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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The history of Zen Buddhism is fascinating and enriching, as it represents a spiritual tradition that has evolved and adapted over the centuries while preserving its essence and fundamental teachings. History of Zen Buddhism Course: Introduction This course on the history of Zen Buddhism takes us on a journey to discover this rich tradition, which…
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On Sunday, February, 7, 2027, the Zazen (Zen Meditation) course begins. This is undoubtedly an opportunity to explore and deepen your practice of this ancient spiritual tradition. In this sense, Zazen (Zen meditation) opens the path to seeing inner reality in the present moment, allowing us to rediscover peace and calm our minds. With consistent…
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Mindfulness Karma is a module of the Zen Mindfulness course at the Zen Kannon Center, designed to teach the application of mindfulness to actions and their consequences. Psychological distress and suffering are often caused by our own thoughts, words, or actions in the past. Likewise, our thoughts, words, and actions in the present will shape…
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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…
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February Retreat in Barcelona: Zen Meditation, Zazen The Zen Kannon Center in Barcelona is organizing a Zen meditation retreat, Zazen, this upcoming February. Zazenkai is an opportunity to deepen your Zazen practice (seated meditation) in a calm and harmonious environment. The retreat is open to participants of all levels, from beginners in Zen to more…
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Origin of the Lotus Sutra The Lotus Sutra is a fundamental text in Mahayana Buddhism and is considered one of the most important scriptures in this tradition. It comprises several chapters and presents the Buddha’s teachings on topics such as Enlightenment, emptiness, and the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings. A key concept highlighted in the…
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