Zen Studies Classes
3rd Sunday of the
Month 10:00 AM
Suggested Donation $10 per class
Class Syllabus
I.
Introduction to Buddhism-
October 21, 2007
Instructor- Ninshin Rachel McCormick, Sensei
The Basic Teachings of Buddhism including a brief overview of
the life of the Buddha and his successors, the Four Noble
Truths, The Eightfold Noble Path and the different braches of
Buddhism that emerged over time.
II.
The Sutras-
November 18, 2007
Instructor- Ninshin Rachel McCormick, Sensei
An introduction to the many Sutras and texts associated with
Buddhism and Zen in particular. We will take a look at the daily
Sutras chanted at Pine Wind Zen Center in an effort to deepen
our understanding of their meaning and how they empower our
practice.
III.
Zen Art Practice-
December 16, 2007
To Be Rescheduled in the Future
Instructor- Shunryu Michael Ginder, Sensei
Explore your intuitive and creative side as we create art with a
Zen Mind.
IV.
The Avatamsaka Sutra-
January 20, 2008
Instructor- Howard Enfiejian, PhD
Joseph Campbell once remarked that the vision of the universe
revealed to us by science cannot be accommodated by the myths of
any existing religion, and that in the centuries to come a new
vision and new visionaries are needed to reinvent our mythic,
spiritual vision of the universe. This might be a little
premature. The vision of the cosmos offered by Buddhism is
sufficiently vast to contain anything that we might imagine.
This will be suggested through the introduction of the
Avantamsaka Sutra. Chapter is entitled “The Incalculable” makes
the point.
V.
The Diamond Sutra and the story of Hui Neng-
February 17, 2008
Instructor- Ninshin Rachel McCormick, Sensei
A look at the story of Hui Neng, the Sixth Patriarch of Zen
Buddhism and the Sutra that is most often associated with him,
“The Diamond Cutter”. Hui Neng is a powerful example in Zen,
illustrating for us that awakening is purely experiential,
beyond the grasp our intellectual understanding.
VI.
Awakening Abundance-
March 16, 2008
Instructor- Dr. Nora L. Dellacroce
We will apply the teachings we have learned from the “Diamond
Cutter Sutra” in terms of how it can apply to our daily lives.
Taking lessons from the book:
The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your
Business and Your Life
by. We
learn that the
teachings of Zen are not separate from our daily lives. Mind,
body spirit and yes…even finance are all part of our spiritual
well-being. Manifesting abundance in our lives is the result of
awakening to our true, unlimited potential.
VII.
Rikyu and the Tea Ceremony-
April 20, 2008
Instructor: Ninshin Rachel McCormick, Sensei
Tea Masters study for an entire lifetime to master the art of
the Tea Ceremony. This class will be an introduction to the
origins, history and practice of one of Zen’s most beautiful and
sublime rituals, Chado, “The Way of Tea”.
VIII.
Zen Art Practice-
May 18, 2008
Instructor- Shunryu Michael Ginder, Sensei
Explore your intuitive and creative side as we create art with a
Zen Mind.
***Student Papers are Due***
IX.
Student Presentations-
June 15, 2008
Formal Students in the Zen Studies Program will do brief
presentations on the topics or prominent Buddhist figures they
have chosen to study.
X.
Kundun-
July 20, 2008
We will Complete Part 1 of the Zen Studies Program by watching
the film “Kundun”, a beautiful rendition of the life of His
Holiness the Dalai Lama. The viewing of the movie will be
followed be refreshments and time for discussion and fellowship.
Suggested Donation $10 per class
Copyright 2007
© The Zen Society. All rights reserved.
