In this section, you’ll find articles written by teachers and practitioners from the Zen Kannon Center in Barcelona. Reflections on Zen practice, commentaries on Buddhist texts, personal experiences, and contemporary perspectives on spiritual life. A fresh and current look at the Dharma from the heart of the city.
In the Platform Sutra, Master Eno says: “Friends, my teaching of the Dharma is based on samādhi and prajñā. But do not make the mistake of thinking that samadhi and prajna are separate. Samadhi and prajna are of one and the same essence, not two. Samadhi is the body of prajna, and prajna is the…
When people speak of what is nirvana, it is most common to imagine a paradise — a place of eternal happiness, a goal to be reached, an objective to achieve. Sometimes people ask us: “What you aim for in Zen is to reach nirvana, right?” A question that cannot be answered simply with a yes…
Video by Coreixample This video produced by Coreixample about the Zen Kannon Centre in Barcelona is one of the first fruits of our Centre’s presence in the neighborhood. Special thanks to Maria Palomar for producing the video, to Albert Sagrera for his mediation, and to the entire Coreixample team for their warm welcome. This July,…
What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition that was born in India more than 2,500 years ago, based on the experience and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha. More than a religion in the theistic sense, Buddhism is a path of inner transformation that invites us to understand the nature…
Meditation for Peace: A Collective Action of Presence and Hope On May 25th, 2025, the Zen Kannon community gathered as part of the Festa Major of the neighborhood Dreta de l’Eixample in Barcelona to hold a Meditation for Peace—an open event that transformed Girona Street into a space of silence, awareness, and shared compassion. Peace…
Fuse is a Japanese word that in Zen Buddhism refers to the practice of dō, generosity, or selfless giving. It comes from the Sanskrit word dāna, which is one of the six perfections (pāramitās) of the bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. Giving without expecting anything in return Fuse is not just about giving material or immaterial…
A Scientific Study on the Zen Personality Can we talk about being a zen person? Or having a zen personality? It’s worth noting that in France, the expression “Être zen” (To be zen) has become fashionable. A whole range of self-help books can be found that offer lessons on how to “be zen” in just…
Concentration and observation are like the right leg and the left leg with which the mind walks during zazen. A path that overcomes the obstacles of drowsiness and agitation (Kontin and Sanran), avoiding stagnation and confusion. In this article, we will explore this crucial concept in the Zen teachings of Taisen Deshimaru and provide guidelines…
Meditation, Dopamine, and Serotonin Zen meditation is an ancient practice that, in addition to being a spiritual path for introspection and self-knowledge, has a direct impact on brain function. Various studies have shown that this form of meditation can influence the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are closely linked to feelings…
In the practice of zazen, the seated meditation in Zen Buddhism, there are two main obstacles that can hinder concentration and mental serenity: kontin and sanran. According to the teachings of Taisen Deshimaru, these two mental states divert the practitioner from full awareness and the depth of zazen. What is Kontin? Kontin can be translated…
