Sifu and I have been approached by many of the students at both Michigan schools (and even via email from the Los Angeles school) with how helpful access to Zen Teachings has been in their practice. I was curious as to what the students were getting from the program, that they were not getting in the physical dojos. The responses were great and aligned with our goals in beginning this online program.
Zen Teachings Supplements Physical Practice
The overwhelming position is that Zen Teachings is a powerful supplement to their practice and a tool to revisit and review the important lessons from class. The fact is that we simply do not have time in every class to go into depth about all the things one should be getting from his or her practice. Of course, we have Thursday meditation talks, questions and answers at the end of every class and are always available for private questions, but there is still so much information that students have really found value in having it accessible.
We all learn differently. Short bursts on the huge range of topics is simply not enough for most students to really learn to utilize all the philosophical aspects of practice and implement them into their everyday lives. It is rare, to say the least, to have all the resources available and accessible and many students have already expressed gratitude at how Zen Teachings has given them a deeper understanding of what they should take from their practice.
Lessons in Mindfulness, No Matter Where You Are
We expected this response from students who are not physically in the schools but have been overwhelmed with gratitude by the number of students who are physically at the schools but still excited about Zen Teachings. Everyone has expressed appreciation for the ability to study at their own leisure and the ability to revisit important lessons and points. Often, given where we are on our personal journeys, we can take new value from the same lesson when it is revisited. I know personally that the Lessons in Mindfulness program teaches me something different or sheds different light on areas of practice in ways that I could not have appreciated ten years ago. As practice is “practice” and not something that is to be completed, I imagine I will glean new value 10 years from now, too!
I appreciate all the feedback from both individuals I have never physically met and from students I see daily. I am very proud of our students for taking their practice so seriously that they actively seek out ways to gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties of studying with a focused, intense mind and an open, receptive heart. We have some of the most dedicated and intelligent students I have ever encountered and I am both proud of and humbled by all your collective sincerity and dedication.
-Rudy