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Zenshin, the first woman to be ordained as a Buddhist nun in Japan.

When
07/20/2024
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
Online via Zoom (Eastern Time)

Registration

Online ticket
The Soto Zen Buddhist Association relies on the generosity of its supporters to offer programming. All fees offered through registration will be shared with speakers and panelists. We suggest a sliding scale registration fee of $10-15 for online participation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

About this event:

Join us as we reflect on the life of Zenshin, a woman whose early experiences with Buddhism amidst adversity helped shape the spiritual landscape of Japan. We will explore how her quiet commitment to her faith provided a foundation during great political and social upheaval. This session will focus on the subtle yet profound influence of dedicated spiritual practice, examining how Zenshin’s ordination and subsequent trials highlight the enduring nature of mindful resilience. We will discuss the historical context of her life and her faith’s discreet but lasting impact, inviting participants to consider how these lessons can inform our practices in challenging times. This gathering aims to foster a thoughtful dialogue on sustaining spiritual practice through personal and collective challenges, honoring the gentle legacy of Zenshin and the quiet power of persistence in faith.

Location and schedule:

The event is online-only via Zoom.

Saturday, July 20, 2024
3:30 pm- 5:00 pm Eastern Time (Click here for a time converter.)

Fees:
The Soto Zen Buddhist Association relies on the generosity of its supporters to offer programming. All fees offered through registration will be shared with speakers and panelists. We suggest a sliding scale registration fee of $10-15 for online participation. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

About the speaker:

Reverend Jan Chozen Bays, Roshi, has been a committed practitioner and teacher of Zen Buddhism since 1973. After receiving her Jukai in 1975 and Priest's Ordination in 1979 from Taizan Maezumi, Roshi, she spent several years at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. There, she directed the Center’s Medical Clinic and completed her formal koan study, receiving Dharma transmission in 1983. Following Maezumi Roshi’s death in 1995, she continued her training with Shodo Harada, Roshi, a Rinzai Zen master.

Since 1985, Chozen Roshi has led the Zen Community of Oregon and co-founded the Great Vow Zen Monastery in 2002 and the Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland in 2011. She is an established author, contributing to prominent Buddhist periodicals and has published influential books including "Jizo Bodhisattva" and "Mindful Eating." In addition to her spiritual achievements, Chozen Roshi balances her roles as a pediatrician, mother, and wife, exemplifying her teachings in mindful living and compassionate engagement.