- COURSES
- >
- Song of Awakening
Song of Awakening
Tuesdays, Apr 20-May 11, 7:45-8:45 pm
"Remember that the Way of Awareness aims for the root and is not tangled in branches and leaves.” Modern-era Zen master Sawaki Roshi says this is the most important verse of the poem Song of Awakening, written in 8th century China. Another important figure in Zen, Dogen Zenji, quotes the verse: "Beyond action and beyond learning, one is at ease, neither suppressing thought, nor grasping after the truth."
Sawaki notes that "Conventional words are powerless to transmit the spirit of Awakening, (yet) poetic language can stir resonance in us... (poetry) sounds clear to the ear and crackles on the tongue." Of this poem, he says, "The highly subtle verses are sharpened like a razor." This 4-week course will look at excerpts from the Song of Awakening, in tandem with references, commentary, and parallel Zen teachings from Dogen, Sawaki and others.
Led by Jed Larson
NOTE: The class will be held via Zoom. The Zoom invitation to join the Class Meeting will be provided in an email from the Dharma Field office before the first class.
Seniors, students: Enter SEN OR STU in the discount coupon box at checkout for $5 discount.