Zen Foundations
Fundamentals of Practice
A self-paced online curriculum that gives a comprehensive and practical grounding in the experience and principles of Zen Buddhism.
Zen Foundations offers an opportunity to begin, develop, or deepen a practice of the Zen Buddhist path or — if you are already a practitioner — to explore fundamentals in more depth in an online format that is accessible for all.
Even with solid introductory courses and interactions with other students and teachers, practitioners can be unclear for months and even years on certain fundamentals of the path of Zen. Dedicated lay practitioners also find themselves balancing Zen practice with work, family, and community life. With this curriculum, you can now deepen in your practice and study from anywhere in the world on your own timeframe.
Zen Foundations is offered in 12 modules, each with their own theme, videos, recommended readings, meditation and mindfulness practices, and other resources for self-study at your own pace.
Tiered pricing is available to support access and equity and ensure the programs and teachings are accessible to all.
We hope the teachings and resources will be enriching and encouraging for you.
What is Zen?
The Body-Mind of Zen
Working with a Teacher
Lineage
Zen Meditative Practices
Liturgy, Ritual, and Ceremony
Vows and Upaya
Karma
Paramitas
Creative Expression
Engaged Buddhism
Zen at Work
What’s in the Course?
The 12 modules in Zen Foundations, listed above, cover the fundamental principles and practices of the Zen Buddhist path. Each module includes videos of instructional classes and dialogues with guest teachers, recommended readings, meditation and mindfulness practices, and other resources for that topic. You may access the modules in any order, though we recommend starting with Module One: What is Zen?, especially if you are new to Zen practice.
The classes and dialogues were recorded during live sessions in 2022.
See more details below on the course materials, instructors, and guests and how to register. You will have lifetime access with your membership and can access the course materials at anytime.
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Learn the fundamental principles of Zen Buddhism organized into 12 modules, from What is Zen? to Working with a Teacher to Advanced Meditative Practices, Engaged Buddhism, and more. Download a printable checklist listing all module readings, practices and other materials to help you to organize and track your progress at your own pace.
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Over 30 hours of Classes, Q&A's and Discussions with established Zen Teachers and Practice Leaders in the White Plum lineage.
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Deepen your understanding and experience of Zen by reading traditional and contemporary texts for each module
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Meditation, Somatic, Everyday Life and Personal Practices to integrate your understanding into your life.
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Course Overview: Making Zen Your Own
Zen Foundations is organized into twelve modules based on the fundamental principles of Zen practice that you can engage with at your own pace. Here are some recommendations to get you going.
Zen Foundations is organized into twelve modules based on the fundamental principles of Zen practice that you can engage with at your own pace. Here are some recommendations to get you going.
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Study Guide
To help you organize and track your progress in the Zen Foundations Course offline, we've created a downloadable Study Guide that you can print and check things off as you go.
To help you organize and track your progress in the Zen Foundations Course offline, we've created a downloadable Study Guide that you can print and check things off as you go.
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Overview and Readings
Explore the basics of Zen practice and the core Buddhist principles which inform it.
Explore the basics of Zen practice and the core Buddhist principles which inform it.
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First Principles
Sensei Paul Gyodo Agostinelli provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of Zen practice. What are the root teachings of Zen, and how do they manifest in our practice? The session includes Q&A with students.
Sensei Paul Gyodo Agostinelli provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of Zen practice. What are the root teachings of Zen, and how do they manifest in our practice? The session includes Q&A with students.
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A Conversation about Zen Practice with Sean Tetsudo Murphy
Gyodo Sensei talks with Sean Tetsudo Murphy, Sensei, of the Sage Institute about what makes Zen "Zen,” what drew them to meditation practice and the fundamental principles, obstacles, and realizations they have had along the way.
Gyodo Sensei talks with Sean Tetsudo Murphy, Sensei, of the Sage Institute about what makes Zen "Zen,” what drew them to meditation practice and the fundamental principles, obstacles, and realizations they have had along the way.
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A Conversation about Zen Practice with Roshi Gerry Shishin Wick
Gyodo Sensei talks with Roshi Gerry Shishin Wick about the evolution of Zen in America, how fundamental Buddhist teachings manifest in practice and misconceptions of practice. The session includes a Q&A with students.
Gyodo Sensei talks with Roshi Gerry Shishin Wick about the evolution of Zen in America, how fundamental Buddhist teachings manifest in practice and misconceptions of practice. The session includes a Q&A with students.
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Counting Breaths, Washing the Dishes
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Overview and Readings
Explore principles of seated meditation and qualities of mind -- the essential attitudes -- that support Zen practice.
Explore principles of seated meditation and qualities of mind -- the essential attitudes -- that support Zen practice.
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Qualities of Body-Mind in Zen Practice
In this session, we explore basics of Zen meditation — body, breath, and mind — and the qualities of mind that support our practice, including Faith, Doubt, and Determination, and Dogen's Three Minds: Joyful Mind, Parental Mind, and Magnanimous Mind or Big Mind.
In this session, we explore basics of Zen meditation — body, breath, and mind — and the qualities of mind that support our practice, including Faith, Doubt, and Determination, and Dogen's Three Minds: Joyful Mind, Parental Mind, and Magnanimous Mind or Big Mind.
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A Conversation on The Body-Mind of Zen with Zenki Christian Dillo
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, Sensei and Zenki Christian Dillo, Roshi share their experiences and reflections on the embodied experience of Zen Practice.
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, Sensei and Zenki Christian Dillo, Roshi share their experiences and reflections on the embodied experience of Zen Practice.
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Fundamentals of Zen Practice 1: BODY
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli Sensei explores the posture and experience of the body in Zen practice in depth.
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli Sensei explores the posture and experience of the body in Zen practice in depth.
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Fundamentals of Zen Practice 2: BREATH
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli Sensei explores the nature and experience of the breath in Zen Practice in depth.
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli Sensei explores the nature and experience of the breath in Zen Practice in depth.
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Fundamentals of Zen Practice 3: MIND
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli Sensei explores the nature and experience of the mind in Zen Practice in depth.
Paul Gyodo Agostinelli Sensei explores the nature and experience of the mind in Zen Practice in depth.
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Body Scan, Yoga / Tai Chi / Chi Kung, Mindful Hiking
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Overview and Readings
Explore the core principles informing the unique teacher-student relationship in Zen.
Explore the core principles informing the unique teacher-student relationship in Zen.
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How to be a Zen Student
Explore the core principles informing the unique teacher-student relationship in Zen. Our guest, Sean Tetsudo Murphy Sensei, joins for the Q&A discussion portion.
Explore the core principles informing the unique teacher-student relationship in Zen. Our guest, Sean Tetsudo Murphy Sensei, joins for the Q&A discussion portion.
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Living Lineage, Entering / Leaving a Room, Walking Meditation
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Overview and Readings
Explore the incidents and teachings from Eon Zen's teaching lineage, from Buddha to Bodhidharma, to Dogen and Hakuin, down to the White Plum Asanga as well as women teachers and the development of American Zen.
Explore the incidents and teachings from Eon Zen's teaching lineage, from Buddha to Bodhidharma, to Dogen and Hakuin, down to the White Plum Asanga as well as women teachers and the development of American Zen.
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Joining the Bloodline: The Importance of Lineage
Eon Zen Practice Leader Geoff Shōun O'Keeffe discusses the lineage of our practice, from our personal lineage (family, role models, influences) to our Zen Lineage, from Buddha to Bodhidharma, to Dogen and Hakuin, down to the White Plum Asanga, as well as women teachers and the development of American Zen.
Eon Zen Practice Leader Geoff Shōun O'Keeffe discusses the lineage of our practice, from our personal lineage (family, role models, influences) to our Zen Lineage, from Buddha to Bodhidharma, to Dogen and Hakuin, down to the White Plum Asanga, as well as women teachers and the development of American Zen.
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A Conversation about Lineage with Janet Jiryu Abels
Geoff Shōun O’Keeffe talks with Roshi Janet Jiryu Abels about her perspectives on Zen Lineage and reflections from her book "Making Zen Your Own: Giving Life to Twelve Key Golden Age Ancestors."
Geoff Shōun O’Keeffe talks with Roshi Janet Jiryu Abels about her perspectives on Zen Lineage and reflections from her book "Making Zen Your Own: Giving Life to Twelve Key Golden Age Ancestors."
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Living Lineage, Personal Care
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Overview and Readings
Explore the core meditative practices in the Zen tradition, including koan and shikantaza.
Explore the core meditative practices in the Zen tradition, including koan and shikantaza.
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Faith and Doubt Practices and Q&A with Karin Ryuku Kempe
Gyodo Sensei offers an overview of koan and shikantaza practices and their relationship with faith and doubt in the practice of Zen, followed by a conversation with Karin Ryuku Kempe Roshi on Zen Meditative Practices.
Gyodo Sensei offers an overview of koan and shikantaza practices and their relationship with faith and doubt in the practice of Zen, followed by a conversation with Karin Ryuku Kempe Roshi on Zen Meditative Practices.
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Counting Breaths, Present Moment, Yoga / Tai Chi / Chi Kung
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Overview and Readings
Learn how chant service and liturgy supports our practice of living in intimate connection with all begins throughout space and time.
Learn how chant service and liturgy supports our practice of living in intimate connection with all begins throughout space and time.
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A Conversation about Liturgy, Ritual & Ceremony with Cristina Moon and Mike Mui Lewis
Rev. Mike Mui Lewis of Great Mountain Zen Center talks with Rev. Christina Moon of Chozen-ji Rinzai Zen Temple about the mind of Zen when engaging with Liturgy, Ritual and Ceremony and the forms, liturgy and rituals for Zen practice in a zendo or practice hall.
Rev. Mike Mui Lewis of Great Mountain Zen Center talks with Rev. Christina Moon of Chozen-ji Rinzai Zen Temple about the mind of Zen when engaging with Liturgy, Ritual and Ceremony and the forms, liturgy and rituals for Zen practice in a zendo or practice hall.
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Mindful Eating, Prostration Practice, Making Coffee, Tea Ceremony
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Overview and Readings
Investigate the role and importance of precepts and vows in the Zen tradition.
Investigate the role and importance of precepts and vows in the Zen tradition.
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A Conversation about the Buddhist Precepts
Gyodo Sensei provides an overview of the 16 Buddhist Precepts and leads a discussion with Zen Foundations students about their experience with the Precepts and taking the Buddhist vows.
Gyodo Sensei provides an overview of the 16 Buddhist Precepts and leads a discussion with Zen Foundations students about their experience with the Precepts and taking the Buddhist vows.
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Eightfold Path Practice, Writing, Prostration Practice
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Overview and Readings
This module presents the Zen understanding of karma, within the context of modern models of causation and emotional conditioning.
This module presents the Zen understanding of karma, within the context of modern models of causation and emotional conditioning.
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A Conversation about Karma with Gerry Shishin Wick
Gyodo Sensei explores the Zen understanding of Karma followed by a dialogue and Q&A with Gerry Shishin Wick, Roshi of Great Mountain Zen Center.
Gyodo Sensei explores the Zen understanding of Karma followed by a dialogue and Q&A with Gerry Shishin Wick, Roshi of Great Mountain Zen Center.
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Getting Out of Bed, Personal Care, Living Lineage
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Overview and Readings
Explore the six Bodhisattva paramitas (perfections), the cultivated qualities of the ever-enlightening beings.
Explore the six Bodhisattva paramitas (perfections), the cultivated qualities of the ever-enlightening beings.
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A Conversation about the Six Bodhisattva Paramitas
Eon Zen Practice Leader Geoff Shōun O'Keeffe explores the six paramitas or "perfections" and how they manifest each in intention and action in our lives.
Eon Zen Practice Leader Geoff Shōun O'Keeffe explores the six paramitas or "perfections" and how they manifest each in intention and action in our lives.
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Paramitas Practice, Sweeping / Vacuuming
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Engaging art and creativity with the mind of Zen.
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Creativity and the Mind of Zen with Lisa Gakyo Schaewe and Jody Hojin Kimmel
Eon Zen Practice Leader Lisa Gakyo Schaewe and guest Jody Hojin Kimmel Sensei explore creative expression with the mind of Zen. The session includes three short art practices and a writing practice.
Eon Zen Practice Leader Lisa Gakyo Schaewe and guest Jody Hojin Kimmel Sensei explore creative expression with the mind of Zen. The session includes three short art practices and a writing practice.
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Drawing, Writing, Photography, Process Painting, Enso Painting
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Overview and Readings
Explore the principles of Engaged Buddhism and the practice of contemplative social action through the Zen Peacemaker's Three Tenets (Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, Taking Action)
Explore the principles of Engaged Buddhism and the practice of contemplative social action through the Zen Peacemaker's Three Tenets (Not Knowing, Bearing Witness, Taking Action)
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A Conversation about Zen Peacemakers & Contemplative Social Action
Zen Peacemakers Executive Director Geoff Shōun O'Keeffe and Board Member Sam Sokyo Randall share their experiences with the Three tenets of Zen Peacemakers and the practice of engaged Buddhism through contemplative social action.
Zen Peacemakers Executive Director Geoff Shōun O'Keeffe and Board Member Sam Sokyo Randall share their experiences with the Three tenets of Zen Peacemakers and the practice of engaged Buddhism through contemplative social action.
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Picking Up Trash, Body Scan, Eightfold Path Practice
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Overview and Readings
Learn how to engage with your work-in-the-world with the mind of Zen through the Practice of Presence and Purpose.
Learn how to engage with your work-in-the-world with the mind of Zen through the Practice of Presence and Purpose.
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The Practice of Purpose with Paul Gyodo Agostinelli & Mark Eckhardt
Gyodo Sensei explores engaging your work-in-the-world with the mind of Zen and Dogen’s Three Minds followed by a conversation with Mark Eckhardt, Zen priest, founder of One Million Truths, CEO and co-founder of COMMON, a creative accelerator for social enterprises.
Gyodo Sensei explores engaging your work-in-the-world with the mind of Zen and Dogen’s Three Minds followed by a conversation with Mark Eckhardt, Zen priest, founder of One Million Truths, CEO and co-founder of COMMON, a creative accelerator for social enterprises.
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Present Moment, Getting the Mail, Starting/Driving a Car
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Meet Your Instructors
The recorded classes and discussions are led by transmitted Zen Teachers and Practice Leaders in the White Plum Zen Lineage.
Choose your plan
Sign up for the plan below that works for you and receive immediate access to the Zen Foundations curriculum.
A Dana Plan (pay what you can) is also available for those with limited income and to support access and equity.
Please contact us at staff@eonzen.org to inquire.
If you registered in the past for Zen Foundations through Mighty Networks, you will receive an email with a code to transfer your Zen Foundations membership to this site at no additional charge.
Eon Zen Student Members receive access to Zen Foundations in the Members Area and do not need to register here.
Learn more about Eon Zen Membership.
What’s Included?
This is the primary course membership. Zen Foundations Members have lifetime access to all course content and materials: video recordings, recommended readings, practices, and study guide.
Supporting Members have lifetime access to all course content and materials and enable us to offer the course at a lower rate to others to ensure that the teachings are accessible and available to all.
White Plum Members have lifetime access to all course content and materials at a reduced rate. This plan is available for elders (over 65), students, and practitioners in the White Plum Lineage.
