Zen Meditation: An Introduction

Introductory Class at NSY Northfield:
Saturday, January 21st;
11:15 am–12:30 pm

There is a suggested donation of $10–$15
that will go to the Chicago Zen Community.

"Zen” comes from the Chinese word ch’an, which is from the Sanskrit word dhyana: meditation. The Zen lineage of Buddhist practice was transmitted from India to China in the 5th century, and has spread from there throughout Asia and now to the West.

Zen is not fixated on dogma or doctrine: it is a mind-body practice. Zen's purpose is not to give you something new or to help you do something new. It is to know the true nature of your existence, and to manifest the freedom that comes from that insight. To practice Zen is to discover what a human being truly is, and to live a life that manifests wisdom.

The best known method used in Zen practice is zazen (seated meditation). Also important are practices working with the subtle energy system of the body. As in centuries past, those who undertake these practices today may attain deep enlightenment within this very life. The authentic expression of such enlightenment is compassion.

This introductory session will instruct the fundamentals of Zen meditation. No experience is required! Instruction will be given by Meido Moore Roshi, a Zen priest and holder of the Rinzai lineage of Zen. For more information on Zen, please see www.korinji.org and www.chicagozencommunity.org.