The interview traces Zenko’s journey from early interests in martial arts, poetry, and meditation to a deep commitment to Zen practice. Through experiences with the Mankind Project, Warrior Monk training, Hollow Bones Zen, and Mondo Zen, he developed a path centered on self-discovery, compassion, service, and holding space for others. As he prepares for ordination as a Zen priest, his vision is to build community, teach meditation, and help people face life with greater clarity and awareness.

Our mission is to foster a diverse, inclusive community, dedicated to awakening through Buddhist teachings promoting personal and interpersonal healing with ethical compassionate action.

https://www.shiningbrightlotus.org/

Walking the Silver River - Ming Po Larry Matthews - June 27, 2026 - WSP26

Ming Po Larry Matthews explains that the spiritual path is not separate from ordinary life, it is found in each moment, each breath, and every daily challenge. Drawing on the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva, he encourages meeting life with mindful awareness rather than trying to escape or perfect it.

The talk emphasizes noticing the small space before reacting, allowing mindfulness to replace automatic habits with wise and compassionate choices. True compassion begins with kindness toward ourselves, naturally extending to others. Letting go of the need to be right creates openness, understanding and freedom. When we forget, we simply begin again, remembering that the path is always here, in this present moment.

Our mission is to foster a diverse, inclusive community, dedicated to awakening through Buddhist teachings promoting personal and interpersonal healing with ethical compassionate action.

https://www.shiningbrightlotus.org/

How to Work with Emotional Koans - Part 2 - Ekai Joel Kreisberg - WSP26 - May 30th, 2026

Ekai Joel Kreisberg explains that Junpo Roshi’s emotional koans (11–13) were designed to bring Zen practice into everyday life by helping practitioners work skillfully with emotional reactivity. Rather than suppressing or bypassing feelings, he encourages slowing down and fully experiencing emotions through a process of recognition, acceptance, self-compassion, and ownership. By understanding that emotions are neither positive nor negative but valuable sources of information, practitioners can uncover what truly matters to them, take responsibility for their reactions, and respond from awakened awareness rather than habit. The practice transforms emotional triggers into opportunities for insight, compassion, and growth in relationships and daily life.

Our mission is to foster a diverse, inclusive community, dedicated to awakening through Buddhist teachings promoting personal and interpersonal healing with ethical compassionate action.

https://www.shiningbrightlotus.org/