🌿 Meet Chisō 🌿 We are honored to introduce Chisō Robb Hasty, whose Dharma name means “Wisdom in Action” (智操)—a name that speaks directly to his life of service, presence, and integrity. Chisō is a dedicated Zen student, a steady presence on the cushion and in the community. His practice is marked by clarity, humility, and a deep vow to be of benefit. 🧭 He also serves as the Mayor of Ottawa, Illinois—a role he fulfills with compassion, vision, and tireless dedication. His leadership is not separate from his practice; it is an expression of it. In giving and receiving the Dharma, in civic duty and silent sitting, Chisō shows us that awakening is not an escape—it’s an embrace. The embrace of this world, this work, this very breath. Please join us in celebrating Chisō’s path and presence. 🙏 #MeetChisō #OneRiverZen #Jukai #ZenLeadership #WisdomInAction #DharmaName #SotoZen #ZenPractice #AwakeningInTheWorld #ServiceAsPractice #zenlife #pickusottawail

Today we celebrate Chisō Robb Hasty’s Jukai—his vow to live with wisdom in action. On this beautiful Saturday, surrounded by the warmth of the Sangha, Robb received the precepts and a Dharma name that speaks to his life of service: Chisō, “Wisdom in Action.” As the Mayor of Ottawa and a tireless civic leader, Chisō embodies the Bodhisattva path—meeting each moment with clarity, care, and deep resolve. This step marks not a destination, but a renewal of vow: to serve, to awaken, and to walk the Way for the benefit of all beings. Congratulations, Chisō. May your practice continue to ripple through this world in wise and compassionate ways. #Jukai #Chisō #WisdomInAction #OneRiverZen #SotoZen #ZenBuddhism # #DharmaName #ZenInTheWorld #OttawaIL #BodhisattvaPath #ZenCeremony #Sangha #zenlife #pickusottawail

Getting ready to begin our Weekend Meditation Retreat! We’re also hosting public meditation at 9A- come join us! #zen #meditation #mindfulness #pickusottawail #sotozen #zenlife

🌸 Happy Mother’s Day from One River Zen 🌸 Today, we honor all those who mother—those who have given birth, those who have nurtured, those who have guided others with compassion and strength. In Zen, the great Bodhisattva Kannon embodies this boundless care, hearing the cries of the world and responding with a thousand arms of compassion. To mother is not only to protect, but to bear witness—to show up, to listen, to hold space for what is tender and true. To all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, chosen mothers, and mothering hearts in our Sangha and beyond: thank you. Your care is the ground of our practice. May you be supported, seen, and loved—today and every day. One River flows on because of you. #MothersDay #OneRiverZen #KannonCompassion #ZenLife #Gratitude #BodhisattvaHeart #MindfulMothering #SanghaLove #EverydayZen #CompassionInAction #ZenPractice #DharmaInDailyLife #ThankYouMom #HeartOfZen

Wonderful day to welcome a new Priest at One River Zen! Join us in congratulating Rev. Genpo Seth Myers on his commitment to service. Many thanks to our Christan friends Rev. Jennifer Dressler and Rev. Seamus Enwright for helping administer vows, as well as Mayor Robb Hasty. #zenlife #pickusottawail #sotozen #oneriverzen

Night before Genpo Seth’s novitiate priest ordination, Sensei Michael is here reading Kesa Kudoku in the firelight to an assembly of Zen students. Everyone is excited to see the birth of Rev. Genpo’s public ministry 🙏🏻 #zen #sotozen #sotozenbuddhism #commitment #zenpractice #zenmeditation #dogen

Everyone is arriving and preparing the grounds for the ordination of Genpo Seth Myers as a Buddhist Priest tomorrow! Come and join us at 12:30, Saturday April 26th for this beautiful commitment to the Dharma... #sotozen #oneriverzen #eso #zenlife #pickusottawail #zen #meditation #mindfulness

📿 Sesshin in Action: Practice Beyond the Cushion Sesshin is more than just sitting—it’s living the practice in every moment. This weekend, our Sangha came together not only in meditation but in joyful effort, tending to the temple grounds and hanging new prayer flags. Every sweep of the broom, every knot tied, every moment of shared work is an expression of practice, gratitude, and community. Sangha is not just about personal awakening—it’s about showing up for each other and for the spaces that support our practice. Deep bows to everyone who lent a hand! 🙏✨ #OneRiverZen #Sesshin #ZenPractice #SanghaInAction #PrayerFlags #zenlife #pickusottawail #sotozen

📸✨ Celebrating Kōshin’s Jukai! ✨📸 A moment of pure joy as we welcome Kōshin Nicole Petty into the Bodhisattva path! 🌿☸️ Surrounded by sangha, love, and laughter, Kōshin received her homyō—Constant Heart—a name that reflects the deep compassion and unwavering joy she brings to every moment. As an EMT, a devoted mother, and a lifelong seeker of the Dharma, Kōshin embodies the practice in all that she does. We are honored to walk this path together. Join us in cheering for Kōshin as she takes this next step on the Way! 🎉💙 #OneRiverZen #Jukai #Kōshin #ConstantHeart #BodhisattvaPath #ZenPractice #SanghaCelebration

🌿 Welcoming the Newest Bodhisattva at One River Zen 🌿 Join us in welcoming Kōshin Nicole Petty, the newest bodhisattva at One River Zen! Kōshin (恒心), meaning Constant Heart, was given as her homyō in recognition of her unwavering joy and compassion, no matter the circumstances. A dedicated EMT with Streator Fire Department, Kōshin serves her community with courage and care. At home on the Northwest Side of Ottawa, she shares her life with her husband Matt, daughter Lyla, and sons Noah and Denali. Reflecting on her practice, Kōshin shares: "Since I started my practice, I've been able to handle any problem that comes my way. I'm able to take a step back, notice my attachments, and engage calmly to handle the problem with compassion." With a lifelong interest in Buddhism, she was grateful when One River Zen found its way to Ottawa, providing a space to deepen her path. Now, as she walks this way with us, we are honored to practice alongside her. Welcome, Kōshin! May your constant heart continue to shine. ☸️💙 #OneRiverZen #BodhisattvaPath #Kōshin #ConstantHeart #Community #ZenPractice #zenlife #sotozen #pickusottawail