Deconstructing Yourself

Talking about Zen Koans with Henry Shukman

Aug 18, 2021

Zen teacher Henry Shukman discusses the role of meditation in awakening, the power of Zen koans, and the integration of spirituality and psychology. He shares his personal journey, struggles, and love for self and the world. The podcast explores Mountain Cloud Zen Center, meditation apps, challenges in Zen practice, and upcoming mindfulness training ventures.

39:56

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Quick takeaways

Henry Shukman emphasizes the importance of self-love and love for the world in his spiritual journey and meditation practice.

Mountain Cloud Zen Center under Henry Shukman's guidance offers a blend of traditional Zen teachings with contemporary influences for a well-rounded spiritual practice.

Deep dives

Henry Shukman's Spiritual Journey: Trauma, Awakening, and Love as Foundations

Henry Shukman, a teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage, recounts his spiritual journey marked by traumatic experiences in his youth and a spontaneous awakening at age 19. These experiences shaped his approach to spirituality and meditation, emphasizing self-love and love for the world. Shukman highlights the importance of developing a well-rounded spiritual practice that integrates personal growth and connection with others.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Mountain Cloud Zen Center and its Origins

3min

Exploring Meditation Apps and Challenges in Zen Practice

20min

Engaging with Zen Koans for Profound Transformation

13min

Exploring New Mindfulness Training Ventures and Course Offerings

2min

Meditation Retreats and Podcast Support Information

5min

Zen teacher, author, and poet Henry Shukman talks with host Michael Taft about Mountain Cloud Zen Center, Henry’s series on the Waking Up app, meditation for awakening vs. meditation as a “band aid,” the role of psychotherapy in spiritual practice, the power of working in the “old way,” the path of working with Zen koans as the journey of a lifetime.

Henry Shukman is a teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage, and is the Guiding Teacher of Mountain Cloud Zen Center, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Henry is an award-winning poet and author of several books, including One Blade of Grass, which details his spiritual journey. And is excellent. His struggles and traumatic experiences as a youth, combined with a spontaneous awakening experience at age 19, paved the way for Henry to develop a well-rounded approach to spirituality and meditation – one that includes love for self and the world as its foundation.

Henry Shukman at Mountain Cloud Zen Center

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