Blue Mountain Zendo Koryu-ji
Authentic Rinzai Zen Buddhism
Bethlehem, PA - Lehigh Valley
It is always the dragon! There is a famous lore called the "Dragon's gate" that is used in Zen often. For those of you who are not familiar with the story I will offer a quick explanation. The lore takes place in rural China upon the Yellow River. In this story there are countless carp which spawn every year within the river. After swimming countless miles upstream, they gather at the deep pool of a waterfall. The crest of these falls is called the "Dragon's Gate". The carp give pause in the deep pool while building their fortitude for one last struggle to breach the waterfall. It is all or nothing! It is said that late at night, in the midst of the bright summer moon, the golden carp mount one last battle. Most will fail, even after weeks of struggle they will return to the valley waters. However, there are a few who are poised for the attempt, they begin to glow with a brilliant golden light. In a blinding flash, they travel up the falls will so much power, they breach the water's surface and sail into the heavens. They sail so high they garner the attention of the gods. The gods are so moved by the golden carp's perseverance; they strike him with a lightning bolt thus transforming him into a dragon! As the carp/dragon begins to descend, they are once again transformed back into a simple carp as they return to the slow waters of the valley. It is always the dragon! After 30 years of practice, I know now it is not the dragon, but the simple carp. The simple carp does not lose anything as he returns to the everyday. He carries within him now a mature and balanced strength and wisdom. He has no need to show his scale and fire but, don't be fooled, there is something extraordinary to this ordinary. It is the returning simple carp, not the dragon!
Spring Sesshin (Retreat) May 22-24 2026
Spring Sesshin (retreat) 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 practices. 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 student concentrates fully on their practice. They open themselves to the tools of the Rinzai Zen Buddhist tradition and the sangha which surrounds them. Together they realize their true nature. A nature rooted within the spring of primal wisdom from which all Buddhas arise from. It is beyond word and letter. Sesshin is a time to dedicate ourselves to the exploration of this great matter, and a time to realize the vast wonder and beauty that surrounds us, right here and right now.
The Sesshin donation includes lodging, meals and all activities. Scholarships are available for those experiencing financial hardship. A $75 deposit is required for reservations.
Ph. - 484-735-0636
Email - ryuun@ptd.net.
Blue Mountain Zendo Koryuji (retreat)
Spring Sesshin May 22-24 2026
Spring Sesshin (retreat) 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 practices. 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 student concentrates fully on their practice. They open themselves to the tools of the Rinzai Zen Buddhist tradition and the sangha which surrounds them. Together they realize their true nature. A nature rooted within the spring of primal wisdom from which all Buddhas arise from. It is beyond word and letter. Sesshin is a time to dedicate ourselves to the exploration of this great matter, and a time to realize the vast wonder and beauty that surrounds us, right here and right now.
The Sesshin donation includes lodging, meals and all activities. Scholarships are available for those experiencing financial hardship. A $75 deposit is required for reservations.
Ph. - 484-735-0636
Email - ryuun@ptd.net.
Calendar
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Zen Sesshin October 6-8 2013 (residential retreat)
