Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple

The purpose of Heart of Wisdom is to provide a refuge of stillness and peace in a busy urban environment, to practice and share Buddhist teachings, and to cultivate community, compassion, and wisdom.

Zen Community of Oregon founded Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in 2011 with the purchase of the beautiful old church it inhabits in Northeast Portland. Many hours of loving volunteer labor have gone into the renovation. (Story here) It is a warm and inviting place, one you are welcome to come and enjoy.

Free meditation instruction is available at every in-person sitting time.

When coming to meditate please wear comfortable, loose clothing that will not be distracting to others. Please do not wear shorts, tank tops, beeping watches, or strong perfume.

Meditation can be done in any comfortable, upright posture. Cushions, benches, and chairs are provided.

If you have questions, email the Temple Manager at how@zendust.org

Heart of Wisdom is open for in-person meditation. Masks are optional (with some exceptions). For more information read our Covid policy.
Calendar of Events

Meditation In Community

Apps and YouTube may get you started, but since ancient times people have walked the path of awakening in community. You're invited to come to the meditation hall and feel the quiet power of silently sitting together. Want to learn to meditate? Instruction is available at every in-person sitting period.

Engaged Buddhism

Heart of Wisdom is an active Sangha that is engaged in working to alleviate human suffering in the world. We are committed to being of service in our local community and are involved in the on-going process of un-doing systems of oppression, working on climate change, and addressing child hunger in our neighborhood.

Zazenkai: A Day of Zen Practice

A Zazenkai is a seasonal day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a day of meditation, chanting, work practice, and a dharma talk. We close the day with a ceremony to renew our intention to live an ethical life. Check the events calendar for zazenkai dates.
For as long as space endures and for as long as living beings remain so then may I too abide to dispel the misery of the world.
Dalai Lama's Vow

Meet with a Zen Teacher

Heart of Wisdom offers many ways to get support for your practice. Meeting with a teacher can be informal over tea or group discussions.

One-on-one private meeting with a teacher, called sanzen, is also available during some sits.

Thanksgiving Day Potluck Celebration

November 28, 2024
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.

Vow Sesshin

With Hogen Bays, Roshi and Patrick Bansho Green

January 7 - 12, 2025
Great Vow Zen Monastery
  From emptiness springs forth our deepest potential. When we are able to drop our ideas about who and what we are, we can recognize the infinite realm of possibility that has always been our playground. Reality before interpretation, before we start applying labels and identities, is vast and unbounded. From this space, we access the wisdom and compassion that is the source material of our life. With wisdom and compassion as our foundation, we recognize that we are the totality. Nothing separate and always in relationship. We come to see our personality and our personal particularities as part of the…

Winter Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat

With Jogen Salzberg, Sensei

January 18, 2025
Heart Of Wisdom Zen Temple
This is a silent day of Zen Buddhist meditation practice together, seated and active. The schedule includes meditation (zazen), chanting, caring for the garden and grounds, and Dharma talk.

Investigating Zen Practice: a one-day workshop

With Darah Shonin Ashton

February 1, 2025
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 Lunch is included. Your RSVP helps us know how much lunch to prepare.

Pari-Nirvana Sesshin: A Meditation Retreat exploring Life, Death & the Unknown

With Amy Kisei, Sensei and Laura Jomon Martin

February 3 - 9, 2025
Great Vow Zen Monastery or Online
Zen meditation is an invitation to the unknown. During this sesshin we take up the Buddha's Parinirvana--the Buddha's death, as the essential inquiry into our own relationship with death, dying and the uncertainties of this life. How often in your daily life do you allow yourself to reflect on your own mortality, your own death? This sesshin provides the structure and support needed to look into the fears and anxieties surrounding death, dying and the unknown. Supported by the stillness and quiet of winter, we allow the body, heart and mind to deeply settle and rest - as we feel…