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Tuesday Evening Study

Class is from 8-9pm Pacific Time, after zazen and a short break (you can arrive or leave any time). Click here to view the practice schedule. You are welcome to join our class series for free at any time, at any point in the series, and there is no need to register. Each class can be accessible and enjoyable even if you haven’t attended previous classes in a series.

Note: Study Schedule is subject to change – check back here for updates! Click Here for our Event Calendar. Missed a Class? Classes and Dharma Talks are almost always recorded; click here for recordings.

Annual Precept Study

Every year, we study the Bodhisattva Precepts, the moral guidelines of Soto Zen. Please join us! This series occurs every Tuesday (except for Sesshin, on April 22nd) between March 4 and our June 1st Jukai ceremony (12 classes total) and is led by Sangha members who have received Jukai.

Tuesday Evening Class Schedule

  • March 4th ~ Precept 1: Precepts as Practice in Our Lineage ~ Tyler
  • March 11th ~ Precept 2: Three Refuges and Karma Verse & Three Pure Precepts – Leah
  • March 18th ~ Precept 3: Do Not Kill – Greg
  • March 25th ~ Precept 4: Do Not Steal ~ Yoly
  • April 1st ~ Precept 5: Do Not Misuse Sexuality – Eric
  • April 8th ~ Precept 6: Do Not Speak Dishonestly – Mick
  • April 15th ~ Precept 7: Do Not Become Intoxicated – Coral
  • April 22nd ~ Discussion led by Tyler
  • April 29th ~ Precept 8: Do Not Dwell on Past Mistakes – James
  • May 6th ~ Precept 9: Do Not Praise Self or Blame Others – Ellen
  • May 13th ~ Precept 10: Do Not Be Mean With Dharma or Wealth – Jinryu
  • May 20th ~ Precept 11: Do Not Indulge Anger – Issac
  • May 27th ~ Precept 12: Do Not Defame the Three Treasures – Bruce

Saturday, June 1st is the Jukai Ceremony.

Summer Study

Living by Vow: A Practical Introduction to Eight Essential Zen Chants and Texts by Shokaku Okumura

Many people are surprised to find that Zen practice involves so much chanting and studying of various verses and texts. Okumura’s book does a wonderful job of demystifying many of the chants you will encounter at Bright Way Zen, and can help you understand their value.

Reading the book in time for the classes is strongly recommended, but each class will also be accessible and enjoyable if you have not done the reading. Class led by Domyo.

Tuesday Evening Class Schedule

  • Tuesday, June 3 ~ Chapter 1 – The Four Bodhisattva Vows
  • Tuesday, June 10 ~ Chapters 2&3 – The Verse of Repentance and The Verse of the Three Refuges
  • Tuesday, June 17 ~ Chapters 4&5 – The Robe Chant and The Meal Chants
  • Tuesday, June 24 ~ Chapter 6 – The Heart Sutra (#1 of 2 classes)
  • Tuesday, July 1 ~ Chapter 6 – The Heart Sutra (#2 of 2 classes)
  • Tuesday, July 8 ~ Chapter 7 – The Harmony of Difference and Sameness (#1 of 2 classes)
  • Tuesday, July 15 ~ Domyo traveling, Sangha Member will lead a discussion
  • Tuesday, July 22 ~Domyo traveling, Sangha Member will lead a discussion
  • Tuesday, July 29 ~ Chapter 7 – The Harmony of Difference and Sameness (#2 of 2 classes)