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jorge Torresvia Google

4 months ago

I have not had the opportunity to attend any services at the new zendo. I have many regrets for not being there considering the many years Shifu has been kind and direct with me when I was a participant at the old zendo on Puritas Avenue. In addition to Shifu leading the group there were others who practice and devotion to this path was clearly evident. I hope that very soon I'll be rejoining the sangha again. Amitabha!

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CHARLES Evia Google

about 3 years ago

Come to learn, pray, and meditate (doing only what you are comfortable with). This is a very orderly, simple, clean, and quiet space. There are Buddhist paintings hung on the walls with a cushion in front of each. You may choose any that you like. If you have issues sitting or kneeling low, you may use a normal chair. Although you sit in meditation with the group, thus having a sense of community, you face the wall and this helps to avoid any distractions. This time of focus and contemplation are wonderful. You can find a moment of stillness and peace while the city life is held back by the walls of this Zendo, a place of refuge for any who wish to come. Although at the time I was not a Buddhist I felt more at peace and welcome here than other places of worship more familar to my own cultural background. This brings to mind a statement by another reviewer..."culture vulture." What a mean spirited and nasty thing to say. I feel sorry for that person, and for the damage he may have done to someone seeking a place of refuge. It is too bad that that person decided to spread their bias upon others. The best advice I can give is to try to look past a person's appearance and see if they are sincere. It is my opinion that this abbot is dedicated and sincere. Ok, enough said about that, moving on. After meditation time, out came the folding chairs and we all sat around a folding table. Tea was available. There was NOTHING FANCY about it. If you are looking for something fancy you will be dissapointed. However, after a few moments of contemplation the Abbot spoke about a Buddhist topic. He taught us, and patiently answered questions. It was easy to see his compassion and I felt comfortable there. There was nothing fancy, nothing to impress your friends, no darn selfie opportunities, nothing but jewels of knowledge. You can learn how to find tranquility in your life, how to live in a better way than you used to. Here there are simple folding chairs, cheap tea and the DHARMA, the priceless, beautiful DHARMA. Currently I live on the other side of the world. I had questions and was wondering who I might be able to ask for help. This place came to mind from so long ago. I wrote to him and asked my questions hoping to hear back. Not only did he respond, the response was thoughtful and helpful. I was suprised he had taken the amount of care and time needed for such a detailed letter. Not many people seem to have the time or inclination to be of service to others, but he was to me. A year or two later I wrote again and the same thing happened. I am writing this review for a few reasons. First is my sincere gratitude. This gratitude is for the peace I felt in this Zendo. Gratitude for the cup of tea with a side of Dharma. Gratitude that although to him I was a stranger on the other side of the world, I could rely on him for help when I needed it. The second is to simply give you an honest account of my experiences. Are you curious, great go to the Zendo and try it out. Be respectful of the space and ask questions. Dont feel comfortable saying the prayers, then don't. No true Buddhist will ever want , nor feel the need to pressure you into our beliefs. To us the truth is the truth. There is no point in arguing that the sky is blue. Our only driving force is compassion. I was suprised by what some people said in the reviews, one in particular, but please try first with an open heart and mind. If it is not for you no problem, hope you find what it is you seek and need. However you just might find a place where you can be at peace and that peace has a way of becoming a regular and beautiful part of your life and of who you really are. Dont let the words of others, including mine, tell you what to think, find your own path and know places like this are a refuge for the weary traveller. Abbots are there to point you in the right direction, this one did for me, maybe for you too one day. Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope it helps you in some small way. Take care.

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Steve Coatesvia Google

about 7 years ago

The Abbott is very knowledgeable and compassionate. I’ve known him for over 20 years. He flew to Seattle to conduct a blessing on our meditation center. That was an important turning point for our fledgling business, which is now very successful, blessed be. It is a curious thing that many novices will write negative reviews focusing on issues that any adept would clearly see past to the real benefits and advantages that this great program offers. Patience weed-hoppers!

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Christopher Hodsonvia Google

over 8 years ago

Very kind and welcoming. I entered during the meditation practice and I patiently waited until the members were through. Once finished I was greeted and then informed what the next service would be and I gratefully attended. After the service, members took the initiative to speak with me and seemed sincere in their interest in me as well as what I was seeking. My advice to any person seeking to explore Buddhism - do some light research about the sect that the temple practices before you go - when you attend the temple, go into it with an open mind - don't be intimidated by the unknown (practices and rituals) and don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, it is acceptable to ask the purpose or meaning of anything you do not understand. In my experience, Buddhists are compassionate, loving people who are more than happy to help you feel more comfortable.

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anonymous anonymousvia Google

over 8 years ago

Interesting place. However, I believe this place pressures those who are new to Zen meditation and Buddhism. One should not be pressured into taking the Buddhist refuge and I believe you should fully educate someone in all that is taking place inside this Zendo before actually having people do the rituals and ceremonies. The first time I came here, I did not have any knowledge of what was happening. I only remember being taught about Zen meditation and did not know that the actual class was involved with deep rituals/ceremonies and other things that may seem awkward to the outside person. I have to agree with MS FlamingFlamer. Culture vultures indeed.