Shuso / Head Student Maite Leal
A Series of 5 Monday classes May 22 - June 19. 6:30-8:30 pm. Taught by Maite Leal, the Head Student, Shuso, of the 2023 Practice Period.
In this series of 5 classes, we will explore the teaching of Karma. We will study and discuss karma using various Buddhist and Zen texts. The Buddha basically defined karma as intentional actions of body, speech and mind. What we think and do today really matters. Our thoughts and actions today are based on our body and mind yesterday, and likewise, what they will be tomorrow. The relevance of our individual life is the karma we create that will perpetuate.
The force of karma is so far reaching, it is said that it is what reincarnates. To study our intentions means to study karmic consciousness, our sense of a separate I. We will investigate the reality of no separate self and what light that might shed on the study of karma. We will investigate the statement “the study of our intentions is the realization of enlightenment”.
Everyone is welcome to this class. It is particularly shaped for Practice Period participants. In-person attendance is available for fully vaccinated students. Zoom participation will also be available. The link will be provided before the class begins.
Sanran Maite Leal is a senior lay ordained member of Houston Zen Center. She is an art conservator at the MFAH.
Full Moon in December over Auspicious Cloud Retreat Center. Photo: J. Patterson.