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Upaya Zen Center

@upaya.bsky.social
2.8K followers 13 following 567 posts

Zen Buddhist community focused on the integration of practice & social action, bringing together wisdom & compassion. Founded by Roshi Joan Halifax ⬇️ @joanhalifax.bsky.social PROGRAM LINKS HERE: linktr.ee/upayazencenter

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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 5h
There are many ways to practice with Upaya this month. We are especially grateful to offer Fall Practice Period entirely online for free, with donations welcome. Join the full practice period, or fit it around your day. Recordings are available. Register here: ow.ly/EXIx50ZTAMQ
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FALL PRACTICE PERIOD: The Teachings of Zen Master Zhao Zhou (Online 2026)
Soon after you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Resource Page, which is where all of the recordings and readings are listed. It may take a few minutes to reach you.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Tonight's Dharma Talk will be given by Sensei Jose Shinzan Palma, who is at Upaya as a guiding teacher for next month's Fall Practice Period. Join in-person at Upaya, or online via YouTube Live: ow.ly/m4Tf50ZTc4j Explore joining FPP online for free here: ow.ly/F9ck50ZTc4m
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This week at Upaya: a new logo rooted in "suchness," a joyful wedding, and the start of Fall Practice Period. Receive our weekly newsletter of sangha news and programs: www.upaya.org/newsletters
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Upaya Zen Center has adopted a new logo. At its center is a single character, 如, rendered in the manner of an old carved seal. It is the character for suchness. Learn more about the word, the character, and why this word for this place: www.upaya.org/2026/09/just-this-upa…
upaya.org
Just This: The Word Behind Upaya’s New Logo
Upaya Zen Center has adopted a new logo. At its center is a single character, 如, rendered in the manner of an old carved seal. It is the character for suchness.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
We are grateful to offer the next session of The Measure of Our Humanity, which will explore FREEDOM with teacher, author, and clinical psychologist Jack Kornfield. October 25th, online. Register for free + by donation here: ow.ly/fkG850ZRTY0
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The Measure of Our Humanity: FREEDOM, with Jack Kornfield - Online + Free
Soon after you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Resource Page, which is where the recording, resources, and readings are listed. It may take a few minutes to reach you.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Join the Upaya sangha and Sensei Koshin Flint Sparks for tonight's Dharma Talk, "Ordinary Mind is the Way." In person in Taizando Online via YouTube Live: www.youtube.com/user/upayazencenter…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
As we move through the autumn equinox, spring in the southern hemisphere, we observe light and dark standing in balance. Join us each week as we share news from Upaya and upcoming programs. A once-a-week update to your inbox... Subscribe here: www.upaya.org/newsletters
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Awakened Action: What Blooms in the Ashes (Nov. 13 – 15) with Roshi Joan, Terry Tempest Williams, Valerie Brown, Christiana Figueres, Molly Crockett & Rebecca Solnit In person: ow.ly/mO7b50ZPLuP Online (FREE; donations welcome): ow.ly/Ao0p50ZPLuR
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
During last week's Dharma Talk, "Beging Real," Frank Ostaseski shared what he learned sitting at the bedside of thousands of dying people, and what it means to 'be real.' Listen to the talk, available now on Upaya's Dharma Podcast: ow.ly/rxO350ZPE8M
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Being real
In this Wednesday Night Dharma Talk, Frank Ostaseski traces what he learned sitting at the bedside of thousands of dying people: “to sit next to people and not mess with them. Not try and help them…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Starting now: Frank Ostaseski opens today's session of The Measure of Our Humanity — "Belonging." 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. MDT | Online, Free We hope to see you: www.upaya.org/program/the-measure-o…
upaya.org
The Measure of Our Humanity: BELONGING with Frank Ostaseski – Online + FREE
In this program, Frank Ostaseski will guide us deeper into Belonging—that fundamental truth that we belong to each other…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
We are grateful for the writings Roshi has been sharing from her forthcoming book, "Unfinished Vow," and enjoy reading your comments. Here, Roshi shares a powerful excerpt on "The Power of Repair.": www.upaya.org/2026/09/the-power-of-…
upaya.org
The Power of Repair—From Roshi Joan’s upcoming book, “Unfinished Vow.”
It is a dangerous illusion to believe that good intentions shield us from doing harm. The more actively we try to apply our values, the more opportunities we create for miscalculation.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Roshi Joan and Frank Ostaseski last night, opening this weekend's Love & Death program at Upaya. A great joy to sit with two teachers who bring deep friendship and decades of end-of-life wisdom into the room together. It's not too late to join us online (free): ow.ly/YqTl50ZPp68
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Following a dry summer, we have received a full week of rain, with more to come. A great joy and blessing as we move into this weekend's Love & Death program with Roshi Joan and Frank Ostaseski. Join us. Online is free. All sessions are recorded. We begin today. Register ow.ly/vjWx50ZPeJZ
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Tomorrow we begin Love & Death with Frank Ostaseski and Roshi Joan. Sept. 18 through 20. Online is free; donations are appreciated. Learn more: ow.ly/Pn6250ZOHTs
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LOVE and DEATH: Opening the Great Gifts (Online 2026)
Soon after you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Resource Page, which is where all of the recordings and readings are listed. It may take a few minutes to reach you.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
🎥 Cynda Hylton Rushton shared a few words with us following this weekend's G.R.A.C.E. training Since 2001, she's been a teacher and collaborator in Upaya's Being With Dying program and G.R.A.C.E. We're profoundly grateful for all she brings to this work. Learn more here: ow.ly/b6zf50ZOyfy
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Tonight, Frank Ostaseski will give a Dharma Talk at Upaya on "Being Real." He will also be teaching Love & Death: Opening the Great Gifts this weekend. As well as The Measure of Our Humanity, this Sunday. Join the Dharma Talk: ow.ly/Ec7r50ZOt0M Programs: ow.ly/MQXf50ZOt0J
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
This week, there are three opportunities to sit with Frank Ostaseski: – Sept. 16: Dharma Talk in person & virtually: ow.ly/39KM50ZNox3 – Sept. 18 - 20: Love & Death In person + online ow.ly/eEXT50ZNox2 – Sept. 20: The Measure of Our Humanity "Belonging" ow.ly/arXw50ZNox6
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
This weekend, physicians, clinicians, caregivers, and practitioners have gathered at Upaya and online for the G.R.A.C.E. Training in Compassion-based Interactions. It's a joy to see this community come together, in the room and across the miles, to deepen this work in community. Deep bows.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
We are asked to turn toward suffering rather than away from it and to let grief open us to greater compassion rather than close us off from one another. On this day of remembrance, may we recommit to the work of healing, understanding, and reducing harm in the world.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today we remember all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the families, first responders, and communities who have carried this loss in the years since.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Grace in Prison — a recent Dharma Talk by Sensei Wendy Dainin Lau Join us for this weekend's G.R.A.C.E. Training. Sensei Dainin serves as our dedicated online steward, and we'll be gathering together with Roshi Joan, Cynda Hylton Rushton, and Anthony Back. ow.ly/k5Tz50ZMz06
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Join Sensei Wendy Dainin Lau and the Upaya mahasangha today for her Dharma Talk, "Rehumanizing through Atonement." 5:30pm MDT, in-person & online. Online: www.youtube.com/user/upayazencenter…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Visit Upaya's blog for writings shared by Roshi Joan from her forthcoming book "Unfinished Vow." www.upaya.org/2026/07/derangement-o…
upaya.org
Derangement of Time by Roshi Joan Halifax
From Roshi Joan’s book (to be published), UNFINISHED VOW, in the chapter on Uji, Time-Being: The Derangement of Time
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Love & Death: Opening the Great Gifts Sept. 18–20, with Roshi Joan Halifax and Frank Ostaseski Register for in-person: ow.ly/mSyo50ZJVWQ Register for online: ow.ly/4CVN50ZJVWS
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Fall Practice Period begins next month at Upaya. This time together is also entirely available online for free, ensuring our wider mahasangha can access the teachings and practice opportunities. Register to join in person: ow.ly/Yxpc50ZJF1N Register to join online: ow.ly/TVHY50ZJF1P
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FALL PRACTICE PERIOD: The Teachings of Zen Master Zhao Zhou (In Person 2026)
Please review our current cancellation policy and health protocols for in-person programs. If you have registered for this program, please access the RESOURCE PAGE here. If you would like to attend…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Rebecca Solnit brings great joy to our sangha. Here, she shares a bit about her session of The Measure of Our Humanity, "Possibility,"~ which she presented in person at Upaya. You can access it for free by following the link below ⬇️ 📺 Watch here: ow.ly/TRBO50ZJETt
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This September, join Upaya online for spaces to practice, learn, reflect, and connect with others across the wider mahasangha. Free and by donation. All are welcome. Explore the September schedule at Upaya.org.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
In just a few hours, Sensei James Fushin Bristol will present this week's Dharma Talk, "The Open Gate." Join us in person at Upaya or online via YouTube Live Link: www.youtube.com/user/upayazencenter…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Roshi Joan has written a letter for our friends in Nepal—for us to bear witness, engage, and hold hope for survivors in this unimaginable tragedy. Please read and share widely. A link to support Nepal's disaster relief fund is included within it. ow.ly/tZfW50ZI1qX
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Loss Upon Loss: For Our Friends in Nepal — by Roshi Joan Halifax
On the morning of August 26, high on the flank of Langtang Lirung, a great mass of ice and rock let go of the mountain…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Rebecca Solnit, dear friend of Upaya, writer, activist, and global voice for hope and possibility, joins us today for a session on "Possibility" as part of The Measure of Our Humanity series. Free + by donation. Online: ow.ly/XlJo50ZH27c In person (waitlist): ow.ly/tEQu50ZH27a
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
TODAY: The Hidden Lamp Study Group with Sensei Zenshin Florence Caplow. TIME: 10:30am - 12:30pm MDT Free; donations appreciated Register here: www.upaya.org/program/hidden-lamp-s…
upaya.org
HIDDEN LAMP STUDY GROUP - Online - FREE
Soon after you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Resource Page which is where all of the recordings and readings are listed. It may take
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Part 2 — Upaya is in contact with our network in Nepal to assess where best to send donations to support flood victims and survivors. We will be posting that on our website and social media channels once we have the details.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Part 1 – Our hearts are with the people of Nepal following the devastating flash floods that struck the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts this week. The loss of life and the number of people still missing is heartbreaking, and we hold all impacted in our prayers and practice.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Will you be joining us at Upaya and online this Sunday? Rebecca Solnit will present her session of The Measure of Our Humanity on Possibility. We look forward to gathering with you! Sunday, August 30, 11am - 12:30pm MDT In person: ow.ly/6pgU50ZG68M Online: ow.ly/SNts50ZG68L
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
New in our Living the Practice series: Amber Rose shares what her time in Upaya's Residential Zen Training has meant to her. 🎥 Watch now and share with your friends, family, and community! Learn more about Residential Zen Training: ow.ly/kI6W50ZFpnb
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
This Saturday, Sensei Zenshin Florence Caplow leads the ongoing "Hidden Lamp Study Group" Free & online, this is a gathering of global practitioners exploring the koans and awakening stories of the women ancestors of our tradition - voices too long left out of the record. ow.ly/ljYB50ZFei8
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HIDDEN LAMP STUDY GROUP - Online - FREE
Soon after you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Resource Page which is where all of the recordings and readings are listed. It may take
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
This Sunday: Rebecca Solnit joins The Measure of Our Humanity series to explore Possibility — live from Upaya, in person & online. Free + by donation. Aug 30, 11am–12:30pm MDT. Link in bio. Join in person: ow.ly/vMNf50ZEPIL Join online: ow.ly/OPQ150ZEPIJ
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Yesterday, Roshi Joan presented a session for the Varela Contemplative Science Retreat on mystical experience, insight, awakening, and realization. Today we continue and dive into AI. All sessions recorded, online is free with donations appreciated. Register here: ow.ly/iNMg50ZEkNT
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Varela International Symposium—Experience & Self-Transcendence
A philosophical, cultural, and scientific exploration of the topic Experience & Self-Transcendence: Views from Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Physics, & Buddhism.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Meal preparation in Upaya's kitchen is a place of practice and great joy; thank you to the kitchen bodhisattvas!
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
What a joy to begin the Varela Contemplative Science Retreat yesterday! There's still time to join us online ~ all sessions are recorded, and it's offered by donation. Come explore with us. www.upaya.org/program/varela-contem…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
There's still time to join this weekend's Varela Contemplative Science Retreat online ~ every teaching is recorded. We're exploring the intersection of science, consciousness, and contemplative experience together. 📸 Two faculty: John Dunne & Adam Frank. Register here: ow.ly/ne1y50ZC4rg
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
This Thursday, we gather at Upaya and online for the Varela Contemplative Science Retreat. Online is free, with donations appreciated. Register to join person: ow.ly/TuCA50ZB8RA Register to join online: ow.ly/Cto050ZB8RC
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VARELA CONTEMPLATIVE SCIENCE RETREAT - In Person + Online
This is a very special time when four remarkable teachers, the astrophysicist Adam Frank, the cognitive scientist Molly Crockett, the Buddhist philosopher John Dunne, and Zen teacher Roshi Joan Halifax, will explore science and Buddhist views and practice in the medium of a contemplative retreat.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
What is it like to live the practice? Meet the people who are finding out, and explore our Residential Zen Training today. Hear from Chishō about her experience a resident at Upaya. Learn more: www.upaya.org/residency
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Next week, the Varela Contemplative Science Retreat at Upaya—learn more here! 📅 August 20–23 📍 In person at Upaya & online Join in person: ow.ly/vwsi50ZAbNm Join online (free + by donation): ow.ly/B4G250ZAbNq
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VARELA CONTEMPLATIVE SCIENCE RETREAT - In Person + Online
This is a very special time when four remarkable teachers, the astrophysicist Adam Frank, the cognitive scientist Molly Crockett, the Buddhist philosopher John Dunne, and Zen teacher Roshi Joan Halifax, will explore science and Buddhist views and practice in the medium of a contemplative retreat.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Dear friends, next month, Silvia Fernandez-Campos will teach a 4-part course on Buddhist-based resilience for caregivers of loved ones with disabilities. We ask that you share it with those it may serve. It is online, & free. Donations are deeply appreciated. Learn more ow.ly/K6Pe50ZzQP7
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BUDDHIST-BASED RESILIENCE For Caregivers with Loved Ones with Disabilities (Online 2026)
Soon after you register, you will receive an email with a link to the Resource Page, where you may access all readings and recordings for this program. It may take a few minutes to reach you.
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Are you subscribed to Upaya's newsletter? If you haven't, we'd love to connect with you through this weekly share of sangha news, community outreach, blog posts, essays from Roshi Joan, and featured programs. Subscribe here: www.upaya.org/newsletters
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Join us this evening, in the zendo or from wherever you are, for a Dharma Talk with Valerie Brown. Through the teachings of Venerable Thích Nhất Hạnh, she'll offer individual & collective action to support greater peace & compassionate action In person in Taizando Online ow.ly/MHw950ZyYia
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The Varela Contemplative Science Retreat is next week! Join us at Upaya in person, or gather with the global mahasangha online. Online is free, with donations appreciated. Register for online: ow.ly/4QKv50ZyhiI Register for in person: ow.ly/lkbt50ZyhiH
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Today is the 346th anniversary of the Pueblo Revolt. It seems a good day to set down plainly what happened on this ground. – Roshi Joan Read more here: www.upaya.org/2026/08/august-10-168…
upaya.org
August 10, 1680—Essay by Roshi Joan Halifax
Today is the 346th anniversary of the Pueblo Revolt. Here it is hot and dry, the monsoon has not come, and the Frijoles Fire is burning uncontained…
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Upaya Zen Center @upaya.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
We humbly ask our global mahasangha to support the restoration of Cerro Gordo Temple. We are almost at our goal, and every dollar will be matched. Bowing deeply. www.upaya.org/giving/cerro-gordo-te…
upaya.org
DOUBLE YOUR GIFT—Support Upaya’s Cerro Gordo Temple Restoration
Several years ago, Upaya Zen Center was asked to steward Cerro Gordo Temple. At the center of the temple stands the first public Buddhist stupa built in the
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