FOUNDATIONS OF ZEN 13:
Forms of Meditation

Instructor: Peg Syverson
October 2–November 13, 2021

Location: Appamada (Online)

We don’t practice to attain enlightenment, just as we don’t eat or breathe to be alive. Because we’re alive, we breathe. Because we’re alive, we eat. Because we’re enlightened, we do zazen.
—Roshi Bernie Glassman and Rick Fields, “Instructions to the Cook”

This course introduces a variety of meditation techniques that are intended to serve as resources for your meditation practice. Our approach at Appamada is relational: Classes 1-4 deepen the relationship with the self, Class 5 deepens our relationship with the Buddha’s teaching, Class 6 deepens our relationship with others, and Class 7 deepens our relationship with the whole cosmos.

Please be sure to discuss your practice with a qualified Dharma teacher so that the appropriate methods can be tailored to your own circumstances and experience in practice. Of course there are many varieties of meditation techniques, so this course serves as an introduction to the methods we have found most helpful, not a comprehensive catalog.

Course sequence:

Classes meet online Saturday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30 AM Central Time.

Relating with Self: To study the Buddha Way is to study the self (Dōgen, Genjokoan)

  • October 2, Class 1: Embodied Practice

  • October 9, Class 2: Perception

  • October 16, Class 3: Emotions

  • October 23, Class 4: Concentration: wholeness of body, mind, heart, and intention

Relating with the Dharma: To study the self is to forget the self

  • October 30, Class 5: Inquiry: investigation of the Dharma

Relating with others: To forget the self is to be actualized by the myriad things

  • November 6, Class 6: Metta and the Brahmaviharas

Relating with the whole cosmos: When actualized by myriad things, your body and mind as well as the bodies and minds of others drop away

  • November 13, Class 7: Open awareness: shikantaza

This course is provided via Zoom with online materials. A Zoom link will be sent with registration. Please be sure we have your correct email address.

This course is offered through Appamada’s Generosity Initiative. There are no registration fees, but you may offer dana in support of Appamada or the class teacher(s) here.

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Class Recordings

Audio Recordings

Video Recordings

Resources and Handouts

Class 1 Handout: Embodied Practice

Class 2 Handouts:

Class 3 Handouts:

Class 4 Handouts:

Class 5 Handouts:

Class 6 Handouts:

Class 7 Handouts:

Sources:

There are no required readings. These sources can deepen your understanding and practice if you wish to explore class topics further.

Class 1: Embodied Practice

Class 2: Perception

Class 3: Emotions

Class 4: Concentration

Class 5: Investigation

Class 6: Metta and Brahmaviharas

Class 7: Open Awareness