Be prepared to let go of what you think you know about zen and mindfulness and learn the freedom that resides in letting everything be just as it is…
What is Zen?
The word "zen" comes from the sanskrit "dhyāna", which refers to a meditative state of mind and today is commonly translated as meditation. When Buddhism traveled east to China, the word dhyāna was pronounced in Chinese as chan. From China Buddhism spread to Vietnam as thiền, to Korea as seon and Japan as zen. Because the practice was introduced to the US by Japanese teachers toward the end of the 19th century, the word "zen" has become firmly rooted.
Zen is a practice of meditation and action that emphasizes self-discipline, insight into one's true-nature and the expression of this insight in daily life, particularly for the benefit of all living beings. It is a practice that frees us to live compassionate, healthy and energized lives. The practice of zen leads us to examine our true-nature by asking such questions as "Who am I?" "What is this?" "Why am I here?" These questions directed inward, are balanced by direct understanding through the senses and working with a trained teacher.
The way of zen is very simple. It is a practice of how one keeps one's mind, moment after moment after moment. The practice is compatible with any religious faith, as well as with none at all. Zen practice urges us to be free and flexible with our engagement of life, which also helps to loosen our grip on ideas, beliefs and concepts. We don't encourage a special mind state. It is not a "tuning out" or "blissing out", rather zen encourages "tuning in" and realizing the miracle of being alive, right this moment. It teaches us to be non-judgemental and grateful for all that we encounter.
Zen is a practice of meditation and action that emphasizes self-discipline, insight into one's true-nature and the expression of this insight in daily life, particularly for the benefit of all living beings. It is a practice that frees us to live compassionate, healthy and energized lives. The practice of zen leads us to examine our true-nature by asking such questions as "Who am I?" "What is this?" "Why am I here?" These questions directed inward, are balanced by direct understanding through the senses and working with a trained teacher.
The way of zen is very simple. It is a practice of how one keeps one's mind, moment after moment after moment. The practice is compatible with any religious faith, as well as with none at all. Zen practice urges us to be free and flexible with our engagement of life, which also helps to loosen our grip on ideas, beliefs and concepts. We don't encourage a special mind state. It is not a "tuning out" or "blissing out", rather zen encourages "tuning in" and realizing the miracle of being alive, right this moment. It teaches us to be non-judgemental and grateful for all that we encounter.
Zen Instruction
Ven. Myohye is not currently taking on new students.
When there is an opening an inquiry form at the bottom of the page will be made available.
When there is an opening an inquiry form at the bottom of the page will be made available.
This student-teacher relationship is reserved for those who are concerned with "the great question of birth and death", who have a genuine aspiration to awaken, and are willing to exert themselves rigorously in their practice, which would include attending retreats and participating in group practice whenever possible. The first meeting (interview) should be scheduled for at least 90 minutes with subsequent interviews lasting for 60 minutes (longer meeting times can be scheduled as required). In addition to discussing and exploring zen practice as it manifests in the student's life, interviews will also cover the following topics:
- Introductory Koan Practice
- Chanting & liturgy study
- Scripture study
- Zen practice forms education
- Meditation & Mindfulness training
- Zen teacher and priesthood training
Training with Ven. Myohye Do'an means accepting the following Training Guidelines, which is intended to make clear the expectations for trainees. Practicing with Myohye Do'an is making a strong commitment to Zen practice for the benefit of all beings. Trainees must:
Additionally, authentic Buddhist practice includes individual and group practice. Therefore, it greatly encouraged that the trainee be involved with a practicing sangha. As a member of a practicing community, this commitment includes the following:
- have a well established daily meditation and chanting practice
- have a familiarity with the foundational teachings of Buddhism: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Precepts, the Six Paramitas, the five skandhas, sunyata, and the Heart Sutra.
- be sincere and dedicated to helping others
- be humble, patient, and committed in regard to learning
- accept advice and direction from Ven. Myohye
- currently have no other Zen or Buddhist teacher or mentor
- be involved and in good standing with a practicing sangha
- be willing to participate in ceremonies and retreats as guided by Ven. Myohye
- understand and uphold the precepts appropriate to their level of training
- not take on individual students or teaching positions without prior consent and guidance of Ven. Myohye
Additionally, authentic Buddhist practice includes individual and group practice. Therefore, it greatly encouraged that the trainee be involved with a practicing sangha. As a member of a practicing community, this commitment includes the following:
- Making a strong effort to follow the Sangha guidelines
- Fulfilling requirements for participation in the practice schedule
- Helping with the local temple or practice center
- Performing miscellaneous duties, including attending work meetings and work periods, as directed by the management team.
- Participating and helping facilitate special events, services, and retreats of local temple or practice center
- Staying current with all volunteer and/or financial commitments to the Sangha, including membership dues
- Accepting the decisions and directions of the management team, in keeping with the Sangha rules, to maintain the correct atmosphere for practice and community life.
Ven. Myohye is not currently taking on new students.
When there is an opening the contact form at the bottom of the page will be available.
When there is an opening the contact form at the bottom of the page will be available.
Training Fees
There is no standard fee for Zen training. Financial compensation is worked out between student and Ven. Myohye on a case-by-case basis based on the student's ability to offer dana. Of course, for some, money is not a bountiful resource. If money is an obstacle dana in the form of assistance, such as donating food and supplies; offering administrative services, and other professional skills, can be offered but must be arranged beforehand and at Ven. Myohye's pre-approval.