Skip to content

What we’re about

Zen is one path of Buddhism. Many are attracted to it as there is a natural inclination towards irreverence. But most don't realize that the primary driver of progress towards understanding is the presence of a teacher who will shape a student's experience to promote a progression of insights.

So, if you sense a natural attraction to Zen but have no access to a bona fide Zen teacher, you may be feeling lost as to what to do. Introducing Zen Optimists. Rather than a single teacher shaping our experiences, we study the traditional Japanese weapons arts - the wooden sword (bokken) and the short staff (jo).

Rather than being challenged by a compassionate teacher, we challenge each other with our 'loving attacks' - each requiring us to be perfectly clear in this moment.

Group links

Organizers

Photo of the user Jim Redel
Jim Redel

Members

145
See all
Photo of the user Allen Herring
Photo of the user Larry Larson
Photo of the user Michaela
Photo of the user Colleen Kerns
Photo of the user Ken
Photo of the user Tilia
Photo of the user Annie R
Photo of the user Shar McBride
Photo of the user Ellen Fisher
Photo of the user M Mangan
Photo of the user Melissa Payne
Photo of the user David Rosales