Zen and the Brain

Zen and the Brain: An Experiential Workshop
with Neuroscientist Dr. James H. Austin
and Zen Master Soeng Hyang

Saturday, Nov. 14th, 2009, 10am-4:30pm.
$75 registration fee includes vegetarian lunch.
Register online or call 401-658-1464 for more information.

Held in our beautiful dharma hall, this day-long workshop blends periods of meditation with a full-color visual presentation of the latest neuroimaging research. Dr. James Austin incorporates the science behind meditation into new techniques for training the brain to full consciousness, and diminishing the intrusive concept of self. ZM Soeng Hyang provides a bridge to tradition, as we explore the ancient Zen Masters' core teachings from a new direction.
Help spread the word! Download the poster for email (500k),
or at high resolution for printing in full color (9.1mb) or black and white(1.4mb).
Dr. James Austin
 Dr. James H. Austin is Emeritus Professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado Health Science Center, and a zen practitioner for over three decades. He is the author of several books that explore meditation through a neuroscientific lens, including the well-known Zen and the Brain (1999). His most recent work, Selfless Insight: Zen and the Meditative Transformations of Consciousness, forms the basis for this workshop; copies of his texts will be available as part of a benefit sale and signing after the talk. Dr. Austin has been highlighted as both subject and author in Tricycle magazine's most recent issues.
Zen Master Soeng Hyang

Zen Master Soeng Hyang (Bobby Rhodes) is the School Zen Master and Guiding Dharma Teacher of the Kwan Um School of Zen. She received dharma transmission from Zen Master Seung Sahn on October 10, 1992, after studying with him since 1972 and receiving inka in 1977. A registered nurse since 1969, she works for Hospice Care of Rhode Island. She helped found Providence Zen Center, and lived there for seventeen years, serving in a number of administrative capacities. Zen Master Soeng Hyang has a daughter and lives with her partner, Mary, in Providence.
Teaching article archive
Workshop Schedule
9:30am Registration opens
10:00am Workshop begins (includes brief meditation instruction and sitting practice)
11:15am Walking meditation (15 mins)
12:45pm Lunch
1:30pm Kido chanting meditation
1:45pm Workshop resumes
3:00pm Walking meditation (15 mins)
4:30pm Workshop ends; benefit sale and book signing to follow
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Both chairs and meditation cushions will be available during the workshop. Please feel free to bring your own support items into the dharma room to make your body comfortable.
  • Our dharma room is wheelchair/handicapped accessible; just let us know how we can help.
  • We can accommodate most special dietary needs; please fill out the appropriate section on the Online Registration Form or call 401-658-1464 to let us know your needs in advance.

This page Copyright 2009 Providence Zen Center