Both the Zen and Vipassana traditions originate in the Buddha's teachings on meditation.
Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of dhyana, the word the Buddha used for concentration states, and Vipassana is the word the Buddha used to refer to the insights derived from these concentration states. For the Buddha, Zen and Vipassana are integrated aspects of meditation practice, working together in harmony. With this common origin it is not surprising that, in modern times, Zen and Vipassana meditation may have as much in common as they differ.
This four part course–initially taught by Paul Haller and Gil Fronsdal at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in 2023–explores the integration of Zen and Vipassana practices, offering insights into mindfulness, awareness, and the journey of awakening.
Zen and Vipassana: Complimentary Teachings
Beginner’s Mind
Embark on your spiritual journey with Zen and Vipassana. Discover mindfulness and awareness in a welcoming, easy-to-understand course.
Elevate Your Practice
Challenge and enrich your spiritual path with deeper, nuanced insights into integrating Zen and Vipassana.
Discover Clarity
Uncover the structured mindfulness of Vipassana, enhancing your Zen journey.
The Zen Path
Explore Zen's meditative inquiry, enriching your Vipassana experience.
Environment
Link your spiritual practice with ritual and a connection to the environment.
Photo credit: Florian Brody
Daily Life
Integrate Zen principles into everyday life, focusing on integrity and holistic awakening.
Curriculum
How to Access This Course
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Paul Haller and Gil Fronsdal - The Practice of Awakening
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- Synopsis - The Practice of Awakening
- 1.1 The Impact of Environment and Ritual in Zen Practice (8:27)
- 1.2 Mindful Inquiry (15:53)
- 1.3 The Practice of Awakening (13:51)
- 1.1 The Impact of Environment and Ritual in Zen Practice [Closed Captioned] (8:27)
- 1.2 Mindful Inquiry [Closed Captioned] (15:53)
- 1.3 The Practice of Awakening [Closed Captioned] (13:51)
Paul Haller - Navigating the Waves of Practice
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- Synopsis - Navigating the Waves of Practice
- 2.1 Finding Harmony in Loss and Change (7:29)
- 2.2 Exploring the Notion of Healing and Awareness (18:29)
- 2.3 Insights from Interactions With the Dalai Lama (17:36)
- 2.4 Concluding Poem - Upright (1:23)
- 2.1 Finding Harmony in Loss and Change [Closed Captioned] (7:29)
- 2.2 Exploring the Notion of Healing and Awareness [Closed Captioned] (18:29)
- 2.3 Insights from Interactions With the Dalai Lama [Closed Captioned] (17:36)
- 2.4 Concluding Poem- Upright [Closed Captioned] (1:23)
Gil Fronsdal - Guided Exploration: Awakening to Awareness
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Gil Fronsdal - Embracing Impermanence: Channa's Quest for Self
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Gil Fronsdal
Kojun Gil Fronsdal was ordained at San Francisco Zen Center in 1982 and received Dharma Transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman in 1995. He is senior Vipassana teacher and serves as the co-guiding teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA and at the Insight Retreat Center in Santa Cruz, CA. He holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies based on a study of the early Perfection of Wisdom literature. He is a husband, and the parent of two sons.
