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On January 20 - 22 we were happy to host Kaz Tanahashi at Great Vow. Kaz led a calligraphy retreat, and on Saturday gave a calligraphy performance (photos from the performance appear on this page). The calligraphy performance was themed on Kaz's teaching of the Ten Laws on the Art of Joyful Living, which are offered below.
Ten Laws on the Art of Joyful Living
1. Your happiness is more important than anything else.
2. The happier you are, the more you can help others.
3. Smiling makes you happy.
4. The more relaxed you are, the happier you are.
5. A moment of meditation can help you refresh yourself.
6. The lower your expectations are, the happier you are.
7. Happiness attracts happiness.
8. The ultimate healing is to live joyfully at each moment.
9. The more fully you face your own death, the more joyous you become.
10. You can always improve your art of joyful living.


The Third Annual 12 Hr. Chant for Peace at Heart of Wisdom. People from many faith traditions shared chants of Peace. More than 100 people participated in chanting, walking, and dancing.
Senryu, Rinsan and David lead HoW chant
Dancing for Peace
Walking and chanting
On December 11 Jogen Salzberg completed his year as Shusso in a Shusso Hossen ceremony. During the ceremony Jogen gave a talk on Case 18 of the Blue Cliff Record "The National Teacher's Seamless Monument". He then answered questions from the community about the case, and his experiences during his year as Shusso.
As with each Shusso who graduates, a pine tree will be planted on the monastery grounds in recognition of Jogen's efforts and sincere practice.
On Sunday, September 4th a joint 5-Precepts and Jukai ceremony was held at Great Vow Zen Monastery.
Five people took the five precepts and received a wagessa. Three people took Jukai and received a lineage chart showing their place in our lineage, as well as a rokusu (small representation of the Buddha's robe) and a new Dharma name.

Pictured above, in front of the table, from left to right:
Monica - Jikin - Betty - Reiyu - Amy - Kisei

On August 14 Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple held an Open House for the public.
It was a delightful day, with many friendly visitors and beautiful weather.
Click here to view more images from the event. (Look for the images titled "Open House")
On August 5 - 6 Great Vow hosted the 9th Annual 24 Hour Chant for Peace.
The 24 Hour Interfaith Chant for Peace is an annual event at the monastery bringing together many spiritual traditions to share their unique expressions of devotion. This year we began with an amazing two hour offering from Shantala which kept the energy high through the entire event. Many groups returned who have been attending since the first Chant for Peace in 2003.
Next year's 10th annual Chant for Peace will be August 10th-11th; be sure to mark your calendars!
Click here to view more images from this event, and previous 24 Hour Chants for Peace
On July 30 we celebrated Jizo Bon at Great Vow. Jizo Bon is a traditional celebration in Japan, and we have adapted it for our community. The activities began at 3pm and included painting lanterns, shakuhachi music, Obon dancing, dinner, a shadow play, desert, and finally a lantern procession through the Jizo Garden. The evening ended with a Ksitigarbha ceremony, and fireworks.
The zendo floor is ready for continuous use at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple. Thank you for the many careful, loving hours of work from the rehab team and floor bodhisatva Wayne Haack.
There is still plenty of work to do as we look at the outside of the building. There is a great need for workers of all skill levels for short term tasks and to fill our current and expanding services positions. Please contact me or Ryushin if you have some time and interest.
With gratitude, Kodo (503-502-6474)
Final Coat








