A Zen Perspective (Jason Quinn)

At the core of the new consciousness in Western societies is the idea of self-transformation that has become the common denominator to all disciplines concerned with the development of human potential. If we truly want a better world, we need to change ourselves first and be aligned with who we truly are and our life missions. Jason Quinn, a Zen teacher at the Kwan Um School of Zen, nicely demystifies Zen to make the basic concepts and practice accessible to everyone. At the center of Zen is the fundamental question of who am I? that goes beyond cultural, social, political, religious, and philosophical differences. Who am I? is the beginning of your inner journey to awakening and self-realization. Zen is not limited to sitting meditation but more about how you relate in a peaceful way to yourself, the world, and situations you are faced with. The practice of Zen is to remind you that you are already enlightened and need to wake up to it. The journey is within and so empowering in many ways. Listen to this episode with a cup of tea and open your mind to a way of piercing the ordinary for self-transformation. The greatest gift you can give to the world is when you [attain] who you truly are and manifest that. Zen master Bon Soeng.

Jason Quinn JDPSN grew up in California and began practicing Zen in 1997 with the Kwan Um School of Zen in Seattle. He lived at the Providence Zen Center for ten years, where he held various staff positions, including Abbot. He trained as a monk for nine years, during which he sat many long summer and winter Kyol Che retreats, and took part in retreats around the world. Since 2001, Jason has worked with hundreds of people, helping them to strengthen their Zen practice and create a path for a more clear and compassionate life. Jason studied under Zen Master Dae Kwang for 16 years and received inka (authorized to lead retreats and give koan interviews) in 2015 and is a teacher at the Empty Gate Zen Center and for the Kwan Um School Online Sangha.  He now lives in Santa Clara, CA with his wife, son, and daughter. Jason is the author of the book, No-Nonsense Zen for Beginners. You can find his teaching videos on his YouTube channel.