• 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
• main page
Homework Assignments
1. Looking for the ox
Practice:
Daily zazen
Weekly attendance at sitting group
Reading:
Chapters 4 & 5 in Principles of Zen
Sections 4, 20, 25 & 27 from Dropping Ashes on the Buddha.
Suggested Reading: sections 5, 21-24 & 26 from Dropping Ashes on the Buddha
"Memorization":
Memorize at least three of the mantras that we discussed in the first class - these should be mantras you don't already know.
Writing:
Write about your spiritual practice. The first oxherding picture is "looking for the ox". What are you looking for? You can write on the subject of "why I practice." Or you can write in general about your practice, or about how you got started doing Zen. This should be at least 200 words but not more than 2000 words.
2. Seeing the footprints
Practice
Daily zazen
Weekly attendance at sitting group
Reading:
Chapter 1 from Principles of Zen
Sections 1, 2, 9, 10 & 82 from Dropping Ashes on the Buddha
Kubota Jiun's commentary on the first four oxherding pictures: here.
Eido Shimano Roshi's Dharma Talk on "Baso, Chizo, Ekai" (handout).
Suggested Reading: Sections 3 & 5-8 in Dropping Ashes on the Buddha
"Memorization":
If you haven't already, memorize the "Kanzeon".
If you have already memorized the Kanzeon, then start memorizing the Heart Sutra in English - at least the first two "paragraphs".
If you have already memorized the Heart Sutra in English then memorize either the Korean or the Japanese version!
Also (this is for everyone) - learn two more mantras.
Writing
This one is not due until class four - but start on it now!
Write about a "spiritual experience" you have had. This can mean whatever you want it to mean. It could be about falling in love or having your heart broken. Or it could be about sitting in zazen and seeing Kwan Seum Bosal appear in front of you. You can even write fiction if you like - but if you do that please tell me that's what you are doing and remember the first rule of making things up: "if you're going to make something up be sure to make it good!". Like the other writing assignment this should be at least 200 but not more than 2000 words.
3. Catching sight
.... watch this space ......
4. Getting hold of the ox
Since this is the last class there's only one homework assignment: hurry up and get enlightened and save all beings. Seriously. Hurry up!
