Darah Shonin Ashton

Darah Shonin Ashton has practiced with the Zen Community of Oregon since 2009 and was made a Dharma holder in 2019.  She currently co-leads Thursday evening meditation at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple.  Since 2019 she has served as treasurer for ZCO.  Shonin recently retired from a 30 year chiropractic career and enjoys spending more time with family and friends.  A sewing hobbyist, she happily tutors zen students through the construction of wagessas and rakusus.

Upcoming Programs by Darah Shonin Ashton

Beginner's Mind Weekend Meditation Retreat

Also With Onshin Landry

February 27 - March 1, 2026

The teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism empower us to live our lives wholeheartedly with openness, insight and compassion. During this weekend retreat we follow a silent retreat schedule, which allows us to temporarily put aside outside concerns and go deeply into inner work. The silent retreat schedule includes about seven hours of sitting meditation […]

Investigating Zen Practice: A One-Day Workshop

Also With Ed Gensho Welsh and Kosho Ault

April 11, 2026

Experience an Introduction to Zen Practice through the Ten Directions. This one-day in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple is for beginners or those who want to dive deeper into Zen practice. Learn how to practice using ancient methods that are applicable in today’s world: Meditation and sitting with stability Mindfulness practice off the […]

May Sesshin - The Light of our Ancestors

Also With Amy Kisei, Sensei and Patrick Bansho Green

May 11 - 17, 2026

Zen is a direct Mind to Mind transmission--a transmission of light. We study with teachers who help us recognize and embody our awakened wisdom and compassion. During this sesshin, we will connect with our roots and draw strength from the stories of those who have come before us. Our ancestors are real people, walking the […]

Investigating Zen Practice: A One-Day Workshop

Also With Ed Gensho Welsh and Kosho Ault

June 13, 2026

Experience an Introduction to Zen Practice through the Ten Directions. This one-day in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple is for beginners or those who want to dive deeper into Zen practice. Learn how to practice using ancient methods that are applicable in today’s world: Meditation and sitting with stability Mindfulness practice off the […]

Summer Zazenkai: A One Day Meditation Retreat

August 15, 2026
A Zazenkai is a day of Zen practice in the city. Join us for a silent day of meditation (seated and walking), chanting, mindful eating, temple care-taking, and a dharma talk.

Investigating Zen Practice: A One-Day Workshop

Also With Ed Gensho Welsh and Kosho Ault

September 12, 2026

Experience an Introduction to Zen Practice through the Ten Directions. This one-day in-person workshop at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple is for beginners or those who want to dive deeper into Zen practice. Learn how to practice using ancient methods that are applicable in today’s world: Meditation and sitting with stability Mindfulness practice off the […]

December Sesshin - Rohatsu

Also With Hogen Bays, Roshi and Larry Fuho Trussell

December 6 - 13, 2026

  The light of the Buddha's awakening has not dimmed. This very moment, alive, awake and luminous. Each year people from all over the world gather to celebrate, to sit in stillness and to be nourished by this truth. All over the world people join in the ritual of Rohatsu sesshin. This sesshin is the […]