Sensei Kaz Tanahashi and Stanford scholar Linda Hess recite and creatively engage with Buddhist poets—Hanshan, Dogen, Hakuin, Ryokan from the 7th to 19th centuries—and with Kabir, a 15th century Indian mystic.

Hinduism, Buddhism, and yogic meditation all emerged from ancient India. In the Buddha’s time, these streams intermingled. Over millennia and across cultures, traditions evolved and were defined in different ways. Their common roots include a conviction that liberation from ignorance and suffering is possible through self-knowledge, discipline, right understanding, and practice.

Plunging into the poems, Linda and Kaz relate intimately with their words, forms, and ways of unfolding. Questions of translation and reflections on the poetry’s relevance to our own practice is discussed at length. Recordings of classical and Indian folk singers interpreting Kabir’s poems are also played and discussed.

Location: Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Tassajara, Carmel Valley, California

For information: www.sfzc.org/tassajara. tassrez@sfzc.org. Phone: (415) 865 1899