Photo: Avalokiteshwara, Bodhisattva of Compassion. From an original  painted by a priest of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives. We hope you enjoy learning more about the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives and its services.

Order of Buddhist Contemplatives Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, Founder The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives is dedicated to the practice of the Serene Reflection Meditation tradition, known as Ts'ao-Tung Ch'an in China and Sōtō Zen in Japan. The Order was incorporated in 1983 by Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett to serve as the international umbrella organization for the monasteries, priories (local temples), and meditation groups led by priests of our lineage in Britain, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. A British-born Buddhist master trained in Malaysia and Japan, Rev. Master Kennett came to the United States in 1969. A year later, Shasta Abbey, a Buddhist seminary and training monastery, was founded in northern California. In 1972 she founded Throssel Hole Priory, now Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey, in the north of England. Rev. Master Kennett served as the first Abbess of Shasta Abbey and Head of the Order until she died in 1996. Rev. Master Daizui MacPhillamy was then elected and served as Head of the Order until his death in April 2003. He was succeeded by the current Head of the Order, Rev. Master HaryoYoung. The practice of the Order emphasizes serene reflection meditation, mindfulness in daily life, and adherence to the Buddhist Precepts. The Order provides opportunities for Buddhist practice at introductory and advanced levels to lay people and offers training programs for women and men in both the lay ministry and the priesthood.   The Serene Reflection Meditation (Sōtō Zen) Tradition Rev. Master Jiyu-Kennett, Founder of our Order In Memoriam: Rev. Master Daizui MacPhillamy The Purpose and Work of the Order Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey: Monastery & Retreat Centre Shasta Abbey: Monastery & Retreat Center Affiliated Temples and Meditation Groups Journal of the O.B.C.: Dharma Articles Dharma Talks Online Throssel Hole Buddhist Bookshop: Meditation Supplies Catalogue Public Talks and Special Announcements The Eightfold Path downloadable booklet by Rev Master Daizui MacPhillamy. You can contact the Order through any of our affiliated monasteries, temples, or meditation groups.                                     Thank you for visiting our O.B.C. web site.

All contents ©1997-2003 Order of Buddhist Contemplatives
The ship and three drums is the religious symbol and registered
logo of the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives and its affiliated temples.
It is based on the Chinese character shin,which means
Heart/Mind/Buddha Nature.