A retreat exploring Zen as a path of spiritual awakening. The emergence of Zen in the Buddhist tradition will be introduced. The differences and similarities between Zen and the contemplative Christian traditions will be clarified. Emphasis will be given to the universal relevance of Zen as a way of becoming a truly awake, compassionate human being.
The topics covered in the conferences include:
Who was the Buddha? What is Zen Buddhism?
The universal truth of Zen as present in all world religions
and in life itself.
Zen Meditation: using koans.
Zen Meditation: Just sitting.
The Heart Sutra.
The Diamond Sutra.
Eihei Dogen: The Zen way of life.
Thomas Merton: The way of Christian Zen.
Suggested Reading
Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of The Buddha's Teachings
The Diamond that Cuts Through Illusion
The Heart of Understanding Suzuki, Shunryu, Zen Mind, Beginners Mind Aitken, Robert Roshi, The Gateless Barrier Abe, Maseo, A Study of Dogen: His Philosophy and Religion Loori, John Daido, The Art of Just Sitting Merton, Thomas, Zen and the Birds of Appetite Merton, Thomas, Mystics and Zen Masters
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