Dear Good Friends, We continue to explore the Platform Sutra of Hui-neng. If you are following along with me, I recommend that you go directly to the Platform Sutra and skip the introduction and the sections with commentary by Red Pine. Read sections (20-23) of the Platform Sutra, notice your reaction to this reading, sit with it, and comment below. I will respond to your comments (privately) as necessary. You may of course not follow my direction and not respond […]
Category Archives: News
Platform Sutra Study- Part 2 – Sections 12-14
Dear Good Friends, We continue to explore the Platform Sutra of Hui-neng. If you are following along with me, I recommend that you go directly to the Platform Sutra and skip the introduction and the sections with commentary by Red Pine. Read sections (12-14) of the Platform Sutra, notice your reaction to this reading, sit with it, and comment below. I will respond to your comments (privately) as necessary. You may at any time, after reading this part of the […]
Platform Sutra Study- Part 1
Dear Good Friends, As I start my August retreat, I invite you to join me in reading and reflecting on the teaching of Hui-neng. The Translation I have chosen is by Red Pine (Although there are other translations of the Platform Sutra, this is the one that offers the best translation from my view). If you are following along with me, I recommend that you go directly to the Platform Sutra and skip the introduction and the sections with commentary […]
Exploring the PLATFORM SUTRA with OZS
The Zen Teaching of Hui-Neng Hui-Neng was the Sixth Patriarch of China’s Zen sect. Over the centuries, he has become a most venerated teacher of one of the world’s great spiritual traditions. During my personal retreat this August, I will be focusing on the Dharma as presented by Hui-Neng. I read the platform Sutra many years ago and studied it as part of a curriculum in a Buddhist Studies class I took. Now it is time for me to take […]
OZS News for Summer 2023
Schedule Changes Our practice session for Sunday, June 18, 2023 (Father’s Day) has been canceled. At OZS, once a month we encourage a Sangha member to give the Dharma talk. The Dharma talk for Wednesday, June 21, 2023, will be given by Sangha member, Serena Olsen. In July, a Dharma talk will be given by Nick Dow. The date TBD. (The Dharma talks may be podcast, if the presenter agrees to it.) This year, I plan to take time off […]
Korean temple cuisine – from the BBC
“From a mountainside in Gyeonggi-do, Buddhist nun WooKwan Sunim pioneers the Korean temple cuisine movement, which has roots in ancient history but speaks directly to modern tastes.” – BBC WORLD’S TABLE | FOOD & DRINK | SOUTH KOREA article by By Paul Stafford 17th May 2023 https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230516-the-1700-year-legacy-of-korean-temple-cuisine?ocid=ww.social.link.facebook
OZS – Retreat In Nature – photo gallery
January 7, 2023, Retreat in Nature
A New Years Resolution
Sangha is a Sanskrit word used in many Indian languages that means association, assembly, company, or community. As we bring in the new year, I would like to take a moment to thank all those who have become part of our Ordinary Zen Sangha, in person, on Zoom, or by listening to our Podcasts. Thank you, for your generous contributions to OZS. May the New Year be meritious and all beings benefit. DEDICATION OF MERITS 回向偈 May the merits […]
The Darkest Day of the Year
The winter solstice occurs when either of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. This happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. In the Northern hemisphere, it is today. December Wednesday, December 21, 2022. This is called the Shortest Day; the Longest Night. Our original nature is the boundless light of wisdom that always shines, even on the darkest nights. I extend warm wishes to you on this Longest night. Darkness gives way to light and the […]
Covid Confusion
On Thursday, December 1, 2022. I received my Flu shot and Covid Booster. Over the next several days I felt what I thought were the normal side effects from one or both vaccinations. However, things were not getting better. On Wednesday, December 7, I tested positive for COVID. How confusing? When did it start? All I know now is I will have to wait it out until I get negative COVID tests. I feel better and seem to be on […]