Mondo Zen transcends the hierarchical/authoritarian, gender-biased and constraining monastic aspects of traditional Zen in favor of practical, experiential “in the world” engagement. Relying only on direct personal experience – as taught by the Buddha himself – it does not allow mythic constructs to complicate its philosophical orientation. It is important that in our practice of Mondo Zen we consciously choose to set aside all such ideas at least until we have experienced, tested and evaluated for ourselves a simpler and stronger way of knowing. By letting go of our attachment to our beliefs and mythologies, at least while we are actively doing this practice, we remove a barrier to insight caused by our attachment to those views. Leave old concepts at the door with your hat and shoes—you can always pick them up again on the way out, if they still fit!
Our Mondo Zen protocol is designed to accomplish the first step upon this ancient, updated and renewed path of awakening, a transmission of Correct Understanding. The Koan questions asked in our dialog can be confusing because they are designed to deconstruct your current philosophy, creating a new philosophical understanding and awakening you into Clear Deep Heart/Mind. With this two-fold understanding – experiential and philosophical – we will experience the openness and fearless stability within our ordinary mind. We will acquire new language: language that will allow us to recognize, realize, and maintain awareness of Clear Deep Heart/Mind.
Our hope is that you will enjoy a profound, integrative experience that will change your life in ways you want, starting right now! Our primary intentions for this session are
- First, correct understanding of the nature of mind, putting you in control of your internal experience,
- Second, a taste of the actual liberating experience of no-self,
- An opportunity to practice with plenty of support and feedback as both belief and experience evolve, and finally,
- Suggestions to help you carry the practice back home, build it into your own life in ways that expand and enrich, and then share it with others.
Let us now take our first step together!