Bendowa: Dogen and the Practice of Zazen
Led by Anshi Zachary Smith, this self-paced course is designed for both beginners and experienced practitioners eager to deepen their understanding and practice of Zazen, as illuminated by Eihei Dogen’s profound teachings in “Bendowa.”
Each week, participants will explore different facets of Zazen - body, breath, and mind - through the lens of Dogen’s text, creating a rich tapestry of practice that is deeply rooted in the Soto Zen tradition. Supplementing the live lectures will be Zachary’s recorded talks on “Bendowa,” offering additional depth and perspective.
The course will not only provide practical guidance on the mechanics of Zazen but also delve into the philosophical underpinnings that make this practice a gateway to spiritual awakening. Through a combination of lectures, guided meditations, and discussions, participants will gain a holistic understanding of Zazen as a wholehearted way of living.
Curriculum
What Others Had to Say
"Exactly what an absolute beginner like me needs."
"The biggest and most impactful thing that I learned was how to practice Zazen."
"I appreciated Zach's conversational style."
"The greatest benefit for me was to start a daily practice"
About Your Instructor
Anshi Daigi Zachary Smith has been practicing Zen since 1993. He took jukai in 1995, was Shuso (Head Student) in 2007, ordained as a Zen priest in 2014 and received Dharma Transmission on April 17, 2019, all with former abbot and Senior Dharma Teacher Ryushin Paul Haller. He currently directs North Mountain Zendo, a zazenkai (sitting) group in North Beach. In addition to his involvement with Zen, Zachary is a husband, a father of four, an engineer, a musician, a bike fanatic, and an avid but mediocre poet. He may be the only person in the history of Zen in the West to have interrupted a residential practice period to tour with a rock band.
