Bright Way Zen

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 following lines "Sights vary in quality and form, sounds differ as pleasing or harsh. Refined and common speech come together in the dark, clear and murky phrases are distinguished in the light. The four elements return to their natures just as a child turns to its mother; Fire heats, wind moves, water wets, earth is solid."

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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.

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.

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

In our seventh week of the Precept Series, Sangha member Leah leads a class discussion on the Precept of not becoming intoxicated.

Kyugen relates his personal story of how he came to Bright Way Zen, and shares what it was like for him to receive the precepts in our Jukai ceremony and enter the stream of teachings in order to realize the Buddha way. He discusses the deep meaning behind this commitment to live and embody each of the precepts. A friendly conversation with Sangha members follows.

In this weeks discussion of the precepts Drew speaks to the Sangha and leads a discussion the precept "Do Not Speak Dishonestly."

In this weeks precept discussion, Sangha member Gathel leads a discussion on the Precept of Not Misusing Sexuality.

Mountains walking, a stone woman giving birth in the night...what could these things mean? This sutra might be best read as poetry, or like a dream. Domyo and Sangha members continue reading from this fascicle and consider which passages resonate most for each of us.

Given the daunting volume and diversity of Buddhist texts available to read - where does one even begin? How does it all fit together and interrelate? Our teacher gives an overview of the major Buddhist sects as illustrated in a complex and colorful lineage tree graphic, and by pointing out foundational sutras and key Soto Zen texts, to better orient and encourage us to study the Dharma.

The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara/Kanzeon is beloved for their omniscient, compassionate awareness to the cries of the world. Keeping them in mind, Sangha members name aloud some of what we are bearing witness to in today's world. How do we remain aware and open-hearted to the state of things, while staying committed to our Bodhisattva vow to liberate all beings? How can we bear witness even though there may be nothing we can do?

In this episode Domyo continues a discussion around Zen practice and our relationship to the natural world.