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We offer orientation and meditation instruction on the first Wednesday and third Sunday of each month–unless otherwise noted. See dates below. Even if you are an experienced meditator, this is an excellent opportunity to be introduced to our etiquette, style of practice, and community. The orientation will include a discussion on how to find a sustainable meditation posture, awareness of breath, working with distracting thoughts, and other Zen practices.
The upcoming orientations are:
Wednesday evening, January 8, 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
Sunday, January 19, 8:45 am – 10:15 am
Wednesday evening, February 5, 6:45 pm – 8:15 pm
Sunday, February 16, 8:45 am – 10:15 am
Please sign up with Eden >>.
EVENTS
“Welcoming the New Year: Like It or Not,“ A Dharma Talk by Eden Heffernan
Sunday, January 12
10:30 am
Eden will offer a Dharma talk followed by discussion.
Half-day Zazenkai
Sunday, February 2
6:00 am – noon (see the full schedule here)
Our half-day zazenkai will include zazen, silent breakfast, and work practice. Eden will be available for individual practice discussion. Please register for the one-day sitting if you plan to attend. Email blytheking@yahoo.com.
The regular Sunday morning zazen practice is scheduled at 9 am and is open to all.
A Gift of Light: Amida Buddha and the Jodo Shinshu School
Tuesday, February 5
7:00 – 8:15 pm
Ekoji Buddhist Sangha of Richmond was founded by Rev. Kennryu Tsuji, a Jodo Shinshu minister. Our main practice hall is presided over by an Amida Buddha, the Buddha of Light. “Ekoji” means “gift of light temple.” Dr. Sarah Horton, a Jodo Shinshu practioner and scholar, will share her understanding of Amida and the related practices of the Jodo Shinshu sect.
Sarah J. Horton received her Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Yale University. She is a scholar of East Asian religions and Japanese culture. She is the author of Living Buddhist Statues in Medieval and Modern Japan (Palgrave MacMillan 2007). Horton worked as a copy editor for the Sōtō Zen Text Project’s translation of the Shōbōgenzō and a translator of the Denkōroku.
Trees in Buddhist Literature and Practice: A Lecture by Dr. Tim Brown
Saturday, February 15
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Ekoji Buddhist Sangha of Richmond
As story goes, the Buddha was born under a sal tree (Shorea robusta), first glimpsed compassion and equanimity as a child under a rose-apple tree (Syzygium jambos), awakened under a peepal tree (Ficus religiosa), and passed into parinirvana under a pair of sal trees. In the Buddhist tradition, there are many appearances of specific trees. What is the significance of a particular tree species in the traditional sources? What might this attention to ecological diversity offer to us today?
Dr. Timothy A. Brown is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Randolph-Macon College where he has been teaching since 2008. He is also Chair of the Department. Dr. Brown teaches courses on Asian Religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Japanese Religions, Native American Religions, New Religious and Spiritual Movements, Religion and Ecology, and Religion and Literature. His research interests include the intersection of religion and modern literature and religious relations with the natural world. Formerly, Tim was a horticulturalist in the New York City parks system. He currently manages a native plant garden on the Randolph-Macon campus.
Women Buddhist Ancestors Study Group: Ryonen Genso, 17th-century Zen Abbess
Second Sundays in February, March, April and May: 02/09, 03/09, 04/13, and 05/11
10:45 – 11:45 am
Ryonen was an attendant to the empress. When the empress died, she sought to become a Zen nun. However, she was rejected by the male leadership who worried her beauty would disturb the monks. But she would not be deterred. She made an indelible action that expressed her determination and was admitted to the monastery. Her fierce commitment to meet the moment is a gift to all of us who wrestle with the question: “What exactly am I willing to do for the sake of my quest to understand the truth of all things?” Each meeting will include readings and prompts for exploration and discussion. Find resources here. To register for the series, please email Blythe.
2025 Richmond Zen Spring Practice Intensive
Unbalanced Composure: The Harmony of Difference and Unity
March 2 – April 27
Details coming soon.
At Ekoji Buddhist Sangha, masks are optional; vaccination is required. Read our protocol.
