December 2024

Photo by Zen Master Jeong Bong

Dear Sangha,

Here in the Pacific Northwest we were visited by a bomb cyclone that caused strong easterly winds. The trees here, which have grown accustomed to southwestern winds, were toppled throughout the area by the unusual east winds, leaving widespread damage. As we recover, this reminds us about the truth of impermanence. 

A violent storm, a raging tempest.

Wind howls, lashing all in its path.

Trees uprooted, power lines down.

Yet dawn arrives, the flow of life goes on.

May you and your family be safe and joyful in this season of winter.

Bob Kutter, Dharma Teacher

Two Day Retreat with Zen Master Jeong Bong, SSN

Friday-Saturday, December 6-7: 7am-4:30pm

Beginning Friday, December 6, we will gather our online and in-person communities for 2 days of group practice, a Dharma talk, and personal Dharma Dialogues with Zen Master Jeong Bong, SSN.

We welcome you to join us for all or part of the 2-day retreat.

Click here for more information and registration.

Buddha's Enlightenment Day Ceremony and Sangha Meeting

Sunday, December 8: 10am

Please join us in a celebration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment Day on Sunday, December 8. We warmly welcome friends and family members to attend. The ceremony begins at 10am, and will be followed directly after by a Sangha meeting.

Buddha's Enlightenment Day ceremony will also be streamed online. Join our usual Zoom meeting up to 10 minutes before the ceremony begins. The Zoom details are: Meeting ID: 228 228 1938, Password: 010801.

New! Extended Practice Opportunity

Third Saturday of the month: December 21, 9am-12pm

Blue Heron will offer extended practice periods on the third Saturday of the month (Dec. 21) from 9am until 12pm, followed by time for food and socializing. (There is a light vegetarian lunch planned; please bring your own lunch if you eat vegan or gluten-free.) Chanting/sitting/walking only. This is a pilot offering which may continue in 2025. For the time being, practice will be in person only.

December In-Person Sessions

All in-person practices are open for walk-in attendance (no need to sign up in advance).

Sessions:

• Sunday 10am-11am (Also streamed online)
• Tuesday 7pm (Not streamed)
• Wednesday at 10am
• Friday at 10am

Newcomer Orientation:

• Sunday 9:30am

Sunday Morning In-Person Session Activities:

• First Sunday of the month, December 8 - Buddha's Enlightenment Day Ceremony
• Second Sunday of the month - Kwan Seum Bosal and Ji Jang Bosal chanting.
• Third Sunday of the month - Dharma talk.

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.

Dharma Dialogues

Dharma Dialogues are an opportunity to meet one-on-one with our teachers to discuss your Zen practice and optionally engage in Kong-an exchanges. Zen Master Jeong Bong is offering online Dharma Dialogues. Sign up here.

Our Senior Dharma Teachers are offering online Dharma Dialogues if you would like to discuss your practice and any questions you may have. Please get in touch with them individually to schedule an appointment if you would like a one-on-one Zoom meeting.

• Jeff Tipp, JDPSN jefftipp@gmail.com
• Greg Eisen, JDPSN eisengn@gmail.com
• Paul Gulick, JDPSN paul@blueheronzen.org
• John Craycraft, SDT johnc@blueheronzen.org
• Jim Peacey, SDT jim@blueheronzen.org

Looking Forward

Beginning of Kyol Che: January 26, 2025

First Kyol Che Retreat: January 31-February 2, 2025