On Tuesday, April 21st, we had the honor of welcoming special guest Ben Connelly to the Dharma Bum Temple. A Soto Zen priest from the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center in Minneapolis, Ben brought a grounded, thoughtful presence to the evening.

He led a beautiful meditation that offered a sense of calm, clarity, and connection for everyone in attendance. Following the meditation, Ben shared reflections from his new book, Inside the Flower Garland Sutra, weaving together profound teachings with accessible insight that deeply resonated with our community.

We were also grateful to host Ben at the temple for three nights, where he fully immersed himself in the rhythm of temple life. From morning meditation to shared meals and quiet moments of practice, it was wonderful to have him as part of our community during his stay. 

For those who were unable to attend, or who would like to revisit the teachings, you can watch a recording of his talk: Click Here for YouTube Recording

You can also view photos from the evening: Click here for Photo Album

Visits like this are a powerful reminder of the value of practicing together and learning from experienced teachers. We’re thankful to Ben for his time, presence, and generosity, and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future.