Bright Way Zen

Why are we intensifying our practice during Ango? In Zen, the question of effort vs. non-effort in practice is, in itself, a Koan. Should we aim for vow, intention, motivation, with the urgency of "putting out a fire on your head"? Or, would we be better off settling into equanimity and radical acceptance, just "resting in the Samadhi of all the Buddhas"? Domyo takes input from Sangha on the positives and negatives of each approach, and further discussion follows.

Bright Way Zen's Sangha opens a new season of practice with acknowledging all who have practice roles, chanting the Heart Sutra, and singing "Shantideva's Way of the Bodhisattva."

In the second week of our study series on our Bright Way Zen Linieage we look at the Dharma Cloud lineage including Sanghas established by Kyogen and Gyokuko Carlson and their students. We begin with Roshi Kennett and talk about the Carlson's training, their move to Oregon, the establishment and evolution of Dharma Rain Zen Center, and end with some audio of one of Kyogen's talks.

Our guest speaker leads Plum Blossom Zendo in Vancouver, Washington, and is a teacher and resident of Great Vow Monastery. Here, she shares a little bit about vows and how her community works with them, the difference between a vow and a goal, and the various kinds of vows and how they operate. Small group discussions follow - what might our own life vows actually be?

In this episode, Domyo has returned from her sabbatical and begins our series on The Bright Way Zen Lineage. Starting with the Bodhi Dharma, Domyo begins tracing our lineage through China and Japan and it's move to North America by Jiyu Kennett.

Before Katie joined Bright Way and accepted Jukai, she made a list of religious elements that mattered to her. She called the list "natural religion" because it came from human values and experience. How does American Zen Buddhism measure up against natural religion? (in case you are holding your breath — pretty well). You might see your own values as she identifies key elements of natural religion in Buddhism.

Carson brings us into the field of his vocation: river restoration, which is to return river systems to their natural conditions. Inspired by Zen teachings, his work has shown him the preciousness and interconnectedness of all life. To define a river is difficult - where is the boundary? It's a shifting, constantly changing concept - ultimately impermanent, and empty. To act in accordance with the nature of reality - how can we apply that to our practice? What does it mean to truly be a part of nature?

Hokaku introduces us to Koans, and relates how Case 7 of the Blue Cliff Record has knocked him off-kilter and destroyed his life, exactly as it is supposed to. He also talks about Buddha-nature, completely losing touch with himself and reality, identity (and lack thereof), faith and doubt, emotional instability, rivers, the cyclical nature of Zen practice, utter self-indulgence, fear, death, failure, falling apart and why he cries when peeling onions.

In the latest talk in our Sangha Voices series, Jeff, a physician specializing in psychiatry and addiction medicine, compares and contrasts the tenants of science and Buddhism and invites the attendees to consider whether Buddha was a scientist. He will also review some scientific findings that may help explain how Buddhist practice can be beneficial for health and wellness.

Soki describes her life, practice, and priest training so far in 2026 - including her time spent at Green Gulch of San Francisco Zen Center, Dharma Rain Zen Center, and Great Vow Monastery. She then demonstrates a self-massage technique she learned at Great Vow from Guo Gu. An open discussion follows.

In this session Sangha member Kyosen leads the Sangha in a discussion around the tension that exists around the themes of change, transformation and growth in our Zen practice. Through both small and large group discussions and through the use of multiple Dogen fascicles, Kyosen guides the Sangha to think deeply about our own practice and how we understand it.

Ryōkan was a well-known 18th century Zen monk, poet, calligrapher, and hermit. In his Dharma name, Guzan shares the "gu" (which translates to "fool") with the "gu" in Taigu "Great Fool" Ryōkan's name. Inspired by this common theme, Guzan shares many stories from Ryōkan's life - stories that redefine and illustrate what it truly means to play the fool. How can we bring these qualities of freedom, natural authenticity, skillful honesty, and unpretentious humility into our practice and our lives? If Ryōkan can, so can you.

In this Sangha Voices talk, Shoketsu speaks about the Five Remembrances found in the Upajjhatthana Sutta ("Subjects for Contemplation") while weaving in her experiences, and deep history as an original member of Brightway Zen.

Our teacher tells the traditional Chinese folk tale of the "Story of Sei" which is the background for Case 35 of the Mumonkan, or Gateless Gate Koan collection. This koan points to the sense of alienation, separateness, and inner conflict that we can experience from ourselves and our lives. Who is the "real" Seijo? Who is the "real" you?

In this ceremony, Sangha member Guzan begins his year of service as Shuso, or "Chief Junior", at Bright Way Zen.

As the Sangha bridges between our summer study series and our Sangha Voices Series, Domyo leads a Zen Practice "Ask Me Anything" inviting Sangha members to bring forward any questions they have about Zen or their practice.

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.