You Are the Eyes of the World: Embodying the Principles of the Lotus Sutra in a Challenging World

An Online and In-Person Offering

with Koshin Paley Ellison

Wednesdays, Jan 26th - May 4th, 2022 from 4:15pm-7:15pm Eastern Time (includes Wednesday evening meditation from 6:00-7:15pm)

Dates: Jan 26th, Feb 2nd, Feb 9th, Feb 16th, Feb 23rd, Mar 2nd, Mar 9th, Mar 16th, Mar 30th, Apr 13th, Apr 20th, Apr 27th, May 4th

How do we experience the suffering of the world—really experience it—and allow it to awaken a compassionate response in whatever form is needed? Perhaps more important in these times than ever before, how we turn toward suffering is a question we'll explore as we enter the wild world of the Lotus Sutra in the midst of our wild daily lives.

This classic Mahayana scripture is one of the most influential Buddhist texts in East Asia and was frequently cited by Eihei Dogen Zenji, the founder of the Soto Zen lineage. The drama and wisdom of this beloved collection of parables, teachings, and encouragements are astonishing and enjoyable to read and study. What unfolds in the sutra is cosmic—crossing time and space—and yet points to something present and immediately relevant as tender medicine for our ordinary, everyday lives and relationships.

By means of talks, discussion, writing, and contemplative practice, we will collaboratively bring the insights of the sutra to our contemporary lives. We will examine issues of gender, race, caste, accessibility to spiritual insight, and skillful means and explore how the sutra's message about our awakening nature invites us to meet the suffering of this very moment.

Open to anyone, this class is part of our Certificate In Contemplative Care.

If you'd like to receive Master's Credit for this class, please register for the Master's Credit option.

Online and In Person: This hybrid model class allows students to attend the program remotely or in person. Please choose which option best suits your needs during registration. There are a limited number of in person spots available for fully vaccinated individuals. If you will be attending in person, you must complete this Vaccination Verification form. Students that choose the in person option are required to be on site for all sessions.

We understand that there are many reasons people may choose not to be vaccinated. For now, we can only invite vaccinated community members into the Center in order to ensure everyone's safety and limit the spread of COVID-19. For others, we hope you continue to join us online!

Financial Support: New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care endeavors to make our programs accessible. If the cost of this program is prohibitive, please choose the scholarship tier that would make it possible for you to attend. Please note that there are a limited number of scholarship seats available.