In this Dharma workshop, we will study Bodhidharma’s Principle and Practice and explore their relationship with the Lankavatara Sutra. What does it mean to practice Zen? Is understanding the Buddha’s teachings enough, or must we also transform the way we live? Bodhidharma, considered the first Zen ancestor in China, explained that there are two gateways…
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Zen meditation retreat in November A November retreat in the city is an intensive Zen meditation session. The practice takes place at the Zen Meditation Center Kannon in Barcelona. The city retreat also serves as an introduction for people who have never attended a retreat before. In the city retreat, one can participate partially and…
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The Fox in Zen Stories To understand the koan of the fox, it is helpful to begin with this story. Once, while a Zen master was walking through the forest, he encountered a wild fox. The fox begged him to accept her into his community so that she could become a nun and study the…
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In this Dharma workshop, we will study the Vimalakirti Sutra and its message that practice leads us to an inconceivable freedom. Is it possible to realize awakening without withdrawing from family, work, and everyday responsibilities? Does practicing the Dharma require us to retreat from the world, or can it fully manifest in the midst of…
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Meditation retreat in December The December spiritual meditation retreat, Rohatsu Zen, is a special celebration in the Zen tradition that commemorates the enlightenment of the historical Buddha. This meditation practice takes place every year on December 8th, considered the eighth day of the twelfth month in the lunar calendar. During Rohatsu, Zen practitioners engage in…
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Year-End Meditation Retreat The year-end meditation one day retreat is a practice that allows us to reflect on the year that has passed, cultivate inner peace, and prepare for the new year with a clear mind. Meditating at the Temple At the Zen temple on Gran Vía, we will find the tranquility and guidance needed…
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It is an ancient tradition in Zen Buddhist temples to welcome the New Year with the celebration of the 108 bell tolls year-end ceremony. Why 108 bell tolls at year-end? The number 108 is considered sacred in Buddhism, representing totality and the completeness of the Universe. Among other uses, there are 108 beads in a…
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January Zen Meditation Retreat Participating in the January Zen meditation retreat at the Zen Kannon Center in Barcelona is a unique opportunity for both beginners and experienced practitioners. A space to reconnect with oneself The fast pace of urban life often disconnects us from ourselves. This retreat offers a calm and structured environment to pause,…
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The meditation with koan “Mu” is one of the most well-known koans within the Zen tradition. A koan is a kind of riddle or paradoxical question used in Zen practice to induce the awakening of the mind. The koan “Mu” has its origin in a dialogue between Master Joshu and one of his disciples. Koan…
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The Heart Sutra The Heart Sutra, Hannya Shingyo as we call it in the Zen school, is chanted in Zen dojos and temples at the end of the morning meditation. The first time, it may feel uncomfortable to chant a Sutra. Many of us have lost the habit of singing with others—perhaps we only did…
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