Invitation to Study

Embark on a Journey of Transformation: Exploring the Eightfold Path

Lao Tzu once said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This invitation is for you to take that first step on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and transformation. We invite you to join the Awakening Together Zen Community in a unique study of the Eightfold Path, the ancient Buddhist map for finding lasting happiness and peace.

Imagine yourself setting out on a magnificent adventure, walking along a path that winds through breathtaking landscapes, each step bringing you closer to a hidden treasure. The Eightfold Path is like that very path, leading you to the ultimate treasure of inner peace and joy.

Throughout this study, we will embark on a guided exploration of each of the eight aspects:

• Right View: Gaining a clear understanding of reality and the true nature of suffering.

• Right Intention: Cultivating wholesome intentions of generosity, goodwill, and harmlessness.

• Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, kindly, and constructively.

• Right Action: Engaging in ethical conduct that benefits oneself and others.

• Right Livelihood: Earning a living in a way that aligns with your values and doesn't harm others.

• Right Effort: Cultivating positive mental states and directing your energy towards achieving your goals.

• Right Mindfulness: Developing awareness of the present moment and your thoughts, feelings, and sensations.

• Right Concentration: Training your mind to focus and achieve mental clarity.

This journey will not be without its challenges and obstacles, just as any great adventure might have.  The act of carefully examining the patterns and rhythms of our lives may bring forward difficult content or connect us with historic or current pain.  But with each step, you will learn valuable tools and techniques to meet each moment of life as an opportunity for practice and healing. You will discover the power of mindfulness, meditation, and ethical conduct to transform your life and cultivate inner peace.

This study is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about putting that knowledge into practice and experiencing its transformative benefits firsthand. We will create a supportive community of fellow travelers where you can share your experiences, receive guidance, and learn from each other.

Are you ready to embark on this life-changing journey? We invite you to join us and discover the profound wisdom and practical guidance of the Eightfold Path.

What you will gain:

• A deeper understanding and appreciation of the Eightfold Path

• Practical tools and techniques for cultivating mindfulness, meditation, and ethical conduct

• Greater self-awareness and understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and motivations

• Increased inner peace, happiness, and well-being

• A supportive community of fellow travelers on the path of awakening who are committed to living lives for the benefit all beings

When will this journey begin:

We will gather at the trailhead (ATZC Cloud Zendo) on January 21st, 2024 and then map out the journey that will unfold over the following nine months (so ten months in total), in which we will read, reflect, practice, and gather each month on the third Sunday of the month (7 PM CST) to learn from and support one another.  

What else do I need to know:

Attached to this email you will find two documents, a FAQ for the course and the course syllabus.  Hopefully those two documents will provide the answers you seek and if not, simply shoot us an email.

What do I need to pack:

There are two core texts (books).  Additionally, there is an additional text that was selected as a deepening text that explores the Eightfold Path in relationship to anti-racism and undoing systems of oppression.  We would recommend all three texts, but nobody will be checking which books you select as your textual companions on the journey.  

How to join:

Simply respond to this email to get on the list!  

We will send out information to all those who sign up for this study the first week of January.  

We look forward to walking together on this journey of self-discovery!