Session One: April 7 / 12:00 EDT
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Session Two: April 21 / 12:00 EDT
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Description: Was Buddha Shakyamuni a historical figure? What does scientific research say about his life and teachings? Was Buddha Shakyamuni really the author of the sutras attributed to him? Did Bodhidharma come to China from India? These are just a few of the questions we'll explore as we delve into the origins of Buddhism based on knowledge derived from scientific research. We'll look at the relationship of Buddhist teachings to pre-existing cultures and spiritual traditions and how different cultures of ancient Asia and historical events shaped the development of Buddhism. We'll also discuss the differences between what our traditions tell us and what we know from scientific research. The first class will begin with a discussion of the cultural roots of Buddhism and will take us to the beginnings of Mahayana Buddhism. The second will discuss the journey of Buddhism from India to China and the emergence of Zen teachings. For Zen students living in the contemporary, modern world, it is important to distinguish between the myths and legends that are part of every spiritual tradition, and knowledge based on scientific research.

About the Teacher: Igor Pininski JDPSN graduated in acting from a famous Lodz film school. Right now he is working in his own film studio in Lodz, focusing on educational films. He lives with his wife in the countryside nearby. He has been the abbot of the Lodz Zen Center for last 14 years and is a member of the Polish Zen Kwan Um Sangha Council. He started practicing in Lodz Zen Center in 1995 and has participated in over 120 YMJJs in Lodz led by Kwan Um School of Zen teachers, and also every year in the Kyol Che in Falenica. On March 9 2013, Igor Pininski received inka from Zen Master Bon Shim in Do Am Sah Temple in Poland.