May 2025

Photo by Zen Master Jeong Bong

Beneath the surface waves of thought there is a deep stillness.

Like the clear sky it is always present behind the drifting clouds.

Not something to obtain, but the very space in which we exist.

Look closely – the texture of stone, the trees reaching upward. This luminous awareness is simple.

It rests in you, in me, in the fish carried by the current.

May our hearts be open with this quiet knowing. Always here. Just this.

Bob Kutter, Dharma Teacher

New Book by Zen Master Jeong Ji

Zen Master Jeong Ji’s new book “Autobiography of Clay” is now available at a discounted purchase price, for $15.99, until May 2nd (after May 2nd, the price rises to $17.99). Publication date is June 27, 2025. This collection of prose poetry tells the story of clay, with a storyline coming directly from the insights of Zen. Advance orders can be placed here.

Description:

In one slim collection of prose poems, Anita Feng tells an intimate story of that extraordinary raw material, clay, starting from the beginning of the cosmos to what we can dig out of our own backyard. Blending science and mythology along with her life-long career in working with clay, Anita examines the question: what is clay really, and how should we behave together? How is it possible to make an original life out of unruly mud? And how much will it cost? As these questions imply, to understand clay is the same as understanding ourselves. 

“This deft little book of masterful prose poems will remind you of the wonder of everyday things.”

–Norman Fischer, poet, author, Soto Zen priest

Call for Volunteers! May 18 Training

Have you been wondering how you could participate in a meaningful way at Blue Heron? We are in need of volunteers to manage the streaming desk during Sunday sessions and retreats. This is a very valuable role that helps our many members who cannot attend in-person practice.

We are holding a training session at the Blue Heron Zen Center on Sunday, May 18, directly after Sunday in-person practice. If you have any questions about volunteering for this position or need to schedule a different day and time for training, please send an email to johnc@blueheronzen.org. Otherwise simply show up to the training session!

May 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.

Sessions:

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

Newcomer Orientation:

• Sunday 9:30am

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

• First Sunday of the month—In-person Dharma Dialogues
• Second Sunday of the month—Kwan Seum Bosal and Ji Jang Bosal chanting
• Third Sunday of the month—Dharma talk
• Fourth Sunday of the month—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.

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 offer online Dharma Dialogues if you would like to discuss your practice and ask questions. 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

3-Day Retreat: June 20-22, 2025