- Hyon Gak Sunim

CHAPTER 1:

Course Overview

Sunim gives an overview of the course.

CHAPTER 2:

What is Enlightenment?

Sunim introduces students to Zen, discussing the Zen path and informing about what “Enlightenment” truly means.

CHAPTER 3:

What is True Meditation?

Sunim talks about the different kinds of meditation that exist out in the world today. He delves deeply into the subject-object relationship and discusses how Zen meditation is different in that it is subject turning toward subject.

CHAPTER 4:

Meditation in Everyday Life

Sunim talks about meditation in everyday life. He also gives an in-depth account of a car accident he was in, recounting how in the moment he was calm and present.

CHAPTER 5:

On “Don’t-Know Mind”

Sunim prepares viewers to reflect on "the great question" and explores "don't know mind" as a basis for our meditation practice.

CHAPTER 6:

Posture

Sunim helps you find the sitting posture that is right for you in your meditation practice. There is no single “perfect posture” for everyone. We must each find our own posture.

CHAPTER 7:

Standing in Meditation

Sunim shows how standing can alleviate some of the aches and pains that emerge during practice. He instructs how to stand and sit back down properly during formal meditation.

CHAPTER 8:

Eyes Open

Sunim describes the importance of keeping the eyes open during meditation. He discusses common problems one may face when maintaining open eyes and how to resolve them.

CHAPTER 9:

Mudra

Sunim talks about how one should keep their hands during meditation practice - otherwise known as the mudra. He shows how the mudra is positioned in Zen meditation and explains its importance.

CHAPTER 10:

Breath Awareness

Sunim talks about one of the most important aspects of Zen meditation -- the breath. He expresses the value of the breath and how it can change one’s life. He shows how to have a light awareness of the breath, and how simple it might be to leave it alone during practice.

CHAPTER 11:

On the Great Question

Sunim explores the Great Question, which arises from the ones which all humans ask themselves: Why do we suffer, even those who are “good” to others? Why am I born into this world? Why must I die? What am I?

CHAPTER 12:

A Guided Meditation in Zen

Sunim puts together everything he has discussed thus far. He gives a guided meditation and reemphasizes the significant aspects of Zen meditation.

CHAPTER 13:

Final Reflections and Outlook

Some final thoughts from Sunim, and an outlook on the in-depth work of a future course — The Novice Course. Most importantly, Sunim encourages the work of constantly watering your practice, until it blooms and takes deep root in your consciousness.

BONUS 1

A Dharma Jewel: The Path of Sangha

Practicing alone can be very challenging. That is why, in the Zen tradition, there is emphasis on connecting one’s practice with other people: Sangha. Sunim gives some hints about upcoming functions which will help to support this dimension in your practice.

BONUS 2

Hyon Gak Sunim’s version of the 500 year-old classic, “Beginner’s Mind,” by Zen Master Won Hyo. 

Zen Master Won Hyo (617 – 686 CE) is one of the towering figures of Korean Zen. This essay is memorised by all “baby” nuns and monks when they first enter the monastery.