Resolve & Awaken | Dōgen’s Eight Realizations of a Great One
Hachi Dainingaku 八大人覚

Immerse yourself in the final, luminous teaching of Dōgen Zenji — On the Eight Realizations of a Great One — composed as he prepared to leave this life, and drawn from the Buddha’s own last words before entering nirvana.

In this special year-end series, we’ll explore how these Eight Realizations — few desires, contentment, tranquility, diligence, mindfulness, meditation, wisdom, and non-attachment — can guide us in shaping a clear and compassionate new year. Together, they form a path of awakening grounded in resolve: to live deliberately, to use our time wisely, and to embody awareness in every moment. There is a special topic woven through the material of using time skillfully and setting our intentions for the new year.

Designed for reflection and renewal, this four-week course invites us to examine not how much we can do, but how completely we can live. Through study, discussion, and sitting practice, we’ll look at what it means to plan well without clinging, to prepare without striving, and to enter the new year with clarity and balance.

Daily reflections will complement weekly classes, offering short readings and commentary from Sensei Michael Brunner to deepen practice between sessions. Whether you are new to Zen or continuing a lifelong journey, this series provides practical tools for aligning time, intention, and awakening.

What to Expect:

• Weekly Classes: Engage in enriching discussions and insights every Thursday, available both in-person and online. Miss a class? Don’t worry—each session will be recorded so you can catch up at your convenience.

• Daily Insights: Receive thoughtful emails Monday through Friday, designed to guide you through the text and deepen your understanding with each passing day.

• Interactive Online Discussion Group: Connect with fellow participants in our online forum, where you can delve into the teachings and explore their practical applications in daily life.

Embark on this transformative journey with us and uncover the timeless wisdom of Zen. We look forward to welcoming you!