Buddhism is a teaching created by Shakyamuni Buddha 2,500 years ago. After many experiences, he began practicing zazen assiduously. Then, it is said, while gazing upon the morning star, he realized an insight into the basic way himself, the cosmos and everything in it functions. From this insight he was able to finally know complete peace of mind as a human being and naturally had a great compassion towards others which he manifested by teaching. Zen is a form of Buddhism which stresses having this same experience for oneself that Shakyamuni did over a millenium ago.

All the daily practices at Bodhi Manda Zen Center, whether it be sitting, working, eating, sleeping, or relating with others, are designed to cultivate experiences of being fully in relationship. This state of being in relationship should be deep to such an extent that the everyday human world and all it's distinctions are transcended. It is a state of unification, the source of all things. By practicing deeply, this experience serves as a ground from which, as a human being, one will naturally mature and be at peace with all things. Therefore, it is also important to return from this state of dissolution, to the human world, seeing things differently than before.

Sunet over the surrounding mesas.