Speaker: Dr. Paula Arai, Institute of Buddhist Studies

Title:Bowing to Lotuses Blooming in the Mud: Gratitude as an agent for change.

Description: Embark on a transformative journey in this hybrid workshop, rooted in the essence of Soto Zen Buddhism. Join Dr. Paula Arai, as she gracefully demonstrates a sacred gratitude ritual that can generate positive change. The workshop attendees will learn a profound Soto Zen gratitude ritual; participate in enriching group activities to share insights and experiences; and receive personal feedback and guidance from Dr. Arai. Together, let’s uncover the power of gratitude in a supportive community.

Event type: Workshop; The event will take place in a hybrid format, which means it will have both in-person gatherings at a specific physical location, as well as an online component that can be accessed via Zoom. The purpose of this arrangement is to serve the diverse preferences and needs of attendees.

Time: 10 am - 4 pm PST / 1 pm- 7 pm EST

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: January 14, 2024.

Speaker: Reverend Chimyo Atkinson, Brooklyn Zen Center

Title: Women in Buddhist Monasticism: Women in Community

Description: During this event, Rev. Atkinson will illuminate the challenges and triumphs of women in Buddhist monasticism, drawing from her personal experiences. She emphasizes the continuous process of letting go and shares her commitment to preserving and sharing the Dharma as a teacher, offering her own experiences as guidance.

Event Type: The event will take place in a hybrid format, which means it will have both in-person gatherings at a specific physical location, as well as an online component that can be accessed via Zoom. The purpose of this arrangement is to serve the diverse preferences and needs of attendees.

Time: 11:20 am EST / 8:20 am PST;

Duration: 90 minutes

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: February 12, 2024.

Speakers: Reverend Byakuren Judith Ragir, Reverend Grace Schireson, and Pamela Weiss

Title: Navigating Relationships in Buddhist Communities

Description: Join us for a profound panel discussion with three esteemed women teachers of Buddhism who will delve into the intricacies of cultivating healthy boundaries within the spiritual community. As we explore the theme of navigating boundaries, our panelists will touch upon various aspects, including fostering healthy relationships, educating our communities, and addressing challenges.

Event Type: Panel; Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 pm PST / 3:30 pm EST;

Duration: Approximately two hours.

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: March 2, 2024

Speakers: Grace Damman, Sue Moon, and Friends.

Title: The Body as a Doorway to Practice

Description: Four panelists, all dedicated Zen practitioners, will be sharing their personal stories, bringing forth different viewpoints arising from their different embodied experiences. The discussion will cover a range of topics, including practicing with aging, disability, trauma, addiction, sexuality, and motherhood. For instance, the discussion will delve into how Zen practice can help us cope with the challenges of aging and how the difficulties of aging can deepen our practice. Following the panelists' presentations, there will be a discussion among them, which will be followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

Event Type: Panel; Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 pm PST / 3:30 pm EST;

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes; When available, see registration details for actual duration.

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: April 13, 2024

This event has been canceled due to illness and the rescheduled date will be posted soon. Thank you for your understanding.

Speakers: Reverend Linda Ruth Cutts

Topic:Receiving the Marrow by Bowing “Raihai Tokuzui

Description: Coming across Dōgen Zenji’s early chapter of Treasury of the True Dharma Eye, called Receiving the Marrow by Bowing Raihai Tokuzui, was a revelation. Besides his unfolding of the issue of gender in relation to the Dharma of nonduality and in the choosing of a guiding teacher, Dogen also does not hold back in his diatribe and strong admonishment of the biased practices of the time in relation to women. Together we will explore these issues as well as hear the stories cited of the women teachers Moshan Liaoran and Miaoxin. There will also be time for discussion and Q&A.

Event Type: Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 pm PST / 3:30 pm EST

Duration: 90 minutes

Registration details: This event has passed and rescheduled for October 27, 2024. The recording is now available at the following link: October 27, 2024.

Speakers: Osho Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Ph.D

Title:A Trace of Mahapajapati: The Elements of Dharma Transmission Woman to Woman.

Description: Many stories of transmission are usually centered on male teachers transmitting the dharma to male students. This presentation will share the elements of Dharma Transmission between female teachers and female students. The depth and uniqueness of relationships between female teachers and female students deserve recognition and acknowledgment. Gender matters. Specifically, Zenju Osho will share her personal experience of being transmitted by the renowned Zenkei Blanche Hartman, the first woman Abbess of the San Francisco Zen Center. She will also speak to the power of cross-cultural aspects of being a student of color with a teacher who was white and Jewish. What can we teach the world from having such unique relationships on the path of dharma?

Event Type: Online

Time: 11 am PST / 12 pm MST / 2 pm EST

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: June 30, 2024.

Speakers: Reverend Jan Chozen Bays

Title:Zenshin, the first woman to be ordained as a Buddhist nun in Japan.

Description: Join us as we reflect on the life of Zenshin, a woman whose early experiences with Buddhism amidst adversity helped shape the spiritual landscape of Japan. We will explore how her quiet commitment to her faith provided a foundation during great political and social upheaval. This session will focus on the subtle yet profound influence of dedicated spiritual practice, examining how Zenshin’s ordination and subsequent trials highlight the enduring nature of mindful resilience.

Event Type: Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 pm PT / 3:30 pm ET

Duration: 90 minutes

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: July 20, 2024

Speakers: Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo

Title: Women in Himalayan Buddhist Traditions: Transmission and Transformation

Description: This talk reflects on the age-old assumptions about Buddhism and gender that are currently the focus of both critical scholarship and intercultural exchange. In particular, it will examine the relationship between Buddhist texts and gender justice in the Himalayan region.

Event Type: Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 pm PT / 3:30 pm ET

Duration: 90 minutes

Registration details:This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: August 24, 2024

For speakers, sessions and time, view the conference schedule here(subject to change).

Topic: Stronger Together! Building Resilient & Relevant Sanghas

Event Type: In-person and On-line

Registration Details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: September 25, 2024.

Moderator: Rev. Jisan Tova Green

Panelists: Blythe King; Shijun Heather Martin; Rev. Zenki Kathleen Baston

Title: Hearing Younger Women’s Voices

Description: This panel highlights the voices of three women who were drawn to Buddhist practice and study early in their lives and who have woven practice into their vocations as teachers, writers, artists, and musicians. We will explore their paths to Zen practice, their experiences as women in their sanghas, their concerns, and their visions.

Event Type: Panel; Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 PM PT/ 3:30 PM ET

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: October 19, 2024.

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Speakers: Rev. Linda Ruth Cutts

Topic: Receiving the Marrow by Bowing “Raihai Tokuzui

Description: Coming across Dōgen Zenji’s early chapter of Treasury of the True Dharma Eye, called Receiving the Marrow by Bowing Raihai Tokuzui, was a revelation. Besides his unfolding of the issue of gender in relation to the Dharma of nonduality and in the choosing of a guiding teacher, Dogen also does not hold back in his diatribe and strong admonishment of the biased practices of the time in relation to women. Together we will explore these issues as well as hear the stories cited of the women teachers Moshan Liaoran and Miaoxin. There will also be time for discussion and Q&A.

Event Type: Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 pm PT / 3:30 pm ET

Duration: 90 minutes

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: October 27, 2024.

Speaker: Reverend Joan Halifax

Title: Throughout the Body, Hands and Eyes: Compassion and Bodhisattva Activism

Description: This talk explores a radically different perspective on compassion, a perspective that has deep roots in our Buddhist tradition.

Event Type: Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 PM PST/ 3:30 PM EST

Registration details: This event has passed and the recording is now available at the following link: November 9, 2024.

Speaker: Konjin Gaelyn Godwin, Roshi & Houston Zen Center

Title: Full Moon Bodhisattva Ceremony (Ryaku Fusatsu)

Description: This event provides a chance for all to come together and contemplate the collective principles of peace, wisdom, and compassion that unite us while affirming and avowing the 16 Bodhisattva precepts.

Event Type: Online via Zoom

Time: 12:30 PM PST/ 3:30 PM EST

Registration details: Click here to register.