North Shore Zen - Mindfulness

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.

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.

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.

We meet weekly on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM and Sunday morning at 8:00 AM 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.

New participants are asked to call ahead and come at least 15 minutes 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 to attend, but we do sustain the zendo on peoples' donations. We ask that people make a donation when they attend, if they are able, and to be as generous as their circumstances permit.

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Retreats & Classes

Two zazenkai (half-day retreats) led by Kim Hoben Hansen:

Sunday, May 26, 2013: 8am - 11am
Sunday, June 30, 2013: 8am - 11am

The zazenkai will include periods of sitting and walking meditation, a dharma talk, and a chanting service. Click on the poster links below for full details. Please email to register: northshorezenbc@gmail.com

May Poster

June Poster

'The Art of Happiness' - Classes based upon the Dalai Lama's book, led by Kim Hoben Hansen:

Alternate Wednesdays, commencing May 22, 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Commencing Wednesday May 22nd, Hoben will offer a series of four classes, on alternate Wednesday evenings, exploring the practice of happiness in our lives. These classes will be run as lively discussion groups including various exercises, meditation practices and homework. Beginners are welcome.

In our lives it often seems like the pursuit of happiness stumbles on the rocks of dissatisfaction, isolation and fear. In these classes we will explore a set of simple practices which can offer an alternative to this discontent and distress. No previous meditation experience or knowledge is necessary.

These classes will meet at the North Shore Zendo alternate Wednesday evenings, commencing on Weds May 22nd. Classes will begin at 7:30 PM and end at 8:30PM.

There is no fee for the attending the classes, but donations are always appreciated. Please obtain a copy of the Dalai Lama’s book, the Art of Happiness which we will use as a text, together with other writings.

If you would like to attend please respond by emailing the zendo at northshorezenbc@gmail.com

Click for poster

May 23 - June 20 (Thursdays), 9:10am - 10:00am: Drop-in Meditation Classes on Chairs

Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver.

Seniors, beginners, and all others are welcome at these classes, which will be led by Kim Hoben Hansen and other members of North Shore Zendo. Meditation will be done on chairs, rather than sitting cross-legged on cushions. These are drop-in classes with a suggested donation of $2. Offered in cooperation with Mollie Nye House and Lynn Valley Seniors Association. Please email if you have any questions: northshorezenbc@gmail.com

Click for poster

November 8 - 10, 2013: Non-residential retreat with Hogen Bays Roshi.

This retreat will be held in North Vancouver, BC. Details will be posted a few weeks prior to the event.

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 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.

Our teachers are Chozen Bays, Roshi and Hogen Bays, Roshi 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.

Kim Hoben Hansen has been authorized by Hogen and Chozen as a dharma holder and he leads the North Shore Zendo under their direction. He is authorized by them to give talks, conduct practice interviews and lead short retreats. Hoben began practicing Zen Buddhism in 1995 and has trained with Chozen and Hogen since 1996.

Great Vow Zen Monastery

White Plum Lineage

Mountain Rain Zen Community@

Zen Mountain Monastery - how to do zazen

Montreal Zen Centre

Readings in Buddhism & Zen

Readings in Zen Buddhism

Readings in Theravada Buddhism

Our zendo is located in the upper Lonsdale area of North Vancouver at:

4080 St. Georges Ave.
North Vancouver, BC V7N 1W8

Email: northshorezenbc@gmail.com

Please contact: