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Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Mt. Washington, Los Angeles
In the name of this workshop there is an apparent contradiction: a path that is also not a path. How can this be? Are we to imagine that it is sometimes one, and sometimes the other, but never both at once? Or that it is some kind of veiled metaphor, which, once understood, reveals that there is no contradiction?
In our workshop, drawing on the rich traditions of poetry and Zen Buddhist literature, we will see if we can catch glimpses of a more radical possibility: that the 'pathless path' of spiritual practice is in fact both and neither.
The workshop will take place in the Anda garden under the shade of our trees, creating a natural setting for reflection and presence.
It will begin with a talk, including readings from poets like Mary Oliver, Rumi, and our very own Mandy Kahn, and zen masters such as Henry Shukman and Dogen Zenji. This will be followed by a guided meditation, and we will close with a period of group reflection and an opportunity to connect and share.
Length: Approx. 1.5 hours
What to bring: Dress comfortably for the weather and wear clothing that allows you to move freely and sit in your preferred meditative posture. Please bring water and any sitting cushions or bolsters you may have. Chairs will also be available for those who prefer to sit in one.
Instructor:
Nick Thurston is a practicing Zen student under Shana Smith and Henry Shukman Roshi, in the Sanbo Zen lineage of Kamakura, Japan. He has practiced directly with Yamada Ryoun Roshi, the current abbot of Sanbo Zen, and has maintained an uninterrupted daily sitting practice for six years. He hosts two weekly meditation groups, including one in-person group at ROAM LA in Frogtown.
Date: Saturday, June 27th, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Mt. Washington, Los Angeles
In the name of this workshop there is an apparent contradiction: a path that is also not a path. How can this be? Are we to imagine that it is sometimes one, and sometimes the other, but never both at once? Or that it is some kind of veiled metaphor, which, once understood, reveals that there is no contradiction?
In our workshop, drawing on the rich traditions of poetry and Zen Buddhist literature, we will see if we can catch glimpses of a more radical possibility: that the 'pathless path' of spiritual practice is in fact both and neither.
The workshop will take place in the Anda garden under the shade of our trees, creating a natural setting for reflection and presence.
It will begin with a talk, including readings from poets like Mary Oliver, Rumi, and our very own Mandy Kahn, and zen masters such as Henry Shukman and Dogen Zenji. This will be followed by a guided meditation, and we will close with a period of group reflection and an opportunity to connect and share.
Length: Approx. 1.5 hours
What to bring: Dress comfortably for the weather and wear clothing that allows you to move freely and sit in your preferred meditative posture. Please bring water and any sitting cushions or bolsters you may have. Chairs will also be available for those who prefer to sit in one.
Instructor:
Nick Thurston is a practicing Zen student under Shana Smith and Henry Shukman Roshi, in the Sanbo Zen lineage of Kamakura, Japan. He has practiced directly with Yamada Ryoun Roshi, the current abbot of Sanbo Zen, and has maintained an uninterrupted daily sitting practice for six years. He hosts two weekly meditation groups, including one in-person group at ROAM LA in Frogtown.