The Heart Sutra class


Event Details

This event finished on 15 November 2018


A eight-week class led by Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan

Thursday evenings: September 20 to November 15. Please note there there will be no class on 11/8.
Class Dates: 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1 and 11/15.
Class time: Optional sitting from 7-7:15 pm. Class from 7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.


The Heart Sutra: the Five Skandas and the End of Suffering

“Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva when deeply practicing prajñā paramitā clearly saw that all five aggregates (skandas) are empty, and thus relieved all suffering.”

– Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra

The Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra is one of the most important texts in the Zen tradition, chanted daily in Zen monasteries. The basis of understanding this text is in understanding and meditating on the five aggregates or skandas, one of the earliest teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha. The teaching of anātman or no self is based upon this formulation, and understanding the teaching of the five skandas is fundamental in all Buddhists traditions.

In this class, we will chant The Heart Sutra, learn its history, discuss the skandas in class and explore their meaning in meditation, and engage in the traditional Buddhist practice of copying by hand The Heart Sutra.

Class requirements: This class is offered to those who have taken at least two classes at BZC, one of them being Intro to Zen Buddhism.


Class fee:  $200 Sustaining / $150 Base / $110 for BZC members (more than 3 months)

To register, please click herePlease note that registration for this class closes September 27.

Please note our cancellation policy: To request a refund for this event, you must notify BZC in writing at least one week before the beginning of the course or event. Refunds are issued for any and all cancellations up to seven days before an event less a $10 processing fee. Less than seven days before an event, we do not offer refunds. There are no refunds for events with registration fees under $50.


About Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan


Shokuchi Deirdre Carrigan is Tanto (Head of Practice) at Brooklyn Zen Center. Shokuchi received training in Soto Zen practice as a resident of San Francisco Zen Center for 12 yearswas ordained as a priest in the Shunryu Suzuki lineage by Tenshin Reb Anderson in 2010, and was Shuso (head monk) with Abbess Eijun Linda Cutts in 2014 at San Francisco Zen Center/Green Gulch Farm. She has been teaching yoga in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1988, as well as co-leading Zen and Yoga retreats at Tassajara and Green Gulch Farm since 2002.


Access Notes: There is one short flight of stairs leading to the entrance to the building. Please press 3-0 to be buzzed in. The center is located at the top of a steeper second staircase of around 20 steps. A ramp and elevator are available via an alternate entrance; please email in advance if you need access. Chairs, benches, and extra support cushions are available. We are not yet a fragrance-free space; our hand soap is scented with essential oils. If you have any additional questions about accessibility, please contact us at info@brooklynzen.org.