Council Circle: Bearing Witness in Times of Upheaval

March 30, 2026

Date and Time Details: Monday, March 30, 6:00 - 8:30 pm

Location: Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple

Address: Northeast 10th Avenue, Portland, OR, USA

In a Council Circle process*, we come together in a small group in a profound way. We create a shared liminal space that is supportive, confidential, and sacred. We each listen and speak from the heart, encountering and experiencing one another gently and with awareness. We are not solving problems, debating issues or making plans. We are making a healing space for each of us to hear and be heard, see and be seen (adapted from the Zen Peacemakers).

Please join us as we seek to bear witness to the events unfolding – locally, in our country, and around the world – and how that may be impacting our Sangha and our own hearts and minds. How are you practicing with what is happening? What is alive for you in relation to what is happening? What are your aspirations for yourself in the context of community? Given that there are so many things that have been distressing, we are not limiting the topic; each person can speak to whatever emerges for them in the moment of sharing.

Held in the practice space of our Zendo, together with the Sangha, we will begin with a period of Zazen. There will be large group and small group sharing so there is adequate time for everyone to be heard. Our time together will also include an opportunity to share food.

There will be a limited number of participants, so that we can make sure all voices are heard. After registering, we will send you some additional materials to help you become more familiar with the Council Circle process. This event will be in-person only.

Please address any questions to:

Jomon – Jomon@zendust.org

Kosho – Kosho@zendust.org

Seicho – seichoflow@gmail.com

With deep appreciation and love.

* 8 Guidelines for Council Circle:

1. Listening from the Heart: Listen with your whole body, set aside

judgment, look at the speaker.

2. Speaking from the Heart: Use ‘I’ statements. Speak from your own

experience.

3. Speaking Leanly: Notice when you’re rambling, look at the listeners.

4. Honoring Silence: It’s OK not to share, or silently hold the talking piece.

5. Speaking Spontaneously: without planning what you will share.

6. Holding Confidentiality: What is said in the circle stays in the circle. After the council is over, we may discuss with others themes and insights that arose, but without attribution to any party. We practice confidentiality to build mutual respect and trust in the Sangha. This intention is held after the council is over.

7. Using the Talking Piece (facilitator introduces talking pieces)

8. Refraining from Crosstalk: Do not address others in the council, nor reference someone else’s sharing.