Bright Way Zen: Daily Summaries Delivered

Domyo's Zen Practice AMA - 2026/07/28

As the Sangha bridges between our summer study series and our Sangha Voices Series, Domyo leads a Zen Practice "Ask Me Anything" inviting Sangha members to bring forward any questions they have about Zen or their practice.

An Intimate Chat About Karma - Jinryu (7/26/2026)

By sharing personal stories from her life, senior student Jinryu illustrates how she has gained insight into her own Karmic journey. Through her openness and heartfelt willingness to share, she provides an inspiring example.

Zen Representations of Time

In this class discussion Sangha member Kyugen leads a class discussion on the role that the idea of Time plays in our Zen practice and literature.

Yuka's Shuso Hossen Ceremony - (7/19/2026)

In this ceremony, Sangha member Yuka completes her year of service as Shuso, or "Chief Junior", at Bright Way Zen.

The Sandokai Study Series - Week 6

The Human Koan of Social Belonging - Domyo (7/12/2026)

We all naturally care about being accepted, included, and valued. In fact, it can be said that social belonging is the one Koan we all share as human beings. As with any Koan, there is a great deal to be learned from examining our narratives about relationships, how we feel about them, and what we know to be true through Zen practice. By reflecting on these connections with an open heart, we can take refuge in something deeper - unconditional, independent, and absolute.

The Sandokai Study Series Week 5

Sandokai is an ancient teaching poem composed by Chinese Zen master Sekito Kisen (Shitou Xiqian, 700-790). It's recited daily in Soto Zen temples throughout the world and deals with an issue of paramount importance in Zen: the relationship between the relative and absolute dimensions of reality. Absolute and relative are terms that describe two profoundly different aspects of reality – the relative aspect, in which everything is defined by difference and particularity, and the absolute aspect, in which everything is part of a seamless whole. Both aspects are simultaneously true, even though they may appear contradictory, just as a finger is a thing unto itself, defined by its separateness from other fingers, but is also simply part of a hand. In Week 5 we examine the lines "Light and dark oppose one another like the front and back foot in walking. Each of the myriad things has its merit, expressed according to function and place. Phenomena exist; box and lid fit. Principle responds; arrow points meet."

The Importance of Sangha - Kakumyo (7/5/2026)

Kakumyo, Abbot of Dharma Rain Zen Center and Domyo's Dharma brother, speaks to the supportive nature of Sangha. By being witnessed and reflected by our fellow practitioners, we can deepen and actualize our efforts in Zen practice. A thoughtful discussion follows.