Acting Buddha
Acceptance, Commitment, and the Vitality of Zen
Saturday, Nov. 14
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Pilgrim Lane Zendo
“Conceptual buddhas can never stand shoulder to shoulder with acting buddha.”
Eihei Dogen Zenji
“The Awesome Presence of Acting Buddha”
In the years since Buddhism was first introduced to the West, mental health clinicians have examined the intersection of conventional psychotherapeutic techniques with the East’s newly transmitted “science of the mind.” These efforts have led to the gradual incorporation of meditative insights into established psychotherapeutic modalities, and eventually given rise to novel, expressly contemplative approaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is one of the most well-known of these innovative orientations, grounded in core Buddhist teachings (unsatisfactoriness, emptiness, impermanence) and actualized through foundational Buddhist practices (meditation, mindfulness, valued action).
This workshop is a celebration of ACT and Zen. It is inspired by the philosophy of psychologist and meditator John Welwood, who believed that building a bridge between contemplative practice and traditional psychotherapy could significantly enrich one’s experience in both realms. In this spirit, Sensei Anthony Nentetsu Yuschak will explore ACT therapy and Zen practice alongside one another, pairing a presentation of basic ACT interventions with relevant and often revealing Zen texts and teachings. The goal of the workshop is to develop a shared understanding of the two perspectives, where they converge and diverge, and how together they might bring deeper meaning and equanimity to our everyday lives. These intentions will be realized through a combination of classroom-style discussions, small group interactions, individual inquiry, experiential exercises, and more. No previous Zen training or therapeutic knowledge is necessary; the only prerequisite is a curious mind and an open heart.
This workshop will be available for in-person attendance at the Pilgrim Lane zendo, though an online version of the workshop will be offered in the coming months. There will be a one-hour lunch break, and participants are invited to either bring a meal or purchase lunch from a nearby store. To attend, please complete the online registration form. The suggested donation for this event ($40 for members, $45 for non-members) can be paid by cash or check in person at Soji or through PayPal. Please contact us with any questions.
