Understanding Zen: how emptiness changes the way you see the world (w/ Tatsudo Nicole Baden Roshi)

Is emptiness the bridge to true self-awareness? In this profound talk hosted by Wonderstruck and the ‪@NalandaInstitute‬ at ‪@TibetHouseUS‬ on January 13, 2024, Tatsudo Nicole Baden Roshi invites us into the depths of Zen wisdom. Introduced by Wonderstruck founder Elizabeth Rovere, Baden Roshi explores emptiness (Śūnyatā) as an experiential reality, guiding the audience through practices that illuminate the profound interconnection of all existence.

Through personal stories, teachings from the Soto Zen lineage, and practical meditative exercises, Baden Roshi helps demystify emptiness, showing how it transforms our daily lives. The talk delves into key Zen concepts, such as the interconnected self, the role of stillness, and how our perceptions shape reality.

Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction by Elizabeth Rovere
2:20 – What is emptiness in Zen?
10:15 – Exploring stillness and awareness
18:45 – Interconnectedness and the non-self
27:20 – The hand experiment on awareness
35:15 – Presence through the absence of self
42:40 – How language shapes perception
47:10 – Applying emptiness in daily life
51:30 – Stillness as a path to transformation
55:00 – Closing reflections and insights

Who is Tatsudo Nicole Baden Roshi:
Nicole is a Dharma Successor of Zentatsu Baker Roshi in the Dharma Sangha Soto Zen Lineage. She has been practicing Zen since 2001 and received Dharma Transmission in 2017. As the Director and resident teacher at the Zen Buddhist Center Schwarzwald in Germany, she combines her deep Zen practice with her background in psychology and body-mind integration. Nicole was officially inaugurated as abbess in 2024.

LINKS:
https://wonderstruck.org
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