"When one studies Buddhism, one studies oneself, when one studies oneself, one forgets oneself; when one forgets oneself, one is enlightened by everything".
Great Master Dogen

The essential heart of our practice is Serene Reflection Meditation, living by the Buddhist Precepts, and acting from the heart of compassion, love and wisdom. This form of practice can be traced back over 2500 years to India at the time of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. As Buddhism spread through China to Japan, one of its major forms became known as Soto Zen. 'Soto' is a word derived from the names of two leading teachers of our tradition, while 'Zen' means meditation. Zen Master Dogen brought the tradition to Japan in the 13th century and it continues today, with one of its branches being the The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives.