About Us
Single Flower Zen is a place to meet other spiritual seekers and learn about Buddhism. We understand that people gain wisdom through both formal education (listening to talks) and intuitive realization (occurring during meditation).
Our Sangha members (roughly equivalent to a "congregation") aspire to save all beings from suffering through developing charity, love, compassion, and awareness in themselves.
We have no affiliation with other Zen groups or religious denominations other than the Five Mountain Zen Order. However, members of this community are welcome to be part of other groups.
Each Zen Teacher within the Five Mountain Zen Order may apply varied practice approaches, as well as use any organizational structure that facilitates practice. Zen Teachers recognize that they are ongoing students, and the value of their teaching derives from the quality of their practice. As continuing students, these Teachers are dedicated to the openness and flexibility of practice, wherein the wisdom of the unconditioned may be manifest in life. A vital constituent of this community is the continuing examination and expansion of instructional approaches.
Our Sangha members (roughly equivalent to a "congregation") aspire to save all beings from suffering through developing charity, love, compassion, and awareness in themselves.
We have no affiliation with other Zen groups or religious denominations other than the Five Mountain Zen Order. However, members of this community are welcome to be part of other groups.
Each Zen Teacher within the Five Mountain Zen Order may apply varied practice approaches, as well as use any organizational structure that facilitates practice. Zen Teachers recognize that they are ongoing students, and the value of their teaching derives from the quality of their practice. As continuing students, these Teachers are dedicated to the openness and flexibility of practice, wherein the wisdom of the unconditioned may be manifest in life. A vital constituent of this community is the continuing examination and expansion of instructional approaches.
The Whole World Is a Single Flower
Whole World is a Single Flower
Calligraphy by Mangong Soensa
How We Practice
We begin each meeting by generating an intention to practice not only for ourselves, but also for the benefit of all beings. We chant the "Heart Sutra" in English, sometimes followed by one or two other chants. Then Ven. Myodo gives a short Dharma talk, and we meditate together. Most of the meditations are silent, but from time to time we have a guided meditation. Afterwards, we dedicate any merit we may have attained through our practice to the benefit of all beings. We end our practice together by reciting the Four Great Vows.
Once per month, usually on the third Thursday, we have "Tibetan Night." We practice in the Vajrayana style and have a talk related to that school of Buddhism.
Our practices are offered for a donation. We recommend $10-20 (about what you'd pay for a yoga class), but pay what you can. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
After practice on Thursday evenings, we go to dinner together as a Sangha. Like all of our gatherings, this is open to the public.
Once per month, usually on the third Thursday, we have "Tibetan Night." We practice in the Vajrayana style and have a talk related to that school of Buddhism.
Our practices are offered for a donation. We recommend $10-20 (about what you'd pay for a yoga class), but pay what you can. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
After practice on Thursday evenings, we go to dinner together as a Sangha. Like all of our gatherings, this is open to the public.
