Zen Stories: 10 Gates Of Awakening

Zen is something that is not a thing, so it’s hard to talk about. Rather, it is a certain feeling. Stories have been used for thousands of years to help provide the feeling. They’re like the experience of a joke, and here the punchline is the feeling of enlightenment.

In this course, I present a collection of 10 Zen stories, each just a few minutes long, some ancient and some from my own experience at a Zen monastery.

Time to wake up.

Reviews

Thank you Charles, I always appreciate your teaching. Wondering if you might think about having a course on Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, similar to your course on the Tao Te Ching?
Liz

Thank you for this! I’ve completed the 111 day course.

At the beginning I was open and apprehensive; at the end I was simply open. Thank you. I’m beginning the 111 days now.

Really gentle introduction to Zen. Very easy to listen to and short enough to stay really present.
I enjoyed this

I very much enjoyed this series.What I realized is that I make life more difficult and complicated with my questioning mind.
I look forward to listening to 111 day series.
So much to learn. I just have to let it be, let go amd allow.

Wonderful teachings. Charles has such a calm presence

I loved everything about this course except it ended too soon. Please do more like this with the video format.

Thanks, Charles, for this little audio library of Zen stories.
Back in the early 70s, when I first got interested in Buddhism, the Tao, and the Indian religions, Zen koans drove me crazy. I just found them annoying!
Now after about 20 years of learning Buddhism, practicing mindfulness and seeking to incorporate Buddhist values into my life, I enjoy reflecting on these stories!
And that’s my Zen story!
Thank you, Charles!
Donna

My perception of Zen is that less is more. This is an illuminating course that has helped me start to move past perception into awareness.
Thank you Charles 🙏

I really enjoyed these! I'll be listening to your Zen series. Thank you for sharing these.

This was a very empowering and enlightening course. One worth sharing and returning to. Thank you Charles. And I just ordered your book!

I do not tire of Charles’ Zen stories. Having cycled through the 111 day course twice, and now this, I am aware of a quiet experience of calm in this moment for which I am grateful. I also appreciate the brevity of each session of 5-6min. It’s a moment to pause and be present no matter what else is on my plate today. Thank you for it all! 🙏🏼

A wonderful way of starting the day on my path of enlightenment .
Thank you Charles

Charles is a great storyteller and this is great preparation for the 111 days course

Your authentic kindness and compassion, combined with your knowledge and willingness to share, make you a treasured teacher here in Insight Timer. Thank you!!

I found this very informative and I loved the rituals with the stories. Wanting more❤️

The calming presence of Charles and his shared stories, though brief, really resonated with me. This was an impactful course for me. I look forward to hearing more from Charles.

Each lesson made me think and not think. And each lesson has stayed with me. Just what I appreciate in every teaching and the best teachers.

You are a fantastic orator and light bearing being. Thank you for sharing these wonderful stories. Namaste 🙏🧘🏻‍♀️☀️🦋

All your meditations and courses are invaluable. There is always something that speaks to me . Keep creating 💜