To Study the Self: Zen and the Art of Creative Writing

In his famous fascicle, Genjo Koan, the 13th century Zen master Dogen Zenji wrote, “To study the Buddha way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be actualized by the myriad things of the world.”

Dogen was writing about Zen practice, but his words beautifully describe the practice of creative writing, which also takes the self as its starting point. Whether we are writing poetry, memoir, fact-based nonfiction, or the wildest speculative or fantastical tales, the key to rich, evocative, fully-embodied writing is the close study of the self. Then, having studied the self, we must forget the self, get out of our own way, and let the world speak through us.

In this program, we will approach writing from this contemplative perspective. Using Dogen’s words as a lens through which to view our own, we will explore the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, and experiment with the myriad ways of bringing those stories to the page.

We will use mindfulness exercises paired with tailored writing prompts to tap the rich treasury of our sensory and emotional experience.

We will play with genre—with poetry, fiction and memoir—remixing and using these forms to explore the edges of our (many) (imagined) selves.

We will play with imagery and metaphor, pushing beyond well-worn tropes, conventions, and habits of mind, and de-familiarizing the world so we can experience and evoke it with fresh eyes and ears.

Writing is conversation, a meeting place of self and other. In this program, we will sit and write together, sharing words and noble silence.

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning. Additional silent practice periods will be scheduled throughout the program.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

Cancellation Policy:

We understand that personal circumstances may require you to cancel your registration. In these cases, please contact us right away. If you cancel more than eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel between three and eight weeks before the program starts, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit. Registration fees are nonrefundable less than three weeks before the program starts.

Schedule:

Please note that the daily schedule will vary (sometimes significantly) from program to program. Below please find a typical schedule, keeping in mind that it will not directly reflect every program.

Opening Day

2:00 – 5:45 pm Check-in

4:30 pm BCBS Campus Tour (optional)

5:50 – 6:30 pm Kitchen Orientation and Dinner

7:30 – 9:00 pm Opening Session

Middle Day(s)

6:30 am Wake-up Bell

7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Morning Session

12:00 – 2:30 pm Lunch

12:30 – 2:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

2:00 – 5:00 pm Afternoon Session

5:00 – 5:30 pm Dinner

5:30 – 7:00 pm Work Practice or Rest

7:00 – 9:00 pm Evening Session

Closing Day

6:30 am Wake-up Bell

7:00 – 7:30 am Group Sitting Practice

7:30 – 8:00 am Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00 am Work Practice or Rest

9:00 am – noon Closing Session

12:00 – 12:30 pm Lunch (optional)