Buddhist Priory
Eugene, Oregon
Practice at the Priory
The temple offers a daily seated meditation (zazen) and Buddhist services (chanting or reciting scriptures), as well as twice-weekly Dharma talks given by the Prior on Buddhist teaching. The Sunday morning schedule often includes a Buddhist festival ceremony, and full-day retreats are usually held once a month. Saturday work days provide time for maintenance and upkeep of the temple, and give the opportunity to practice working meditation together with the Prior. Spiritual counseling is also available.
Rev. Oswin and Priory sanga, October 2002.
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 members' library of Buddhist books and other teaching material, and an email newsletter.
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,
September, 2003 .
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. Mature practitioners 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@shastaabbey.org, or write Guestmaster, Shasta Abbey, 3724 Summit Drive,
Mt. Shasta, CA 96067-9102.