Buddhist Priory
Eugene, Oregon
The Eugene Buddhist Priory is a meditation temple for the practice of Serene Reflection Meditation, also known as Soto Zen. This Buddhist tradition emphasizes silent meditation, living by the Buddhist Precepts, trust in Buddha Nature, and the selfless practice of compassion and gratitude in daily life. The Priory, with two monastics in residence, offers instruction, guidance, and support for the contemplative (dedicated to meditation) practice of the Buddhist Way.
Rev. Oswin and Priory sangha
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, founder of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives (OBC). The Priory is located in southeast Eugene on four acres of fir, oak, and pine forest, which provide quiet and privacy for meditation.
The Prior is Rev. Master Oswin Hollenbeck, who was ordained in 1984. The other resident monk is Rev. Alethea Waxman, who was ordained in 1994. Both monks trained at Shasta Abbey monastery in Mount Shasta, California, for fifteen years or longer. We currently have an additional resident who is training as a postulant, someone “trying on the robes” prior to formal ordination.
Practice at the Priory
The temple offers seated meditation (zazen) and Buddhist services five mornings and four evenings each week. The Sunday morning activity includes a talk on Buddhist teaching offered by Rev. Oswin, and once a month a festival ceremony. Rev. Alethea leads a discussion on Wednesday evening after meditation and evening office. Saturday work days once a month provide time for maintenance of the temple and give the opportunity to practice working meditation together. Additional ceremonies and activities may occur at other times. (See calendar). You are also welcome to come at other times to meditate, read or listen to Buddhist texts or audio talks, and participate in priory life. Please call before coming.
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; and animal funerals. These ceremonies express gratitude and reflect the spiritual significance of the important events of human life. Classes are held for interested children, and we make presentations to school and church groups upon request. The temple also offers transfers of merit for those who are ill, dying, and in difficult situations. Spiritual counseling is available with either monk by appointment.
Participation at the Priory
Activities are open to anyone who has attended an orientation at the Priory or other OBC temple. We appreciate an effort to participate wholeheartedly in an event. No fees are charged. All activities are offered and supported in the spirit of danā, the traditional Buddhist practice of generosity. Monastics give up secular and family life in order to concentrate on the Teaching and to serve others. We rely solely upon the gifts of participants for our existence. In order to continue the Priory and its work, please make an offering when attending activities.
Persons wishing to participate more extensively in the life of the Priory are welcome to become members. Membership entails: a commitment to a regular practice of serene reflection meditation and its expression in daily life, whether at home, work, school, or in the community; dedication to the Three Treasures of Buddha, Dharma (Teaching), and Sangha; attendance at the temple as one is able; and regular financial support. Members usually accept the Buddhist Precepts formally at a Ten Precepts (Jukai) retreat offered each spring at Shasta Abbey.
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 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. Private meditation instruction is available if you cannot attend. Please call (541) 344-7377 to receive information or to be placed on our email calendar list.
The O.B.C. maintains a website at www.obcon.org where you can explore training opportunities at other Order temples.
Thank you for your interest in our temple and Buddhist practice. We look forward to hearing from you.
Wheelchair Accessible
Conforms to ADA Accessibility Requirements
Call about Sunday carpool or bus pickup.