Zen: A Way of Life Through Meditation and Cooking

This class is being offered in collaboration with the Stanford Program in Kyoto, Bing Overseas Studies Program.
Fundamental to Zen Buddhism is the meditative practice of zazen ("seated meditation"). In recent decades, zazen-inspired meditative practices have proliferated far from Japan and movements such "mindfulness" have become popular in parts of the US. However, there are a number of conceptual differences between Japanese zazen and some of these newer practices. Zazen in Japan is not a tool for relaxation, nor a means for personal gain or betterment. Instead, its goal is to clarify the self - and thereby to enable the practitioner to live a vivid and full life. The core of Zen teaching is achieved not through study of texts but through practice and experience. In this condensed, practicum course students will learn by focusing on two of the most important aspects of Buddhist monastic life: zazen meditation, and cooking.

Instructor: Rev. Daiko Matsuyama
Dates: October 19-23 6:00AM-7:00AM PDT and (1 wrap up session-date TBD)
Students will be required to purchase household materials for this course (approximately USD $25.)
The course is offered remotely (online) and enrollment is limited to 15 undergraduate students. A permission code will be given to admitted students to register in the class.
Interested students can apply by going to this Google form link: https://forms.gle/YcAdR59wqzuPNax56