Calendar

Great Vow Zen Monastery Zendo

Online Zendo Schedule: 

Wednesday – Saturday (Connect via Zoom link below)

5:30 – 6:50 AM – Zazen

6:50-7:30 AM – Service

Sunday Morning:

6:30-7:50AM – Zazen

Monastery Sunday Public Program, Clatskanie, Oregon
10 AM-12:15 PM – in person and online.

 

Zoom link for all events

YouTube link for Sunday Program (Our Youtube is currently down as of 2026, In Progress.)

Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple

Sunday Mornings: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Led by Zen Teacher Larry Fuho Trussell
Meditation, Dharma talk, and chanting service. During sitting, Fuho offers sanzen, one-on-one meetings about Zen practice.
In Person and Online.
Zoom link for Sunday Morning (must be logged into Zoom)

Sunday Evenings: 7 PM to 9:00 PM
Led by Hogen Bays, Roshi
Meditation and teachings on Buddhist sutras and spiritual practice.
In Person and Online.
Zoom link for Sunday Evening (must be logged in to Zoom)

Tuesday Evenings: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
 Led by Zen Teacher Nancy Kodo Conover
Meditation, a short talk and group discussion about how Buddhist teachings apply to our life today.
In Person and Online.
Zoom link for Tuesday  Evening (must be logged into Zoom)

Wednesday Evenings: 7 PM to 9:00 PM
Led by Jogen Sensei
Silent and guided meditation including calm-abiding, emptiness practice and/or loving-kindness followed by dharma talk.           In person and Online. 
Zoom link for Wednesday Evening (must be logged into Zoom)

Thursday Evenings: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Led by Shonin Ashton and Gensho Welsh
Meditation and Dharma talk with a focus on foundational Buddhist teachings and practices.
In Person and Online.
Zoom link for Thursday Evening (must be logged in to Zoom)

Friday Mornings: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Led by Doug Onkatsu Kagel
Begins with chanting service, seated and walking meditation, and meditation instruction in the zendo. Open zendo – drop in.
In Person and Online.
Zoom link for Friday Morning (you must be logged into your Zoom account)

Plum Blossom Zendo and Online

Monday Evenings:  6 PM to 7:30 PM.
Led by Amy Kisei, Sensei
Guided + silent meditation practice that includes the themes of embodiment, compassion and awareness practices. Dharma talk begins at 6:45P, followed by discussion. Drop in anytime! Online Only. Zoom link for Monday Evening

Tuesday Evenings: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Led by Laura Jomon Martin, Zen Teacher

Plum Blossom Zendo Vancouver United Church of Christ, Bradford Hall, First Floor 1220 NE 68th St. Vancouver, WA 98686

In Person and Online. Zoom link for Tuesday Evening

Friday Evenings: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Led by Zen Teacher Patrick Bansho Green
Guided meditations on metta (loving-kindness).
Online Only. Zoom link for Friday Evening

Affinity Groups and Other Ongoing Events

Morning Meditation with Trillium House Residents Learn More Here
Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM to 7 AM PT
Online. In Person at Heart of Wisdom on Fridays. Zoom link.

LGBTQIA+ Dharma Group Learn More Here
1st Saturday each month: 7 PM to 8:30 PM PT.
For more information and Zoom link: Send an email.
In Person at Heart of Wisdom and Online.

Silver Dragons Online Monthly Gathering Learn More Here
4th Wednesday each month: 1 PM to 2:30 PM PT.
Online Only. Zoom Link.
 
Dharma Jews Learn More Here
4th Saturday each month: 7 PM to 8:30 PM PT.
For more information: send an email.
In Person at Heart of Wisdom.
The Work of Byron Katie  Learn More Here

In Person at Heart of Wisdom:
1st & 3rd Monday each Month: 7 PM – 8:30 PM
1st Friday of the month: 1 PM – 2 PM
Online: 2nd and 4th Monday each month: 7 PM – 8:30 PM. Zoom link.

Note: The Work will be suspended for the months of June, July, and August. Check back in August for more details. Chōon will still be available to meet one-on-one. You can reach out to how@zendust.org to get in touch or ask questions.

Mindful Men’s Meditation for Recovery Learn More Here
1st & 3rd Mondays each month: 7 PM to 9 PM PT.
In Person at Heart of Wisdom.
 

Meditation Retreats, Sesshin, Workshops

Workshops and sesshin are currently offered in-person and online format unless otherwise noted.
Please do not attend in person if you feel sick or you live with someone who feels ill.
All Events
Sesshin
Weekend Retreats
Workshops
Practice Periods

October 2026

10/6 - 12/20Autumn Ango – Fall Residency 2026

Retreat Cabin Application

Open Dates
Great Vow Zen Monastery
The retreat hut is available only to those who have already participated in a weekend retreat or longer here at the monastery.  The monastery retreat cabin rests on the edge of our 23 acres of forest. Though, just a short walk to the monastery buildings, it has a feeling of a forest hermitage. Equipped with running water, electricity, a small kitchenette with electric stovetop and small refrigerator and a compost toilet it is an ideal location for doing short solo retreat practice. You will have access to our forest trail system, beautiful meadows and gardens, as well as the privacy…

Grasses, Trees, and the Great Earth Sesshin

With Amy Kisei, Sensei and Myoyu Haley Voekel

August 10 - 16, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Earth body, sky heart. Rooted and flowing. Luminous and open. We are made of earth and sky, of wind breath and rain song, our lives woven from the teachings of the natural world. This retreat is an opportunity to re-connect and relax into the wild, ancient, wisdom of the Grasses, Trees and Great Earth. We will spend time learning from each of the five elements, as they manifest in our experience. Deeply exploring and releasing into our interconnection with the living, breathing body of the Earth, waters, energizing air, bright fiery sun, and vast spacious sky. This retreat is held…

Summer Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat

With Darah Shonin Ashton

August 15, 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.

Chant for Peace at Heart of Wisdom

August 22, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Interfaith 12 Hour Chant for Peace DATE: Saturday, August 22, 2026 TIME: 9:00am - 9:00pm LOCATION: Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple ADDRESS: 6401 NE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97211, USA Awake with a passion for inner and global transformation, this 12-hour chanting vigil is a celebration of our spiritual aspirations to see the Sacred in every person, and to live Unconditional Love. This is an Interfaith event. Each hour of the Chant for Peace is led by a different spiritual tradition. We form one community and join our voices together. Chanting is spiritually potent medicine. It aligns heart and mind, connects us…

Walking Mountain Pilgrimage Sesshin with Bells Mountain

With Sara Shinei Monial and Danney Soten Lynch

August 29 - September 12, 2026
Pacific Northwest (exact location TBD)
Previous meditation retreat and backpacking experience is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the silent wisdom of the forest, mountains, and sky. Allow these wild places to awaken within you and inform how you experience and embody this life.

Great Vow Work Party – Cider Press Day!

September 4, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Working together is part of our spiritual practice, and allows us to honor and care for the sacred space that Heart of Wisdom provides in our city. Please join with community for this morning of practice and work together.

Jizo Sesshin

With Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi and Laura Jomon Martin

September 8 - 13, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery - In Person Only
This retreat begins on Tuesday!   This retreat will focus on the qualities of Jizo Bodhisattva, guardian of all that comes from the earth, and Jizo’s qualities – benevolence, optimism, fearlessness, determination, and vow. A unique element of this retreat is the inclusion of time devoted to art projects, creative time, and a slide show and talk about Jizo. As part of our practice, we will be making small Jizo-related items. Due to the nature of this retreat schedule, we will be sitting outside and also out of the zendo to make art, there will not be an online option.…

Equinox Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat

With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei

September 12, 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.

ZCO Board Meeting September 2026

September 13, 2026
Heart of Wisdom (in person) and Online (Zoom)
Board meetings are open and members of the community are invited to attend. Board meetings  are a place to find out what’s happening and how ZCO functions. Typical topics include finances, reports on goings on at the monastery and temple, committee reports, and the community's strategic plans.

Oceans of Compassion: A Retreat In Service To The Earth

With Laura Jomon Martin and Kodo Conover

September 17 - 20, 2026
Offsite: Beverly Beach State Park
In conjunction with SOLVE’s Oregon Beach Cleanup activities, you’re invited to join the Zen Community of Oregon for a weekend CAMPING/MEDITATION retreat at BEVERLY BEACH STATE PARK. Take a weekend on the coast to connect with the Sangha. With a relaxed schedule and opportunity for socializing, there will be sitting times, Dharma talks, and practices to take with you into the clean-up.

New Member Tea at Great Vow Zen Monastery

September 19, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Calling all members! Have you visited your monastery yet? Are you a regular at Heart of Wisdom but have yet to make the journey out to Great Vow? You're invited to tea, a tour and lunch! September is a beautiful time to enjoy the grounds. This Tea is open to all ZCO members and Heart of Wisdom regulars. Come connect, make new friends, tour the grounds, learn about ways to practice and the organization as a whole. It's a great opportunity to ask questions! Please RSVP so we can provide enough tea, coffee, and lunch. 10:15 - arrival 10:30 - Tour  11:00…

Investigating Zen Practice: A One-Day Workshop

With Darah Shonin Ashton, Ed Gensho Welsh and Kosho Ault

September 19, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Experience an Introduction to Zen Practice through the Ten Directions. This one-day in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple is for beginners or those who want to dive deeper into Zen practice. Learn how to practice using ancient methods that are applicable in today’s world: Meditation and sitting with stability Mindfulness practice off the cushion Chanting Mindful eating Work practice Stillness Walking meditation Koans Tradition and ritual Dharma teachings These workshops fill with waitlists. If you are not coming, please let us know ASAP so we can give your spot to someone else. Suggested donation includes a vegetarian/vegan lunch.…

Five Buddhist Precepts for Ethical Living – In Person

With Ed Gensho Welsh

September 20 - October 25, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
These one hour 5 Precepts classes will happen every Sunday for six weeks. We all want to live a compassionate life. The precepts give us a framework for what it means to live an ethical life. More then a set of rules to follow, the precepts are deep inquiries into the actual living of our lives with attention and love. The format is an introductory talk followed by class discussion. Participants will be encouraged to do a short writing on each precept and practice with the precept during the week. There are also some supplemental readings.

16 Bodhisattva Precepts In Person Class Series

With Kodo Conover

September 25 - October 30, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
The beginning and end of our practice is ethical living; acting, speaking and thinking in ways that support the greatest wellbeing and awakening for all beings. Anyone who has taken the 5 Precepts Class can take this class, whether you have already formally taken the precepts, are considering taking the precepts, or you are simply curious about the ethical guidelines that rest at the foundation of Zen practice.

Annual Dinner 2026: Building A Temple – Celebrating 15 Years of Heart of Wisdom

September 26, 2026
Saint Andrew Catholic Church
Once a year we gather for a dinner celebration to reflect on what we've accomplished and intentions for the year ahead.

Soul of the Mountain Sesshin: A Backpacking Sesshin at Bells Mountain

With Sara Shinei Monial and Danney Soten Lynch

September 26 - October 3, 2026
Bell's Mountain Dharma Center
Previous meditation retreat and backpacking experience is highly recommended. Immerse yourself in the silent wisdom of the forest, mountains, and sky. Allow these wild places to awaken within you and inform how you experience and embody this life.

Inner Critic Workshop

With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei

October 3, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
This retreat will bring together parts work modality (i.e. IFS, Voice Dialogue) with Buddhist meditation practices to amplify understanding, empathy and dis-identification from parts, specifically the inner critic and perfectionist, that hinder our unfolding. Sessions will be a mix of silent and guided sitting meditation and group facilitations where participants directly explore parts of themselves such as those listed above. This is for anyone with an aspiration for a liberated heart or who wishes to address obstacles to Dharma practice and self-understanding. First time and experienced meditators are welcome and will find insight and nourishment. In-person only. Saturday October 3rd from 9 am - 5:30 pm (Lunch will be provided.)

Autumn Ango – Fall Residency 2026

With Hogen and Chozen Roshi, Patrick Bansho Green and Myoyu Haley Voekel

October 6 - December 20, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
This Dharma is abundantly present in each human being, but if we do not practice it, it does not manifest itself, and if we do not experience it, it cannot be realized. - Dogen Zenji In communion with our ancestors who set aside time each year for deep retreat, the Monastery offers this Autumn Ango.  Ango is a celebration of stillness and quiet contemplation, upheld with the support of community and teachers. Ango can be translated to mean peaceful dwelling. During this practice period our daily schedule takes on a tone of a light retreat which includes more zazen (about…

October Sesshin – The Ancient Way

With Hogen Bays, Roshi, Patrick Bansho Green and Darah Shonin Ashton

October 8 - 18, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery or Online
There is something very special about the magic of autumn and the kicking off of the fall ango practice period that makes this sesshin so powerful. What a great gift it is to be able to sit together in silence. This is our longest sesshin of the year. The extra days enable us drop down into the bare bones essentials of our lives. We have this rare opportunity to turn towards the practice/awakening that is our true nature, and to celebrate quietly together in the container of sesshin. Day after day plunge into the waters of mystery and exploration. Turn…

Service to the Temple – Heart of Wisdom Portland, OR

October 10, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Working together is part of our spiritual practice, and allows us to honor and care for the sacred space that Heart of Wisdom provides in our city. Please join with community for this morning of practice and work together.

Autumn Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat

With Laura Jomon Martin

October 24, 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.

City Refuge Retreat

With Larry Fuho Trussell

November 5 - 7, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple will be offering an extended opportunity for retreat practice in the city. This three-day non-residential retreat will include many of the elements you’ll find in sesshin.

November Sesshin – Gratitude

With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei, Patrick Bansho Green and Anusha Enryu Fernando

November 9 - 15, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
With gratitude for our beloved sangha near and far, the Monastery joyfully offers another sesshin. This sesshin has no set price. All are welcome to attend, and donations from the heart are welcome. During this week of practice, we will eat only the offerings brought to us specifically for this retreat. So food donations, while always welcome, are particularly helpful! Bring food that you like to eat, bring food that will challenge our kitchen team and cook. The head cook (tenzo) will need to dive into creativity and allow the surprises of each donation manifest our meals. We will otherwise…

Doing The Work of Byron Katie

With Linda Chōon Frischmeyer

November 13 - 14, 2026
Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple
“Of all the diseases, all the ailments that afflict humanity, there is one common denominator: the conditioned mind. Our unconditioned minds are deeply interconnected." --Chakung Jigme Wangdrak "The Work is about internal cause and effect. It is not about the external world.” – Byron Katie Please attend Friday evening and Saturday. This in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple provides newcomers and those familiar with this form of meditation opportunities for: Learning about The Work of Byron Katie Identifying our beliefs Doing The Work (meditation) Learning to facilitate another; listening and being present Q & A Guest facilitating will…

Love & Spaciousness: A Loving Kindness Weekend Retreat

With Myoyu Haley Voekel and Kosho Ault

November 19 - 22, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery
With wonderment on our side, and in relationship with all that is, we recognize the inherent compassion that naturally arises from deep and sustained presence. Held in a container of zen forms and the vibrant dance of a monastery in Autumn, we will explore the nature of being anything at all! During this silent retreat our day will unfold within the practices of zazen, chanting, formal meals and a short work practice. Much of the day will be spent in the meditation hall practicing seated and silent meditation together.     Please see our website Attending a Retreat at Great…

ZCO Board Meeting at Great Vow

November 22, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery (in person) and Online (Zoom)
Board meetings are open and members of the community are invited to attend. Board meetings  are a place to find out what’s happening and how ZCO functions. Typical topics include finances, reports on goings on at the monastery and temple, committee reports, and the community's strategic plans.

December Sesshin – Rohatsu

With Hogen Bays, Roshi, Larry Fuho Trussell and Darah Shonin Ashton

December 6 - 13, 2026
Great Vow Zen Monastery or Online
  The light of the Buddha's awakening has not dimmed. This very moment, alive, awake and luminous. Each year people from all over the world gather to celebrate, to sit in stillness and to be nourished by this truth. All over the world people join in the ritual of Rohatsu sesshin. This sesshin is the culmination of a year of practice and is also the culmination of our fall Ango practice period. At many centers and monasteries, this is the most valued sesshin of the year, and may be the only one that many people are able to attend. We…

New Year’s Eve Ceremony and Celebration

December 31, 2026 - January 1, 2027
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.