Deepening Practice
Thank you for your interest in deepening your spiritual practice with the Zen Community of Oregon (ZCO). Deepening spiritual practice within any tradition is a natural result of engaging in a greater quantity and intensity of spiritual work within the tradition.
Commitment: Many of these steps in practice require a commitment on the part of the individual practitioner. Commitment is something that many of us in this culture are averse to; we want to "keep our options open" and "be free to do what we want to." Please know that in all facets of life, and especially in this day and age of many, many choices, commitment is vitally important so that we do not become scattered and forget what our life is about.
Going through the process of deciding whether or not to take on a particular commitment helps to clarify intention and thus helps to clarify our entire life. When one actually takes on a commitment to spiritual practice, this action itself results in a further clarification and deepening of one's own practice, and thus also benefits others.
Many facets of deepening our Zen practice are outlined below, and these steps can be taken in almost any order.
Membership: This is an important step to take as soon as you feel that you will be continuing to participate in ZCO activities. Membership in ZCO includes a declaration of your intention to practice with and support the community coupled with monthly dues of $35. - Learn more.
Daily Practice: Establish, maintain, or increase your daily meditation practice.
Five Precepts: Taking on the first 5 precepts is done in a public ceremony (6 months of practice with ZCO required). The precepts are the Buddhist guidelines for ethical living. Please contact us for more information on taking this step. - Learn more.
Jukai: Taking on the 16 bodhisattva precepts is done in a public ceremony (2 years of practice with ZCO and 5 precept ceremony required). The precepts are the Buddhist guidelines for ethical living. Please contact us for more information on taking this step. - Learn more.
Sesshin: Attend Sesshin regularly. Sesshin (intensive week-long meditation retreat) and consistent daily practice are the two counterparts of a healthy and active Zen practice; both are absolutely essential if the practice is to remain deep and vital. Please talk to one of the teachers or senior students about sesshin and see the Events Calendar for the next opportunity to attend one. Beginner’s Mind Retreats are like “mini-sesshins,” and are available many times each year.
Practice with the Portland Community: Meditate with the Portland Program on Thursday and Sunday evenings. - Learn more.
Volunteer at the Monastery: Volunteering one’s time, skills and knowledge is a good way to assist the growth of Great Vow. Volunteering is an opportunity to practice generosity with one’s whole being, to experience the bringing of mindful attention to one’s bodily movements in a serene environment, and, in a very real way, to help create the physical container of practice that is Great Vow. There are always tasks that need doing and volunteers of all stripes are always welcome. - Learn more.
City Center Training positions: Commit to one or more of the training positions at the Portland Dharma Center. Gradually become familiar with all training positions at the PDC by taking each one on for at least six months. Training positions include timekeeper, chant leader, teacher’s attendant, potluck coordinator, and more. Contact the Portland Head of Zendo for more opportunities. - Learn more.
Visits to the Monastery: Come see the monastery and stay for a tour, a meal, a full day or more.
Events at the Monastery: Attend programs such as meditation, community work days, weekend workshops, classes, and sesshin (week-long meditation retreats) at GVZM. See the Events Calendar for details. - Learn more.
Monastery Practice Commitments: Initiate, maintain, or increase your monthly practice commitment at GVZM. To formally commit to coming to the monastery at least once each month to practice with the residential community, please speak with a monastic or call the monastery for more information.
Board Meetings: Attend board meetings. Ask a board member for the date and location of the next meeting if you are interested in taking this step. Board meetings are open to all members. Everyone who attends regular board meetings is able to contribute and therefore has some influence on the direction of ZCO. - Learn more.