Essential Buddhist Teachings on Awakening: The Path of Zen

Zen master Bankei said, “Rather than trying to become a buddha, nothing could be simpler than taking the shortcut of remaining a buddha!” We are that which we long for. In the original spirit of Zen, we focus on direct experience. We recognize that we are already the Buddha. Given the fact that we often do not experience ourselves that way, through compassionate awareness we inquire into the nature of what appears to block realization. Even while exploring the mind of limitation, we do so from the recognition of ourselves as whole, complete, and interconnected. Our practice of inquiry becomes a non-practice of resting and remaining in that which we already are. Special guest Rolf Gates will offer yoga movement as an experiential learning process to practice the principles of yoga and experience how mindful movement can help support awakening.

This workshop is part of Esalen’s property-wide Essential Buddhist Teachings on Awakening silent retreat. On Saturday evening, the group will come together with the other Buddhist workshops in order to discuss and explore the differing and complementary perspectives of Buddhist teachings from different traditions.

Note: Outside of class sessions, the community will remain in social silence in order to allow a deepening relationship to self, to one another, and to nature.