The Spirit and Teaching of Suzuki Roshi
Shunryu Roshi and his wife Mitsu (Okusan) at a Tassajara Wedding Reception, 1970. Photograph by Alan Marlowe. Reproduced from cuke.com and Crooked Cucumber: the Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki, published in 1999 by author David Chadwick (1945-2026).
Your true nature is beyond good or bad, and it is valuable because it is beyond good and bad. It is valuable because you cannot figure out what it is. —Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
Class continues. Becoming Yourself, explores the practice and spirit of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, restarting on Sunday, September 20th in the McGowan House zendo on the Saint James Church campus in Monterey. The series offers an in-depth look at the teachings of one of the most influential figures in bringing Soto Zen to the West.
Meetings are Sundays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM through October 11th and led by Robert Reese, a priest in the lineage of Suzuki Roshi, and a guiding teacher with the Monterey Bay Zen Center Teaching Council. Follow here to read Robert’s biography, or contact him for more class information, or leave teacher dana.
An important teaching in Soto Zen is that every thought, word, and action is part of spiritual life. By exploring Suzuki Roshi's teachings, the class will focus on integrating this mindful approach into all aspects of daily life. Through meditation, talks, and discussion, participants will investigate the core themes and practices of Suzuki Roshi, the celebrated author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.
The course is based on his posthumously published book, Becoming Yourself, Teachings on the Zen Way of Life, co-edited by the late Sojun Mel Weitsman Roshi, abbott and founder (with Suzuki Roshi) of Berkeley Zen Center: Shogaku-ji, and Green Dragon Temple (Soryu-ji) abbot Jiryu Rutschman-Byler of San Francisco Zen Center at Green Gulch Farm.
For full information on the publication of Becoming Yourself and to purchase a copy of the book, please go to the dedicated website, Becoming Yourself.
The suggested donation for the four-class series is $100, or $30 for individual classes. New students are welcome.
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No one is turned away from Monterey Bay Zen Center for lack of funds or limited income. Use the option above “Custom Amount” to pay what is affordable for you. If you would like us to contact you to make any other arrangements, or to pay by check or cash, please use the following special request inquiry form. We will contact you to confirm your commitment.
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