Rev. Clairissa looks at what it means to undertake the spiritual journey, outwardly and inwardly, as we open to setting out into the unknown and following the path as it unfolds before us – a “Pilgrimage of the Heart.” She refers to the teaching of Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett on the purpose of meditation, and to…

“Silence Beckons” – We consider together this central aspect of our Zen Buddhist practice. In a mix of musings, stories, and invited silent reflections, Rev. Clairissa explores in some depth how we experience silence in spiritual life, in the abstract and in the actual.

In “Deciding” Rev. Clairissa looks at The Scripture of Great Wisdom (also known as the Prajñaparamita or Heart Sutra), which points us toward the heart of Buddhism. She considers how this scripture’s teaching can help us in making the difficult choices inherent in living, finding our refuge in the Great Wisdom beyond our habitual human…

Nearing the Autumnal Equinox, which is also the time of the Festival of Avalokiteshwara, Bodhisattva of Great Compassion, Rev. Clairissa reflects on the compassionate nature within the inevitable truth of impermanence in “Transitions.”

“How Do I Feel?” This episode explores the role of emotions in Sōtō Zen Buddhist meditation and practice. In response to a question from someone who has been practicing for many years, Rev. Clairissa reflects on Dōgen’s teachings on the arising of feelings. She considers how our deep feelings about the state of the world…

“Walking Through” includes instructions on how to do walking meditation in the Sōtō Zen tradition, and also offers much more. Beginning with the opening words from Keizan’s Instructions on How to Do Pure Meditation, Rev. Clairissa reflects on how the mind of meditation may transcend the position in which we do it, permeating everything, as…

In “A Brush with Impermanence” Rev. Clairissa tells the sobering story of her close encounter with wildfire on her journey to attend a funeral at the monastery, and explores the compassionate teaching offered by this example of a clear and present reminder of the truth of impermanence.  (She was fortunate to come through unscathed; later…

Rev. Clairissa offers a glimpse into the compassionate intention at the heart of Sōtō Zen Buddhist ceremonial for one who has died, in this discussion of “The Buddhist Funeral Ceremony.” She clarifies how taking the opportunity to “pay our respects” – in whatever way we do it – can point us all toward the Buddha…

A friend came to the temple this week to ask a question about how to meditate while scattered thoughts are arising. This sincere question prompted a number of useful reflections on our practice, which began as we explored the topic together on the temple’s front porch and continued to clarify into this week’s recorded Dharma…