YOU ARE THIS LIGHT
Our classes will help you embody the dharma.
To study the Buddha way is to study the self.
To study the self is to forget the self.
To forget the self is to be actualized by myriad things.
When actualized by myriad things, your body and mind
as well as the bodies and minds of others drop away.
No trace of realization remains,
and this no-trace continues endlessly.
– Dogen
2026 Schedule
Register for intensive study with a small group, led by members of our clergy.
Shakyamuni to Jun Po Roshi
April 5 – May 3 • 10:30 – 11:45 am (CT)
In this five-week program, we will trace the history of Buddhism from the Buddha’s birth to Jun Po Roshi and the formation of The Hollow Bones Zen Order.
A Gradual Path
May 17 – August 2
Over 12 weeks, we will explore The Ten Ox Herding Pictures and the Dasabhumika Vibhasa, using Jun Po Roshi’s first ten Koans of Mondo Zen.
Zen & Facing Death
Offered annually in Fall
In this class, we will examine fear and how Zen practice and the Mondo Zen process can dissolve the grip that so often paralyzes us into denial and disconnection when faced with sickness, old age, and death.
Registration Coming Soon
Five Training Elements
Offered annually in Late Fall
This class will be an overview and introduction of the five elements of our practice: Sacred Stewardship, Philosophical Reorientation, Emotional Koan, Conscious Embodiment, and Genuine Insight.
Registration Coming Soon
Precepts Intensive
Offered annually in Summer
Precepts are sets of injunctions, guideposts or standards of conduct that practitioners of Zen seek to live by. As part of the Jukai Ceremony and the Ordination Ceremony to become a Hollow Bones Priest, committing to live by the precepts provides a guide to the Hollow Bones dharma teachings in daily life. Familiarizing oneself with these commitments through daily intention and practice is a necessary step in deepening ones path of awakening beyond zazen and Mondo Zen Facilitation.
Registration Coming Soon
Maranasati (Death Awareness) Meditation
Offered annually in Winter
We will have an open forum with guiding questions and Zen teachings as we explore Levine’s strategies and guided meditations to help live mindfully, knowing that death awaits us all. We work on our life review, unfinished business, engage more deeply in our connections with others and relationship with life, and make this a poignant, meaningful year to live.
Registration Coming Soon
The Sutra Book
Offered Annually In Early Spring
Engage in in-depth study of the core teachings found in the Sutra Book. Topics include the morning service, chants and prayers, and selected readings.
Registration Coming in 2027
Open to all
Free Year Round Programs
New to our practice?
Learn to sit zazen
Glossary of Buddhist Terms
Download the Sutra Book
Why Study?
While the emphasis of Zen practice is on meditation and realization through direct experience, it is still important, especially at the beginning of practice, to study the Dharma. Through reading and discussions with teachers and sangha members, one can create an intellectual and conceptual foundation of the practice, as well as develop a rich background in history and an affectionate acquaintance with our Zen ancestors. Studying Buddhist teachings allows practitioners to gain knowledge of the deeper truths that underlie their practice.
But Zen Buddhism is not just a topic to be studied; it is a wise and heart-felt guide for living. The readings offer valuable insights into facing the challenges of everyday life with wisdom and compassion. Through study, guidance from teachers, and shared sangha experiences, practitioners learn how to live the Dharma, being ever present with equanimity, loving-kindness, and mindfulness.
The Parable of the Raft
In this parable, a man traveling down a path comes to a large body of water. He sees that the shore he is on is full of danger and discomfort, but that the other shore appears serene and safe. To cross the water, the man gathers twigs, branches, and grass to build a raft which he uses as a support to paddle across. Once he arrives at the other shore, he leaves the raft behind and continues on his journey.
The Buddha explained that the dharma is like a raft:
In the same way, monks, I have taught the Dhamma [dharma] compared to a raft, for the purpose of crossing over, not for the purpose of holding onto. Understanding the Dhamma as taught compared to a raft, you should let go even of Dhammas, to say nothing of non-Dhammas. – Thanissaro Bhikkhu translation
This is not to say that we let go of the teachings when we awaken on the other shore, but that we do not become attached to our conceptual interpretations of them, letting those go like the raft. We can then continue on our path with the confluence of study, meditation, deep insight, awareness, and clear intention lighting the way.