Blue Mountain Zendo Koryu-ji

09/03/2026

08/29/2026

I don"t teach meditation in the common western sense. I can offer it but, at the zendo, I offer the practice of zazen and koan work. Meditation can be a great tool for relaxation and stress reduction. Zazen can also produce these immediate results. The difference is zazen creates systemic interior change which addresses the root issue of our stress and suffering, while meditation primarily addresses only the symptoms. Both have their place; however, they are not the same.

08/20/2026

On 08-23-26 Blue Mountain Zendo will be offering a Buddhist movie called the "Bermese Harp". Tea and sweets offered. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Burmese Harp (originally released in Japan as Biruma no tategoto) is a 1956 black-and-white Japanese anti-war drama directed by Kon Ichikawa. It follows Private Mizushima, a musician who abandons his squad to become a Buddhist monk and vows to respectfully bury the dead across Burma following World War II.

08/17/2026

“In the same way, monks, have I shown to you the Teaching’s similitude to a raft: as having the purpose of crossing over, not the purpose of being clung to.

“You, O monks, who understand the Teaching’s similitude to a raft, you should let go even (good) teachings, how much more false ones!”

Alagaddūpama Sutta

08/13/2026

Jihatsu (nested bowls) is a Zen Buddhist Monastic meal practice that originated in Japan. A jihatsu set consists of three to five nested bowls, traditionally made of wood. The jihatsu set is mindfully wrapped in several cloth covers. Within the wrap, the set contains all the tools that are required for the meal. For example; eating bowls, chopsticks, wash cloth, drying cloth, napkin, chants card and various covers. Jihatsu emphasizes “presence” by abiding in an orchestrated set of precise movements that require the practitioner to pay great attention to the endeavor they are engaged in. Each movement is a simple reference point for the mind that encourages one to become present and not wonder in discursive thought. Through this “presence”, we experience a deeper realization of the blessings of life sustaining meals. The evening meal will be vegan with three offerings. Come join us as we engage in the practice of jihatsu and express our gratitude for the food which nurtures our lives.

September 27 2026 5:00-7:00pm
Reservations required

08/13/2026

On 08-23-26 Blue Mountain Zendo will be offering the second installment of a series of four Buddhist movies called the "Bermese Harp". We look forward to seeing you there.

The Burmese Harp (originally released in Japan as Biruma no tategoto) is a 1956 black-and-white Japanese anti-war drama directed by Kon Ichikawa. It follows Private Mizushima, a musician who abandons his squad to become a Buddhist monk and vows to respectfully bury the dead across Burma following World War II.

08/01/2026

True awakening requires the complete religishment of attachments and delusions towards an all encompassing love and subsequent rebirth.

07/28/2026

Zazen Wasan

Nirvana is right here, before our eyes, this very place is the Lotus Land, this very body, the Buddha!

-Zen Master Hakuin

07/25/2026

At a place of retreat and advance, I find breath.
At a place of neither retreat nor advance, I find respite.
At the place of neither retreat nor advance, nor no retreat and no advance, the midnight flower blooms.