Both the Zen and Vipassana traditions originate in the Buddha's teachings on meditation.


Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of dhyana, the word the Buddha used for concentration states, and Vipassana is the word the Buddha used to refer to the insights derived from these concentration states. For the Buddha, Zen and Vipassana are integrated aspects of meditation practice, working together in harmony. With this common origin it is not surprising that, in modern times, Zen and Vipassana meditation may have as much in common as they differ.


This four part course–initially taught by Paul Haller and Gil Fronsdal at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in 2023–explores the integration of Zen and Vipassana practices, offering insights into mindfulness, awareness, and the journey of awakening. 


Zen and Vipassana: Complimentary Teachings


Beginner’s Mind


Embark on your spiritual journey with Zen and Vipassana. Discover mindfulness and awareness in a welcoming, easy-to-understand course.




Elevate Your Practice


Challenge and enrich your spiritual path with deeper, nuanced insights into integrating Zen and Vipassana.




Discover Clarity


Uncover the structured mindfulness of Vipassana, enhancing your Zen journey. 






The Zen Path


Explore Zen's meditative inquiry, enriching your Vipassana experience. 



Environment


Link your spiritual practice with ritual and a connection to the environment.

Photo credit: Florian Brody

Daily Life 


Integrate Zen principles into everyday life, focusing on integrity and holistic awakening.




Curriculum


  How to Access This Course
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Paul Haller and Gil Fronsdal - The Practice of Awakening
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Paul Haller - Navigating the Waves of Practice
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Gil Fronsdal - Guided Exploration: Awakening to Awareness
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Gil Fronsdal - Embracing Impermanence: Channa's Quest for Self
Available in days
days after you enroll

Gil Fronsdal


Kojun Gil Fronsdal was ordained at San Francisco Zen Center in 1982 and received Dharma Transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman in 1995. He is senior Vipassana teacher and serves as the co-guiding teacher at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA and at the Insight Retreat Center in Santa Cruz, CA. He holds a PhD in Buddhist Studies based on a study of the early Perfection of Wisdom literature. He is a husband, and the parent of two sons.


Paul Haller


Ryushin Paul Haller served as Abiding Abbot at City Center from 2003 to 2012, and is currently the Urban Temple Dharma Teacher at City Center. He has lived and practiced at San Francisco Zen Center since the 1970s. He received Dharma Transmission from Sojun Mel Weitsman and has been teaching for over 30 years. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, he teaches throughout the US and Europe. He has been practicing yoga for over 30 years. Paul teaches at the Black Mountain Zen Centre in Belfast.