Spring Morning Study Group
Spring Morning Study Group
with Ted O'Toole
Tuesdays, May 6 – June 10, 7:30 – 9:00 am
Offered online and in person
The focus of this study group will be Cultivating the Empty Field, a collection of writings by the twelfth century Chinese Zen master Hongzhi, translated by Taigen Dan Leighton. In articulating "silent illumination," Hongzhi had a profound influence on Chan and Zen, including on Dogen's practice of shikantaza. This study group will focus on Hongzhi's Practice Instructions, which are soaring, surprising, vivid, and encouraging. This is an advanced offering. Participants will be expected to understand the basics of Mahayana Buddhism and have some familiarity with Dogen. We will follow a class discussion format. There will be no assignment prior to the first meeting, but please acquire the book and bring it to the first meeting.
Morning study groups focus on group discussion and are designed for people with an established Zen practice.
Suggested donation: $140
A Note About Donation-only Programming
Following the Buddhist tradition of dana, or giving, MZMC offers all of our programs on a donation basis. We offer a suggested donation amount to help people understand the average amount we hope to receive to continue to make these offerings. We encourage those with more capacity for giving to make a donation above the suggested amount to support those who need to give a smaller amount.
