Join Us for a Visit to Chua Nam Quang Temple – April 12th @2:00 PM

Enneadic Star Pronaos Portland, OR
Join Us for a Visit to Nam Quang Temple – April 12th @2:00 PM
We are pleased to invite you to a tour of Chua Nam Quang Temple in Portland, Oregon, on April 12th at 2:00 PM.

This beautiful Buddhist temple, nestled in a 3.5-acre garden sanctuary, is a place of tranquility and connection with nature. We will have the opportunity to experience the transformative space that has been lovingly cultivated over the past five years, from a bare landscape to its current log covered paths and lush edible vegetation.

What to Expect:
A Guided Tour: We’ll be guided through the grounds, exploring the 4 Holy Places, four spaces thoughtfully designed to represent significant Buddhist sites. The garden, rich with diverse flora and a growing network of mycelium beneath the mulch, also features rare mushrooms and abundant birdlife, which are cherished daily by the caretaker, Lynn.

Beautiful Pagodas & Rest Areas: We will have time to pause at one of three pagodas on the property, where we can relax on hammocks or chairs and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Location: Chua Nam-Quang Temple, 3337 NE 148th Ave, Portland, OR 97230

Images: Visit a gallery of the temple on Yelp photos here

Duration: The tour will last approximately 1 hour and a half with a guided exercise

Dress Code: We will ask that you remove your shoes when entering the temple itself.

Photos: Feel free to take photos during the tour, but please be respectful of the sacredness of the space.

After the Tour: We’ll conclude our visit by enjoying a meal at your choice of the local food trucks nearby. You can choose from a variety of cuisines to suit your taste. Some suggestions are listed below. The food trucks are within a very short drive from the temple down Sandy Blvd.

Restrooms are available on-site. Although there is no entrance fee, the temple graciously accepts donations.

Accessibility Notes:

The walking paths are made from logs, providing solid footing but are not completely level. While elderly visitors regularly navigate these paths, please use caution if you have any mobility challenges.

For more information about the temple, visit their website: Nam Quang Temple

Schedule: 2:00 PM: Arrival and Welcome Meet at the temple entrance beneath the large Buddha Statue Brief introduction to Chua Nam Quang Temple and its history

2:10 PM: Guided Tour of the Inner Garden Sanctuary with a 20-25 minute gentle guided Qi Gong routine
Exploration of the 4 Holy Places and plaques displaying the Noble Eight-fold Path
We will walk the spiral which is also the cycle of life represented through statues
Qi Gong guided by Aaron beneath the cherry trees  

3. 2:45 PM: Exploring the Outer Garden Sanctuary
Keep your eyes peeled for flowers of every color and intone vowels to the corresponding colors
Insights into the collaboration with the city and volunteer efforts in garden maintenance
Overview of the mycelium network and unique mushrooms (you might see some rare species)
Collaboration with local arborist for mulch and logs
Produce and pollinator friendly vegetation grown at the temple
New Statues installed last year facing the 4 directions
With so many paths as in the Noble Eight-fold path and the mastery of life – explore a little and we will meet back at the Temple for a different experience

4. 3:10 PM: Temple and Library Tour – (shoes off!)
An opportunity to visit the inner temple
See the massive instruments and intricate sculptures of beings within
A Brief visit in the library sanctuary

5. 3: 20 PM:Rest and Reflection at Pagodas
Time to sit, relax, and reflect in the pagodas on the property with a guided meditation

6. 3: 3 0 PM:Wrap-Up and Departure
End of formal tour
Group meal at local food trucks (optional, at your discretion)

Some local food cart options:
1. El Yucateco Food Cart Address: 11807 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220 Description: Specializes in Yucatan-style cuisine, offering dishes like panuchos, tacos, tortas, bowls, burritos, and burgers. Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Website: El Yucateco Food Cart

2. Rose City Food Park Address: 5235 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213 Description: A vibrant food cart pod featuring a variety of local food trucks, offering diverse cuisines in a communal outdoor setting.  Atmosphere: Family-friendly, with covered and heated seating options, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Website – https://www.rosecityfoodpark.com/

3. Tidal Boar Foods Address: 5211 NE 148th Ave, Portland, OR Description: Offers sustainable and locally sourced seafood, including oysters and Dory-caught options.  Note: Located very close to Chua Nam Quang Temple, making it a convenient choice for our group. Website – https://www.tidalboarfoods.com/

4. Grant’s Philly Cheese Steaks PDX Address: 15350 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland Or 97230 Description: Authentic Philly flavors with perfectly seasoned steak and melted cheese. Serving Portland over 20 years! Note: Many variations of delicious! Website – https://www.grantsphillycheesesteakspdx.com/contact

We look forward to sharing this peaceful and inspiring experience with you! Fraternally,
Aaron Howard  
  A marble statue of Buddha and his students. This depiction of one of the 4 Holy Places shows the first class that Buddha led.  There is an incense holder on a marble platform in front of the Buddha as well as a table that holds a mailbox under it's surface containing incense. A pot rests on the groudn tot he left holding branches that were trimmed during spring cleanup. Trimmed branches are soaked in water to encourage the blooms to continue emerging even after being cut off from the tree. Lush foliage surrounds the display and you can see the sunlight peaking past nearby structures while shining on 2 students on the right and the platform before the Buddha where one may feel compelled to stand and learn with this class. A picture taken from the ground to give a lower perspective. What is seen is a brick pathway leading to the Chua Nam-Quang temple entrance. The pathway is covered with pink flower petals from the blooming cherry trees. You'll also take note of the plaques on either side of the pathway leading to the temple. The plaques share the Noble Eightfold Path with visitors: a deeply moving teaching on doing inner work preparing ones self for betterment. For self-mastery. A marble statue of Buddha sitting and being approached by 2 feminine statues with their arms and hands in various positions. You may feel yourself compelled to imitate their positions and discover tension draining from your body as you unwind with them. Behind the stature you'll see the entrance to the 4 holy places, trees in bloom and the garden field in the distance. You can also feel the clean air coming into your lungs as you appreciate the scene.  

Helpful links

Website for Pacific Northwest Region, AMORC    
Blog Site for the Pacific Northwest Region of AMORC    
Our Meetup Group    
AMRA Donations

Enneadic Star Pronaos (ESP)

Frog Pond Grange:

27350 Stafford Rd; Wilsonville, OR 97070

Parkrose Lodge

4812 NE 102nd Ave; Portland, OR 97220

Rosicrucian Memorial Service for Frater Ed Elton

Rocky Mountain Pacific Northwest Region AMORC

Memorial Announcement for Frater Ed Elton

To our Beloved Fraters and Sorores in Colorado:

The Pikes Peak Atrium Group invites you to a Pronaos Memorial Ceremony in honor of Frater Ed Elton. Soror Judith Stewart will officiate.

Frater Ed Elton, Grand Councilor Emeritus for the Rocky Mountain Region AMORC, passed through transition on August 4, 2026 at the age of 89. Ed joined the Order in the early 1980’s, and served in many capacities in both AMORC and the Traditional Martinist Order (TMO) throughout the years. After moving to Colorado in the late 1990’s, he held the office of Grand Councilor of the Rocky Mountain Region, Group Leader of the Pikes Peak Atrium Group in Colorado Springs, and Master of the Rocky Mountain Atelier of the TMO. He was an excellent  presenter at numerous AMORC conventions and retreats in Colorado. Ed also served in various AMORC officer positions in other US regions prior to moving to Colorado.

Event Details:
Time: 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 26, 2026
Location: the Egyptian Temple on the second floor at the Masonic Lodge at 1150 Panorama Drive, Colorado Springs, CO.

A reception will follow at 3:00 pm in the community room on the first floor. This memorial service is open to members of AMORC and to their non-member friends and family.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Bill Hallett, Grand Councilor
Rocky Mountain Pacific Northwest (RMPNW) Region AMORC

Helpful links
  Rosicrucians in Colorado Website
Rosicrucians in CO Meetup
Rosicrucians in CO Facebook
RMPNW Region AMORC (serving AK, WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, and CO)

ESP Rosicrucian New Year and Installation of Officer @ Parkrose 3/20/26 7 PM

Spring Greetings,

We bring to you one more email as both the location and time were incorrectly presented. We will gather on Friday evening!

All Rosicrucian members are invited to celebrate the start of the Rosicrucian New Year 3379 at our New Year’s Ritual, a beautiful ancient mystical ceremony performed at the time of the Spring Equinox.

We look forward to sharing this mystical experience with you on Friday March 20th @ 7PM!

Please bring your current membership credentials. Also bring refreshments to share, healthy snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Looking forward to seeing you once more!

Directions can be found at:

Parkrose directions and parking

4812 NE 102nd Ave. Portland, OR 97220

Schedule:

6:30 PM – Doors Open

6:50 PM – Quiet meditation before the Ceremony

7:00 PM – New Year Celebration and symbolic feast

7:30 PM – Installation of New Officers. Master briefly outlines plans for the coming year and announces committees.

8:00 PM – Social hour with refreshments contributed and shared by members. Discuss new year plans and request topics or degrees to be covered in the series of Degree Forums. 9:00 PM – Adjourn

Helpful links
Website for Pacific Northwest Region, AMORC    

Blog Site for the Pacific Northwest Region of AMORC  
 
Our Meetup Group    

AMRA Donations

Enneadic Star Pronaos (ESP)

Frog Pond Grange:

27350 Stafford Rd; Wilsonville, OR 97070

Parkrose Lodge

4812 NE 102nd Ave; Portland, OR 97220
facebook facebook website

Stoic Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius

I asked an AI program to “Summarize the advice that Marcus Aurelius might give to a population today (from his Meditations). ” Below is its summary answer.

Focus on What You Can Control

Marcus Aurelius would emphasize that your power lies in your mind—not in external events.  He would advise people to stop wasting energy on things beyond their influence, such as others’ actions, global crises, or unpredictable outcomes. Instead, focus on your own judgments, choices, and responses. As he wrote, “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” This principle, central to Stoicism, helps build resilience in chaotic times. 

Practice Kindness and Compassion

Despite facing war, plague, and betrayal, Marcus consistently advocated for kindness toward others, even those who act poorly.  He believed that people who do harm are misguided, not evil, and deserve compassion rather than anger. “When people injure you, feel sympathy rather than outrage,” he wrote. He would urge today’s population to resist outrage culture, practice empathy, and remember our shared humanity: “We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes.”

Live in the Present Moment

Marcus would warn against being crushed by the weight of the future or haunted by the past. “Don’t let your imagination be crushed by life as a whole,” he said. He’d advise people to focus on the situation at hand, not imagined disasters.  This mindfulness reduces anxiety and increases effectiveness. By concentrating on the present task with full attention, we regain control and peace. 

Lead with Integrity and Humility

As emperor, Marcus led not by decree but by example. He would tell modern leaders—and all individuals—“Don’t go on discussing what a good person should be.  Just be one.” He valued humility, self-discipline, and service over status.  In a time of performative leadership, he’d advocate for quiet integrity, leading through action rather than words, and prioritizing the common good over personal gain. 

Avoid the Trap of External Validation

One of Marcus’s sharpest observations was: “We all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own.” He’d caution against seeking approval on social media, chasing fame, or shaping your life to impress others.  Since you can’t control what people think, tying your worth to their opinions is futile. True freedom comes from aligning with your values, not public perception. 

Do Only What Is Essential

“If you seek tranquility, do less.” Marcus believed that busyness is not virtue.  He’d urge people to eliminate distractions, focus on meaningful work, and protect their time fiercely. In an age of constant noise and overload, his call to essentialism is more relevant than ever: act with purpose, reduce clutter, and find satisfaction in doing less, better.

ESP Sunday February 8th Parkrose at 2 pm. Pronaos Convocation with a discussion on “Making Your Dreams Come True.”

I invite you to join us again Sunday February 8th @ Parkrose at 2 pm for our Pronaos Convocation and discussion on “Making Your Dreams Come True.”

This time of year is commonly used to set goals and aspirations, and this article from the Rosicrucian Digest, focuses on one of the key elements of attaining a desire, and that is to let it go, and “dismiss” it. It also shares how carrying and dismissing your desires causes “coincidental” and “unexpected” meetings to happen that further your goals. This is one of the practical tools of the Rosicrucian Mystic that is good to use often and to be precise with its use!

Afterwards, Let us discuss topics of Rosicrucian or mystical interest together! We will share our thoughts on these topics and learn from each other. Each member can bring a thought on a topic to share, or read a paragraph on the topic they’d like to hear the rest of us respond to.

We’re providing some Rosicrucian sources on the topic of Beauty for example but all are encouraged to find their own sources.

On the Nature of Beauty – Ralph M. Lewis Page 25 of the text

Beauty and Excellence as Spiritual Stimulus – Edgar Wirt page 14 of the text

The Beauty of Fraternity – H. Spencer Lewis page 34 of the text  

This event is open to AMORC members, their family, and close friends of the Rosicrucian Order.

Members, please bring your current membership credentials. Also bring refreshments to share, healthy snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Directions can be found at:

Parkrose directions and parking 4812 NE 102nd Ave. Portland, OR 97220

For those whom have not attended before, please arrive 30 minutes early to be shown the ropes.
Schedule
1:30 PM – Doors Open
2:00 PM – Atrium Convocation
3:00 PM – Experiments, snacks and fascinating discussions

Let us look forward to setting, visualizing, and realizing goals and aspirations together.
Best wishes for Peace Profound,
Frater Aaron ‘Lightbringer’ Howard  
 Helpful links
Website for Pacific Northwest Region, AMORC    

Blog Site for the Pacific Northwest Region of AMORC    

Our Meetup Group    

AMRA Donations

Enneadic Star Pronaos (ESP)

Frog Pond Grange:

27350 Stafford Rd; Wilsonville, OR 97070

Parkrose Lodge

4812 NE 102nd Ave; Portland, OR 97220

Beginning Basics for Spiritual Growth

Q: What are some good first steps for beginning a spiritual journey?

Beginning a spiritual journey can be a transformative experience, but it’s essential to take the first steps in the right direction. Here are some good first steps to help you get started:

Trust Your Intuition: Your spiritual journey is an individual experience, and the best way to find out what works for you is to trust your intuition. Listen to your inner voice and let it guide you.

Realize That Everything Happens for a Reason: Understanding that everything is happening for a reason can help you shift your perspective and begin to see the world in a new light.

Explore Different Spiritual Practices: Try out different spiritual practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga meditation, guided meditation, visualization, and mantra meditation to find what works best for you.

Read Spiritual Literature: Reading spiritual literature can inspire and motivate you to take meaningful steps towards your spiritual journey. Explore different texts and find what resonates with you.

Soul Searching: For most of us, a spiritual journey begins as a result of a deep urge to look for something beyond ordinary life. This leads to a search for meaning and purpose and ultimately spiritual connection.

Find a Spiritual Coach or Guide: A good coach or guide, such as the Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, can help you get clearer on who you are and identify things that may have been out of your awareness. They can also provide guidance and support as you navigate your spiritual journey.

Remember, your spiritual journey is unique to you, and it’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself as you explore and discover what works best for you.

There was an existence before birth. And there is always experience after death! The only difference between the two is frequency or dimension. Determined by our actions or radiations.

We should therefore watch what we sow. And be mindful of the Path that we have chosen to toe. For all our thoughts, deeds and utterances. Are our eternal existence and experiences.

Hence, whether “here or hereafter”. It is left for us to make life better or bitter. Thus, “heaven” and “hell” are in our hands. And by our conducts, we consciously or unconsciously take a stand!

Constant best wishes for a blissful life to all. And eternal peace profound to the world!

ESP Sunday November 9th Parkrose at 1pm. Pronaos Convocation with an experiment on Vibroturgy!

Fratres and Sorores,

I invite you to join us Sunday November 9th @ Parkrose  at 1 pm for our Pronaos Convocation with an experiment on Vibroturgy! 

Join us for the Convocation Ceremony with a popular experiment in Vibroturgy. This experiment helps you prove to yourself that the human aura imprints on the things we wear and if you train your sensitivity as Rosicrucians do, you can pick up insights into the person who wore those things. 

In other words, bring one or two things that you and others you know well, that you or they carried on your bodies. Gender-neutral items are best for testing our sensitivity because, for example, if someone presented a woman’s style wedding ring, it would be easy to discern that the person who wore that ring was a woman. A simple silver chain: not so easy to stereotype. 

There will be discussion and great refreshments afterwards!

This event is open to all AMORC members. Members, please bring your current membership credentials. Also bring refreshments to share, healthy snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

“The Rosicrucians have always believed that our physical body is the Temple in which the soul resides throughout the course of terrestrial life. It should be the object of our greatest respect, for it is the supporting matter from which we can accomplish spiritual evolution.”

Directions can be found at:

Parkrose directions and parking

4812 NE 102nd Ave. Portland, OR 97220

For those whom have not attended before, please arrive 30 minutes early to be shown the ropes.

Schedule

12:30 PM – Doors Open

1:00 PM – Pronaos Convocation

2:00 PM – Experiments, snacks and fascinating discussions

Let us look forward to sharing the impressions we receive and share as we experiment together.

Best wishes for Peace Profound,

Frater Aaron Howard

Helpful links

Website for Pacific Northwest Region, AMORC    

Blog Site for the Pacific Northwest Region of AMORC    

Our Meetup Group    

AMRA Donations

Enneadic Star Pronaos (ESP)

Frog Pond Grange:

27350 Stafford Rd; Wilsonville, OR 97070

Parkrose Lodge

4812 NE 102nd Ave; Portland, OR 97220

Bits of Wisdom Nov.5, 2025

Be mature enough to enjoy and benefit from the beauty and glory of your own company!: And the world would lay bare before you!.

Embrace the intelligence of Silence!; and you would understand the language of the universe!.

Constant Cosmic guidance for a fulfilled existence to all and eternal peace profound to the world!.

Sunday October 26th @ Frogpond 1 PM All Hallows Costume Party – Dinner remembering past members

Fratres and Sorores,

On October 26th, we’ll have a fun party, sort of like a Halloween party, but we’re calling it an All Hallows costume party, in which you are encouraged to Come-As-You-Were!

If you remember a past life as a cowboy, you could come dressed as that, or as a mason, a baker, a priest, an actor! If you don’t remember a past life, but like dressing up, come as you wish, maybe as a fine dandy or a dashing Lady!

Or don’t dress up, but join us anyway.

This is open to members, friends and family. Members, please bring your current membership credentials.

At this party we’ll also speak briefly some memories about the fratres and sorores who have passed through transition in the last few years, and note their contribution to what this group has become.

The Pronaos will be providing two main dishes, one vegan, and one omnivore, so everybody else should bring desserts, non-alcoholic drinks, and side dishes.

We will be meeting at the Frogpond Grange in Wilsonville at 1 pm until 3 pm.

Address: 27350 Stafford Rd. Wilsonville, OR 97070

I’m excited to see who you feel you were in another life or what you envision as another life. See you soon!

Peace Profound, Frater Aaron Howard

Helpful links

Website for Pacific Northwest Region, AMORC    

Blog Site for the Pacific Northwest Region of AMORC  
 
Our Meetup Group    

AMRA Donations

Enneadic Star Pronaos (ESP)

Frog Pond Grange:

27350 Stafford Rd; Wilsonville, OR 97070

Parkrose Lodge

4812 NE 102nd Ave; Portland, OR 97220