Advanced Studies
Selections from the Pali Canon: What were the first teachings of Buddhism?
The Pali Canon is the first written record of Buddhism and is widely regarded as the closest we can come to the actual teachings of the Buddha and his earliest followers. Emphasizing practical teachings and complete devotion to letting go of the causes of suffering, the Pali canon has inspired billions of people. We'll study how to bring these first Buddhist practices and teachings into our lives.
Diamond Sutra and Nagarjuna's Middle Way: What is beyond self and other?
The Diamond Sutra uses poetic and devotional language to expand our minds beyond our usual limited ways of being so we can live without separating our selves from life through preconceptions. Nagarjuna's teachings on the Middle Way deconstruct all conceptions to show how our thinking mind limits our contact with the infinite, inconceivable, unfolding of the universe. We'll study how both teachings can lead us to what Nagarjuna calls "the peaceful."
Yogacara and Buddhist Psychology: How do we work with the mind?
Yogacara, or Mind-Only, Buddhism emphasizes psychological transformation through Buddhist practice. The psychological insights formed by this tradition two thousand years ago still ring true, and the Yogacara principle that each aspect of our consciousness can be transformed into enlightened activity by wholehearted attention profoundly influences the way we practice Zen.
Zen koans: How do we live in not-knowing?
Koans, brief paradoxical Zen stories and questions, are one of the most unique aspects of our tradition. They pose an impossible barrier to our conventional minds to encourage us to break through to a new and vibrant way of being. This class is an invitation to encounter Zen thought in its most spontaneous and dynamic form.
Zen Poetry: How is the inexpressible expressed?
Many of the greatest expressions of Zen wisdom have come in the form of poetry, often focusing on encouragement for practice and appreciation of nature. Many great teachers of our past have used poetry as one of their principal means of revealing their way and their wisdom. This class will allow you to wade into one of the world's great bodies of spiritual literature.
Dogen: How do we realize the fundamental point?
Dogen Zenji, founder of our Soto school of Zen, was possessed with an astonishing combination of poetic facility, and spiritual and philosophical insight. His commitment to conveying the principle that enlightenment is available to everyone in every moment shines through his writings. Here is a chance to encounter the teacher who formed the way we practice at MZMC.
Click here for our current class offerings.
The Pali Canon is the first written record of Buddhism and is widely regarded as the closest we can come to the actual teachings of the Buddha and his earliest followers. Emphasizing practical teachings and complete devotion to letting go of the causes of suffering, the Pali canon has inspired billions of people. We'll study how to bring these first Buddhist practices and teachings into our lives.
Diamond Sutra and Nagarjuna's Middle Way: What is beyond self and other?
The Diamond Sutra uses poetic and devotional language to expand our minds beyond our usual limited ways of being so we can live without separating our selves from life through preconceptions. Nagarjuna's teachings on the Middle Way deconstruct all conceptions to show how our thinking mind limits our contact with the infinite, inconceivable, unfolding of the universe. We'll study how both teachings can lead us to what Nagarjuna calls "the peaceful."
Yogacara and Buddhist Psychology: How do we work with the mind?
Yogacara, or Mind-Only, Buddhism emphasizes psychological transformation through Buddhist practice. The psychological insights formed by this tradition two thousand years ago still ring true, and the Yogacara principle that each aspect of our consciousness can be transformed into enlightened activity by wholehearted attention profoundly influences the way we practice Zen.
Zen koans: How do we live in not-knowing?
Koans, brief paradoxical Zen stories and questions, are one of the most unique aspects of our tradition. They pose an impossible barrier to our conventional minds to encourage us to break through to a new and vibrant way of being. This class is an invitation to encounter Zen thought in its most spontaneous and dynamic form.
Zen Poetry: How is the inexpressible expressed?
Many of the greatest expressions of Zen wisdom have come in the form of poetry, often focusing on encouragement for practice and appreciation of nature. Many great teachers of our past have used poetry as one of their principal means of revealing their way and their wisdom. This class will allow you to wade into one of the world's great bodies of spiritual literature.
Dogen: How do we realize the fundamental point?
Dogen Zenji, founder of our Soto school of Zen, was possessed with an astonishing combination of poetic facility, and spiritual and philosophical insight. His commitment to conveying the principle that enlightenment is available to everyone in every moment shines through his writings. Here is a chance to encounter the teacher who formed the way we practice at MZMC.
Click here for our current class offerings.