Join the Info/Orientation Session 12/22, 6:30pm PT

The Bodhisattva’s 4 Elements of Social Harmony

A 5-Month Engaged Practice Period, January-May 2026

A 5-Month Engaged Practice Period in the spirit of Access to Zen’s “2026: Year of Kindness!”

January-May 2026

  • 5 Saturdays: Jan. 17, Feb. 21, March 21, April 18 & May 16

  • 8:30 - 11 am Pacific Time

  • Online

  • Giving is based on A2Z’s community-determined scale:

    • Pay-it-forward (income more than $75K) : $250/month

    • Standard (income $50K-$75K) : $205/month

    • Limited (income <$50K): $160/month

    • Access (income less than $50K) : Email us to discuss. No one turned away for lack of funds.

    • If you're able, please consider giving more than the above options to help fund an Access level participant to be able to take the course.

"To live in peace & harmony with other beings"

This was Katagiri Roshi's description of Dogen's teachings on how to be a bodhisattva, a being whose aspiration is to live whole-heartedly with all beings. The Bodhisattva’s 4 Methods of Guidance are guidelines that are especially relevant given our current social climate.

As typical of Rev. Liên’s Dharma-combo style, while this course will be focused on Soto’s Zen’s teachings, we’ll also fold-in Theravada teachings “The 4 Elements of Social Harmony.” — Hence, the title of the course!

Using this framework, we will learn how to better live with ourselves and with one another. We will explore how to bring wisdom, care, and compassion into our interactions with ourselves, each other, our communities, and the wider world with these four frames of reference:

  • Generosity

  • Kind Speech

  • Beneficial Action

  • Cooperation

Program format:

  • 1 meeting monthly which includes:

    • Dharma Teaching on that month’s topic on The Bodhisattva’s 4 Methods of Guidance

    • Meditation or other forms of formal practice (eg: chanting, sutra or fascicle reading or reflections, etc.)

    • Session discussions &/or exercise to prep for…

    • Home practice for the month to go with each of the teachings to see how they apply to your everyday life.

    • Monthly KM (kalyanamitra/mitta; spiritual friend) pairing or small group to support individual practices on the social harmony points for the month.

  • 24/7 access to a webpage of monthly meetings’ contents.

  • Monthly 1-on-1 Practice Discussion with Rev. during the course (5 total)

  • Full access to Rev.’s Monday nights A2Z Meditation Group for the duration of the course to provide you with sangha/community engagement.

Readings (Provided digitally with completion of registration process)

  • The Bodhisattva’s Four Methods of Guidance, Moon in a Dewdrop, K. Tanahashi

  • Commentary on “The Bodhisattva’s Four Methods of Guidance",  Danin Katagiri

  • Suzuki Roshi’s Dec. 3, 1969 talk (B4MG section) 

  • Bodaisatta-Shishobo, Master Dogen's Shobogenzo, Nishijima & Cross, Book 3, pp. 29-34 

  • Other readings or media as needed will also be provided

Questions? Email Info.Access2Zen@gmail.com

Review the Noble Giving and Cancellation Policy here.

NO REFUNDS once you give as we are a small non-profit.

We can give you a credit toward another A2Z event within the same year when you cancel by email (info.access2zen@gmail.com).

  • 50% if cancelled 30 days before event

  • 25% if 14 days before event

  • No credit if less than 14 days before the event’s start date