Zen Foundations: Exploring the Sandokai, Online 5/2 - 6/6

Practice Center
Date / Time
May 2, 2024 / 5:30pm - Jun 6, 2024 / 7:00pm
Event Type
Classes & Extended Courses
Description

The Zoom link to participate in this event will be provided at least 24 hours before it begins. Please call 415-354-0360 if you have any questions.


Six Thursdays, 5:30 – 7 pm PT

This six-week course on the Sandōkai, led by Anshi Zachary Smith, invites both new and seasoned practitioners into a deeper exploration of Zen practice. Throughout this series, Zachary will guide participants through the rich layers of the Sandōkai, exploring its metaphorical propositions that bridge "conventional thinking" with "non-thinking." This journey promises to illuminate the nuanced relationship between these realms, offering insights into the practice's transformative potential.

The Sandōkai, penned by Shítóu Xīqiān during the Táng Dynasty, serves as a poetic manifesto that has profoundly influenced the Zen tradition, including texts such as Dōgen’s Fukanzazengi and the Bǎojìng sānmèi (Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi). Indeed, all existing branches of Zen throughout the world are said to descend from Shítóu Xīqiān (or from his contemporary Mǎzǔ Dàoyī.)

Participants will delve into Shítóu's work, examining how it establishes a framework for understanding and engaging with Zen practice. The course aims to awaken participants to the poem's profound teachings and encourage immediate engagement with practice, embodying the essence of Zen awakening.

Building on the foundation laid in the Bendowa series, this course not only continues the exploration of foundational Zen teachings but also sets the stage for an upcoming series on the Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi led by Fu Schroeder. Join us for this exploration of the Sandōkai as we delve into its timeless wisdom and uncover the essence of practice that has inspired generations.

Recommended Reading:

Branching Streams Flow In the Darkness: Zen Talks on the Sandōkai by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi

Fee Information
  • General: $225
  • Current SFZC Members: $202.50
  • Sliding scale 1: $135
  • Sliding scale 2: $56.25

For additional discount options, please email us at rezoffice@sfzc.org.

Register Online

Or call 415-354-0360.

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