Energy and Concentration in Zen and Yoga, Online 4/4–6/20
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.
Twelve Sundays, April 4–June 20, 9:30–11:00 am PT
This 12-week online course will focus on the fourth and fifth paramitas (transcendent practices) of virya (energy) and dhyana (meditative concentration).
Beginning with a brief study of the first three paramitas—dana (generosity), sila (uprightness), and kshanti (acceptance)—the class will then take up the practice of virya in vinyasa, an asana practice that simultaneously coordinates breath and movement.*
To study dhyana, we will begin with the practice of mindfulness of breath in the seated posture taught by Shakyamuni Buddha in the Anapanasati Sutta. Readings will be provided for those who are interested in studying various commentaries on the paramitas.
This class will require the ability to practice active yoga and some experience with yoga and meditation practice. The 12-week online format allows for an extended group yoga practice, with time for individualized instruction in the postures.
The following basic props will be helpful:
- 1 yoga mat
- 2 blankets
- 2 yoga blocks
- 1 bolster (thick cushion)
- Meditation support (cushion, seiza bench, or chair)
Recordings of each class will be available to support home practice, and Shokuchi will be available for individual online meetings.
*Developed by the great South Indian Master Krishnamacharya (teacher of well-known Yoga Masters BKS Iyengar, Pattabi Jois, and Desikachar), vinyasa is a practice central to the transformative process of yoga. See Yoga Journal, 11/2012.
Recordings:
All course sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to the recordings for later viewing.
Fee Information
- Benefactor: $664 — supports others’ participation
- Standard ticket price: $531 — covers full program costs
- Member (Become an SFZC Member): $478 — for current SFZC members
- Supported: $319 — community supported rate
- Deeply Supported: $133 — for broadest accessibility
- Current SFZC residents and qualified SFZC retirees may attend this course for free. To register, please email onlineprograms@sfzc.org at least 72 hours before the program begins.
Registration Information
Or call 415-354-0360.
Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan
Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan trained in Zen at San Francisco Zen Center for 20 years, including four practice periods at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center and more than a decade of residential practice at Green Gulch Farm. She was ordained a Soto Zen priest by Tenshin Reb Anderson in 2010 and served as Shuso (Head Student) in 2014.