Jinryu’s Commencement: The Shuso Hossen Ceremony
This past Sunday, March 17, a good half (!) of our Sangha gathered together in the Dirt and Cloud Zendos to celebrate our beloved Jinryu Janna Allgood, who completed her term of service as shuso, Bright Way Zen's "chief student." In this role, Jinryu assisted Domyo in...
Sign of the Times: A New Bright Way Zen Sign!
After many years of sporting a plastic banner that got progressively more tattered by the Portland rain and wind, this year we invested in a brand-new sign that hangs above the entrance to the Dirt Zendo. It's beautiful, bright, and easily visible from the busy street...
Pool Journal
Dear Sangha members: Domyo asked me to share an experience of insight as encouragement to other members of Bright Way Zen sangha, since it arose from the same combination of Domyo’s teachings, practice, and inquiry in which we all engage. Marv Cohodas I begin...
Reviewing the Results of Our Member Survey
On behalf of the Bright Way Board I would like to share with you a discussion that took place at our last Board meeting. We were discussing the results of the most recent survey that was taken this past spring. In reviewing the results, overall, they were very...
Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at BWZ
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...
Multiple Ways to Practice Dana Paramita
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...
Exploring and Polishing the Sangha Jewel
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...
Our Growing Children’s Program
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...
Building a Culture of Gratitude
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...
Bright Way Zen Creates Strategic Plan to Address Priorities
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...