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{"id":1686,"date":"2013-04-01T06:45:28","date_gmt":"2013-04-01T12:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/wildfoxzen\/?p=1686"},"modified":"2013-04-01T07:49:33","modified_gmt":"2013-04-01T13:49:33","slug":"new-twists-in-vine-of-obstacles-online-support-for-zen-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/wildfoxzen\/2013\/04\/new-twists-in-vine-of-obstacles-online-support-for-zen-training.html","title":{"rendered":"New Twists in Vine of Obstacles: Online Support for Zen Training"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

$\"\"$ <\/a>Yes, I\u2019ve jumped into the online world, determined to offer the best Zen training possible.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not excluding in-the-flesh work at all but offering the Vine of Obstacles <\/a>as part of the mix, depending on the person and their circumstances, intent on utilizing the available technology to facilitate practitioners\u2019 practice-awakening projects through a personalized approach.<\/p>\n

Another post-traditional aspect of this work is my teacher role. Especially in this format, I see myself more as a coach and trainer and not as a feudal-power authority on all matters \u2026 or perfect Zen Master.<\/p>\n

So Vine of Obstacles was rolled out a few weeks ago. My aim is to work closely with a small group of students through the synergistic play of zazen, study, and engaging the world, supported by practice meetings via Skype or FaceTime and personalized study.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m inspired by the responses and interactions I\u2019ve had with practitioners. The possibility for authentic work in this entanglement is palpable.<\/p>\n

Not surprising, given the nature of the medium (and the metaphor), the Vine is twisting with some fresh tangles.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve added a Moodle (\u201c\u2026a free, open-source PHP web application for producing modular internet-based courses that support a modern social constructionist pedagogy\u201d \u2013 phew!) that will serve not only as the basket in which practitioners can discover themselves by interacting with modern and classical sources but also will give us the important opportunity to engage with each other as a practice group in conversation forums.<\/p>\n

The first Vine Moodle course is complete enough, \u201cZazen Workshop: Getting Started Wherever You Are.\u201d It includes general suggestions for practice (like Love and have fun. Live a creative life of wholeheartedness in work, home life, and play. Even\u00a0<\/em>sleep<\/em>.), beginner\u2019s-mind zazen instructions, Dogen and Keizan\u2019s zazen advice, sections that address the subtleties of just-sitting shikantaza and koan, and a posture workshop.<\/p>\n

Now I\u2019m almost complete with \u201cGuidelines for Studying the Way\u201d and \u201cGenjokoan: What is Realized in the Issue at Hand?\u201d will come next. And more to come, all intent on provoking intimate self knowledge in the big open field of practicing awakening. Like I said \u2026 through the synergistic play of zazen, study, and engaging the world, supported by practice meetings via Skype or FaceTime.<\/p>\n

For me, this is big fun.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to be involved, contact me at wildfoxzen@gmail.com for more information and an application.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"