Description: As one of the threefold training in Buddhism—Sila (precepts), samadhi (meditation) and prajna (wisdom), precepts are foundational and integral to the welfare and growth of not only an individual practitioner's life but also for the larger practicing community. The classes will cover precepts as they are practiced in various Buddhist traditions including those from contemporary times. The wealth of precepts teaching in Buddhism provides us with insights to integrate our practice in daily life as challenges, question our feeling of safety and refuge, and call on our wisdom and strength to act with clarity, compassion and empathy for all beings.  

Session One: January 13 / 19:00 EST (See this in your time zone)
This session will cover the history and role of precepts in Buddhism as practiced in Theravada, Mahayana and Zen traditions and the Kwan Um Zen tradition today. Discussion will focus on the concept of taking refuge and how precepts can be a protection and support for a practicing person.  

Session Two: January 27 / 19:00 EST (See this in your time zone)
A variety of teachings will be explored including the Sixth Ancestor Hui Neng's Zen precepts and Thich Nhat Hanh's Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism in contemporary times. This session's focus will be on how to integrate principled behaviour and training in our lives outside of the dharma room and in society. 

About the Teacher: Kathy Park JDPSN began practicing Zen in 1999 in Paris and has trained in a number of capacities at Kwan Um Zen centers including Cambridge Zen Center and Providence Zen Center in the U.S., Su Bong Zen Monastery in Hong Kong and at Musangsa in Korea, where she participated in several 90-day kyol che retreats. She received inka (permission to teach) from Zen master Dae Bong at Musangsa in Korea in 2016, and is the co-guiding teacher for Zenseoul and Daejeon Zen groups in Korea. She is also a co-guiding teacher and coordinator of Kwan Um Zen Online, bringing online Zen teaching and support to practitioners worldwide.