Zen Buddhism: Zen Meditation in North Vancouver BC Canada

Who We Are

We are a group of Zen practitioners in the tradition of the White Plum lineage of Taizan Maezumi, Roshi. We are directly affiliated with Great Vow Zen Monastery in Oregon. We offer people the opportunity to learn about and practice Zen Buddhism in this tradition.

Statement of Purpose

The emphasis at North Shore Zendo is on zazen meditation and the integration of Zen Buddhism in our daily lives. We provide instruction and a supportive structure and environment for this.

Why Practise Zen?

Zen is a school of Buddhism that developed in China more than 1300 years ago. It is distinguished from other schools of Buddhism by its emphasis on zazen meditation.

Zen is the practice of waking up to the present moment and, through that awareness, appreciating the moment to moment reality of our lives. It is an experiential practice and does not emphasize conceptual learning. There is a saying in Zen that: “Paper cakes don’t satisfy hunger”.

Zen meditation can increase health and concentration, and decrease stress and anxiety. At root, however, it is about learning to live with appreciation and clarity.

Activities

We meet weekly on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM for zazen meditation. We provide introductory instruction in zen meditation for anyone who wishes to learn, recognizing that we are all beginners.

We hold non-residential weekend zen retreats in Vancouver with our teachers twice a year, or more frequently as their schedules permit. We also hold day retreats and classes from time to time.

We attend sesshin at Great Vow Zen Monastery regularly, as our individual schedules permit, and we can often offer transportation to others wishing to attend.

Introduction and Learning Zen Meditation

New participants are asked to call ahead and come at least ½ hour early their first time for an introduction or review of zazen meditation practice, kinhin walking meditation and the forms which we follow in the zendo. The instructions are simple and the practice can be learned by anyone. It is not necessary to be able to sit cross legged on the floor. Please arrive on time and wear loose comfortable clothing. There is no fee or donation required.

White Plum Lineage

The White Plum Asanga is an organization of Zen Communities in the lineage established by Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi, Roshi (1931-1995), one of the great pioneers of modern Zen, who opened up a unique tradition of Buddhist practice to a worldwide movement.

Great Vow Zen Monastery

Great Vow Zen Monastery is a residential, Zen Buddhist, training monastery located on the Columbia River in Clatskanie, Oregon. The practice is a synthesis of Soto and Rinzai Zen traditions. At the heart of training at Great Vow are monthly silent meditation intensives ranging from 6-10 days called sesshin. Great Vow also offers a variety of workshops and classes ranging from contemplative arts to compassionate communication with the intention to broaden our expression of wisdom in everyday life.

Teachers

Our teachers are Chozen Bays, Roshi and Hogen Bays, Sensei who are the co-abbots of Great Vow Zen Monastery.

Jan Chozen Bays has practiced Zen Buddhism since 1973, when she commenced training with Taizan Maezumi, Roshi. She was ordained in 1979, finished formal koan study in 1983, and received Dharma transmission (authorization to teach), from Maezumi, Roshi the same year. Chozen is also a pediatrician, mother and wife.

Hogen Bays has practiced Zen Buddhism since 1968, first with Philip Kapleau, Roshi and then, commencing in 1980, with Maezumi, Roshi. He was ordained in 1990 and in 2000, after advice and consultation with other Zen teachers, he received Dharma transmission from Chozen, Roshi. Hogen holds a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a master’s degree in psychology.

Hogen and Chozen both continue their training with Shodo Harada, Roshi, a Rinzai Zen teacher, who is the abbot of Sogen-ji monastery in Japan.