Advanced Studies
Curriculum Year 11–12
Hsin Hsin Ming
This course is a study of the early Zen text, "Trusting the Heartmind" (Hsin Hsin Ming). This piece draws attention to actual experience and inspires us to place our trust and vitality there. Written by Sengts'an, the third Chinese ancestor, the text directs us to live in immediacy rather than in our time-bound, mental constructs of thought and belief.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Dependent Arising ...
Recommended:  Completion of Foundation Studies
Instructor:  Steve Hagen
Class dates:  September 12–October 17
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text is available at no charge by downloading the pdf file below.

Please use the following links to download course handout. If you have trouble with the link, please contact the office. The office is staffed M–Th 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Trusting the Heartmind – 2 pages
*For students who have taken The Dawn of Zen.
Previously this sutra was studied in the course Dawn of Zen. Click HERE to purchase that CD.

The Roots of Zen
What do we mean by “zen?” Is it a school? A path? Is it meditation? In this class, we will look at both the relative (historical) sources of Zen and the source of Zen as the Absolute. At the relative end, our exploration will be speculative and contextual. From the Absolute perspective, we will look directly to the heart of what ails us—what can be known beyond doubt. Throughout the class, we will look at various approaches and teachings that both help and hinder those who would awaken.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Dependent Arising ...
Recommended:  Completion of Foundation Studies
Instructor:  Bev Forsman
Class dates:  October 31–December 5
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text: Handouts and weblinks

The suggested reading for the first class is the essay found through the following link.
  Zen and Buddhism
  Syllabus
  Timeline

 

Stories of Chinese Zen Ancestors
In this class we will focus on dialogues that took place between some of the great Chinese Zen teachers and other Zen practitioners. There will be an attempt to show the relevance of these stories to our everyday lives.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Dependent Arising ...
Recommended:  Completion of Foundation Studies
Instructor:  Norm Randolph
Class dates:  January 9–April 2
(This is a 12-week class, no class February 20)
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text: None.

Peace Studies
There is no way to peace, only ways from it. This course is a study in the Way of peace and understanding, and thereby the road to happiness.

Prerequisite:  Completion of Dependent Arising ...
Recommended:  Completion of Foundation Studies
Instructor:  Bev Forsman and Lee Register
Class dates:  April 16–May 21
Time:  8–9 pm (meditation 7:15–7:50 pm)
Text: TBA