Don’t Know Mind teaching Sep 22, 2022

This basic teaching we have is Don’t-Know Mind. We want to know, we think we know, we think we’re supposed to know. There’s all of this bias toward knowing. But we don’t really know. We have this radical teaching – how about admitting the truth that we don’t know and go from there. If we really live...

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Precepts Ceremony Sunday, September 18th news Sep 16, 2022

We would like to invite you to our precepts ceremony on Sunday, September 18th at 12:30pm PT. Everyone is welcome to attend online, even if you do not sit the retreat. Please come and join us!

Here is the Zoom link to attend the ceremony.

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Your Experience Is The True Way teaching Sep 15, 2022

Our job is to really discover what our experience is. Don’t worry too much about what Buddhism says. Use the practice to discover your own experience and use that experience to attain your true self and help all beings. That’s authentic. That’s real. The teachings will help guide you, but use your o...

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Don’t Be Fooled By What You Want teaching Sep 08, 2022

Don’t be fooled by what you want. Just keep practicing. If you are only after what you want, ultimately you are going to be disappointed. It's not that your practice or discipline leads to what you want; practice leads to some clarity which leaves you more open to what’s there for you. If you lose y...

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Right Speech teaching Sep 01, 2022
Question: As far as keeping that open mind, that Don’t-Know mind, how does that relate to our preconception that it is good for me to have right speech?
 
Zen Master Bon Soeng: It would raise the question, “What is right speech?” It’s a nice idea to have right speech, but right speech this moment ...
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Mind Makes Everything teaching Aug 25, 2022

I think if you look at your own life, you can see that the way you hold your mind and the way you view and perceive these situations that occur in our lives, that it creates the way we respond to them. Our responses are what create the next event. So, our likes and dislikes are really what create th...

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Trust Your Experience teaching Aug 18, 2022
Student: We like to say “Don’t Know”, as was mentioned in the meditation instruction today. Is there anything that we do know? Is there anything that we’re allowed to know? (laughter)

Zen Master Bon Soeng: Do you see this robe?
 
Student: Yes

ZMBS: What color is it?

Student: Grey

ZMBS: So alre...
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1 Day Online Zen Retreat April 24th news Apr 06, 2021

Retreat is a time to look inside and investigate our life. It is an opportunity to clear our mind of habitual thinking and access our wisdom and compassion.


Retreat Info

Please join us for a 1 day retreat Saturday, April 24th. 1 day retreats include extended sitting practice, chanting, bowing, and...

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The Ten Thousand Samadhis Are Not Necessary teaching Apr 02, 2021

Deep pine tree valley:

Sitting quietly,

The moon was bright last night.

The ten thousand samadhis are not necessary.

When thirsty, drink.

When tired, sleep

By Zen Master Hahn Am

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Original Face Jan 29, 2021

Your true self is always shining and free.
Human beings make something and enter the ocean of suffering.
Only without thinking can you return to your true self.
The high mountain is always blue, white clouds coming and going.

By Zen Master Seung Sahn

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1 Day Online Retreat October 17th news Oct 07, 2020

Retreat is a time to look inside and investigate our life. It is an opportunity to clear our mind of habitual thinking and access our wisdom and compassion.

Empty Gate Zen Center has closed and canceled all public practices due to the COVID-19 situation. Retreats will be held online until further n...

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3 Day Online Retreat September 18th - 19th news Sep 11, 2020

Retreat is a time to look inside and investigate our life. It is an opportunity to clear our mind of habitual thinking and access our wisdom and compassion.

Empty Gate Zen Center has closed and canceled all public practices due to the COVID-19 situation. Retreats will be held online until further n...

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