Shamanic Roots of Zen
with Tim Burkett
Thursday evenings, June 4 - July 9 (six weeks)
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Foundations of Practice Class
Offered online and in person.
Unearthing the Roots: The Shamanic Origins of Zen
Have you ever wondered about the primal, visceral heart beating beneath the calm surface of Zen meditation? While Zen is often defined by its profound silence and structured discipline, its ancient foundations are deeply rooted in the nature-connected traditions of shamanism.
Join us for "Shamanic Roots of Zen," an immersive exploration that bridges the gap between the seated cushion and the wild, untamed spirit of ancient spiritual practices.
In this class, we will examine:
- The Animistic Pulse: Discover how early Chán (Zen) masters integrated the shamanic recognition of the sacredness in all living things.
- Nature as Teacher: Explore the practices of deep listening and "wild" presence that mirror the traditional shaman’s communion with the spirit of the landscape.
- Joyful Stillness: Reclaim the vitality of meditation as a transformative, experience.
- The Ancestral Bridge: Understand how ancient ritual, mountain asceticism, and the honoring of lineage energies has shaped the Zen tradition.
This six week course is for those seeking to deepen their practice, reconnect with the raw wisdom of the earth, and experience "Zen of the wild."
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.