Fall 2026 Newsletter

"Now and in every moment, whether walking, standing, sitting or lying down, if you simply practice attaching to nothing at all over time you will without fail become realized. Because your capacity is still small you cannot leap to realization suddenly, but if you persist for five or ten years you will inevitabily find an entry point and naturally arrive at understanding.
If you are unable to be like this, then of what use is it to deliberately take up the mind to study Zen or pursue the Way? What does this have to do with the Buddha-dharma?"

— Master Obaku

Commentary by Shaku Daiko

All manifestation itself attests the original Buddha-nature, it is only because of our own preoccupation that it is not apparent. But if we set our mind on clear seeing and muster the courage to not be swayed to the left or right, we cannot fail but arrive at the elimination of ignorance. As Master Obaku says, it is inevitable. As sure as when the clouds clear, the sun must be revealed.
If we cannot be like this and instead seek a different destination, or if our resolve wavers and we do not proceed, than all of our efforts are futile. We simply cannot arrive at our destination.

Infinite Ocean

We are very happy to announce the reprint of Infinite Ocean, a collection of edited talks that Ursula Jarand, the founding teacher of Daishu-in West gave at the temple. Much thanks are due to our Joanne Bower, our Grant Committee and to the Maclean Foundation in Fortuna, who generously sponsored the lion's share of the printing.

Please email Daiko to order. We are asking for a $20-30 donation.

Weekend Program

November 14th and 15th

Short weekend visits is a good way to get acquainted with Daishu-in West. It is the basic sketch of our schedule, designed in such a way to answer questions and demonstrate its simplicity. The simplicity itself is part of the challenge. We begin on Saturday afternoon to allow ample travel time and finish after lunch Sunday. Attendees are at the temple for 24 hours.

We have four positions available this November. If you or someone you know might be interested, please get in contact with Daiko. This is an exciting program the temple is cultivating and we are building this opportunity to encourage familiarity with the temple and the practice.

Visit this page for more information.

禅生活

Zen life

It was a very mild and lovely summer. Only one or two residential practitioners have been here at a time but the procession continues. A few young travelers passed through the temple over the summer and have started developing a relationship with this practice. We are grateful for their hard work.

Autumn is already here and we are preparing for the fall practice period. Please check the calendar for sesshin dates.

The quilt raffle is still running and we will have the drawing on New Years Day. Mary Orazem generously finished the quilt that Susan John had started early last year. Due to her hard work we are able to have this fundraiser again this year. Tickets are $5 apiece, or $20 for 5. Please see the Support page to contribute, make sure to include you contact information.

Schedule

  • Sesshin: September 23rd - 28th
  • Sesshin: October 20th - 25th
  • Weekend Program: November 14th and 15th (information)
  • Sesshin: November 24th - 29th
  • Rohatsu O-sesshin: December 1st-7th

Weekly Events

Tuesday-Saturday Online Zazen: 6:30 AM

Sunday Zazenkai: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Please check the calendar or email the temple for more information.

Support