This course offers an introduction to Zen Buddhism, designed for those who may be curious about Zen and wish to learn some of the basic principles. It may also be of interest to those who already have some background in Zen and wish to refresh their appreciation of this remarkable approach to spiritual awareness and personal growth.
EXPERIENTIAL ZEN is not an academic course about Zen. Although fundamental ideas will be outlined and discussed from time to time, the emphasis will be on experiences. The course draws on the wide range of aesthetic and creative potential offered by Zen, which has always emphasized doing over thinking. "Show me! Don't tell me!"
"To study the Buddha Way is to study the self"
Master Dogen, Founder of the Japanese Soto School of Zen
EXPERIENTIAL ZEN offers a weekend of deep relaxation and slowing down, with opportunities for reflection in a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. From this process come fresh energy and new awarenesses.
Through meditation and other Zen-related activities, it is possible to find stillness of mind, even in the midst of our busy everyday lives. The primary approach is through zazen, or sitting meditation, the process of quieting and focusing the mind.
The Zen approach brings us back to each moment, which is where our life takes place. If we miss the moment, we miss our life. "Human beings are constantly on the go," writes John Daido Loori, author of The Eight Gates of Zen. "We seem to have lost the ability to just be quiet, to simply be present in the stillness that is the foundation of our lives. If we never get in touch with that stillness, we never fully experience our lives."
The Zen approach can be summarized in four words: Pause Look Learn Choose.
This approach allows a deep healing of the tensions we habitually carry around, and a subtle but important shift in our way of being in the world.
During this course, several Zen experiences will be offered, designed to quiet the mind, center and relax the body, and stimulate creativity through opening to the moment. Along with an INTRODUCTION (a brief outline of the history and principles of Zen) these experiences will include:
- MEDITATION - introduction and practice of zazen (sitting meditation) and kinhin (walking meditation)
- ZEN YOGA - an approach to focusing and centering the mind and body through yoga-like exercises.
- ZEN POETRY - the writing of haiku and other short forms of Japanese Zen poetry (eg. tanka and senryu).
- THE ZEN GARDEN - an opportunity for each participant to create a miniature Zen garden, according to traditional principles.
- MEDITATION JOURNAL - for reflection and exploring emerging awarenesses.
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Leaders:Mary Helen & Ellery Littleton
Mary Helen and Ellery have been living and practicing Zen (formally and informally) for 30 years or more. Mary Helen is currently studying Zen Buddhism with Reverend Master Meiten, a teacher of the Soto "Serene Reflection" approach to meditation. Ellery is a poet who specializes in the writing of haiku. His book of poetry, Old Rocks, New Streams, was described by one reviewer as "a classical Zen garden in verse."
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| Jul.17-Jul.19, 2009 Fri-Sun; | Register | Tuition: ($350.00) $380.00 | For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $340.00 |
| Nov.13-Nov.15, 2009 Fri-Sun; | Register | Tuition: ($350.00) $380.00 | For 2009 by Dec 15, 2008 $340.00 |
Register for 2009 courses by December 15th, 2008 and pay 2008 Tuition fees.
(early) regular fee: the price in brackets is the "Early Bird" rate for those who register and pay in full at least two weeks before the course begins. The price without brackets is the full price. Prices in Canadian dollars. Meals and accommodation not included. Full room and board is available for an extra charge. See Resort Prices for details.
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