
This monthly group meeting led by Roshis Enkyo and Joshin will use koans from the Mumonkan, the “Gateless Gate,” to deepen our relationship to reality and learn to return to Beginner’s Mind.
There are many translations, with commentaries, available on the Mumonkan. We’ll work from the Shibayama version, published by Shambhala: The Gateless Barrier, Zen Comments on the Mumonkan.
In addition to lectures, class discussion and small group work, a monthly reflection in writing about the koan is encouraged. Posting to the class listserve helps to keep the koan present in our everyday minds. When we take the time to practice with a koan, to sit with it, to turn it around in our heart-minds, to question it, and ourselves (!), we allow ourselves to open to the rather oblique Zen teaching embedded within.
For the first class come ready to discuss why we study koans. The online Path is interactive. Please be sure your audio connectivity is functioning effectively!
Can you think of a koan that you remember hearing about, that affected you? How?
Dates: Feb 20, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 19, July 17
Technical Guidelines: This is an interactive online class in which participants engage in close communication. To support this, your internet connectivity should meet standard requirements i.e. your audio must be clear and your screen have good and continual visibility. Using a headset with a built-in microphone is recommended. Use of a cell phone or other wireless device is discouraged as calls may be dropped and sound and visibility poor.