The Circle of the Way: Early Zen in China
Details
Hybrid: In-person and Zoom
Saturday, July 11, 9-11 am
By donation: $5 - $70
No one tuned away for lack of funds
Register here.
With Myoshin Benjamin
In this class, the first in an occasional series, we will learn about our Zen ancestors in ancient China before and during the Tang Dynasty (prior to 907 CE). We will examine how Buddhism first came to China, learn about the first six patriarchs along with three enlightened nuns, and understand how Buddhism from India began its transformation into the Zen we practice today. We will also engage with at least two texts from this time period to help provide a flavor of the teachings from this era.
The primary source for the class will be The Circle of the Way, A Concise History of Zen from the Buddha to the Modern World by Barbara O’Brien. This newer text incorporates modern scholarship and archaeological findings with traditional lore to discuss the development of Zen doctrine and practice.