“Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, when deeply practicing prajña paramita, clearly saw that all five aggregates are empty and thus relieved all suffering. ”

These are the opening lines of the Heart Sutra (Hannya Shingyo), the most venerated and frequently chanted text in the Zen tradition. It gives us a condensed summary of Mahayana Buddhist teachings, in the voice of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, addressing the Buddha’s disciple, Shariputra. Like Shariputra, and many others since, we may find the Heart Sutra’s message hard to understand. but it offers us a profound dharma gate we can step through at any moment.

Dharma seminar sessions consist of two zazen periods, an informal talk, writing reflections (bring a notebook), small/large group talking circles, followed by tea and snacks in the kitchen. Everyone welcome!  By donation.