ANNOUNCEMENTS

To receive occasional email flyers for upcoming retreats and special events, send your email address to Announcements@houstonzen.org.

CLASSES

Classes at Houston Zen Center are taught by our Guiding Teacher, Gaelyn Godwin, or by senior members of HZC. There is a modest charge for classes but scholarships are readily available. Bruce McMills will answer any questions about costs and scholarships.

Classes are open to everyone and are generally designed for all levels or practice experience, from beginners to experienced practitioners, unless otherwise specified.

The class list is frequently updated. The current offerings are:

INTRODUCTION TO ZEN MEDITATION

• Taught by Gaelyn Godwin, Sensei
• and Mike Keller
• 6 Thursdays
• May 8–Jun. 12, 2008
• 7:00–8:15 pm
• Next Class Series: May 14–Jun. 25
• No class May 21.
• Next Class Series: Jul. 10–Aug. 14

For people new to meditation, this class series will provide an introduction to Zen meditation. Each class will include a brief period of meditation, beginning with 10 minutes and working up to 30 minutes at the end of the series. The course is designed to provide a basis of practice and to de-mystify meditation.

Each class will include a presentation on basic Zen philosophy and a discussion of how to practice Zen in daily life, while walking, working, vacationing, shopping - that is, how to practice mindfully anytime, anywhere.

Cost is $60 for the 6 week series. Register by phone at HZC, 713-869-1952.

PRACTICING WITH ZEN MIND, BEGINNER'S MIND

• May 5–June 9, 2008
• 6 Mondays
• 7:00–8:30 pm
• Taught by Tim Schorre, Jim Drew and Vicki Drew, Senior Zen Practitioners of HZC

This 6 week series is an Intermediate Class and will offer an opportunity to explore important Zen teachings with Senior Zen students at HZC. Each class will begin with a short period of meditation, followed by discussion of one part of the text, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind. Copies of the book are available in the HZC bookstore and at most large Houston bookstores.

Fundamental Zen practices are introduced in this series in a discussion-friendly format.

This class is especially useful for those who have attended some or all of the Introduction to Zen Meditation series.

Cost is $40 for the 6 week series, $20 for members of HZC. Register by phone at HZC, 713-869-1952.

WOMEN AND ZEN

• Feb. 13–Apr. 30, 2008
• 6 Wednesdays
• 7:00–8:30 pm
• Taught by Setsuan Gaelyn Godwin

This class will explore the practice of Zen for modern women. We will also study the practice and teachings of important historical female Zen adepts. The class will meet twice each month.

Cost is $60 for the 6 week series, $20 for members of HZC. Register by phone at HZC, 713-869-1952.

INTRODUCTION TO BASIC BUDDHIST CONCEPTS

• Jun. 17–Jul. 22, 2008
• 6 Tuesdays
• 6:30–8:30 pm
• Taught by Mike Keller, Senior Zen Practitioner of HZC

This 6 week series is an Intermediate Class designed for those who have taken the Introduction to Zen Meditation series. Anyone who has meditation experience is also welcome to attend.

The class introduces some basic Buddhist concepts, including Dependent Co-Arising and Emptiness, Interdependence, Non-Self, Impermanence, Nirvana, Relative/Absolute Truth, Signlessness, Aimlessness, the Five Aggregates (or Skandas), the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path.

Each meeting begins with a period of meditation. The class includes a presentation and discussion of the evening's topic.

Cost is $40 for the 6 week series, $20 for members of HZC. Register by phone at HZC, 713-869-1952.