We are practicing Zen Buddhist contemplatives – living simply, turning away from the busy world, seeking the Dharma moment by moment right where we are.  We meditate and spend time in solitude and silence.  We offer kindness to those who come seeking spiritual help.  We are ordained priests, ordained monks and committed household practitioners.  We are self-supporting and provide for our own needs.  We do not live in common and have no common fund.  There are no dues or fees of any kind.  The teachings are offered freely. Donations are accepted, not required.

For those in search of the eternal, we offer direction and teachings.  There are no age limits or bias toward any particular cultural expression of the Way.  We embrace varied and multiple approaches to practice.

All faiths are welcome.

This practice requires a sincere heart that longs to end dissatisfaction and suffering and a willingness to commit to the participation level that works for each person.  If you are interested in making a commitment, please email Lao di Zhi.

We do follow the lineage of Hsu Yun who is a patriarch of the sixth Chinese ancestor, Hui Neng. A master who was both impoverished in the material sense and illiterate. His awakening was sudden and immediate after hearing one teaching of the Diamond Sutra.

Our direct ancestor is Ming Zhen Shakya, a 21st century teacher of Hsu Yun. She was a brilliant teacher of the Dharma who carried a sharp, cutting through sword. Our main practice is a combination of silent illumination and devotion to karma (action) which translates into sitting, silence, solitude, stillness and study.

Levels of Commitment

The levels of commitment provide a structure to assist others to go deeper and deeper into one’s self in order to discover who and what one is. The best way to say this is to say these commitments bring brighter and brighter light into one’s own life as well as brighter and brighter light into the world. The basis and foundation underlying these commitments is to relinquish more and more of self-interest and selfishness. Although it may sound linear, the process is not linear and may take many, diverse shapes on the Way.

• Household Practitioner
• Ordained Contemplative Monk
• Ordained Contemplative Priest

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^[1] contemplative (adj.)

mid-14c., “devoted to (sacred) contemplation, devout,” from Old French contemplatif (12c.) and directly from Latin contemplativus “speculative, theoretical,” formed (after Greek theoretikos) from contemplat-, past-participle stem of contemplari “to gaze attentively, observe; consider, contemplate” (see contemplate). Meaning “given to continued and absorbed reflection” is from late 15c. Related: Contemplatively.

Etymology online