September 2026

Photo by Zen Master Jeong Bong

Life is filled with such beauty. Until we expect it to stay that way. The flowers that brought so much joy yesterday have withered today. What can we do in the face of constant change?

Throw away the old and get a replacement? Search for something that lasts?

Or take a deeper look. Those moldering flowers may become compost for next year’s vegetables. Those vegetables in turn may nourish you and your family. Nothing is lost; it is only transformed.

Enjoy the ever-changing, interconnected, kaleidoscopic beauty of life!

Bob Kutter, Dharma Teacher

Precepts Ceremony Celebrated in August

On August 2nd six members of the Blue Heron Zen Community took 5 precepts, and two members took 10 precepts. The ceremony marking their journey on the zen path was attended by family, friends and the sangha. Next month's newsletter will include more information regarding the ceremony and members.

If you are interested in learning more about precepts or taking them in the future, you can speak with any of the Blue Heron teachers.

September 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 (9/6) — (Dharma Dialogues - in person)
• Second Sunday of the month (9/13) — Special Chanting (more info here)
• Third Sunday of the month (9/20) — Dharma Talk
• Fourth Sunday of the month (9/27) — Online Dharma Dialogues

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.