Main Course C

Program

​

Main Course C ushers students into intensive practice, study and ryo training at Bendoho retreats, a form of Zen monastic community practice, emphasizing Zen Master Dogen’s method of practices and teachings within his major work Shobogenzo, The Treasure House of the Eye of True Teaching. There he said:

​

 

To reach the Truth, one cuts oneself off from using the spoken word and lets the intellective function die out. This is because going beyond words and going beyond intellect are how one reaches the Truth, since having words and having thoughts is entirely different from the Truth.

– from Ango On Summer Retreat (Page 857)

​

Students are encouraged to have a long term vision, commit- ment and plan when they pursue Course C study. Anyone can apply to attend a Jikishoan Zen retreat. However, for formal entry and enrolment into the Main Course C program, in addition to their application, students are required to have an interview with Ekai Osho for their Individual Training Plan (ITP).

​

 

Overseas Study

 

Study at Bodh Gaya where Buddhism originated 2500 years ago and Sanzen at Zen training temples in Japan as part of an Independent Study and Project. The 3 to 10 weeks is 2-8 units.

 

Study in India Director: Dr. Arthur McKeown
Dr McKeown received his PhD from Harvard University and is the Director of the Buddhist Studies in India Program, Carleton-Antioch Global Engaement. Dr McKeown invites IBS students to accompany Ekai Osho to study zen in India.

 

Sanzen in Japan Director: Seido Suzuki Roshi Seido Suzuki Roshi accepts students from Jikishoan for an extended period for Sanzen (traditional Zen practice and study) at Toshoji, a Soto Zen training monastery where he is Abbot and Teacher.

​​​​