On Monday and Tuesday evenings, from September through May, Dharma Field offers courses on Zen Buddhism and related topics.
To take courses online, see here for more information.
To take courses online, see here for more information.
Classes & Workshops
CLASS AUDIO for classes:
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online, click icon to access the talks, and use the password that was provided in your registration email.
If you miss a class or are taking the classes online, click icon to access the talks, and use the password that was provided in your registration email.
2023-2024 Curriculum
Monday Classes
Tuesday Classes
- Buddhist Foundations (Jed Larson), Sep 11-Oct 16
- The Nondifference of Relative and Absolute (Steve Hagen), Oct 30-Dec 4
- Mountains and Waters (Beau Elkington), Jan 8-Feb 12
- The Whole-Hearted Way: Dōgen’s Bendowa (12 wks.) (Steve Matuszak), Feb 19-Mar 25; Apr 8-May 13
Tuesday Classes
- Wholly Immeasurable (Steve Matuszak), Sep 12-Oct 17
- Trusting the Heartmind (Toku Cynthia Scott), Oct 31-Nov 21
- The Quality of Existence (Steve Matuszak), Jan 9-Jan 30
- Mind and Consciousness: A No-Brainer (Steve Hagen), Feb 6-27
- The Path of Zen (Jed Larson), Mar 5-Apr 9
- Flower Garland (Mary Sullivan), Apr 16-May 21
Buddhist Foundations
Mondays, Sep 11-Oct 16, 7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Jed Larson
What did the Buddha teach? What are the most central aspects of the Buddha Dharma?
This course will focus on the primary teachings of the Buddha and how these teachings address perplexing questions that come up in life; is it possible to really understand our situation and the situation of the world, is freedom of mind possible, if it is possible… how?
These universal and timeless truths not only show us the source of anxiety and turmoil, but point the way to sorrow’s end—an understanding of true peace and sanity. These teachings directly focus on awareness, and include the Buddha’s insight on what it means to live and practice a life of awakening.
Text (optional reading):
Buddhism Plain and Simple, Steve Hagen, pp. 1–59
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mondays, Sep 11-Oct 16, 7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Jed Larson
What did the Buddha teach? What are the most central aspects of the Buddha Dharma?
This course will focus on the primary teachings of the Buddha and how these teachings address perplexing questions that come up in life; is it possible to really understand our situation and the situation of the world, is freedom of mind possible, if it is possible… how?
These universal and timeless truths not only show us the source of anxiety and turmoil, but point the way to sorrow’s end—an understanding of true peace and sanity. These teachings directly focus on awareness, and include the Buddha’s insight on what it means to live and practice a life of awakening.
Text (optional reading):
Buddhism Plain and Simple, Steve Hagen, pp. 1–59
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Wholly Immeasurable
Tuesdays, Sep 12-Oct 17, 7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Steve Matuszak
In this course, we will be looking at the “Four Immeasurables,” which in Mahayana Buddhism are often included with the Six Perfections, itself a central teaching of the Mahayana. Like the precepts and the Perfections, the “Four Immeasurables” are not rules of conduct, but expressions of an Enlightened Mind.
- Syllabus
- Karaniya Metta Sutta
- Brahmavihara Sutta
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Tuesdays, Sep 12-Oct 17, 7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Steve Matuszak
In this course, we will be looking at the “Four Immeasurables,” which in Mahayana Buddhism are often included with the Six Perfections, itself a central teaching of the Mahayana. Like the precepts and the Perfections, the “Four Immeasurables” are not rules of conduct, but expressions of an Enlightened Mind.
- Syllabus
- Karaniya Metta Sutta
- Brahmavihara Sutta
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Way-Seeking Mind
Tuesdays, Apr 18-May 23, 7:45-8:45 pm (CT)
Led by Jed Larson
Way-Seeking Mind, is the aspiration to wake up.
Author of Zen Mind Beginners Mind, Suzuki Roshi, says “The way-seeking mind means the conviction to fly as a bird in the air, to enjoy our life in this vast world of freedom.”
Zen teacher Dogen points to freedom of this here/now experience by saying “for establishing the awakening-mind, we do not bring it from elsewhere; we establish the mind by taking up the awakening-mind itself.”
In this class we will look at how this subtle teaching both points to freedom of mind and also gives down-to-earth advice for establishing and maintaining our practice, and for living a life of awareness.
Text that will be referenced in class:
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Tuesdays, Apr 18-May 23, 7:45-8:45 pm (CT)
Led by Jed Larson
Way-Seeking Mind, is the aspiration to wake up.
Author of Zen Mind Beginners Mind, Suzuki Roshi, says “The way-seeking mind means the conviction to fly as a bird in the air, to enjoy our life in this vast world of freedom.”
Zen teacher Dogen points to freedom of this here/now experience by saying “for establishing the awakening-mind, we do not bring it from elsewhere; we establish the mind by taking up the awakening-mind itself.”
In this class we will look at how this subtle teaching both points to freedom of mind and also gives down-to-earth advice for establishing and maintaining our practice, and for living a life of awareness.
Text that will be referenced in class:
- Unpublished transcripts of Suzuki Roshi lectures on “Way-Seeking Mind”
- Dogen Zenji’s work Establishment of the Will to the Supreme (Hotsu-mujōshin). You can find an authorized version here. The work is in Book III, p. 230 in the PDF (p. 215 as seen in the book).
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
The Hidden Lamp
Mondays, Apr 24-May 15, 7:45-8:45 pm (CT)
Led by Mary Sullivan
In this class, Mary will explore the book The Hidden Lamp, a collection of one hundred koans and stories of Buddhist women from the time of the Buddha to the present day. In this book we meet nuns, laywomen & famous teachers. It’s a collection of extraordinary stories and a rich history of Zen practitioners and teachers.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mondays, Apr 24-May 15, 7:45-8:45 pm (CT)
Led by Mary Sullivan
In this class, Mary will explore the book The Hidden Lamp, a collection of one hundred koans and stories of Buddhist women from the time of the Buddha to the present day. In this book we meet nuns, laywomen & famous teachers. It’s a collection of extraordinary stories and a rich history of Zen practitioners and teachers.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
The Hidden Lamp
Mondays, Apr 24-May 15, 7:45-8:45 pm (CT)
Led by Mary Sullivan
In this class, Mary will explore the book The Hidden Lamp, a collection of one hundred koans and stories of Buddhist women from the time of the Buddha to the present day. In this book we meet nuns, laywomen & famous teachers. It’s a collection of extraordinary stories and a rich history of Zen practitioners and teachers.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mondays, Apr 24-May 15, 7:45-8:45 pm (CT)
Led by Mary Sullivan
In this class, Mary will explore the book The Hidden Lamp, a collection of one hundred koans and stories of Buddhist women from the time of the Buddha to the present day. In this book we meet nuns, laywomen & famous teachers. It’s a collection of extraordinary stories and a rich history of Zen practitioners and teachers.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Diamond Sutra Part 1 of 2
Mondays, Jan 16 - Feb 20, 7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Steve Matuszak
Beyond the basic wisdom teachings of the Buddha lies the Prajñaparamita, or Perfection of Wisdom teachings. Building on the basic teachings of the Buddha, the Diamond Sutra teaches how we may cut through our basic views of reality––of ourselves and the world––to awaken to Reality unencumbered by theory, speculation, or belief. The Diamond Sutra set of classes will be offered in two parts, each six weeks in length.
The Diamond Sutra text
Syllabus
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mondays, Jan 16 - Feb 20, 7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Steve Matuszak
Beyond the basic wisdom teachings of the Buddha lies the Prajñaparamita, or Perfection of Wisdom teachings. Building on the basic teachings of the Buddha, the Diamond Sutra teaches how we may cut through our basic views of reality––of ourselves and the world––to awaken to Reality unencumbered by theory, speculation, or belief. The Diamond Sutra set of classes will be offered in two parts, each six weeks in length.
The Diamond Sutra text
Syllabus
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Living Practice
Tuesdays, Jan 17-Feb 21
7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Beau Elkington
Right Living comprises the morality teachings of Buddhism which includes Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. This class follows the wisdom teachings of the prior class, Wisdom of Sound Understanding, which is foundational for living practice that doesn’t rely on “judgment or discriminative thinking.” Living practice stems from seeing the Whole. This class will explore the teachings of morality, right view, two truths, wholeness, and interdependence by drawing from the text Buddhism Plain and Simple.
Syllabus
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Tuesdays, Jan 17-Feb 21
7:45-8:45 pm (CST)
Led by Beau Elkington
Right Living comprises the morality teachings of Buddhism which includes Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. This class follows the wisdom teachings of the prior class, Wisdom of Sound Understanding, which is foundational for living practice that doesn’t rely on “judgment or discriminative thinking.” Living practice stems from seeing the Whole. This class will explore the teachings of morality, right view, two truths, wholeness, and interdependence by drawing from the text Buddhism Plain and Simple.
Syllabus
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Everything Is Reality
Mondays, Oct 31-Dec 5
7:45-8:45 pm (CDT)
Led by Steve Matuszak
Looking closely at our experience, we can see that there really isn’t something here. Yet, we cannot say there’s nothing, either. It is a seeming conundrum that can be paralyzing for some, but we can ultimately see through it. Transcending our dualistic interpretations of experience, this course explores the World as seen and understood by the Awakened.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mondays, Oct 31-Dec 5
7:45-8:45 pm (CDT)
Led by Steve Matuszak
Looking closely at our experience, we can see that there really isn’t something here. Yet, we cannot say there’s nothing, either. It is a seeming conundrum that can be paralyzing for some, but we can ultimately see through it. Transcending our dualistic interpretations of experience, this course explores the World as seen and understood by the Awakened.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
The Wisdom of Sound Understanding
Tuesdays, Nov 1-Dec 6
7:45-8:45 pm (CDT)
Led by Jed Larson
The Wisdom teachings of Buddhism are defined by two components, Right View and Right Intention. These teachings point to what is reliable, trustworthy – a sound understanding of Reality as it is. They speak of an understanding based on experience, what is immediately and directly verifiable, rather than "right ideas" vs. "wrong ideas". This class will explore these teachings as well as teachings of not-self and interdependence by drawing from the text Buddhism Plain and Simple.
Text: Buddhism Plain and Simple, Steve Hagen
If you'd like to read ahead, pages 54-55 provide an introduction to right view and right intention with further detail on pages 66-69 and 73-76. We will also be covering selections from the last three chapters (10, 11 & 12) of the book, as well as the Appendix on Dependent Arising. We will follow those readings sequentially, thus the first class will cover right view.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Tuesdays, Nov 1-Dec 6
7:45-8:45 pm (CDT)
Led by Jed Larson
The Wisdom teachings of Buddhism are defined by two components, Right View and Right Intention. These teachings point to what is reliable, trustworthy – a sound understanding of Reality as it is. They speak of an understanding based on experience, what is immediately and directly verifiable, rather than "right ideas" vs. "wrong ideas". This class will explore these teachings as well as teachings of not-self and interdependence by drawing from the text Buddhism Plain and Simple.
Text: Buddhism Plain and Simple, Steve Hagen
If you'd like to read ahead, pages 54-55 provide an introduction to right view and right intention with further detail on pages 66-69 and 73-76. We will also be covering selections from the last three chapters (10, 11 & 12) of the book, as well as the Appendix on Dependent Arising. We will follow those readings sequentially, thus the first class will cover right view.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mountains and Waters
Mondays, Jan 8-Feb 12
7:45-8:45 pm
Led by Beau Elkington
This class will explore “Sansuikyo,” or the “Mountains and Waters Sutra” from Dogen’s Shobogenzo. Sansuikyo is considered “a masterpiece of poetry and insight” and offers penetrating insight to the inseparability of all beings. This is not study of a sutra about mountains and waters, but rather Dogen shares that mountains and waters are sutra.
Text: The Mountains and Waters Sutra by Shohaku Okumura.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mondays, Jan 8-Feb 12
7:45-8:45 pm
Led by Beau Elkington
This class will explore “Sansuikyo,” or the “Mountains and Waters Sutra” from Dogen’s Shobogenzo. Sansuikyo is considered “a masterpiece of poetry and insight” and offers penetrating insight to the inseparability of all beings. This is not study of a sutra about mountains and waters, but rather Dogen shares that mountains and waters are sutra.
Text: The Mountains and Waters Sutra by Shohaku Okumura.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
The Quality of Existence
Tuesdays, Jan 9 – Jan 30
7:45-8:45 pm
Led by Steve Matuszak
Who am I? Why am I here? How come this is happening to me? These questions might arise for us at times throughout our lives, especially when things seem unmanageable. While none can be answered with any degree of satisfaction, we can see how they point to assumptions we make about our everyday experience that determine the very quality of our lives. In this course, we will look at Buddhist teachings that invite us to interrogate those assumptions, look more closely at our experience, and free ourselves from the suffering incurred by our most basic beliefs.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Tuesdays, Jan 9 – Jan 30
7:45-8:45 pm
Led by Steve Matuszak
Who am I? Why am I here? How come this is happening to me? These questions might arise for us at times throughout our lives, especially when things seem unmanageable. While none can be answered with any degree of satisfaction, we can see how they point to assumptions we make about our everyday experience that determine the very quality of our lives. In this course, we will look at Buddhist teachings that invite us to interrogate those assumptions, look more closely at our experience, and free ourselves from the suffering incurred by our most basic beliefs.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Courses Recently Completed
The Nondifference of Relative and Absolute
Mondays, Oct 30 - Dec 4
7:45-8:45 pm (CDT)
Led by Steve Hagen
This class will take a novel approach to the classic Zen text, “The Merging of Difference and Unity,” or Sandokai, that will permit us a full understanding of this innovative teaching.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Mondays, Oct 30 - Dec 4
7:45-8:45 pm (CDT)
Led by Steve Hagen
This class will take a novel approach to the classic Zen text, “The Merging of Difference and Unity,” or Sandokai, that will permit us a full understanding of this innovative teaching.
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Trusting the Heartmind:
An Inquiry into the Hsin Hsin Ming
Tuesdays, Oct 31-Nov 21, 7:45-8:45 pm
Led by Toku Cynthia Scott
“The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.” So begins the Hsin Hsin Ming (Trusting the Heartmind), an enduring 7th century Chan text that describes life lived at ease. What does this 146-line poem offer 21st century practitioners? This class will explore the poem’s main themes, in particular the nature of heartmind and faith both on and off the meditation seat. There will be ample opportunity for discussion. The only required reading is the text of the poem itself, which can be found in the Dharma Field chant book online. Two other translations of the poem will be provided in class, along with suggestions for further study.
Text: Trusting the Heartmind
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
An Inquiry into the Hsin Hsin Ming
Tuesdays, Oct 31-Nov 21, 7:45-8:45 pm
Led by Toku Cynthia Scott
“The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.” So begins the Hsin Hsin Ming (Trusting the Heartmind), an enduring 7th century Chan text that describes life lived at ease. What does this 146-line poem offer 21st century practitioners? This class will explore the poem’s main themes, in particular the nature of heartmind and faith both on and off the meditation seat. There will be ample opportunity for discussion. The only required reading is the text of the poem itself, which can be found in the Dharma Field chant book online. Two other translations of the poem will be provided in class, along with suggestions for further study.
Text: Trusting the Heartmind
Available live at Dharma Field or via Zoom.
Seniors, students $5 discount: Use code SEN or STU.
Online Courses
TAKING A CLASS ONLINE
Dharma Field offers its current Classes for people living outside the area, as well as for locals who are not able to attend in person. Please bear in mind, however, that our teachers highly recommend that local participants attend in person if possible.
All classes are offered via Zoom and also recorded and posted online later in the week. Classes can be streamed directly from our site, or they can be downloaded to your device (as mp3). Most handouts are available online as well.
If you missed a registration for a recent class, we normally keep them online after the class has ended. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
TO REGISTER…
All classes are offered via Zoom and also recorded and posted online later in the week. Classes can be streamed directly from our site, or they can be downloaded to your device (as mp3). Most handouts are available online as well.
If you missed a registration for a recent class, we normally keep them online after the class has ended. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
TO REGISTER…