Zen Teachings in Challenging Times
-A Path to Personal and Social Action
Stewarded by Geri Meiho Bryan, Betty Jiei Cole, Anna Josenhans, & Erin Joyful-Heart Moore
Zoom Only Study Group • 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, May 13; June 10; July 08; August 12; September 09; October 07; November 04; December 02
NOTE: Participants do not need to register, all may join via Zoom.
CLASS INFO
In these challenging times, many of us feel overwhelmed by personal struggles and the complexities of the world. This study group will utilize “Zen Teachings in Challenging Times” as a guide to explore how Zen wisdom can offer solace, clarity, and strength. Our intention is to create a supportive community where we can delve into the book’s teachings, share our experiences, and discover how to integrate these principles into our daily lives. This class will serve as an experimental hub for sharing information and taking action related to social justice initiatives.
This study group offers a unique opportunity to integrate Zen practice with personal growth and social action. By engaging with “Zen Teachings in Challenging Times” and sharing our experiences, we can cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage to navigate these challenging times and contribute to a more just world. We believe this group can provide a valuable platform for engaging with social justice through the lens of Zen. We invite you to join us on this journey
Meeting ID: 819 7240 2236
Passcode: 662723
UPCOMING DATES
Tuesdays, May 13; June 10; July 8; August 12; September 9; October 7; November 4; December 02
SCHEDULE
- Session 1: Introduction to the class and the book (Pages 11-17)
- Session 2: Chapter 1 – Blowing in the Wind – Facing Challenges with Zen Practice (Pages 21-32)
- Session 3: [Continue Chapter 1 if needed, or move to Chapter 2]
REQUIRED TEXT
Zen Teachings in Challenging Times
by Patricia Dai-En Bennage
Twenty-five leading American teachers of Soto Zen Buddhism speak to all who have suffered and sought spiritual guidance, revealing personal stories of sickness, death, political anger, fear, jealousy, environmental corruption, disillusionment, and longing for peace. They offer insight to how to stand with poise through the woes of existence and emerge transformed by our suffering. The transformative nature of Zen practice gives strength to face all possibilities. The entire book wears the mantle of Kanzeon, the goddess of mercy, the one who hears the cries of suffering and offers the loving hand of compassion to all living beings.
Available in the ZCLA library.
STEWARDS
Geri Meiho Bryan has walked an integrative spiritual path, beginning with deep immersion in yogic traditions—practicing at a Sivananda Yoga ashram and co-creating a thriving yoga center in Venice Beach. Drawn to Zen, she spent six years as a resident at ZCLA, was ordained as a lay Zen priest in 2019, and now renews her vows as a Laywoman with Deep Streams Sangha. Her time as a householder in Georgia deepened her embodiment of everyday Dharma, and she shares this wisdom in a monthly class exploring various topics.
Betty Jiei Cole began Zen practice as a young Quaker with Aitken Roshi in 1979 and took jukai from Maezumi Roshi in 1981. Building bridges between Christian and Buddhist practice and communities, she has led the Monday Night Meditation group at All Saints Episcopal Church for over 20 years. Teaching, social activism, art and music are long-time expressions of her life and tenzo practice a core gift both here at ZCLA and earlier at Zen Mountain Center.
Anna Josenhans began her Zen Buddhist journey at Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper, NY. With little prior knowledge of Buddhism and no set expectations, she made the bold decision to spend a month as a resident. The experience proved transformative, inspiring her to continue her practice upon returning home to Los Angeles. She has been a practitioner at ZCLA since 2017.
Erin Joyful Heart Moore
CLASS FEE
This class is provided without a fee, but please consider offering dana to support our programs.
(If you have any questions, please contact Geri Meiho Bryan (gb.meiho@gmail.com) or Anna Josenhans (annamjosenhans@gmail.com).