About the Eugene Temple

A priory in our Order denotes a temple with a resident Buddhist teacher serving a local congregation, or lay sangha. The Eugene temple was founded in 1973 by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. In 1989 the congregation purchased land bordering Dillard Road in southeast Eugene and in 1999 completed construction of temple facilities. The principle building consists of a meditation and ceremony hall, a library/common room, kitchen, office, kitchen and priest's quarters. The Priory owns the surrounding four acres of fir, oak, and pine forest, which provide quiet and privacy for meditation.

The Prior (resident monk) of the temple is Rev. Oswin Hollenbeck, a disciple of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. Rev. Oswin was ordained by Rev. Master Jiyu in 1984 and lived and trained for fifteen years at Shasta Abbey where she was Abbess. In 1990 Rev. Oswin received Dharma transmission from her, and in 1992 she certified him as a Teacher of Buddhism. The congregation invited Rev. Oswin to serve as Prior in 1998, and in May 2004 he was named as a Buddhist Master by Rev. Master Haryo Young, Head of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives.

Festival Altar for Bhaisajyaguru,
the Buddha of Healing.

Rev. Oswin and Priory sanga.

The Serene Reflection Meditation (Soto Zen) tradition preserves the original meditation practice of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. The forms and expression of the practice have been continually developed and enriched by the Indian, Chinese, and Japanese cultures through which they have evolved. In keeping with the direction given Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett by her Transmission master, the Very Rev. Keido Chisan Koho, the chief abbot of one of two head temples of Japanese Soto Zen, we are now adapting these expressions to western cultural forms. For example, we use English language equivalents for Japanese terms and English translations of Buddhist scriptures set to western plainsong chants.

Other Offerings of the Priory

The Priory offers private religious ceremonies such as weddings, children’s and animals’ naming ceremonies, house blessings, funerals, and memorials. These ceremonies are expressions of gratitude, intended to reflect the spiritual significance of the important events of human life. Children’s classes are held regularly, and presentations to school and church groups are given upon request. The temple also offers transfers of merit for the ill and dying, a lending library of Buddhist books and tapes, an email calendar with link to webpage news and photos, and a small gift shop providing books, incense, and meditation supplies—mats, cushions, benches, etc.

Participation in the Priory

Priory activities are open to anyone who has attended an orientation at the Priory, Shasta Abbey or other OBC temple. We appreciate an effort to participate wholeheartedly in an event. No fees are charged at the Priory. All activities and services are both offered and supported in the spirit of Buddhist generosity called dana, which means that we rely solely upon the gifts and donations of participants for our existence.

Temple Dedication.

Persons wishing to participate more extensively in the life of the Priory are welcome to become Priory members. Membership entails: the commitment to a regular practice of serene reflection meditation and its expression in daily life, whether at home, work, school, or in the larger community; devotion to the Three Treasures of Buddha, Dharma (Teaching), and Sangha; attendance at the temple as one is able; and regular financial support. We encourage members to formally accept the Buddhist Precepts, offered each spring during a Ten Precepts (Jukai) retreat at Shasta Abbey. Members who have been practicing at the Priory for many years are sometimes offered the opportunity to become lay ministers. Lay ministers express a deeper commitment to our Transmission lineage through their practice and example. They are lay members of the OBC and often fill Priory responsibilities and lead temple activities .

We recognize that the level of commitment among individuals may vary, and we warmly welcome you to attend or support the temple in any way you feel appropriate for your circumstances. We greatly value your participation and offering. The Priory is a registered non-profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.

If you want to learn more

The best opportunity to learn more about the Priory is an orientation offered one Saturday each month (see calendar). Private meditation instruction is available by appointment if you cannot attend the orientation. Please call (541) 344-7377 to receive information or be placed on our email calendar. The Priory is closed except for emergencies from Sunday 2pm until Tuesday 2pm.

Our Order maintains a website at www.obcon.org where you can explore training opportunities at other temples of the OBC. For additional information on Shasta Abbey, our principle training monastery and lay retreat center in North America, call (530) 926-4208, email guestmaster at shastaabbey dot org, or write the
Guestmaster, Shasta Abbey, 3724 Summit Drive, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067-9102.