Bright Way Zen

By sharing personal stories from her life, senior student Jinryu illustrates how she has gained insight into her own Karmic journey. Through her openness and heartfelt willingness to share, she provides an inspiring example.

What is time? Senior student Kyugen explores various definitions, experiences and perceptions of time, and the role time plays in our culture, Zen practice and literature. A thoughtful Sangha discussion follows.

In this ceremony, Sangha member Yuka completes her year of service as Shuso, or "Chief Junior", at Bright Way Zen.

We all naturally care about being accepted, included, and valued.  In fact, it can be said that social belonging is the one Koan we all share as human beings. As with any Koan, there is a great deal to be learned from examining our narratives about relationships, how we feel about them, and what we know to be true through Zen practice. By reflecting on these connections with an open heart, we can...

Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality. Absolute and relative are terms that describe two profoundly different aspects of reality – the relativ...

Kakumyo, Abbot of Dharma Rain Zen Center and Domyo's Dharma brother, speaks to the supportive nature of Sangha. By being witnessed and reflected by our fellow practitioners, we can deepen and actualize our efforts in Zen practice. A thoughtful discussion follows.

The Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality. In Week four we studied the lines "Eye and sights, ear and sounds, nose and smells, tongue and tast...

The common worldview of the Buddha's time was that beings are reborn after death. A central question in religious practices, including Buddhism, was what you could do in this lifetime to ensure a favorable rebirth - or liberation from the whole cycle of rebirth. Our Zen practice is not dependent on rebirth being true or untrue. It doesn't matter whether you believe in it, or whether you disbelieve...

Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality. In week 3 of our line-by-line study of the Sandokai Domyo leads us in a discussion of the four followin...

Senior student Kanshin relates his changing experiences over the years: from discovering and getting used to Zazen, to repeatedly returning to sitting and forms, and then to finding and helping to establish this sangha on the west side.....and gradually being transformed by continuous practice. Sangha members also share their personal stories and appreciation.

Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality. In week 2 of our line-by-line study of the Sandoak Domyo leads us in a discussion of the four follwing...

If you want to follow the way of the Dharma ancestors, you must realize your true nature. Although our practice is "just sitting", it is inseparable from our project of realization. What is this true nature that we must realize? What is the essence of Zazen?  Just sitting is an ingenious method of opening ourselves up to reality without arousing dualistic striving.

The Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality. Over the next couple months Domyo will lead the Sangha througha line-by-line discussion of this mea...

In the final week of our 12 week long precept study, Sanga member Tyler discusses his thoughts and idea around how honouring and respecting the three treasure can be used as a tool towards meaningful Zen practice. 

When we experience mental and emotional states of distress, what can we do? Through patient practice, we can relieve our own suffering by turning to the ever-present refuge of thusness, or suchness -- when we discover and recognize the emptiness of all our perceptions.

In the eleventh week of our precept series, Sangha member Jen, weaving Buddhist literature, personal stories and experience, leads the sangha through a deeply meaningful discussion on the role of anger in our life and our Buddhist practice.   

One's practice and spiritual growth could be described as a "path".  However, by reframing our practice as one of fulfillment, maturation, and becoming more beautiful and beneficial with time (as old growth Douglas Fir trees do!) we can engage with this process in a new way, and realize our true potential.

In the 10th week of our Precept Study Series, Sangha member, Rachel takes us through a personal discussion on her engagement with the Precept of not being mean with Dharma or wealth.

Apart from life's enjoyments, work, creativity, contributions, personality traits, talents, and intellectual pursuits - What is our deeper search about?  In the context of the great matter of birth and death, those things are ultimately ephemeral and ungraspable.  Without giving a single definitive answer, Zen practice encourages us and refocuses us toward the discovery of something more profound....

In the 9th week of our precept study, Yoly discussed the precept of "Do Not Praise Self or Blame Others" with the Bright Way Zen sangha.   

When faced with difficulties from minor to severe, from individual to universal - how can we respond without undue aversion, denial, or spiritual bypassing?  Our practice can help us relate to and engage with our hardships in a different way, with greater authenticity, acceptance and equanimity. Those present share aspects of their own personal experiences.

In this episode Sangha member Mick leads that Sangha in a discussion surrounding the 8th Precept, Do Not Dwell On Past Mistakes.

All of our various Zen garments: the Wagesa, the Rakusu, and the Kesa, correspond with different (entirely optional) sets of vows that can shape our lives. Domyo talks about the origin, appearance and meaning behind these items. Soki, who is considering priest ordination in our tradition, comments on her journey.