Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple, Portland OR

We attended a zen beginner’s day of learning, since I have practiced Zen but my partner has not. We found the center to be very welcoming and adaptive to all people and all needs. The focus on sitting comfortably and how to find that place was very well taught. We felt held and supported instead of the usual hierarchy of dogma and people often found in zen centers. Today we’re going back for a day of zazen because we met the nicest people, attendees and teachers, on the beginner’s daylong.

I’ve come several times over the years and have enjoyed zazen and beginner’s sit and teaching. I ended up in a different lineage of the Mahayana, but it’s true Zen. Jan Bays has a Wikipedia page that heart of wisdom is part of White Plum Asanga which was founded by Hakuyū Taizan Maezumi a lineage holder of Sotō, Rinzai, Sanbo Kyoban Zen Buddhism who found many temples in the US. There’s a large monastery towards the coast and I think Dharma Rain is connected. The Uggy person doesn’t seem to have done any research about Buddhism or Zen. They’re mad that a mind only lineage doesn’t have heart? Lol. Our true nature that is no-self is Buddha nature, a veil of many covering this jewel of inner wisdom and compassion is self grasping. The metaphysical doesn’t have anything to do with poisons rotting our minds and veils covering our true nature. Read the heart sutra, read a Wikipedia article or many (maybe about this lineage!), watch a Thich Nhat Hanh or Alan Watts video and then check back. Cultural appropriation would mean that they aren’t actually practicing Zen Buddhism, they certainly seem to be.

“Form is emptiness and emptiness is form” -Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokiteśvara

Look to the plants in the basement as an indicator of spiritual well-being. Look to how the people don't smile or treat each other with sincere kindness. My experience here felt a bit like an Anime convention complete with performances & costumes. The emphasis here is too much on accumulating "merit". The teachers I witnessed here are still very caught in Yahweh's Net of pride & self-construction. The more a community relies on stratification & titles the more it is suffering from a deep fear of annihilation. Non-self does not mean self-annihilation. Cultural appropriation is a kind of self-annihilation. The heart-mind is how we harmonize the mind & the body. Too much mind here, not enough heart. Nourish the Spirit & embrace the metaphysical. Every moment is miracle. You already know this elsewhere in your body, so listen.

Such a beautiful studio- kind, relaxing, Mikka was inspiring! Will be back. Highly recommend.