The Spirit and Teaching of Suzuki Roshi
Artist unknown (researching). Provided by Robert Reese.
Becoming Yourself, a four-part class exploring the practice and spirit of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, will begin on Sunday, September 28th, 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.
Led by Robert Reese, a priest in the lineage of Suzuki Roshi, and member of the Monterey Bay Zen Center Teaching Council (his full biography here), the classes run each Sunday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM through October 19th.
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, abbot 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.
The suggested donation for the complete four-part series is $100, or $30 for individual classes.
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.