Level One Zen Buddhism class 01 (2009-01-12)

Welcome the level one (mostly) new class members!

We had about 30 people signed up but over 60 people turned up. We hope most of you will stay through the class!

For your review, and in case you missed it:

1. Gave an introduction to the class structure and format.
2. Handed out the syllabus.
3. Gave an introduction to "Zen"
4. The purpose of meditation
5. Gave an introduction to the Zen Center
6. Instructions for our first meditation method, "Breath Counting"
7. Assurance that (almost) everyone's legs hurt when they first meditate. Endurance and patience are what makes the practice successful.
8. Everyone can become a Buddha!

Questions (reply via comments to this post)

1. What is "Zen"? Trace the word origin from India, through China, to Japan, and the West.
2. What can meditation do for us?
3. What is meditation? Why can walking be considered a meditation?
4. What is the name of this Zen Center? (Finally an easy one)