February 2026

Photo by Zen Master Jeong Bong

We assume we see and hear the world directly, but modern neuroscience suggests a different story. Our brains don't simply mirror reality; they construct a simulation of it, using sensory data only to "correct" the internal map. We don't perceive the world—we perceive our brain’s best guess of it.

Our thoughts and biases are the architects of our mental model. If we believe the world is hostile, our brain prioritizes "evidence" of hostility, creating a reality of judgment and fear.

Zen practice allows us to step back from the construction site. As the mind quiets, we begin to see the "model" for what it is: a projection. When we stop clinging to these mental shortcuts, the bias lessens. We aren't just thinking more clearly; we are experiencing the world with more intimacy. From that unmediated space, compassion and grace arise as our natural response to things as they are.

Bob Kutter, Dharma Teacher

Kyol Che 2026

Kyol Che, our three-month intensive period, began Sunday, January 25 at 10am and will end on Sunday, April 27. Our first Kyol Che retreat is Friday, January 30 through Sunday February 1. 

This year we will focus on six of our Indian Buddhist Ancestors and their teachings. Workshops will be held every other Sunday morning. These ancestors played critical roles in conveying the teachings of the Buddha that formed the backbone of the Zen tradition that has been transmitted from ancient India to China, through Korea and down to us at Blue Heron and Golden Wind.

During each workshop we will focus on one or more of these ancestors. We aim to make these sessions as interactive and immersive as possible. 

On Sundays when workshops are not presented, our teachers will offer Dharma Dialogues.

This year’s Kyol Che will be led by Paul Gulick, JDPSN.  Everyone is encouraged to participate in Kyol Che 2026! Please address any questions to him.  

Residential Training Opportunity

Blue Heron Zen Community has an opening for a resident Zen trainee at the Blue Heron Zen Center. Resident training offers an opportunity to deepen one’s Zen practice in a beautiful, comfortable group setting near North Seattle College. Prospective residents are expected to have a strong commitment to Zen. For more information, please see our Resident Guidelines. If you’d like to discuss becoming a resident at Blue Heron, please contact Abbott Paul Gulick or Zen Master Jeong Bong.

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 — Dharma Talk
• Second Sunday of the month — Special chanting and Dharma Dialogues
• Third Sunday of the month — Dharma Talk
• Fourth Sunday of the month — Dharma Dialogues

Second Saturday, monthly:

• Extended sitting practice 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

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

Second Kyol Che Retreat: March 13-15, 2026