This website is devoted to the appreciation, understanding and dissemination of the teachings of Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, especially as expressed in How to Grow a Lotus Blossom or How a Zen Buddhist Prepares for Death.
The gift of the Light of the Lord is everywhere;
The palace of the Buddha Nature is within ourselves.-
The deep, true heart longs to go quickly
So that their happy meeting may occur soon.
This website consists of two parallel narratives and some associated writings. Each of the two Books consists of a particular kind of reflection. Book One, entitled "How to Grow a Lotus Blossom: Reflections," is made up of short essays in which I reflect upon teachings embodied in How to Grow a Lotus Blossom, a book written by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, a Buddhist monk and teacher in the Soto Zen (Serene Reflection) tradition of Buddhism. Book Two, entitled "How to Grow a Lotus Blossom: Reflections in a Disciple's Life," consists of an autobiographical narrative in which I attempt to show the way in which the teachings embodied in How to Grow a Lotus Blossom have been reflected in one human life--mine. The associated writings presently consist of some poems, but I am allowing for the possibility that other material may be put in this pot in the future.
My hope is that these reflections will help at least one person better understand and appreciate the immense treasure of practical Buddhist teaching contained in How to Grow a Lotus Blossom.
I strongly recommend reading the Introduction to each Book, and then reading the chapters in the sequence in which they are listed. This is the sequence in which they were written. Later chapters build upon the foundation laid down in the earlier chapters.
Rev. Koshin Schomberg
North Cascades Buddhist Priory
May 1, 2015
Click here to go to Book One: "How to Grow a Lotus Blossom: Reflections."
Click here to go to Book Two: "How to Grow a Lotus Blossom: Reflections in a Disciple's Life."
Click here to go to Related Writings
Click here to go to How to Grow a Lotus Blossom: Reflections--Poems
Recognition in the Waveless Sea
by Kaikan Czerniski, 1984
linoleum block print; gold ink; hand-tinted by the artist
Click here to go to Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett's Commentary on the Precepts ("Kyojukaimon Commentary")
Click here to go to Rev. Master Koshin Schomberg's Dharma Talks on How to Grow a Lotus Blossom
Please use the following email address for communications relating to material published on this website:
Alternatively, I can be contacted by regular mail at North Cascades Buddhist Priory, the address of which can be found in the list of member temples of the Serene Reflection Dharma Association. A link to the Association website is provided below.
The Serene Reflection Dharma Association is a non-profit religious organization, the members of which are independent temples whose chief priests are Transmitted monks in the Serene Reflection Meditation (Soto Zen) tradition of Buddhism, as that tradition has been Transmitted by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett. The Dean of the Association is Rev. Master Mokushin Hart.
Serene Reflection Dharma Association
Rev. Master Mokushin Hart, Dean
Click here to go to the website of Serene Reflection Dharma Association
North Cascades Buddhist Priory sells meditation cushions, mats, benches and wedges (for meditating with a chair) and many other items for home meditation practice through Jizo Spring Buddhist Supplies. We offer many statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and accessories for home altars, together with stick incense, small brass gongs, and rosaries with wood or gemstone beads. Our prices are kept as low as possible.
Click here to go to the website of Jizo Spring Buddhist Supplies