Enter through the Open Gate
One of the seminal texts of Zen is entitled Mumonkan, which translates into English as The Gateless Gate or what we Westerners would think of as an open gateway without doors. Unlike a gate with doors that can be bolted shut to prevent free passage, a gateless gate is an opportunity to pass through without restrictions.
It is through Zen practice that we approach the gateless gate of our own self restricted minds. Every one of us is capable of accessing the boundless mind and passing freely through the mental barriers created by our fears and preconceptions. By letting go of our preconceptions, dualistic thinking and communal delusions, we discover the previously unrealized potential of our own unlimited consciousness and become self liberated. This is the fundamental tenet of Boundless Mind Zen.
Open Gate Zendo is the primary training facility of the Boundless Mind Zen school and the Order of the Boundless Way. Originally conceived in 1994, Open Gate Zendo was founded to promote the original Zen principles of self-realization through varied individual approaches and disciplines. As expressed by Zen Master Mumon;
"The Great Way is Gateless,
Approached by a thousand paths.
Pass through this barrier;
You walk freely through the universe"
This multi-discipline approach to Zen training and practice predates the cultural and sectarian practices that have come to dominate modern day Zen methodologies and institutions. Rooted in pre-sectarian Zen, the Boundless Mind approach allows for a multiple disciplinary approach that allows for a wider range of personalities to benefit from Zen practice and training.
Open Gate Zendo is open to anyone who wishes to practice or experience Zen training and/or the Zen arts regardless of their experience, spiritual beliefs or
religious affiliations. First time practitioners are always welcome and are encouraged to participate without being burdened with undue obligations or expectations. Anyone who regularly attends practice sessions, receives training or otherwise contributes to the sangha is considered a member of the Open Gate sangha. Other than being mindful and observing proper etiquette when present, there are no membership requirements for becoming a member.
The newly constructed Zendo and entrance hall are built in traditional Japanese style on the grounds of the adjacent teacher’s residence (Hojo), known as Koro An (Lone Wolf Hermitage) Together these structures are the beginnings of a multidiscipline training center and residence for those who prefer a multifaceted approach to their Zen training. Construction continues as the main entrance hall and related facilities are realized through dedication to practice and volunteer efforts. One day, the facilities at Open Gate will include an authentic tea garden, archery range and dojo (training hall) for continued lessons in the Zen art forms and other related disciplines, but this will be a journey taken with mindfulness one step at a time.
Our Location/Directions
Open Gate Zendo / Koro An is located in West Olympia on Biscay Street NW, just north of The Evergreen College on Cooper Point. For those from out of the area, road signs and directions to Evergreen College will get within a few blocks of Open Gate.
From Cooper Point road turn left on 36th Avenue NW and then right on Biscay Street. From Evergreen Parkway/Kaiser, turn left on Cooper Point Road, left on 36th Avenue NW then right on Biscay. Each turn is about a half mile from the last. Our driveway is on the left, diagonal across the intersection of Biscay and 41st Way NW.
Open Gate Zendo
4123 Biscay Street NW
Olympia, WA 98502