Mystics & Monks: Six Figures in Zen Buddhist History - by Silas Day

COURSE

Mystics & Monks: Six Figures in Zen Buddhist History

With Silas Day

Through this course, you will learn of some of the major figures throughout the history of Zen or Chan Buddhism. This will include figures from both the ancient history of Zen and some more modern teachers who revolutionized the world and brought Zen to the west. As well you will learn a short overview of the entire history of Zen so that you may have a greater sense of scale and felt depth of its character and qualities.


Meet your Teacher

Silas Day is an up and coming voice in the emerging discussion between the 2,500 year old tradition of Buddhism and modern day life. Silas has been engaged in the obsessive study and practice of Buddhism and meditation for the past twelve years and has been teaching for the past six. Silas has practiced not only with a single type or kind of Buddhism but has practiced and studied under some of the foremost masters of these schools to help provide a more generalized and unique understanding to the question of the mind, consciousness, and how we can become the best version of ourselves.

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9 Days

557 students

4.9 stars

8 min / day

Happiness

English


Lesson 1

Introduction & What is Zen

In the first lesson of this course, Silas day introduces himself and talks a little about his own experience of Zen. Going through what Zen is to him and what Zen represents in general.

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Lesson 2

History Of Zen Buddhism

In this lesson of the course Silas walks through the history of Zen Buddhism giving a very wide angle view from the Buddha to modern day Zen masters.

Lesson 3

Bodhidharma: The Bearded Barbarian From the West

In this lesson, Silas walks you through the life story and teachings of the Zen master Bodhidharma along with discussing some fun little details of his life and place in Zen Buddhist history.

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Lesson 4

Hui-neng: The Mummified Master

In this lesson, Silas walks you through the life story and teachings of the Zen master Hui-neng along with discussing some fun little details of his life and place in Zen Buddhist history.

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Lesson 5

Dogen: The Genius Founder of Soto Zen

In this lesson, Silas walks you through the life story and teachings of the Zen master Dogen along with discussing some fun little details of his life and place in Zen Buddhist history.

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Lesson 6

Hakuin Ekaku: Samurai & Nature

In this lesson of the Course Silas Day will be going over the Life, times, history, and teaching of the Rinzai Zen Master and reviver of Rinzai Buddhism Hakuin Ekaku.

Lesson 7

D.T. Suzuki: The Big Suzuki

In this lesson of the Course Silas Day will be going over the Life, times, history, and teaching of the Zen Master D.T. Suzuki.

Lesson 8

Shunryu Suzuki: The Little Suzuki

In this lesson of the Course Silas Day will be going over the Life, times, history, and teaching of the Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki and his efforts of bringing Buddhism to the West.

Lesson 9

Closing Thoughts

In this Lesson Silas will give some closing thoughts about his personal experience with Zen Buddhism and supply you with some reflections to take back into your own life and practice.

4.9 (40)

Recent Reviews

Brenda

November 14, 2025

Love it. Thank you 😍

Barbara

September 6, 2025

Nice overview of Zen masters. As a Reiki practitioner, this course gave me a deeper appreciation of the Buddhist spiritual background from which Reiki arose. Thank you Silas! 🙏🏻☸️☯️🌸

Mie

May 26, 2025

Interesting overview of significant leaders of Zen Buddhism through centuries.

Chad

March 16, 2025

Always love your talks and courses can you do some more in depth content on Zen Buddhism. I would enjoy diving in depth with practice of zen.

Eric

October 12, 2024

Fascinating. The more I think I know, the more I don't know. Thank you.

Chiara

April 13, 2023

Thank you.

Karen

March 21, 2023

Thank you, Silas! I love your courses!

Liz

March 18, 2023

This is helpful in understanding a little more of the history. Silas is great at explaining aspects of Buddhism in a way that is clear.

Tom

March 17, 2023

☘️

Hadrian

March 6, 2023

Again, a dawnbreaking waypoint im the vortex of chaos and again- may you walk on warm sands 💚 You are a beautiful guide at the beginning of this transformative year

Soulchild

February 23, 2023

I began this course not as a practicing Buddhist but as one who wanted to learn more about it. Thank you for the lessons.

Anne

February 1, 2023

Very informative and interesting course. Made me want to learn more about each person mentioned in the course.

Domenic

January 27, 2023

Great course

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