Zen for Christians (Online)

March 2 – April 11, 2025

Course Description: The wisdom and meditative techniques of Zen Buddhism offer new perspectives on mindfulness and spiritual practice. Zen meditation emphasizes attention to the present moment, opening compassionate awareness to ourselves and all of reality, and seeing more clearly our interdependence and interconnection with everyone and everything else. This practices-based course provides an introduction to the teachings and contemplative practices of Zen Buddhism, addressing issues of particular interest and concern to Christians. Participants will try sitting and walking meditation, learn about the Buddha and basic Buddhist teachings, and reflect on similarities and differences between Zen meditation and Christian contemplative prayer.

Required Reading: Zen for Christians: A Beginner's Guide. Boykin, Kim. Ixia Press. 2018. 

Note: This course can count for credit towards the Certificate in Contemplative Spiritual Formation. Contact Sharon Junn at junns@ctsnet.edu for more information.

Location: Online

With: Kim Boykin

Schedule: This course is both synchronous and asynchronous. There will be synchronous meetings on Tuesdays, 8:00-9:00 PM ET.

Week 1. Introduction to Zen Buddhism, Zen meditation, and each other. Practice: counting the breath. 

Week 2. The story of the Buddha. Practice: counting the breath.  

Week 3. Basic Buddhist wisdom: the Four Noble Truths. Practice: walking meditation.  

Week 4. Comparing Buddhist and Christian contemplative practices. Practice: following the breath.  

Week 5. Buddhist and Christian wisdom: Things are a big mess, but it's OK anyway. Practice: following the breath.  

Week 6. Spiritual practice in our lives. Practice: practicing with everything.

Program Fee: The regular program fee is $220. Early bird pricing of $190 is available until January 6, 2025.

Contact: lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu