Zen and Everyday Life Class Series

The teachers of the Original Root Zen Center are offering a seven week series of classes investigating the basics of Zen Buddhism, and how these can be applied in everyday life. Each teacher is certified by ORZC to teach after a 3 year training program. Teachers vary from 10 to 40 years of Zen practice experience, however each builds their class from intense study, dialog with other teachers, and continuing daily meditation and consultation at ORZC. Classes are Mondays, 6-8pm. Enrollment is offered for the entire series or any ‘ala carte’ combination of classes.

Classes are $20 each. The following are reduced total prices for multiple classes.
2 classes = $37, 3 classes = $55, 4 classes = $72, 5 classes = $90, 6 classes = $105, All 7 classes = $110 

October 22     Rev. Susan Jaimes    “Transform body pain into helping energy”

Elder Teacher Sue will offer a practical guide to transforming pain through simple meditation techniques. The practices taught during this class can help those who suffer with everyday body aches as well as those who have pain arising from severe and chronic medical diagnoses. This class is meant to reinforce, not substitute for, qualified medical treatment.

October 29    Rev. Kim House        “Sweeping the floor is sweeping the floor”

Using the Zen Buddhist tradition of work meditation, Kim will guide participants in transforming daily chores into opportunities for meticulous, peaceful attention. Based on his experience as Dogam (Housemaster) at ORZC, Kim will offer organization tips, meditation practices, and 'how-to' advice that changes chores into joyful experiences.

November 5    Rev. Jeno Somlai    “Listening to the moment”

This class will develop listening skills, as Jeno will use chanting and listening meditation exercises to aid those seeking to hear the sounds all around them, including requests for help. Participants will create and take home a daily listening journal, "Transcribing your life."

November 12    Rev. Linda Somlai    “How to cook with what you have”

Master Teacher Linda will be offering an ‘open pantry’ style of cooking instruction. She’ll discuss the basics to stock in the pantry, and how to pay attention to what you have, what you need, and family dynamics and health when meal planning outside of recipes.

November 19    Rev. Anton Somlai    “Eating what is offered”

Master Teacher Tony will teach how eating alone and with others can be a meditative practice. He uses the forms of the tea ceremony as well as formal retreat meals to show how meticulous choices and attentive eating lead to a truly inter -dependent and intimate experience that does not waste.

November 26     Rev. Janine Anderson     “Communicating through voice and silence”

This class uses Zen Buddhist chanting and mantra practice to show how focused attention on others cuts through the busyness that hinders communication. Janine offers guidance on listening while investigating our own speech, fostering genuine interaction with others.

December 3    Rev. Mathew Somlai    “Creative meditation practice”

This class will be held at ORZC’s store, Sangha Root, where Abbot Mathew will introduce methods of creative meditation, using items and skills we all have to attentively and meticulously create arts and crafts. We will be working on three different take-home art/craft projects as meditations.

Download the registration form.