Modern Zen and Buddhism
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Experience a better life.
As the speaker and facilitator, David B. Alexander brings his experience as a psychotherapist, consultant, partner, and parent, as well as integrating a lifelong practice and teaching of Zen meditation and Tai Chi Chuan.
David has studied Zen / Buddhism not just as an academic but has focused on experiential understanding of the important principles expounded in this teaching. Zen / Buddhism believes deeply in the inherent value and capability of each human being, and encourages us to make the efforts to achieve that great potential.
The various presentations and discussions about Zen / Buddhism are dedicated to making clear the principles for a better life, with more joy and less suffering through a profound and subtle teaching
These events are enriching, safe opportunities for learning. After 50 years of Zen practice with leading masters, as well as learning from the lessons of life, David B. Alexander presents and discusses the meaning of this ancient teaching for each of us. Zen and Buddhism are the study of, and the connection with, our true selves.
After presentations, there is always time for questions and answers as well as discussion.
Note: if any attendee does not wish to join in a discussion, but prefers to observe and absorb, that preference will be respected.
Events take place online via Zoom, and may in the future also take place in Long Island or Manhattan at announced addresses.
Webinars 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. Except when they are about to speak, attendees should mute their microphones so as to hear the webinar discussion and avoid adding background sounds.
"I thought the the webinar was outstanding. Although I have some familiarity with the concepts of nonviolent communication, I felt that the webinar greatly expanded my knowledge in this area and gave me useful information and techniques that I can apply to improve my relationships with my family and friends."
Ken Z.
The amount of information was terrific, dialogue was great. I wouldn't change anything. I thought meeting everyone was wonderful and having the dialogue. I am interested in attending more webinars.
Karen C.
Perfect. Very Comfortable interaction. A professional presentation. I liked listening to your personal experiences and those of others.
Michele F.
I thought it was very effective and constructive. I enjoyed the candor of presenters and openness to discuss concerns and clarify.
Karen S.
"I thought the the webinar was outstanding. Although I have some familiarity with the concepts of nonviolent communication, I felt that the webinar greatly expanded my knowledge in this area and gave me useful information and techniques that I can apply to improve my relationships with my family and friends."
Ken Z.
The amount of information was terrific, dialogue was great. I wouldn't change anything. I thought meeting everyone was wonderful and having the dialogue. I am interested in attending more webinars.
Karen C.
Perfect. Very Comfortable interaction. A professional presentation. I liked listening to your personal experiences and those of others.
Michele F.
I thought it was very effective and constructive. I enjoyed the candor of presenters and openness to discuss concerns and clarify.
Karen S.
Upcoming Zen and Buddhism Events
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Saturday, May 30 · 11am – 1pm ET
The lotus flower rises invisibly through mud and muddy water, and opens up pure and clean despite its history and surroundings. If we can keep on the right path while in the middle of activity and challenges, we can discover a life of true freedom and compassion.
The topics include a basic short history of Buddhism, primary principles (see below), and the impact of Zen in 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: the first teachings of Buddhism, that we have the opportunity to break from suffering, through right understanding, mindfulness, and action.
The Eightfold Path: the key components for living a life that benefits self and others, and clarifies and frees mind and body.
The Three Treasures: the elements that support following the path towards awakening and liberation.
Saturday, May 30 · 11am – 1pm ET
The lotus flower rises invisibly through mud and muddy water, and opens up pure and clean despite its history and surroundings. If we can keep on the right path while i…
Saturday, June 27 · 11am – 1pm ET
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.
Saturday, June 27 · 11am – 1pm ET
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 quo…
Saturday, August 22 · 11am – 1pm ET
Most of us know karma as, basically, the concept that our thoughts and actions have consequences, whether immediately or at some future time. Although that statement captures the basic principle of karma, there is significantly more to karma than that.
Another important teaching is the Four Immeasurables, which can be seen as a solution for creating good karma, leading to liberation. To find our true freedom we need to use our higher capacities as human beings, which help us break free from limitations. Actions that are "clean", and do not create bad karma, help us toward our own and others' liberation.
Our higher capacities allow us to cultivate a mind that frees itself from following past negative karma, gradually breaking those chains. By connecting to one's unlimited mind rather than to the narrow mind, we can help free ourselves and others from painful complications in living.
During and after the presentation we will discuss and practice these principles, and enjoy community.
Saturday, August 22 · 11am – 1pm ET
Most of us know karma as, basically, the concept that our thoughts and actions have consequences, whether immediately or at some future time. Although that statement…
Saturday, September 26 · 11am – 1pm ET
There is a deep connection between William Blake's worldview, and the worldview of Zen Buddhism.
Our human experience of Truth does not belong to only one cultural heritage, geography, or time; it belongs to all human beings and is our potential to discover for ourselves.
Zen is concerned with finding the original, clear self and expressing that energy and wholeness in everyday life. There are many writings about how to find and live that original self.
In his work, Blake portrayed the human being as ultimately what he called Albion, which represent the original human before our timeless fall from a fully healthy and integrated state of being.
Both Zen and the works of William Blake are pointing to the inner freedom and harmony that we each have from the beginning, but that we need to discover for ourselves.
Saturday, September 26 · 11am – 1pm ET
There is a deep connection between William Blake's worldview, and the worldview of Zen Buddhism.
Our human experience of Truth does not belong to only one cultural…
Saturday, October 24 · 11am – 1pm ET
The Book of Job, from the Old Testament, is considered the oldest book in the Bible. It tells a dramatic story of transformation and awakening.
William Blake made this one of his last projects for illustration, along with the illustrating of Dante's Divine Comedy. The art for the Book of Job was completed, while the Divine Comedy project generated many watercolors (and seven engravings), but was not completed before Blake's death.
Traditional attempts to speak about The Book of Job stumble on such things as why did God allow the Devil to torture such a good man? And why did Job suffer so severely before he finally came back to an even better life?
There is a non-religious, but spiritual, answer to this as well as other questions about the meaning of the Biblical story. In addition, the art created by William Blake to illustrate the story is dramatic and matches well with Blake's understanding of human nature and the possibilities for wisdom.
Find out the beautiful evocation and meaningful interpretation of the Job story in William Blake's engravings.
Saturday, October 24 · 11am – 1pm ET
The Book of Job, from the Old Testament, is considered the oldest book in the Bible. It tells a dramatic story of transformation and awakening.
William Blake mad…
Not Able to Attend Any of These Dates?
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“David is a superbly gifted Organizational Therapist who is able to help guide entrepreneurs in growing their businesses while navigating the highly unpredictable environment that we find ourselves in.
Unlike many psychotherapists he has a long-established track record of working and advising in the real world, which allows him to help his clients deal with real world problem solving. If you have an established business which is coping with a changing times, or an entrepreneur looking to unlock growth and opportunities I would highly recommend David as a consultant.”
Michael Pinto
Entrepreneurial Product Designer and CEO of Very Memorable
“I had both the privilege and good fortune to first connect with David in 2019. In retaining his services, I found him to be highly professional, insightful, authentic, patient, and kind. I greatly appreciated his direct approach, thoughtful consideration, and engaging manner.
As it turns out, the feedback and insight he provided me turned out to be absolutely spot on, over the course of time. It is a pleasure to recommend David as a pragmatic, discerning, and intuitive counselor, therapist, and leader.”
Eben Wilson
Founder and CEO, Exaio Systems
“David recently did a presentation on non-violent communication on behalf of one of my clients, an HR firm. To say that he hit it out of the ballpark would be an understatement. He was engaging, used real-world scenarios and examples and provided the attendees with actionable take-aways to help them navigate the sometimes-tricky world of intergenerational workplace communication.
David is genuine and empathetic. Even during a brief training, his message resonated with this audience of business owners, HR managers and C-suite executives. We received extremely positive feedback from the attendees and highly recommend David for consulting and training in this area.”
Theresa Jacobellis
President, PrescRXptive Communications, LLC
“David is a superbly gifted Organizational Therapist who is able to help guide entrepreneurs in growing their businesses while navigating the highly unpredictable environment that we find ourselves in.
Unlike many psychotherapists he has a long-established track record of working and advising in the real world, which allows him to help his clients deal with real world problem solving. If you have an established business which is coping with a changing times, or an entrepreneur looking to unlock growth and opportunities I would highly recommend David as a consultant.”
Michael Pinto
Entrepreneurial Product Designer and CEO of Very Memorable
“I had both the privilege and good fortune to first connect with David in 2019. In retaining his services, I found him to be highly professional, insightful, authentic, patient, and kind. I greatly appreciated his direct approach, thoughtful consideration, and engaging manner.
As it turns out, the feedback and insight he provided me turned out to be absolutely spot on, over the course of time. It is a pleasure to recommend David as a pragmatic, discerning, and intuitive counselor, therapist, and leader.”
Eben Wilson
Founder and CEO, Exaio Systems
“David recently did a presentation on non-violent communication on behalf of one of my clients, an HR firm. To say that he hit it out of the ballpark would be an understatement. He was engaging, used real-world scenarios and examples and provided the attendees with actionable take-aways to help them navigate the sometimes-tricky world of intergenerational workplace communication.
David is genuine and empathetic. Even during a brief training, his message resonated with this audience of business owners, HR managers and C-suite executives. We received extremely positive feedback from the attendees and highly recommend David for consulting and training in this area.”
Theresa Jacobellis
President, PrescRXptive Communications, LLC