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.

In the Soto Zen tradition, showing gratitude is thought to be an important virtue and while the holiday of Thanksgiving could be seen as a secular holiday, it seems like an auspicious time to give expression to our gratitude for the many blessings we receive and especially the opportunity encounter and practice the Dharma. Please join us for a morning of meditation and this festival ceremony followed by tea and a Dharma talk.

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.