From Midwest Prairies to Korean Mountains: Discovering Buddha Through God in Kansas

Spark Your Bliss

Rebecca Otte is from Topeka, Kansas, in the United States. She grew up Christian in rural Kansas and began meditation in the Kwan Um Zen tradition in 1996. One of the founding members of the Prairieth Zen Center in Topeka, she practiced extensively for over two decades, including a ninety-day-long intensive retreat known as kyol che. She received inka (permission to teach Zen) in 2020 and became the guiding teacher of the Prairieth Zen Center. Rebecca has also worked as a nurse midwife delivering 2,000 babies over the years. She retired from nursing in 2017 and lives with her husband, Ken. They have 2 children and one grandchild. She is also trained as a classical pianist.

To connect more to her teachings:

https://prairyerthzen.org or

https://www.kwanumzenonline.org/

Takeaways:

• Rebecca Otte emphasizes the significance of life's big questions, particularly surrounding existence and consciousness, as pivotal in her spiritual journey.
• Her extensive experience in Zen meditation, including a rigorous ninety-day retreat, profoundly shaped her understanding and teaching of the practice.
• The connection between her nursing career and spiritual practice has enriched her perspective on compassion and the human experience.
• Otte articulates that suffering can catalyze the development of greater love, wisdom, and compassion, serving as a foundation for personal growth.
• Through her practice, she has cultivated a deep appreciation for the beauty in everyday life, including moments of joy and suffering alike.
• Chanting, as a communal and individual practice, facilitates a deeper connection to one's true nature, enhancing the meditative experience.