In a small village by the sea, there lived a man named Joan. He was a man who seemed to never have time. He was always rushing from one place to another, busy with his work, his family commitments, and the little problems that arose every day. His friends often told him he needed to…
More and more people are asking how to learn to meditate on their own because they know about the benefits of meditation. Today, it is very easy to find information on how to do almost anything on the internet, and of course, this includes learning meditation techniques. There are guided apps available for mobile phones.…
Samu: Cooperating volunteers in a Zen Community Cooperating volunteers is undoubtedly one of the most universal spiritual paths, shared by all traditions. In the context of Japanese Zen, it is called Samu, and similarly, in India, it is known as Karma-yoga. Voluntary work, or volunteering, ultimately means dedicating our effort and energy to carrying out…
Sewing a Zen kesa is a practice that helps people stay present and attentive. By focusing on the constant movement of the needle and thread, individuals can feel calm and aware. This helps their minds relax, and their spirits connect with the act of creation. This mindful way of sewing turns the activity into a…
In this edition of the Night of Religions 2024, about fifty places of worship in Barcelona are open. They aim to promote interfaith dialogue and share cultural and spiritual diversity with the public. This includes spaces like the Zen Kannon meditation center. This initiative started in 2016. This initiative began in 2016. Now, the program…
Bodhidharma, often considered the 28th Indian master of Zen and the 1st Chinese master, is a central figure in Zen Buddhism. He is credited with introducing Zen Buddhism (Chan) in China in the 6th century AD. Historically, he was a Buddhist monk of Indian origin, and although the exact details of his life are somewhat…
The Zen Shop is a space where members of the Zen Kannon community can find everything they need for meditation and Zen practice. In this space, you will find zafus, kimonos, and all the accessories we regularly use at the center and during sesshins. Here you will also find all the books by Lluís Nansen,…
This Bright pearl koan is one of the many paradoxical stories or enigmas that form part of the Zen tradition. Koans are used in Zen practice to help practitioners transcend rational thought and access a deeper understanding of their true nature and reality. Origin and Meaning of the Bright Pearl Koan of Ikka This koan…
Guen Mai Rice Soup Guen Mai is the rice soup consumed every morning after the first zazen. The preparation of this traditional dish from Zen monasteries is an excellent exercise in attention and concentration. After the morning meditation, we can have tea, and then get to work. Keep in mind that the total cooking time…
The Gakudō Yōjinshū, or Ten Foundations of Zen, is a work written by Eihei Dōgen, a 13th-century Japanese Zen master and founder of the Sōtō Zen school in Japan. This text is primarily addressed to monks and Zen practitioners and offers guidance on how to live a life of proper Zen practice. Foundations of Dōgen’s…
