Activities
About Zen
Studying it [Zen], one discovers the key to all forms of Buddhism;
practicing it, one's life is brought to fulfillment in the attainment of enlightenment. Outwardly it favors discipline over doctrine; inwardly, it brings the Highest Inner Wisdom. This is what the Zen school stands for.
- Myoan Eisai Zenji (1141-1215)
“Zen” comes from the Chinese word ch’an, which is from the Sanskrit word dhyana: meditation. The Zen Buddhist lineage was transmitted from India to China in the 6th century, and has spread from there throughout Asia and now to the West.
Who am I? Why am I here? What is my life for? These are the fundamental human questions. A person comes to Zen when such questions can no longer be ignored. Zen, however, is not fixated on doctrine or dogma: it is a practice of body and mind. Through practice, the answers we seek are recognized within our own being.
Ultimately, the purpose of Zen is not to give you something new, or to help you do something new. It is to glimpse the true nature of your existence, and to manifest the wisdom and fearlessness which are your true potential. To practice Zen is to discover what a human being truly is.
Approached in this way, one's entire life becomes the dojo: a place of enlightenment. Zen shows us that the path of wisdom and freedom, our true path, has always been right here at our own feet:
At this moment, what is there you lack?
Nirvana presents itself before you!
This very place is the Pure Land,
This very body, the Buddha.
- Hakuin Ekaku Zenji (1685-1768)
Please click below to read more detailed descriptions of the elements of our Zen practice:
- Direct Pointing: Entering the Gate
- Advanced Practice
- Samadhi: The Mind of Zen
- Zazen and Kinhin: Meditation Practice
- Koan Practice
- Sanzen: Meeting with a Teacher
- Okyo: Chanting Practice
- Samu: Work Practice
- Sesshin and Other Retreats
- Study of Texts
- Tanden Kokyuho
- Naikan no Ho and Nanso no Ho
- Do-in Ho
- Hara Tanren
- Hojo
- Massage
- Fine arts: Zen calligraphy
- Martial arts
