From the Head of the Order
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"We are the origins of wars, not history's forces, nor the times, nor justice, nor the lack of it, nor causes, nor religions, nor ideas, nor kinds of government, nor any other thing. We are the killers, we breed wars. For the love of God, can't we love one another just a little? That's how peace begins. We have so much to love each other for. We have such possibilities, my children. We could change the world." From The Lion in Winter, 1968. |
The Scripture of Great Wisdom teaches us to view all things through the eyes of Great Compassion (Kanzeon) and that to do so is being one with the deepest Wisdom of the heart. It also teaches that we have to train with this body and mind that we already have and not an idealized or unrealistic one. |
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"Do not be deceived in this matter of self and others - everything is Buddha without exception." Saraha. (8th century) |
In the present atmosphere of anger and delusion it is important that we do not become afraid of our neighbours because of false witness and poisonous mythology. I have found that both synagogues and mosques are very welcoming and visits to them can do a lot to dispel clouds of anger and fear.
Are there quarrels in your family, workplace or community that can be brought to an end with courage, reaching out and kindness? Do not wait for tomorrow as the opportunities of today may never be repeated.
Of course, there may be no response but such efforts are never wasted. |
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"The community of the living is the carriage of God's majesty and where there is a rent in the carriage, one must fill it and where there is so little love that the joining comes apart, one must love more on one's own side to overcome the lack."
Rabbi Raphael (1751-1827) |
"Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world; through love alone they cease. This is the Teaching of all the Buddhas." Dhammapada |
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Content:
- News from the North American temples
- News from the European temples
- Dharma offerings
- From the editor
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News and visits
We had a mild winter this year. Several monks had medical issues, but all are recovering nicely. We have had the pleasure of hosting long-term visits by Ven. Kalden Wangmo, a Vajrayana female monk based in India who usually spends time with us each winter. We were very happy that she had received bhikshuni ordination last November along with over 300 other women in Bhutan. Ven. Kalden originally ordained as a monk here at Shasta Abbey as Rev. Berenice. We also welcomed the arrival of Rev. Sanshin Alexander, a senior monk at Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, who is staying for six months. It is great to have him here practicing with all the community, and we appreciate the contribution he is making as part of the kitchen staff.
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Vigil for Peace Ceremony
On 5 March we held a Vigil for Peace Ceremony. We chanted the Metta Sutta, the Litany of the Great Compassionate One, and the Dedication of Merit. Afterwards, Rev. Master Daishin offered a Dharma talk drawing on several translations of the Metta Sutta and bringing out nuances in meaning from the different versions.
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Upcoming Jukai
As March progresses, we are preparing for our annual Ten Precepts/Jukai retreat. We’re currently expecting 28 guests, with 18 receiving the Precepts for the first time. Over the winter we have been installing a new boiler for heating the Vimalakirti Hall (guest house). It’s being fired for the first time this week, just in time for the retreat.
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A Warm, Still Winter in the Wallowas
It has been an exceptionally warm winter at the Wallowa Buddhist Temple, without the usual several feet of snow at our 4400’ elevation here in the foothills of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. The monks were grateful for our annual February rest and retreat, especially for the variety of healthy homemade meals, groceries, and treats that were left quietly every couple of days in a cooler on the temple porch by a number of our congregation. As monks turned inward, buildings and grounds got very still, appreciated by the herd of resident mule deer who browse across the land, among others.
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The temple reopened in March with our monthly first Saturday Day Retreat, continuing the sense of deep refuge and replenishment the temple offers within our wider community, and it was good to welcome so many of our friends again for tea and Dharma discussion at the Sunday Morning Retreat the following day. |
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That Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Meido officiated at the marriage of one of our long-time congregation members. This brought a happy crowd of family, friends, other members of our congregation, and some newcomers into the temple’s ceremony hall, all delighted to gather around the bride and groom for this joyous ceremony during which the couple vow to “help each other to be successful each in our own way.” |
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Working Meditation at the Wallowa Buddhist Temple
Working meditation is the centuries-old Zen and Chan practice of bringing the mind of meditation from our formal sitting place into every moment of daily life. Also known by the terms mindfulness practice, offering service, and every-minute Zen, what we call working meditation is integral to the Soto Zen path.
Working meditation is how the opening heart becomes as much a part of our every action as the very air that we breathe. It is integral to the life of the temple, this simply, consistently, and brightly doing what needs to be done. To learn more about working meditation and see photos of this practice taking place at the Wallowa Buddhist Temple, follow this link to our website page on Working Meditation.
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Individual retreats at the Wallowa Buddhist Temple
Since its beginning in 2003, hosting individual retreats has always been one of the main functions of the Wallowa Buddhist Temple. Retreats are currently being offered for monastic and lay members of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, and for those who follow our practice of Serene Reflection Meditation. If you are considering an individual retreat here with us, we invite you to contact us via our website to discuss the possibility.
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Rev. Master Meido & Rev. Master Clairissa |
Lions Gate Buddhist Priory
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We had Matt MacLean from the Victoria meditation group visit from January 6 - 20. It was nice to have his presence here this winter and to have a helping hand with various projects. Rev. Master Kōten left for Vancouver Island January 20 - February 10 for some rest and also to visit with the Nanaimo meditation group. |
In November 2025, Rev. Owyn visited the Portland Buddhist Priory and was able to help with their ongoing meditation hall project; Rev. Master Leon offered the Lions Gate Priory a large gong, which has been a most welcome addition to our daily services. Two weeks into his one month stay, Rev. Owyn was suddenly called back when Rev. Master Aurelian fractured his ankle, having slipped on black ice on the front steps. After some rest and a full recovery, Rev. Master Aurelian travelled to Throssel on January 12 to spend the winter. |
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Rev. Owyn worked on many projects this winter including building a new desk and reorganizing an office space; rewiring our Bodhidharma Hall residence and installing a main breaker panel and new lights in the kitchen, pantry, front porch, main room, and in the two Rev. Masters' bedrooms; installing new kitchen cabinets; and the on-going land maintenance of brush cutting, burn piles, and firewood gathering. |
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A building committee of laypeople and monks has been formed to begin the planning process for a proposed new dwelling on the property. Our current idea is a 2500 sq. ft. residence with rooms for resident monks and guests, common areas for gatherings, and modern off-grid systems including indoor plumbing. We hope to get started on various aspects of the project later this year. |
We've been training our resident dog, Boba, to be more civilized towards guests, and got him a sweater for colder days and car trips. As it turns out, an old dog can, indeed, learn new tricks. Our resident cat, Mita, is as easy-going as ever. Both grew up together and are like brother and sister. |
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In addition to our weekly Zoom meetings, we have begun holding monthly recitations of our Precepts Ceremony and of the Shurangama Festival, which take the place of one of our Saturday zooms. If you are interested in joining one of the meetings, drop us an email at lionsgatebuddhistpriory@gmail.com. |
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Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey
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Winter Sangha Retreat
This year's Winter Sangha Retreat was a very valuable time for both monks and lay trainees. As well as appreciating the usual support offered by lay trainees which enabled the monks to step back from their usual responsibilities, we were able to welcome Rev. Master Aiden and Rev. Master Leandra who came to spend a week here. And in mid-month Rev. Master Aurelian (pictured), whose home temple is Lions Gate Buddhist Priory, travelled over from Canada to start a three-month stay with us. We are happy to have a member of our North American monastic Sangha visiting.
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East Asia travels
Also in January, Rev. Lambert travelled to East Asia for a few weeks, taking up the invitation made by Ven. Seck Lee Seng and Ven. Seck Cer Chun when they were here last year, for Throssel monks to spend time at Cheng Hoon Teng temple in Malaysia. This is of course where our Founder Rev. Master Jiyu was ordained, and with which we maintain friendly Sangha relations. Rev. Lambert also visited many more temples in Malacca,Taiwan and China. He took the opportunity whilst there to research the roots and ancestry of Rev. Master Jiyu’s lineage which exist in those East Asian branches of the Sangha. The photo here shows Rev. Lambert with his hosts plus monks and laity of the temple of Longyun Si in Fujian, China.
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More news
In February we bade Rev. Sanshin farewell as he left for California where he is due to spend six months training with the Community at Shasta Abbey. His position as bursar has now been taken by Rev. Kōjō who has settled into the post with admirable ease.
Rev. Master Haryo's time at Throssel is coming to an end. He is due to return to the USA in late March. We enjoyed having him spend the last five months at Throssel, and thank him for everything he has done for us over many years.
At the end of that month, Rev. Master Berwyn and three other monks attended a ‘Soup & Sweets’ fund-raising afternoon at the nearby Ninebanks Community Hall. We were invited by the organizers of this delightful day to go along and enjoy food and drink as well as pleasant conversation with local people. It is heart-warming to see events of this kind being arranged by volunteers to promote community spirit and foster friendly relations.
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Tibetan monastic visitor
We had another monastic visitor in March: Phara Khenchen Rinpoche, the spiritual director of the Land of Joy Buddhist Retreat Community located near Bellingham in Northumberland. He spent a few hours here, together with a group of lay followers who help as volunteers in running their retreat centre. Rev. Caitlin, who has used the private retreat facilities at the Land of Joy, showed the party around the monastery; they also had tea and a discussion with Rev. Master Berwyn. It was a pleasure to meet them all, and to share our experiences of running a rural Buddhist temple in the north of England.
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Latest Dharma teachings
The latest Dharma teaching by Throssel monks is available via https://throssel.org.uk/dharma-talks/. Audio lectures appear there, as well as more of Rev. Master Berwyn's Short Writings articles, which are being well received.
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Zoom Dharma Meetings
Dragon Bell Temple offers a regular schedule of meetings available to join through Zoom. Information about the meetings is available on the website: www.dragonbelltemple.org.uk/events and the calendar gives advance notice of the monthly schedule: www.dragonbelltemple.org.uk/calendar
The typical online schedule is: Tuesday to Friday-morning meditation and morning service (it’s possible to join just for the meditation period or both); Sunday morning meetings- including meditation, morning service and dharma talk. Please contact Willard at dragonbelltemple@protonmail.com for more details.
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Statue of Hotei with newly made staff.
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Recent passing
Liz Verrall, a long time, regular attender at the Priory, following a diagnosis of cancer a year ago, died January 10th. Her presence on Wednesday evenings is sorely missed. Liz had a funeral with family and friends then later, due to demand on Crematorium services, she had a Simple Cremation. I was present for the cremation, offering incense and a short scripture as the casket was 'charged' into the Cremator (furnace). As a point of information: one can request, in advance of a cremation, for a 'Witnessed Charge' allowing the officiating priest (family can attend as well) to be present to witness the casket entering the Cremator. In Hinduism and Sikhism, witnessing in this way is required by their tradition.
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Rev. Saidō Remembered
In early March we held a memorial for Rev. Saidō on the third anniversary of his death. Rev. Saidō, formerly David, entered monastic life as a postulant in 1977 at Throssel Hole Priory, as it was then. Here is a photo of him about to strike the time block, Myrtle Bank Farm House is in the background.
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Here is footage of an interview with Rev. Saidō in 1999, which was filmed as part of a project to produce material for religious education in schools. The company which conducted this interview, Clear Vision Trust, is no longer active; the finished programmes they created was distributed on VHS and DVD. |
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The following short article was originally published in the Throssel Hole Priory Journal, Vol. 4 no.5, February 1977.
Rushing About
This article is being written in a hurry because I’ve not allowed (enough) time to get it together. There’s so much rushing about doing the same thing twice – frantic external activity.
For instance, using the sewing machine. The threads don’t come out of the machine evenly when you (re)wind the bobbin in a hurry. You have to repeat the whole process over again, and the way you thought of saving time, actually wastes it. Thinking what you’re going to do next, rather than just getting on with what’s in front of you (is a good idea.)
There’s no need to rush around like this if we follow the Precepts: Cease from evil by stopping, sitting still inside and asking the heart for advice – stopping the “I must”. Then do only good by acting from the point of view of meditation – seeing what has to be done and just doing it, step by step. We can do good for others by putting our best effort into what we do – the sewing machine bobbin if well wound won’t foul up the next person’s sewing.
The whole atmosphere you create by rushing about can be turned into a positive calm action.
Rev. Master Saidō, then Dave Kennaway, 1977 |
Great Ocean Dharma Refuge
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In Memoriam Stanislaw Kublicki, April 1947 - September 2025
My beloved brother Stanislaw Kublicki passed away in the night of 25th September 2025. I was able to travel to Poland to assist his wife Maggi with the cremation and burial, and various services have been held in loving memory since then. Stan had a lifelong deep spiritual calling, being ordained by Rev. Master Jiyu in 1973. In early 1978 we went to Shasta Abbey together, where he trained for some time, before returning to lay life. In later years he was devoted to Vedanta which had always been part of his spiritual calling. Maggi and I will miss him greatly.
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A short contemplation in tribute to my brother Stan is included in “Dharma Offerings” at the end of this newsletter. |
Recent monastic visitors to Great Ocean Dharma Refuge:
In late January it was a pleasure to welcome Rev. Caitlin who came for one of her regular stays. Rev. Master Hector arrived on Feb 3rd to join as a permanent member of the community subject to visa requirements. We are very pleased to have him join us and wish him well. Also, in early February it was a joy to welcome Rev. Master Haryo for a weeklong visit, and Rev. Master Peter for an overnight stay. It was a pleasure to spend this greatly valued time with Rev. Master Haryo and all our dear Dharma friends.
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Ongoing opportunities for retreats and visits:
After a very wet autumn and winter, we are grateful for the Spring which is bringing light and colour for us all. The life of the Dharma continues with ongoing opportunities for teaching, quiet retreat and joining in with the temple’s daily schedule. We welcome you to please contact us by phone or writing for current possibilities.
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These last 3 months
This beginning of 2026 has started with a deep freeze in Lativa, giving us both the joys of winters past with sleds and ice skates, and also trouble in getting around. We paused for a break in January, and start up again on February 1st. Teaching and discussion themes for this spring term will focus on various techniques for maintaining awareness “off the cushion”, how evil is seen in Buddhism, and taking the Precepts. In early March, Inguna Skuja and Melissa Braden, an artist team I first met at Shasta Abbey many years ago visited for breakfast. They are currently preparing an art exhibit for 2027, when Liepaja, my home town, will participate in the “Cultural Capitals of Europe” program. We had a great visit and they were able to run their two large dogs on the beach. I managed to complete a long-term project with great joy.
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Biography
I have had the honour of being able to edit the biography of a Latvian Buddhist monk, Karlis Tenisons (1881-1962), written by his disciple Friedrich Lustig (1912-1989). This is a historically fascinating work, as Tenisons is one of the first Western Buddhist monks. The manuscript took years to edit as English was not the author’s native language, and the manuscript was 500+ pages long. The completed manuscript, with the addition of some hand drawn maps, was sent to Wisdom Publications for their consideration in January. Soto Zen Riga would like to see the book sell millions and use any royalties to help us buy a meeting place in Riga.
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Links to morning/evening meditations
Listed below, are links to morning and evening meditations which are easy to participate in. All are welcome. There is no preregistration, no greetings, no talking at all. This is an easy opportunity to just plain sit with others. Some people meditate facing the camera, others leave their cameras off and meditate in another room. It is all ok. Sōtō Zen Riga is on the outer edge of Europe and we are happy to see people from other countries. Latvia is on Helsinki time, so we are three hours ahead of the UK, and 10 hours ahead of California. This means that someone from California can join our evening meditation which starts at 9:00 pm, in their California morning at 7:00 am, and our 6:15 am morning meditation in Latvia at 8:15 pm the night before. It would be a kindness to the leader to introduce yourself via email before attending. I mention this because we have had the experience of having a “bot” try to attend an evening meditation!
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Rev. Bridin Rusins (Sk. Elga Bridžīna Rūsiņa in Latvian) |
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Altar during the Parinirvana of the Buddha ceremony
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Practicing in difficult times
The last few months have seen more people coming to the temple: our introductory mornings are now often fully booked and the monthly ceremonies are well attended. Many experience the world of today as very disharmonious and polarised and the temple offers a peaceful refuge where we can meet, sit and meditate together, offer incense or a candle, sing the scriptures and have a cup of coffee or tea afterwards with a relaxed discussion of the Dharma. It is often in difficult times that we truly start to appreciate what this wonderful practice of ours has to offer. |
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The Gift
An ancient text states: “The Gift of the Light of the Lord is everywhere.” This joyously expresses that we are all an inextricable part of the loving fabric of the Unborn. Wondrously, we are born within It and die within It. The Three Pure Precepts of cease from evil, do only good and do good for others exemplify the Preceptual heart of the Unborn and show the way to freedom from suffering. We may be fortunate to have glimpses of these truths, and fortunate to wish to willingly walk in harmony with them—whatever that may take, and whatever may be asked of us.
Continue reading ....
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A short contemplation in tribute to my beloved brother Stan
"In this life, we are all blessed with the ability to recognise the Buddha Nature of ourselves and all beings. Through all life stories, different trajectories, seeming human fears, failings or successes, the essential fabric of the Unborn endlessly reveals Its compassionate Life and benevolent teaching. ....
Continue reading ....
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Everything to do with us
We suffer because we don’t let go of ourselves. The habituated discriminatory mind is instrumental in continuing this suffering; meditation is the voluntary freeing of this life from suffering. There is no meditation without letting go of the discriminatory mind.
Continue reading ....
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Celebrating Wesak—An Invitation
Most of our temples celebrate Wesak each year. I have gathered and offer here some of the various teachings, explanations, resources, and examples from members and friends of our Order related to this holiday—not to define how it be should be done nor to deprive anyone of their own personal experience when encountering this Dharma, rather to appreciate our diversity and shared heart in how these traditions have been passed down and developed in our lineage.
Continue reading ....
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Rev. Master Oswin, Shasta Abbey |
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Rev. Lambert’s journey to some of our associated temples in East, and South-east Asia
During January and part of February 2026 I was able to make a pilgrimage to some of the temples associated with our Order in East and South-east Asia. This was made possible by the Abbot of Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey; Rev. Master Berwyn, who permitted the purchase of flight tickets, and the Abbess of Cheng Hoon Teng temple in Melaka, Malaysia; Seck Lee Seng, who issued the invitation. I am grateful to them both.
Nowadays travelling to the East is easy. The flight from London to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, takes fourteen hours, and the taxi journey from the airport takes a further two hours to the centre of Melaka, where Cheng Hoon Teng temple has stood since at least the 1670s.
Continue reading .....
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Abandoning My Search
Understanding a presence which is not limited to me, frees us from the limiting perception of the mind of discrimination…. Meditation reaches beyond thought and words. The discriminatory mind cannot understand. It falls into silence.
(Upright Presence, by Rev. Elinore Agnew. Excerpted from a transcript of a Dharma talk given during a meditation period at Throssel’s Segaki retreat in October 2024). © 2025 Journal of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. (pages 63-64).
My brain has always been besieged by thoughts, and consequently, I spent a good portion of my life searching for a peaceful mind. I tried yoga. I created my own version of Buddhist meditation. I dedicated myself to vigorous exercise, to watching sunrises and sunsets on beaches, psychotherapy; even walked barefoot over 30 feet of hot embers.
Continue reading ...
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Donald Murphy, Sangha member of the Columbia Zen Priory |
Out of my control
A friend, talking about her struggles with her computer, gave up trying to fix things saying to herself “the problem is out of my control.” Her statement triggered a memory:
Fretting in the middle of the night about not being able to return to much desired “restful sleep,” there arose: Be present with what arises. Sleep cannot be forced. It’s out of my control. Experience what is. Be content with sleep or no sleep.
My worry slowly faded. This seemed to be a small experience of entering the flow of life.
Continue reading ...
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Steve Murray, Lay Minister |
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You can share this Newsletter by giving others the following link:
https://campaign.emailblaster.cloud/MjE2MDE/21.html |
There is also a new OBC News website where this newsletter is posted. The website address is: https://newsletter.obcon.orgOn the Newsletter subscribe page of this website you can subscribe to our Newsletter. |
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I hope you enjoyed reading this Newsletter. The next one will be published on the 1st of July.
With greetings and in gassho,
Rev. Master Baldwin (De Dharmatoevlucht) |
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