is a variation of our morning service, emphasizing the scripture of Avalokiteshwara, a chapter of the Lotus sutra.

Meditation and the ceremony are followed by tea and a Dharma discussion.

30 minutes of meditation followed by vespers, the last ceremonial of the day. Vespers is the Chanting of The Litany of the Great Compassionate One followed by other short verses.

The Dharma discussion will be on various topics of training in the Soto Zen Tradition.

Meditation, Mid-day Service and Dharma Discussion

Meditation instruction and an introduction to the ceremonial aspect of the Soto Zen tradition. Please call to confirm: 503 238 1123 (Introduction to practice could be conducted via zoom, during the covid-19 restrictions.)

Meditation, walking meditation and meditation.

With the Festival of Wesak, we commemorate the birth, life, Enlightenment and teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha. In the Buddhist world, Wesak marks the beginning of the New Year and is the most significant and joyous event of the Buddhist calendar. Wesak reminds us of the Buddha’s historical origins in the person of Shakyamuni, the Wise One of the Shakya Clan, and celebrates, with this joyful festival, the profound gratitude we feel for His timeless teachings. The Ceremony will be followed by a brief Dharma talk and tea.

We will also be broadcasting this event via Zoom using our usual Sunday link. If you will be joining us via zoom, bring along a treat and something to drink; in lieu of ladling water over the Baby Buddha, we’ll give ourselves a drink!

If you would like to join us and haven’t been to a Zoom meeting, please contact the temple for more information or to get the zoom link.