Darah Shonin Ashton

Darah Shonin Ashton has practiced with the Zen Community of Oregon since 2009 and was made a Dharma holder in 2019.  She currently co-leads Thursday evening meditation at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple.  Since 2019 she has served as treasurer for ZCO.  Shonin recently retired from a 30 year chiropractic career and enjoys spending more time with family and friends.  A sewing hobbyist, she happily tutors zen students through the construction of wagessas and rakusus.

Events with Darah Shonin Ashton

Five Buddhist Precepts for Ethical Living: Online Class Series
July 9, 2025

These one hour online 5 Precepts classes will happen every Wednesday for six weeks. 7 pm – 8  pm 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…

Summer Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat
July 19, 2025

Zazen is going right into the Ocean of Awareness, manifesting the body of all Buddhas. The natural luminosity of mind suddenly reveals itself and the original light is everywhere. -Keizan Zenji 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. Suggested donation includes a vegetarian/vegan lunch. No one turned away for lack of funds. Your registration helps us know how much lunch…

July Sesshin - Summer Breeze
July 21, 2025

Summer is bright and alive. The sun hangs high in the sky, illuminating the earth with unflinching clarity. What wisdom does a warm summer day offer? Everything is laid bare before the luminous rays of the sun. In this meditation immersion, we will endeavor to study the self, forget the self and glimpse Buddha Nature, opening in silent communion with this community of human and non- human beings. This is our collective awakening. (More details about the sesshin will be added soon). Sesshin is a rigorous and, at times, challenging silent meditation retreat that is not recommended for beginners. In order…