2025/03/01 Zen Buddhism Course: Fundamentals of Dharma

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 a doubt, Buddha’s teachings are the best way we know to explain Zen without confusion.

Zen Buddhism: A Path of Practice and Awakening

Zen Buddhism is one of the schools of Buddhism that places special emphasis on the practice of meditation and direct experience of reality. This spiritual path, primarily developed in Japan, China, and Korea, focuses on self-awareness and overcoming suffering through the awakening of consciousness.

The Four Seals of Dharma

A key point in Zen Buddhism is the Four Seals of Dharma, principles that define reality according to Buddha’s teachings:

• All compounded things are impermanent. Nothing remains the same forever; everything is constantly changing.
• All feelings are suffering. Feelings, when clung to or rejected, generate suffering.
• All things are empty of an inherent “self.” There is no permanent or separate “self”; everything is interconnected.
• Nirvana is true peace. The cessation of suffering and the attainment of nirvana is the ultimate goal of practice.

The Four Noble Truths, Samsara, and Nirvana

The core of Buddhist teachings is summarized in the Four Noble Truths:

• The truth of suffering (Dukkha): All beings experience suffering.
• The truth of the cause of suffering: Desire and attachment cause suffering.
• The truth of the cessation of suffering: It is possible to extinguish the cause of suffering.
• The truth of the path: There is a path that leads to the end of suffering, the Eightfold Path, which leads to nirvana.

Buddhism Course: Karma and Transmigration, Practice, and Awakening

• The principle of anatman explains that there is no permanent “self.” This view is deepened with the concept of emptiness (shunyata), explained in the Heart Sutra, which states that all things are insubstantial.
• Karma represents the energy generated by our actions, which determines the cycle of births and deaths, known as samsara. Zen practice transcends this cycle, reaching nirvana, a state of freedom and peace.
• Zen Buddhism combines the intense practice of zazen meditation with daily life, understanding that awakening is not a distant goal but an experience that can be lived moment by moment.

If you are interested in learning more about Zen Buddhism and beginning a path of personal transformation, this course is a perfect opportunity. Experience firsthand the practice of zazen, the study of Dharma, and Zen life.

Buddhism Course: Fundamentals of Dharma

Course Details

Format: In-person at Zen Kannon Barcelona and online via Zoom.
Zen Master: Lluís Nansen Salas.
Start date: March 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Schedule: Saturdays or Sundays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Price: Module of 3 classes: 60 euros. Active members: 20 euros.

2025 Calendar

Saturday, March 1: What is Zen Buddhism? The Four Seals of Dharma.
Saturday, March 29: The Four Noble Truths. Samsara and Nirvana.
Saturday, April 12: Karma and transmigration. Practice and awakening.

Meditation Sessions (Zazen)

Each class will begin with a brief zazen meditation session, a fundamental practice in Zen Buddhism focused on seated meditation. During these sessions, participants will sit on a cushion called a zafu, with crossed legs and a straight back. Attention will be directed to posture and breathing. Thoughts will flow without clinging to them, calming the mind and preparing participants to better understand the class.

The Buddhism course on the fundamentals of Dharma is based on the following books:

Lluís Nansen Salas: Zen mediterrani. El despertar universal, Viena edicions, Barcelona, 2022.
Lluís Nansen Salas: Dharma Zen. L’ull de la joiosa revelació, Viena Edicions, Barcelona, 2019.

Enroll in the Buddhism Fundamentals Course or the Complete Buddhism Course