"There is a still center of Eternity. A place where all pasts,
presents and futures meet. This intersecting point of knowledge
and experience, pleasure and pain, mortality and immortality has been
described and referred to in a variety of different ways by mystics,
prophets and teachers who have experienced it.
"Some have described it as God or Heaven. Others have referred to it
as Nirvana or Tao. In Zen it is called Zen mind or Enlightenment.
"While names, descriptions and methods for reaching the still
center of being vary greatly, the ultimate worth of this awareness
is agreed upon by all who have shared it. The experience of
the still center of being brings freedom, self-control, balance
and power to those who have attuned their lives to it.
"Zen is the study of the Ten Thousand States of Mind and of Enlightenment,
the still center which lies beyond the Ten Thousand States of Mind.
It is a highly personal study which brings clarity and purpose into
the lives of those who practice it.
"Zen Buddhist thought has had a profound influence upon Chinese
and Japanese history and culture. A great deal of the current success
of the Japanese corporate mind stems from the effect of centuries
of Zen practice in Japan. Martial arts, dance, poetry, the tea
ceremony and many other forms of personal, athletic and artistic
expression have been given birth to by Zen mind.
"Zen is a highly refined and artistic approach to the meaning of life.
It isn't necessary to learn Oriental customs or to speak the Japanese
language to successfully practice it. All that is required is
an open mind, patience, a good sense of humor and an intense desire
for self-improvement.
"I have written a free booklet about Zen for the 'computer age'
called 'The Zen Experience.' (sm) In it I discuss Zen in more depth
and describe both contemporary and traditional methods I employ in
teaching Zen at seminars and in private practice.
"If you would like to learn more about Zen and the wonders of your
own mind, call or write for this free booklet..."
* * *
(from a RAMA SEMINARS notice; June 7, 1987)
"The cost of Saturday's Desert Excursion will be $500. If you
choose to attend both the Saturday and Sunday Excursions the rate
will be $1,000...No personal checks will be accepted..."