Welcome to the Zen Community of Oregon
The primary purpose of ZCO is to express and make accessible the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha’s teachings, as transmitted through an authentic, historical lineage and to support and maintain Zen Buddhist practice in order to realize our true nature and actualize the Buddha nature in everyday life.
Great Vow Zen Monastery
A residential Zen community of lay and ordained people practicing and evolving spiritual community in response to our times. Grounded in our lineage inheritance, with an eye open to perspectives and methods that serve our vow for Awakening, we aspire to create and uphold a dynamic and connected community and practice life.
We are accepting applications for residency. Email the director of training, training@zendust.org for an application.
The Zen Community of Oregon welcomes everyone. We study together and practice for the benefit of all beings and this living earth. We recognize the suffering caused by biases, prejudices, systems of power, privilege, and oppression based on race, sex, class, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ability, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. We aspire to do no harm and to dismantle barriers that cause separation and suffering, recognizing that our liberation is interconnected with the liberation of all.
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Located in northeast Portland, Heart of Wisdom is a sanctuary of serenity and community where a spectrum of Buddhist teachings are offered ranging from daily meditation to social action initiatives.
Autumn Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
With Laura Jomon Martin
November 22, 2025
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk. We close the day with a ceremony to renewing our intention to live an ethical life.
Thanksgiving Day Potluck Celebration
November 27, 2025
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Come celebrate Thanksgiving and the spirit of autumnal release at Great Vow. Vegetarian potluck dinner begins at 4pm. Main courses (nut loaf, mashed potatoes, stuffing) will be provided by our kitchen. Side dishes, desserts, salads, and other magical accompaniments are brought by guests. Potluck Dinner will be followed by games, dancing, and spontaneous conviviality. Please let us know you're coming by registering. And contact registrar@zendust.org with any questions.
New Year’s Eve Ceremony and Celebration
December 31, 2025 - January 1, 2026
Heart of Wisdom
Time swiftly passes by and opportunities are ever present! Let's celebrate our passage through a challenging and eye-opening year and envision how we'd like to step in to the new year. The evening will include guided meditations to help you reflect on what you want to let go of and welcome in, for the new year. As well as, a fire-ceremony of letting-go, atonement and renewal, which we call Fusatsu. We will end the evening with silent zazen meditation and 108 bells to welcome in the New Year.
Life Vows Weekend Retreat
With Kodo Conover and Kosho Ault
January 9 - 10, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
As we pass the Winter Solstice and turn to the new year, the time is ripe for contemplating vow. When you think about life’s purpose, what comes up? Zazen and inquiry offer a framework to become grounded and transform the energy of the unknown into possibilities. Zazen teaches us to turn down the volume on the planning, worrying mind and make space for deeper kinds of knowing. Infused with the Great Determination, Optimism, and Fearlessness of Jizo Bodhisattva, vow offers a path to inspire and support our lives. Whether you would like to renew your vow, revise your…
Winter Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
With Ed Gensho Welsh
January 17, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk.
Monastery Winter Practice Period
February 3 - March 29, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
In the stillness and quiet of the monastic container, when we allow the dust to settle and the thinking mind to open and relax, spontaneous wonderment and delight naturally appear. Attention is love. How do we attend to our life? During this practice period we will lean into the natural expression of love and creativity in the day to day activities of Monastery life. The schedule will be much the same as the rest of the year and will include Zazen, work practice, classes and retreats, formal meals and community sharing. Please plan on arriving on February 3rd. …





