Teacher: Zen Master Jok Um

Description: The Vimalakirti Sutra presents the teachings of layman Vimalakirti, a contemporary of the Buddha, esteemed as his equal. This sutra unfolds through dialogues between Vimalakirti and the Mahasangha. We will focus on Chapter 7, “On Observing Sentient Beings,” which features two key dialogues: one with Manjushri and another with a goddess and Shariputra, exploring profound teachings and challenging views on awakening. The dialogues are on the nature of sentience, love, wisdom, compassion, and gender.
Our study involves reading the chapter aloud as a play, pausing for guided inquiry to deepen understanding. The text will be shared in advance, encouraging you to engage with it as both practice and art, revealing insights into being among sentient beings.  

Session One: February 3 / 19:00 EST (See this in your time zone)
The first session will cover the dialogue between Vimalakirti and Manjushri.  
Session Two: February 17 / 19:00 EST (See this in your time zone)
The second session will cover the dialogue between the Goddess and Shariputra. 

About the Teacher: Zen Master Jok Um (Ken Kessel) received transmission in April 2017. He began studying with Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1975. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a psychotherapist, working with children and families in foster care, substance abuse, outpatient and inpatient mental health and therapeutic preschool settings, as well as in private practice. He specializes in infant and early childhood mental health. He is guiding teacher for New Haven Zen Center, Hwa Um Sa-Orlando Zen Center, Gateless Gate Zen Center (Gainesville) and Cypress Tree Zen Group (Tallahassee). He also teaches at the Chogye International Zen Center of New York, as well as at other Zen Centers and affiliates.