An Ancient Pond
a frog jumps in
a deep resonance
-Basho

Haiku is a short “poetic form” that expresses the occasion of the “now moment”: a frog jumps in.

Currently much haiku is practised as a literary form that makes a “sketch” of one’s experience. Contemplative haiku explores the play of surface and depth: form/emptiness, conditioned/unconditioned, manifestation/space, ways/Dao… the deep resonance that informs the meaning of our life.

Classical contemplative haiku always includes a Season word which situates the occasion within the patterns of the Cosmos. In this way it solicits a deep spiritual ecology which speaks to us in our time of crisis.

The course presents the practice of haiku within the context of Japanese and Chinese contemplative aesthetics. These sublime and profound insights articulate the subtle ways of the deep resonance.

Who Should Attend

Anyone who is interested in taking a deep dive into haiku is welcome to join this program. There are no pre-requisites. Basic instruction in haiku will be provided.

Enrolment is limited to 15.

What to Expect

The program is structured through teachings, assignments and assignment reviews. No writing experience is necessary. You will be given basic instruction in haiku.

You will be given specific exploration assignments that we will collectively share and review. There will also be supplementary teachings from the Eastern/Zen and Shambhala contemplative art traditions.

Meditation instruction and practice will be offered, but it is not a required feature of the program.

White dew –                           Summer shower –                                  Peony petals fall –
one drop                                a flock of sparrows                               piling on one another
on each thorn                     hanging on to the grass                          in twos and threes
    -Buson                                             -Buson                                                  -Buson

Schedule:

Sundays, January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm Atlantic | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern
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Cost

Suggested Tuition: CA$108

Generosity Policy applies. You will the have the option of applying a discount on the Registration Page should you need financial assistance.

References

John McQuade’s Website: www.dralaimage.com
Contact John: [email protected]