October 4 – December 20

While there are many traditions and lineages in Buddhism, the masters of Chan (Chinese) or Zen (Japanese) have always stood out for upholding awakening as the central path and goal of Buddhist practice. While incorporating many aspects of traditional Buddhist teachings, Chan/Zen puts major emphasis on mindfulness/concentration/insight as the most direct method to experience our Buddha Mind. Relying on the fundamental Buddhist tenet that all beings are intrinsically buddhas, practice uncovers this uncontaminated mind nature that lies within each of us and brings it forth in our meditative and daily life.

Beginning in October, Fred is offering this three month Intensive on the Buddhist path of Chan/Zen to experienced and longer-term members of our community. It is a Wisdom Path Intensive, and the teachings and practices will be based on the lives and teachings of some of the great masters of the Chan/Zen lineage. As with all Wisdom Intensives, the aim is to help participants break out of their constricted and restricted conceptual and dualistic mind, so that their true nature can be recognized and lived from.

Criteria for participation in this Intensive are the following:

• Has been an active and stable FCM member for at least 3 years or has other comparable experience in a Buddhist meditative tradition
• Has had a daily sitting meditation practice of at least 30-45 minutes for at least one year, demonstrates emotional stability in one’s life, and can maintain a self-directed meditative practice
• Has attended several silent retreats with Fred (or with equivalent teachers) and has taken part in several Dharma Path and/or Wisdom Path Intensives
• Has an ongoing student/teacher relationship with Fred

If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria for this Intensive, please contact Fred directly.

The commitments for this Intensive are as follows:

• One hour of formal meditation practice and study daily
• Fulfillment of all the readings and practices of this Intensive
• Attendance at bi-weekly Dharma Talks (via Zoom) which will be on Mondays at 6 pm and will be recorded.
• Attendance at monthly small group practice consultations with Fred. Choice of Tuesday evenings or Wednesday mornings will be offered after registration closes.
• Regular attendance at FCM morning and evening meditations and daylongs (if possible).

Registration is open from September 6 – 20.  To ensure you register by this date, please consider registering immediately or mark the registration closing date in your calendar now. Acceptance into the Intensive will be at Fred’s discretion.

The fee for this Intensive is $100. This is a suggested amount and participants are free to offer more or less depending on their individual financial situation. You may pay on-line  when you register, or send your check made out to the Florida Community of Mindfulness (FCM) to Florida Community of Mindfulness, 6501 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604.