by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Feb 24, 2026 | Sangha Posts
By Coral West
Bright Way Zen participated in Dharma Cloud Lineage Day on Saturday, February 21st. This is a biennial gathering of Zen Centers in our lineage, with the purpose of maintaining our connections and giving people a sense of our shared history. Dharma Rain graciously organized and hosted this event and provided us with an agenda full of camaraderie, a delicious vegan meal, a tour of their grounds, and a Founder’s Day Ceremony.
We started out the day with a session of meditation and an opportunity to do a short chanting service Dharma Rain style! Dharma Rain is where our teacher, Domyo, trained so it was a treat to see some of our roots. We moved onto small group discussions where we got to meet other Zen organizations that exist because of the training that was offered by Kyogen and Gyokuko Carlson at Dharma Rain. The groups present were Dharma Rain (Portland), Zen West (Eugene), Rose Villa (Portland), Wy’East (Sandy), and Bright Way Zen (Beaverton). A delicious lunch was served, which included beans that were grown on site in Dharma Rain’s organic garden. We were able to explore the garden during the tour of the grounds where we witnessed Dharma Rain’s involvement with youth programs and the ecology of the area.
The second half of the day consisted of discussion related to our commitments and responsibilities as a lineage and how we can remain connected and supportive to one another. Lastly, we summed up our visit with a founder’s ceremony to honor Jiyu Kennett (Domyo’s Dharma grandmother) and Keido Chisan (Roshi Kennett’s teacher).
The sweet hospitality provided by our Dharma Siblings at Dharma Rain was akin to being welcomed home. This event encourages us to keep our channels of communication open and planted a seed for continued mutual involvement.
by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Jan 31, 2026 | Workshop
By: Livia Alexandra
Bright Way Zen recently hosted the first edition of our Introduction to Zen Meditation Workshop, and we’re feeling grateful for how it unfolded. What began as a simple offering—clear, welcoming guidance into the basics of Zazen—became a meaningful point of connection for people both new to Zen practice and already familiar with meditation.
The workshop was designed to be accessible and supportive, offering participants time to slow down, ask questions, and experience Zen meditation in a grounded, human way.
A Zen Meditation Workshop for Beginners and Longtime Practitioners
The workshop welcomed participants both in person and online, reflecting the blended nature of the Bright Way Zen sangha. As Soto Zen priest Domyo Burk, who leads the sangha, shared following the workshop:
“It was exciting to see 14 people in the Dirt Zendo and 10 in the Cloud Zendo. Most of them were brand new to Bright Way Zen, but a couple of people who were already members also appreciated the opportunity to get more detailed Zazen instruction.”
This mix felt just right. Many attendees were completely new to Zen meditation, while others welcomed the chance to revisit the fundamentals with more time and care.
An Introduction to Zen Meditation at Bright Way Zen
Bright Way Zen offers brief meditation instruction before every Tuesday and Sunday meeting, but those sessions are necessarily short. This workshop created space for a deeper introduction. Over the course of 90 minutes, participants explored the foundations of Zazen, including posture, breath, and the attitude of focused attention that supports practice.
Rather than striving to achieve a particular state or quieting the mind, the workshop emphasized something simpler: learning to sit upright with whatever is present. Questions were welcomed, and guidance was offered in a way that felt clear, practical, and kind.
For many participants, this was their first experience with Zen meditation in a group setting. The atmosphere was calm and encouraging, helping people feel that zen meditation is something they can realistically bring into their own lives.
Several workshop participants have since joined Bright Way Zen’s regular meditation meetings, and many expressed gratitude for the clarity and care they experienced.
Reflecting on the workshop, Domyo shared how meaningful it was to imagine the ripple effects of the day—that there are now 24 more people in the world with an appreciation for Zazen and the confidence to begin a meditation practice if and when they choose.
This workshop was also the realization of a long-held wish within the community. Special thanks go to Coral West, who for many years hoped to help make an in-depth introductory Zen meditation workshop a reality. Seeing it come together was a reminder that sangha is something we create together.
Joining a Future Introduction to Zen Meditation Workshop
The Introduction to Zen Meditation Workshop is offered every other month, on the second Saturday of the month, both in person and online. This beginner-friendly workshop is open to anyone curious about Zazen or interested in starting—or returning to—a meditation practice.
In the workshop, you can expect:
- guidance in basic zazen posture, breath, and attention
- time to practice sitting meditation in a supportive setting
- space to ask questions and explore Zen practice in everyday life
More information and registration details are available here:
• In-person workshop: https://introduction-zen-meditation.eventbrite.com
• Online workshop: https://introduction-zen-meditation-online.eventbrite.com
You’re welcome to join us, just as you are.
by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Sep 19, 2019 | Strategic Plan
Article by Shoketsu Ellen Carlin
The Buddha said to his students, “Go forth for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world.”
One of the goals in the Bright Way Zen Strategic Plan is to share the Dharma with more people. We live in a diverse, dynamic community in Washington County, just west of Portland. Forty percent of the population here is Hispanic, Asian, Black, Native American or other non-white. In addition, the area is having a growth explosion with people moving here in a steady stream. We frequently have new visitors in search of a spiritual community. We do our best to warmly welcome them and get to know them. BWZ feels it’s important for us to increase our diversity, equity and inclusion. We are approaching this in a number of ways now.
- We offer “Awakening to Whiteness” educational series at least every 18 months. The first offering at our sangha was well attended and lasted 6 months. It includes a selection of readings written by people of color that inform in ways not done before. We meet once a month to discuss our reactions to the readings and key learnings in small groups. As one who recently participated, I can tell you the program is powerful and altered many assumptions I’ve long held. The next series will start sometime in 2020.
- We want to attract to people of color who have an interest in meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative traditions. We would love to get some ideas on ways to effectively do this.
- We plan to develop partnerships with at least one culturally-specific organization/group each year. There are several groups we can partner with including Unite Oregon, Coalition of Communities of Color, and Center for Diversity and the Environment.
We are in the process of developing our program to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourage anyone at Bright Way who is interested in helping to let us know. Contact Domyo or Shoketsu.
by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Aug 29, 2019 | Strategic Plan
Article by Jinryu Janna Allgood
Mahayana Buddhism has six paramitas, or expressions of perfection or completeness. Dana Paramita is often associated with charity and includes the giving of alms.
According to our new Strategic Plan, there are two areas of focus where your alms will be applied: the continued support of our teachers and the need for stability in our location. These two focus areas ensure a sustainable future for our community, something members told us they wanted in the 2017 member survey.
In the unfortunate event that we needed to recruit a new teacher, it would be impossible to do so today considering Domyo’s stipend and the hours she devotes Bright Way Zen.
Plus we continue to grow as Washington County grows and as we are able to fill the spiritual needs of the communities west of Portland. There will come a time when our comfortable little zendo will no longer hold us all.
Until last year there was only one way, besides the cash box, to give and that was through becoming a member and making a financial commitment. Your financial commitments, be they monthly, quarterly or annually, will always be tremendously helpful to running Bright Way Zen as a business because they allow us to plan ahead.
In 2018 we added a very successful Fun-raiser thanks to Frankie Borison’s leadership. That event came out of discussion the Board had as we continued the process of building our strategic plan. Being generous with our resources as we sipped wine and listened to the wonderful blues offered by So’on Lisa Mann made it easier and fun to give.
This year we hope to give you two more ways to give: (1) by making it easy to include Bright Way Zen in your estate planning, and (2) by facilitating the donation of large ticket items you may no longer have use for such as a used car, a boat or your grandmother’s diamond earrings.
Bright Way Zen depends almost entirely on your donations. Please give only what you are able to. And remember that your participation in our community and your presence next to us on your cushion is also a tremendous gift and sincerely appreciated.
by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Aug 21, 2019 | Strategic Plan
Article by Myoju Bella Jhunjhunwala
Zen practice is often perceived as a solitary endeavor, picture the dark robed practitioner sitting still in zazen practice, delving deep into herself to find her Buddha Nature. While it is true that the practice takes personal discipline and commitment, remember that only a ‘Buddha together with a Buddha’ can actualize the truths that we set out to discover in the first place.
The community of practitioners provides us with an opportunity to deepen our zazen and fertile ground to test our practice of the Precepts. We can all attest to the intangible strength and support our sitting gains when we practice as a group rather than by ourselves. In fact, we can then carry this strength back to our solitary cushions at home. The spirit of the sangha buoys and sustains what can sometimes feel like a repetitive and bewildering practice. The sangha can also be a mirror for all the ways we fail to keep our precepts. Domyo once likened the sangha to a rock tumbler, we polish and smooth each other’s blind spots and rough edges!
There are a few concrete steps we have taken to ensure cohesiveness and communication in the sangha.
– Develop and maintain an online membership directory
– Hold at least one sangha social event per quarter
– Send welcome packets to new members
– Pair new members with active members of at least one year.
Please feel free to share any other ideas you may have to enhance this strategic goal. Sangha connection like our practice, is a work in progress and with your help will deepen and develop over time.
by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Aug 14, 2019 | Strategic Plan
Article by Marcia Kahn
Bright Way Zen’s Strategic Plan aims not only to deepen the engagement of current members (Goal One) but also to share the Dharma with more people (Goal Two) and our Children’s Program hits both of these targets. Plus it’s fun and rewarding for kids and adults alike.
The Children’s Program has been growing ever since it’s first Sunday morning class last September. Because it is so engaging, the program almost grows by itself — all it needs is the care of some dedicated and generous volunteers.
On the first Tuesday of every month, Zack Bartel is at the zendo to meet parents who want to introduce their kids to Buddhist practice. He is available to answer any of the parents’ questions.
On Wednesday mornings from 10 to 11, parents from around the neighboring community as well as Bright Way Zen bring their kids to Mindfulness for Preschoolers. They learn about integrating meditation and mindfulness practices into family life. As co-teacher, Shoketsu Ellen Carlin helps make the classes fun, flexible, and adapted to the children who attend that day.
Returning on Sunday, September 8 from 10:20 to 11:00, the Second Sunday classes for children rounds out the Children’s Program. Music, singing, and storytelling entertain the kids and offer them a child sized portion of the Dharma plus a cookie.
This program wouldn’t work at all without the help of many volunteers. Beyond those already mentioned are Domyo Burk, Sabrina Eveland, Marta Farris, Cameron Kidd, Jill Otermat, Janelle Schaffner, and Stephanie Valenti.
And then there’s you! As with all aspects of our Strategic Plan, the Children’s Program is always open to your ideas and your support.
by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Aug 6, 2019 | Strategic Plan
Article by Jinryu Janna Allgood
Remember the last time you received a hand written Thank You note in the mail? Maybe it was from a friend or relative, or possibly a four-year old, learning to write but thanking you nonetheless for a birthday gift. How did that expression of appreciation and gratitude feel?
That feeling strikes at the heart of the first strategy of Bright Way Zen’s new Strategic Plan. It’s a spirit of love and appreciation for each other that can be conveyed in so many ways: a quick announcement on Sunday morning, a short “Thank You” in the weekly newsletter, a social event centered on gratitude, or a Dharma talk investigating the meaning of danaparamita, the perfection of generosity.
Generosity isn’t strictly financial donations. Time freely given, work performed with love in the spirit of helping, and even presence – all of these can be received with gratitude and appreciation.
Building this kind of culture opens up our sangha to welcoming and appreciating attendees from all walks of life even if they don’t look like us or think like us. People who feel seen, welcomed and appreciated ultimately become members. They may bring their children some day. People who feel cared for in this way make pledges and donations. Notice how the first strategy links to everything else Bright Way Zen intends to do as outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Over the next few months I will be thinking of ways we can execute this strategy. But I can’t do this by myself. Success will involve the whole sangha. I am open to any ideas and suggestions you may have as well as your offers of help to follow through on them.
by Bright Way Zen Sangha | Jul 31, 2019 | Strategic Plan
Article by Jeff Young, Chairman of the Board
Our mission is to help people find spiritual peace, deepen their wisdom and manifest compassion. Our vision states that we will offer a place of spiritual refuge for Washington County and we will be build a warm, vibrant and inclusive community that will manifest our bodhisattva vows beyond our Zen center. Click here to read the full mission and visions statements.
Our Strategic Plan is the product of several years of effort, and it has incorporated the ideas and input of many people. In 2017 a survey was conducted and about 80percent of the Sangha responded. Key concerns included a wish for BWZ to achieve long-term stability and for the zendo to support our teacher. In early 2018 the strategic planning committee identified three key areas of focus to help us address these member concerns in a fashion that was consistent with our mission and vision: Sangha growth, member investment and enhancement of Sangha resources. Focusing our effort, we will produce among many outcomes, incremental and sustainable growth, which will insure the long-term success of our zendo and pay our teacher a fair amount for all of the time she devotes to BWZ. Volunteers were identified to work on addressing these areas while the Strategic Plan was refined and then adopted in April 2019. Click here to see the complete plan.
In the past year we have achieved a variety of wonderful successes in support of our Strategy including the development of the children’s program and a celebratory fundraising event.
In the coming months, Strategic Plan advocates and our Executive Director and BWZ teacher will share and discuss the plan in detail.
