Upcoming events and activities at the Zen Kannon Meditation Center in Barcelona: courses, retreats, in-person and online meditations, and Dharma workshops. Activities are announced in this category and can be booked directly by filling out the form in each event.
All Saturday there is a kesa sewing workshop. Sign up using the form. Origin of the Zen Kesa The origin of Zen kesa sewing dates back to the time of Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. According to tradition, when Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, he began teaching his disciples. At that time, the disciples lived…
Taisen Deshimaru was a Japanese Zen master, fundamental in bringing zazen the heart of Zen Buddhism to Europe. Born in 1914, he trained extensively in Japan before World War II. After the war, he resumed his training and was ordained as a Zen monk. The Arrival of Zen in Europe In the 1960s, Zen monk…
Koan on the Teaching Never Explained The teaching never explained is a Zen koan that conveys a teaching of the Buddha. In a moment close to his death, the Buddha confessed to his disciples that he had explained nothing. What is this teaching that he never explained? A koan is a Zen riddle that challenges…
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…
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…
