A summary of courses offered at the Vermont Zen Center.
Introductory Workshops on Zen
Introductory Workshops conducted by Roshi Graef and her students are a practical and authentic introduction to Zen Buddhism. During the half-day schedule of talks, question periods, demonstrations and guided meditation, participants are introduced to the body-mind disciplines of Zen. Workshops are held six times a year.
Lovingkindness
A six-week course, held twice a year, in the ancient Buddhist meditation leading to the development of unconditional lovingkindness and friendliness. Lovingkindness, or Metta, is something you feel in your heart, a positive emotional state towards others as well as ourselves. Taught by senior students of Roshi Graef.
Indian Cooking
Four different vegetarian courses taught by Manju Selinger. The recipes are geared to enhance your knowledge of how to prepare delicious Indian food. You will learn how to make a variety of dishes under the careful guidance of experienced cooks in the Zen Center’s spacious kitchen.
Flower Arranging
Learn basic Ikebana and flower arranging elements used at the Vermont Zen Center: triangulation, depth, placement, color, container size and materials. Through understanding the interaction between spiritual practice and flower arranging, participants will gain an appreciation of the deeper meaning of flowers as offerings and as a way to bring a sense of tranquility to one’s environment.
Haiku Workshop
Through close readings of Japanese poets, participants will learn the essential elements of traditional haiku and how the form has been played with by American poets. Participants will gain an understanding of the interaction between spiritual practice and poetry and appreciation of the deeper meaning of haiku and how it provides a way to engage in the tranquility of one’s environment.