June 2026

Photo by Zen Master Jeong Bong

So I found this poem, “Prayer” by Galway Kinnell.

Whatever happens. Whatever

what is is is what

I want. Only that. But that.

And there it was: Radical Acceptance. Only a few words, yet it weighs so heavy with the savor of what is.

As Zen students we practice just that. We aspire to completely attain this present moment and everything it offers – just as it is. We let go of the daily push/pull that convinces us we can arm wrestle reality. No longer denying what’s painful or difficult. Participating in life exactly as it is in this moment, rather than how we’d prefer it to be.

Only: how may I help? This is the Bodhisattva path.

Ann Pepper, JDPSN

June In-Person Sessions

All in-person practices are open for walk-in attendance (no need to sign up in advance). In-person practice is not streamed, unless otherwise noted.

Weekly Sessions:

• Sunday 10-11:30am (Also streamed online)
• Tuesday 7-8:00pm
• Wednesday 10-11:00am
• Friday 10-11:00am

Newcomer Orientation:

• Sunday 9:30-9:50am

Sunday Morning In-Person Activities: (Online participation is welcome!)

• First Sunday of the month (6/7) — Dharma Dialogues
• Second Sunday of the month (6/13) — Special Chanting (more info here)
• Third Sunday of the month (6/20) — Dharma Talk
• Fourth Sunday of the month (6/27) — On-line Dharma Dialogues

Second Saturday:

• Extended sitting practice (6/12) 9:00am-12:00pm

To attend, simply show up 5 to 10 minutes before any practice time. The building will be open for those practices. Use the ground floor entrance from the back yard (west side of the building).

Dharma Dialogues

Our senior teachers offer online Dharma Dialogues if you would like to discuss your practice and ask questions. Paul Gulick, JDPSN, and Ann Pepper, JDPSN, also offer optional kong-an exchanges. Please get in touch with them individually to schedule an appointment if you would like a one-on-one Zoom meeting.

• Greg Eisen, JDPSN eisengn@gmail.com
• Paul Gulick, JDPSN paul@blueheronzen.org
• Ann Pepper, JDPSN anngoldenwind@outlook.com
• John Craycraft, SDT johnc@blueheronzen.org
• Jim Peacey, SDT jim@blueheronzen.org

Special Chanting Requests

Once a month, we set aside time in our Sunday practice to express compassion for anyone who is suffering (Kwan Seum Bosal chanting) or recently deceased (Ji Jang Bosal chanting). We invite you to register the names of loved ones for either chant. We will recite the names when we do special chanting.

Looking Forward

9-Day Retreat: August 15 - 23, 2026