Linda
Retired Lawyer from Portland, OR. In the fall of 2004, a friend asked me to attend with him and I did. The first time I went, I knew I would return. Not sure I would call that experience knowing this was the path for me; what I knew at that point was that being able to stop talking, to be away from being an “expert”.
Karen
Karen, from a young age, found herself drawn to the Episcopalians, captivated by the beauty of a small church in Denver with incense, candles, and vestments. Her interest in sewing, fueled by a passion for fashion, led her to contemplate creating vestments. In high school, she sought camaraderie at a Methodist church but felt a deeper calling while observing teachers in Portland. Her spiritual journey took a significant turn in Japan, where the sight of Jesus on street corners and prayer rocks left a lasting impression. The Zen center became a sanctuary, offering a sense of completeness with its form, stillness, bowing, and informative incense. During a confusing period in her marriage, residing in a Zen center for a year grounded her.
Alex M
Growing up, my mother would take my brother and I to Chinese Buddhist Temples scattered around the Bay Area on a very sporadic basis. Usually, just a few times a hour, if that. I wouldn’t say that I was introduced to the dharma per se then, but it does have a place in the memories of my childhood as an introduction to traditions and ritual.