EAST-WEST PROGRAM
A PATH THAT BRIDGES TWO SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS
Fr. Thomas Hand, S.J. (“Hando”) founded the East-West Meditation Program at Mercy Center in 1985, after having lived nearly 30 years in Japan. During his time in Japan, Fr. Hand taught haiku poetry, and studied Zen meditation with Yamada Koun Rosh, who encouraged Western students to learn Zen as a way of deepening their Judeo-Christian faith. Hando’s groundbreaking work laid a strong foundation for the continuity of the Program.
EAST-WEST RESOURCES
Click the East-West Resources to learn more about the history of the East-West program, watch videos of Fr. Greg Mayers and Fr. Thomas Hand, and listen to audio of spiritual talks from East-West teachers.
EVENING MEDITATION
Until Mercy Center reopens, Wednesday evening meditation takes place from 7:00–8:30 p.m. PDT in live Zoom sessions led by Sr. Judy Cannon from the Rose Room zendo.
EAST-WEST
CENTER DAY
Center Day is on hold until Mercy Center reopens.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
- More Info Coming Soon
HAIKU POETRY GROUP
The Four Seasons Haiku Kai meets quarterly to share and learn about haiku.
All who are interested in this fun and meditative approach to writing haiku are welcome. No pre-registration required.
About the Haiku Kai
Click below to read a recent meeting report. Inclusion in a meeting report does not constitute publication.
The Four Seasons
Haiku Kai
Mercy Center’s temporary closure.
If you would like to share your own haiku on the theme of “Clouds & Sky” with the other haiku group members, E-mail Mark Werlin.
