Santa Clara University

This day of mindfulness and meditation will serve as an introduction to Zen meditation and mindfulness practice.  Participants will be invited to consider the text of practice with Zen teaching, as they practice group sitting and walking meditations. A vegetarian lunch will be served, accompanied by a teaching on mindful eating.  Time for individual interviews will also be available with Zen Master Bon Seong to provide space for interaction on personal matters.

Zen Master Bon Soeng (Jeff Kitzes) has served as the Guiding Teacher of the Empty Gate Zen Center since 1992.  He began practicing Zen in 1975, and began practicing with Zen Master Seung Sahn in 1979. In December of 1992, he received inka, authorization to teach koans. In 2001, he received dharma transmission from Zen Master Seung Sahn and was given the name Bon Soeng which means "Original Nature."  Kitzes is also a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, specializing in the integration of Zen Buddhism and Western Psychotherapy.