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Explore the wisdom of Zen and Buddhism with long-time practitioner and teacher David B. Alexander. We will look at some well-known and lesser-known expressions and quotes of Zen and Buddhism, and examine what they are communicating.

Two of the quotes we will examine: "What is the sound of one hand?" and "To study Buddhism is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self...."

Zen expression is often about experiences that are not common and not very easy to understand. However, that challenge is sometimes used, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to make Zen seem mysterious. The reality is that these expressions and quotes express important experiences, giving words to our immense potential as human beings. The meaning is often not obvious at first, but can be understood better when discussed with clarity.

Discover more of the profound and liberating meaning of Zen and Buddhism.

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Most of us know karma as, basically, the implications that our thoughts and actions have consequences, whether immediately or at some future time. Although that statement captures the basic concept, there is more to karma than that.

Another teaching is the Four Immeasurables. To find our true freedom, we want to use our higher capacities as human beings. These higher capacities allow us to cultivate a mind that frees itself from following past negative karma. By connecting to one's unlimited mind rather than to the narrow mind, we can express good thoughts and actions toward all beings, including ourselves.

After a presentation, we will discuss and practice these principles, and enjoy community.

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There will be about 1/2 hour of presentation, after which we will engage in conversation regarding any situations the participants wish to discuss. If participants do not have such questions to discuss, I as the facilitator will present various scenarios to examine together.

As someone who has raised two children who are now in their 30s, I understand the stresses and the joys of the experience, and the topic will be carefully infused with a good dose of ironic humor, as needed. Whether children are very young, or are themselves adults, the parent / child relationship is a special one of strong connection.

Those who wish to observe are also welcome. Participation can be an enjoyable experience, but is not required.

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In this webinar, David B. Alexander, LP will present some of the primary principles of Nonviolent Communication, and their application in daily life. After the presentation, there will be time for questions and answers.

This will be an enriching, safe opportunity for learning how to deepen relationships of all kinds through better communication, including through authenticity towards oneself, achieving more often the results we desire. As a psychotherapist, David has seen the value of these principles, and has guided numerous couples and individuals to improve the quality of their communication and their relationships.

Topics that will be covered include:

• Compassion vs. Labeling and Judgment

• Observation vs. Diagnosis and Evaluation

• Listening With Empathy

• Feelings, Needs, and Requests

• Expressing Anger's Core

• Protection vs. Punishment

• Liberation From Our Internal Programming

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Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in the discussion after the presentation, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.

The webinar meeting will take place online via Zoom. The webinar can be joined via ordinary phone, but for a full experience use of a computer will allow observing other attendees and those who are speaking. Attendees who do not wish to be seen can disable their video, and those who do not wish to speak (or if there is background noise in the attendee's area) can mute their microphone so as to hear the webinar discussion without speaking.

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Join me for an introduction to Zen and Buddhism: the Middle Way, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and Three Treasures. We will also discuss how to integrate the wisdom and energy of Zen and Buddhism into modern life.

The lotus flower rises invisibly through the mud and muddy water, and opens up pure and clean despite its history and surroundings. If we can keep on the right path in the middle of activity and challenges, we can finally drop struggles of the past and live a life of true freedom and compassion.

The topics include a basic short history of Buddhism, primary principles (see below), the impact of Zen, and integration with modern life.

The principles and concepts that are covered are:

The Middle Way: a crucial piece of understanding for maintaining one's balance and staying on a healthy and effective path towards self-knowledge.

The Four Noble Truths: these address the root meaning of Buddhism: an understanding that life not lived well is ultimately full of inadequacy and pain, but that with a right understanding and effort, we move towards being free of suffering, while helping life on this planet be more humane and awakened.

The Eightfold Path: addresses in a specific manner the key components for living the best possible life, a life that benefits self and others, that reduces suffering, and that leads to liberation.

The Three Treasures: concerns the elements that support following the path towards awakening and liberation.

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We will also examine the direct expression used in Zen and how it captures the emotion and wisdom of life without using religious references, and will talk about how to see Zen and Buddhism as a modern teaching.