Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple

Originally built in the 1890's

Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple now has its own home.  We've purchased a church in Northeast Portland.  Our hearth.   

Some have called it a "handyman's special."  Thankfully most of the (numerous) problems are cosmetic, although the furnace does need to be replaced.  So we're back to fundraising for the repairs, which means it'll be some months until we move in.  

Nevertheless, it's our handyman's special, thanks to 3-4 years of fundraising, skillful and honorable negotiation, and if we don't call it luck, well, let's call it karma, because we now own it outright.  Free and clear.  No mortgage.   

   

The Zen Community of Oregon, is the umbrella over Great Vow Zen Monastery, Zenworks, and Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple (formerly known as the Portland Program).  Chozen Bays Roshi and Zen Teacher Hogen Bays are the teachers of this community.   

There'll be a blog embedded in the Zen Community of Oregon website (massive upgrade to that website coming soon, folks) for all the latest news -- and I'll be sure to make that announcement whenever it's launched so you can put it on all your blogrolls and such.

The Blessing ceremony will be on 1/1/11 at 1:00pm.

Til then, here are some photos of the Temple.  

The Fellowship area on the ground level

Plenty of work to be done

This original, blessedly unpainted ceiling of old growth Oregon wood is its most beautiful feature.  The Sanctuary / Zendo is beautifully resonant for chanting.  And thankfully not a lot of iconography to remove.  

Currently sporting an Eastern Orthodox cross from its days as a Greek Orthodox church.  I envision Jizo's Shakujo atop the bell tower.  With lights?  And rotating?  (just kidding)

That's better!