Integrating Emptiness in Sitting Meditation and Daily Life

Instructor(s): Bhikkhu Anālayo, GuoGu

Program Description:

In Buddhism, emptiness is not vacuity, nor is it a thing. It can be understood as relationships and possibilities. This program will redress common Western misconceptions of emptiness to offer nuanced ways to appreciate and practice emptiness to embody buddhadharma in our lives. Teachers Bhikkhu Anālayo and Guo Gu will engage in a lively teaching experience on perspectives of emptiness as found in both early Buddhist texts and in the later Chan (Chinese Zen) tradition. There will also be teachings via guided meditations from both teachers and live question and answer periods on Saturday and Sunday. 

Prerequisites:

1. Two years of consistent meditation practice.

2. At least one week-long meditation retreat.

3. Having read Bhikkhu Anālayo’s Compassion and Emptiness in Early Buddhist Meditation.

4. Having read Guo Gu's Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening.

About the Instructor(s):
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  Bhikkhu Anālayo

  Bhikkhu Anālayo is a scholar-monk and the author of numerous books on meditation and early Buddhism, such as Satipatthāna: The Direct Path to Realization, Perspectives on Satipatthāna, and Satipatthāna Meditation: A Practice Guide. He is a Faculty Member at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, having retired from being a professor at the Numata Center for Buddhist Studies at the University of Hamburg. His main area of academic research is early Buddhism, with a special interest in the topics of meditation and women in Buddhism. At the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies he regularly teaches residential study & practice courses, participates in online programs and undertakes research into meditation-related themes.  For a full list of Bhikkhu Anālayo’s publications, please click here.