Are you new to meditation or Zen practice? Have you read books about Zen, or been doing meditation on your own? Do you think you’d like to study with a teacher?
Zen emphasizes rigorous self-control, meditation-practice, insight into the nature of things, and the personal expression of this insight in daily life, especially for the benefit of others. As such, it de-emphasizes mere knowledge of doctrine and favors direct understanding through spiritual practice and interaction with an accomplished teacher.
Zen emphasizes zazen, meditation in a sitting position. In Soto, the emphasis is on shikantaza, "just sitting." In alternation with zazen, there is walking meditation, kinhin, in which one walks with full attention. To facilitate insight, a Zen teacher can assign an anecdote, which may seem irrational, but contains subtle references to wise teachings.
Zen-meditation aims at "non-thinking" and assaults duality, breaking through our illusory separation of mind and body, self and other and life and death. Zen training brings about not only a shift in subjective experience but a transformation in the physical scaffolding of the human body such that it functions in service of the whole picture.
The Kashimon Dojo facilitates wellness through Zen mediation and mindfulness-based classes weekly. We study under the experienced guidance of Accredited Zen Teachers.
Our 3 day Seminars:
During the weekend, you’ll receive instruction in zazen (seated meditation) and have a chance to experience and ask questions about the practice, work as sacred activity, moral teachings, compassion, and study. You’ll learn how to establish a consistent home practice and receive guidance on bringing it into your work, family, and relationships. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity for private interview with an experienced teacher to explore the importance of the teacher-student relationship for the spiritual path. We offer this program a couple time a year. Please keep checking.
About the Instructor:
Ryushin Sensei (inset right) is a Zen priest in the tradition of Zen Buddhism, and a Dharma heir of the late John Daido Loori, Roshi. Ryushin Sensei was the Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery from 2009-2015. Born in Warsaw, Poland, he immigrated to the United States in 1967. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Yale University in 1976. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1980, working first as a pediatrician in Portland, Maine, and then serving in the US Navy as a physician for three years. He then returned to Albany for postgraduate training in psychiatry. After completing his residency, he served as medical director for a community psychiatric outreach program. He entered full-time residential training at the Monastery in 1992. Drawing on his background as a physician and psychiatrist, Ryushin’s infectious interest and thorough training in the workings of the mind, combined with his skill at translating complex concepts into the accessible, everyday language, characterize his unique teaching style.
Zen emphasizes rigorous self-control, meditation-practice, insight into the nature of things, and the personal expression of this insight in daily life, especially for the benefit of others. As such, it de-emphasizes mere knowledge of doctrine and favors direct understanding through spiritual practice and interaction with an accomplished teacher.
Zen emphasizes zazen, meditation in a sitting position. In Soto, the emphasis is on shikantaza, "just sitting." In alternation with zazen, there is walking meditation, kinhin, in which one walks with full attention. To facilitate insight, a Zen teacher can assign an anecdote, which may seem irrational, but contains subtle references to wise teachings.
Zen-meditation aims at "non-thinking" and assaults duality, breaking through our illusory separation of mind and body, self and other and life and death. Zen training brings about not only a shift in subjective experience but a transformation in the physical scaffolding of the human body such that it functions in service of the whole picture.
The Kashimon Dojo facilitates wellness through Zen mediation and mindfulness-based classes weekly. We study under the experienced guidance of Accredited Zen Teachers.
Our 3 day Seminars:
During the weekend, you’ll receive instruction in zazen (seated meditation) and have a chance to experience and ask questions about the practice, work as sacred activity, moral teachings, compassion, and study. You’ll learn how to establish a consistent home practice and receive guidance on bringing it into your work, family, and relationships. Moreover, you’ll have the opportunity for private interview with an experienced teacher to explore the importance of the teacher-student relationship for the spiritual path. We offer this program a couple time a year. Please keep checking.
About the Instructor:
Ryushin Sensei (inset right) is a Zen priest in the tradition of Zen Buddhism, and a Dharma heir of the late John Daido Loori, Roshi. Ryushin Sensei was the Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery from 2009-2015. Born in Warsaw, Poland, he immigrated to the United States in 1967. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Yale University in 1976. He received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1980, working first as a pediatrician in Portland, Maine, and then serving in the US Navy as a physician for three years. He then returned to Albany for postgraduate training in psychiatry. After completing his residency, he served as medical director for a community psychiatric outreach program. He entered full-time residential training at the Monastery in 1992. Drawing on his background as a physician and psychiatrist, Ryushin’s infectious interest and thorough training in the workings of the mind, combined with his skill at translating complex concepts into the accessible, everyday language, characterize his unique teaching style.
