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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What does Bodhicitta or Bodaishin mean? Bodaishin (Japanese) or Bodhicitta (Sanskrit) is a fundamental concept in Zen Buddhism and the entire Mahayana tradition. Bodhicitta means an aspiration to awakening, often translated as the “spirit of awakening” or the “mind of awakening.” Bodhicitta or Bodaishin is an altruistic aspiration or mental attitude that seeks awakening not…
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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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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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The Ten Stages of Ox Herding: A Zen Teaching The Ten Stages of Ox Herding is a well-known Zen teaching, and perhaps one of the first stories we encounter when beginning the study of Zen. In a conventional academic career, we acquire knowledge, complete courses, and earn degrees. However, in the Zen tradition, the use…
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In this Zen Buddhism course on the fundamentals of Dharma, we will review some of the key concepts for understanding Buddhist philosophy. Zen practice goes beyond any doctrine or philosophy. When we want to understand what practice means and what the experiences we have signify, a system of knowledge is necessary to explain it. Without…
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The Easter retreat is a Zen practice stay. This means that, in a countryside house surrounded by nature, we will dedicate ourselves to intensive Zen meditation practice, while the rest of the activities are carried out in silence and with full awareness. In this way, we harmonize the Zen mind—calm and focused—with all moments of…
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