Pure Heart, Enlightened Mind: The Life and Letters of an Irish Zen Saint

In 1979, 24-year-old Irish-American Maura O'Halloran moved to Japan and became the first woman ever admitted to Toshoji Temple. Soshin-san (O'Halloran's monastic name) labored through 3 hard years of intense work and study in preparation for becoming a dharma teacher. Her life ended abruptly during a trip to Thailand, and today Soshin-san is revered as a Buddhist saint. The writings in this program are from her private and heartfelt journals and letters. They eloquently describe the rigors, hardships, and ultimate joys of Zen training and temple life, while providing a unique insight into the soul of a beloved, spiritual woman.