Bright Way Zen

• Provides access to the Dharma, particularly the teachings and practices of Soto Zen Buddhism and the practice of Zen Meditation (Zazen), but in a way that is inviting to all regardless of their religious interest or affiliation;
• Supports the creation of Sangha, a community of practitioners – it helps immensely to practice with others!
• Provides the opportunity for people to go as deeply into meditation and Zen practice as they want to go, in order that they may awaken to their Buddha (awakened) nature.

Westside Zen was started by Domyo Burk in the spring of 2008 as a sitting group accessible to people “on the westside,” or the far west side of Portland, Oregon, plus the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Aloha and surrounding communities. Westside Zen met twice a month, generously hosted at the Christ United Methodist Church in Cedar Mill. In the fall of 2009 Lisa So’on Mann started to lead the group about once a month. So’on is a lay disciple of Kyogen Carlson Roshi of Dharma Rain Zen Center.

In October 2011, the group was incorporated as a nonprofit in Oregon renamed “Bright Way Zen.” Domyo resigned from her long-time staff position at Dharma Rain Zen Center to focus on Bright Way. The group began to meet weekly, and to grow in size and maturity of practice. On February 25th 2012, Bright Way held its first one-day meditation retreat at the Leedy Grange in Cedar Mill. Since then it has held a one-day retreat every few months. On May 13 2012, at the end of one of those one-day retreats, Bright Way held its first “Jukai” ceremony, where five members formally became Zen Buddhists. On October 18 2012, Bright Way Zen’s first Board of Directors met and reviewed the Sangha’s finances and a draft of our bylaws.