Buddhist Studies
Winter 2026:
Form and Emptiness
Wednesdays
7:00-9:00 P.M.
Jan 21 – Mar 11 (8 sessions)
Taught by Genpo O'Neal, with Joen O'Neal
Genpo and Joen O’Neal are ordained Zen Buddhist priests and Guiding Teachers at Compassionate Ocean Zen Center.
"The Heart Sutra is Buddhism in a nutshell. It covers more of the Buddha’s teachings in a shorter span than any other scripture, and it does so without being superficial or commonplace."​
— Red Pine, The Heart Sutra
In This Course...
One of the major presentations of Buddhist insight is the Heart Sutra. Only one page long, it is chanted daily at Zen centers around the world, including ours, and is deeply respected and studied in many Buddhist traditions.
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In this course, we will explore this key teaching through a masterful translation and commentary by Red Pine. The Heart Sutra presents in a succinct form the central Buddhist teaching of emptiness, which has a specific meaning in Buddhism. The teaching illuminates the basic ground of our being, including implications for how we live our lives.
Registration Information
Buddhist Studies Course #B116
Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 P.M.
Jan. 21 – Mar. 11 (eight sessions)
$195 (members $175)
Course Text: The Heart Sutra by Red Pine
Also Recommended: Living by Vow by Shohaku Okumura
Member rates apply to members of all local Buddhist centers. Reduced fees are offered as needed; please contact the Center at (612) 781-7640
This course will be held in-person at Compassionate Ocean Zen Center, with an option for remote participation via Zoom if requested.