WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD

UPAYA ZEN CENTER
upaya@upaya.org
www.upaya.org
505 986 8518
Santa Fe, New Mexico

January 4, 2008 – February 3, 2008   
WINTER PRACTICE PERIOD: Exploring the Science and Art of Zen
Roshi Joan Halifax with Faculty listed below   

Since the time of the Buddha, practitioners have gathered to explore and train the mind. This Winter Practice Period includes a schedule focusing on Shikantaza, study of the neuroscientific basis of Zen meditation, exploration of Buddhist philosophy and Zen koans, and the practice of Zen arts.  There is meditation instruction for beginners, four to eight hours a day of meditation, private interviews with Roshi and other teachers, dharma talks, and seminars. Appropriate for beginners and longtime practitioners.   Cost: For entire period, $1200 member; $1475 non-member.  Includes dormitory lodging (upgrades available).  Dana to teachers.  Individual programs priced below for those not doing the whole practice period.

January 4, 2008 – January 13, 2008   
THE ESSENCE OF ZEN:  Silent Illumination
Roshi Joan Halifax

Shikantaza is the heart of Zen practice. What is it to “just sit” with things as they are, moment to moment: no adornments, no technique mediating our experience of the world and the mind. We begin our Winter Practice Period in direct meditation practice to nourish the characteristics of depth and resilience, stillness and spaciousness, and the capacity to sustain commitment and presence. The schedule includes interviews with Roshi and Seniors. There will be five hours of meditation a day, seminars with Roshi, and a short period of daily samu. Cost:  $620 member; $690 non-member.  Includes dormitory lodging (upgrades available).  Dana to teacher.

January 16, 2008 – January 20, 2008   
ZEN BRAIN, SELFLESS INSIGHT

James Austin, M.D., Roshi Joan Halifax, Al Kaszniak, Ph.D., Neil Theise, M.D., Jason Buhle    Scientific interest in the relationships between Buddhism and neuroscience has dramatically increased, accompanied by the publication of both theoretical proposals and new laboratory investigations relating Buddhist practice to the brain. In this retreat/seminar, Roshi and four scientists who have contributed to this growing field of research and are each long-term Zen practitioners, will share with participants perspectives on what has been learned about Zen practice and the brain, how this research is relevant for practice, and how experienced practitioners can help sharpen the research questions being asked. During the retreat, discussion and presentations are integrated with Zazen practice.  Cost: $440 members; $480 non-members. Includes dormitory lodging (upgrades available).  Dana to teachers.

January 25, 2008 – January 31, 2008  
 WINTER SESSHIN: Dogen’s Perspective on Enlightenment

Roshi Joan Halifax, Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi    Sesshin, to gather or touch the heart/mind, is an intensive meditation retreat done with others that deepens our relationship to our mind and to the world.  In sesshin, the mind/body calms and settles, and the mind becomes clear and open.  Days are silent, doing sitting and walking meditation, eating formally, and working together. Roshi and Sensei explore new translations of the writings of Zen Master Dogen on his insights regarding enlightenment. Cost: $480 members; $525 non-members. Includes dormitory lodging (upgrades available).  Dana to teachers.

February 1, 2008 – February 3, 2008   
CALLIGRAPHY IN LIVING COLOR

Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi    This workshop offers training in classical and free Zen calligraphy in living color. Using color media, we nourish the process of creativity by reproducing ideograms from ancient Chinese and Japanese masterpieces. We interpret these works and witness joy while exploring creativity. We also create original spontaneous works. For beginners and seasoned artists.  Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi is a master calligrapher, Dogen scholar, and social activist.  Cost: $220 members; $240 non-members; plus lodging.  Dana to teacher.

for more information:
upaya@upaya.org
www.upaya.org
505 986 8518
Santa Fe, New Mexico