• Small classes, flexible scheduling
• No previous knowledge or experience assumed
• Practical instruction in sitting meditation, chanting and mantra practice
• Background on the history and philosophy of Zen Buddhism
• Course texts: Principles of Zen by Martine Batchelor, and Dropping Ashes on the Buddha by Seung Sahn Sunim
• Intended audience: anyone interested in beginning a daily meditation practice with the support of a spiritual community and a teacher
Currently Scheduled Classes - through November, 2006
Saturday classes: Noon to 2 pm
(except for Class Four)
Tuesday & Wednesday classes: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Sunday Classes: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Class One
Class Two
Saturday August 19
Wednesday August 23
Saturday August 26
Sunday September 3
Class Three
Wednesday August 30
Saturday September 2
Tuesday September 12
Class Four (10:00 am - 5:30 pm)
Saturday September 9
Wednesday September 20
Saturday September 23
The first three classes can also be offered, by arrangement, on the following dates in October if there is interest:
Saturday September 30
Saturday November 18
Saturday October 14
Tuesday October 17
Saturday October 21
Sunday October 22
Saturday October 28
Classes will resume in 2007 for new students as well as for those who have not yet completed the series.
• Join the "Principles of Zen" Yahoo group
• Syllabus for all four classes
• On-line resources related to the oxherding pictures
• Website for Dae Do Sah
• Registration and course fees
• Location Location Location
• the Teacher
• HOMEWORK
Course Overview
About a thousand years ago Chinese Zen Masters developed a method of teaching based on 10 "oxherding" pictures. The first four of these pictures describe the solid basis that any spiritual practice requires:
1. Looking for the ox
All spiritual practice requires the cultivation of "way seeking mind". As Socrates said, "the unexamined life is not worth living."
2. Seeing the footprints
Daily spiritual practice has many benefits. Among the greatest of these is an enhanced awareness of habitual patterns of behavior and thought in our day-to-day lives. This awareness helps us to get "unstuck", and is also necessary for us to better see the mind just as it is.
3. Catching sight
An ancient Zen saying is "all of the Buddhas have just been persons who have understood their own minds." This means that Enlightenment is not a far-off final goal. Realization - seeing the mind just as it is - is available in every moment. Including, especially, this moment.
4. Getting hold of the ox
Spiritual practice does not end with a single moment of insight - in fact that is just the beginning. Staying on the path requires great effort and a significant comittment. Being part of a wider spiritual community helps us to keep going.
