The Real Zen – 3rd February – 5th February 2012

Everyone uses the words ‘Zen’ and ‘karma’, but what are they really?  Come and try out Zen meditation for yourself. You’ll be practising the ancient shikantaza tradition which has been described as “quiet sitting in open awareness, reflecting directly the reality of life”.  It’s also known as “just sitting”.

The real Zen attracts people from every background, atheist or religious, professional or retired. The silent reflection transforms our lives.

It’s the simplest activity in the world, but it isn’t always easy to do. We have evolved complex thought and emotional structures which we are usually not in control of – instead it controls us!  Through Zen meditation you can find your way back to the empty and open space on which all our life situations are built. This awareness gives you and everyone around you a sense of steady calm, which helps deal with stress and anxiety. Difficult situations open up and become clearer, making it easier to see what you need to do.

We will also have fun with exercises which look at:

  • Connecting mind and body
  • The real law of karma, and how to work with it
  • Seeing the deeper meaning behind thoughts and feelings
  • Applying Zen principles in everything from dating to arguing
  • The power of empathy

This is more than a feel-good weekend. By the end of the course you will know how to meditate anywhere, and how to take your understanding as deeply as you wish.

UK Resident

£380 (2 nights)

Manx Resident

£290 (2 nights)

Non-Resident

£160

Contact us to book your place on this course!

All prices for the UK include meals, 5 diamond luxury accommodation, collection from and to the airport and return flights from Liverpool. Other UK airports subject to supplement and availability.

Mia Hansson had ample opportunity to study human nature when she grew up across Africa, Asia and Europe. She learned Buddhist meditation in Thailand in 2003, ordained as a lay Zen practitioner in the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives and lived for one year at a Zen monastery. The meditation she teaches is in the monastery’s Soto Zen tradition, which has been handed down in an unbroken line from the Buddha.

Before studying Zen, Mia took four degrees at the University of London and worked in international development, the arts and the media including the BBC and the Guardian. She also studied a broad range of practices including NLP, conflict resolution, psychotherapy and shamanism and wrote Time Out’s Guide to Alternative Health. Mia has developed Zen-based corporate days, workshops and a counselling programme for individuals. She also works as contributing editor to the Buddhist Society in the UK. You can reach her on:

www.miahansson.com