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Blue Mountain Zendo  Koryu-ji

Blue Mountain Zendo Koryu-ji

Authentic Rinzai Zen Buddhism

Bethlehem, PA - Lehigh Valley

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Blue Mountain Zendo Koryuji
Spring Sesshin May 22-24 2026

May Sesshin will be a beautiful time of year to enjoy the wild flowers and renewed life within the valley. Spring Sesshin will be held in Nazareth, Pennsylvania which is located 1.5 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Philadelphia. Bus routes are near-by and pickups can be arranged. For more information, please contact:
Ph. - 484-735-0636
Email - ryuun@ptd.net.

Sesshin, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of 3-14 days of silent meditative practice. Included in these periods are daily zazen (meditation), chanting, communal meals, Dharma Talks (sermons), samu (work) periods, and private interview twice daily with Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho.
During Sesshin, the Zen Student concentrates fully on their practice by collecting and mending the unbalanced energies of mind. This balance of mind we so desperately seek feels hidden from us in our daily lives. We seek outwardly for that which we perceive we are lacking. It is only with a deep commitment, and a willingness to face ourselves honestly, that we are able to break through and realize the perfection that is Tathagata. This systemic realization stokes the flames of true wisdom which burns brighter and brighter as we continue to combust and burn away our delusions and attachments. The awakened mind is beyond concept, and the path of liberation is a backwards step. Sesshin is a time to dedicate ourselves to the exploration of this great matter, and a time to realize the vast love and wonder and beauty that surrounds us.
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Blue Mountain Zendo

It is that time a year for this beautiful picture once again. ... See MoreSee Less

It is that time a ye

Settled in, roots shoot down into the quick. Everything changes, circling around, yet I remain forever, faces of seven. ... See MoreSee Less

Settled in, roots sh

Spring Sesshin (retreat) is soon to be scheduled. It you are interested in the four day retreat, please offer a Thursday or Friday of the last two weeks of April and the Sangha will try to pick the most advantageous date. (Nazareth Pa.) ... See MoreSee Less

Spring Sesshin (retr

Do to the severe upcoming storm (18-21 inches), the Sangha has decided to cancel zazenkai Sunday Jan 25th and resume on 02-01-26. Please be safe all known and unknown brothers and sisters. ... See MoreSee Less

Do to the severe upc
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Calendar

Mar
22
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
Mar 22 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

Mar
29
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
Mar 29 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

Apr
5
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
Apr 5 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

Apr
12
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
Apr 12 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

Apr
19
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
Apr 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

Apr
26
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
Apr 26 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

May
3
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
May 3 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

May
10
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
May 10 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

May
17
Sun
Zazenkai (Zen Service) @ Blue Mountain Zendo
May 17 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.

May
22
Fri
Spring Sesshin
May 22 @ 6:00 pm – May 24 @ 12:00 pm

May Sesshin will be a beautiful time of year to enjoy the wild flowers and renewed life within the valley. Spring Sesshin will be held in Nazareth, Pennsylvania which is located 1.5 hours from New York City and 1 hour from Philadelphia. Bus routes are near-by and pickups can be arranged.

Sesshin, literally “to collect the mind”, is the Zen Buddhist seclusion or intensive period, consisting of 3-14 days of silent meditative practice. Included in these periods are daily zazen (meditation), chanting, communal meals, Dharma Talks (sermons), samu (work) periods, and private interview twice daily with Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho.
During Sesshin, the Zen Student concentrates fully on their practice by collecting and mending the unbalanced energies of mind. This balance of mind we so desperately seek feels hidden from us in our daily lives. We seek outwardly for that which we perceive we are lacking. It is only with a deep commitment, and a willingness to face ourselves honestly, that we are able to break through and realize the perfection that is Tathagata. This systemic realization stokes the flames of true wisdom which burns brighter and brighter as we continue to combust and burn away our delusions and attachments. The awakened mind is beyond concept, and the path of liberation is a backwards step. Sesshin is a time to dedicate ourselves to the exploration of this great matter, and a time to realize the vast love and wonder and beauty that surrounds us.

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Zen

Bodhidharma’s Definition Of Zen Practice

“A special transmission outside the scriptures; Not depending upon words and letters; Directly pointing at the mind-heart of man; Seeing into one’s nature and attaining Buddhahood.”

Zen Practice is the skin, bone and marrow of the Buddha’s teaching. It cuts through the vines and briars which have long entangled us.

As Bodhidharma pointed out, Zen is not based on intellectual pursuits, and is unattainable to those who attempt to understand it via mere sophism. However, some will push forward with tenacity and perseverance, and these students will realize the wondrous joy of the Dharma. Zen Practice is for those who must know the truth, and are willing to push through the many obstacles that are the catalysts to awakening.

Zazenkai

Zazenkai (meditation service) provides an opportunity for a student to intensify and deepen their practice through the experience of longer periods of uninterrupted zazen.

Throughout zazenkai we use the exact techniques that are followed  in a Rinzai Zen Monastery. During zazenkai we practice zazen (seated meditation), chanting , walking meditation (kin-hin), silence, jihatsu (formal eating), dokusan (private meeting w/teacher) and to conclude, a Dharma Talk (sermon) is given by Ryuun Joriki Baker, Osho

After closing, tea and fellowship are offered in the lounge.