The Eight Awakenings of the Great Beings Before his death, the Buddha gave his disciples one final teaching so they could continue on the path of full awareness eternally: the Eight Awakenings of the Great Beings. The great beings are the Buddhas, the awakened ones, those who follow the path of full awareness. Practicing these…
Why a Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor Certification? The Meditation and Mindfulness Instructor Certification is a theoretical and practical training that equips us to guide others in these practices. Sharing and teaching meditation to others is an act of generosity and compassion, offering undeniable benefits. However, if we are not properly prepared to teach, those we…
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…
At the Open House Sangha Party, Zen Kannon offers an open session for friends and family of its active practitioners. The event will begin with a brief meditation, suitable for everyone, preferably seated on the floor on a cushion, although it can also be done on a bench or chair. Ceremony dedicated to Zen ancestors…
Dokusan: The Private Meeting with a Zen Master In Zen practice, dokusan interview is a private encounter between a student and a Zen master. During this interview, the student has the opportunity to present their questions, doubts, or experiences directly to the master. This face-to-face interaction is a fundamental part of Zen practice, providing the…
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…
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…
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…
Genjokoan: A Zen Meditation Workshop The Genjokoan is a text written by the Japanese Zen master Eihei Dōgen, who in the 13th century introduced the Sōtō Zen school of Buddhism in Japan. Genjokoan can be translated as “Realization of the Present Moment” or “Awakening with the Whole Universe.” Shobogenzo The Genjokoan is a chapter from…
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…
