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BeFreed

Learn Anything, Personalized

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Featured book summaries
Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
Trending categories
Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
Celebrities' reading list
Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
Award winning collection
Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
Featured Topics
ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
Best books by Year
2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
Learning tools
Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
Featured authors
Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
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    Learning plan cover

    Pillars of Zen

    LEARNING PLAN

    Pillars of Zen

    This learning path offers a comprehensive introduction to Zen Buddhism for anyone seeking mental clarity, stress reduction, or deeper philosophical understanding. It's particularly valuable for those feeling overwhelmed by modern life's complexity, individuals interested in meditation and contemplative practices, or anyone drawn to Eastern philosophy and its practical applications in daily living.

    ByCommunity User
    1 h 52 m
    • 4 sections • 11 courses • Updated 8 days ago
    The Way of ZenZen Mind, Beginner’s MindWhy Zen Beats Every Other Philosophy11 sources

    How This Learning Plan Was Made

    This plan was crafted by BeFreed’s proprietary AI to help you learn Pillars of Zen with ease. It is curated from in-depth research on the topic and structured around the most effective learning journeys proven by BeFreed users.

    Each episode delivers bite-sized, high-impact lessons distilled from world-class sources — bestselling books, research papers, and expert insights. Together, they form a sophisticated yet accessible path to mastering Pillars of Zen.

    What You'll Learn

    • Master the foundational concepts of Zen Buddhism and cultivate a beginner's mind approach to life
    • Establish a consistent zazen meditation practice with proper technique and discipline
    • Develop insight through working with koans and understanding Zen philosophical teachings on emptiness
    • Apply Zen principles practically to transform your daily activities, work, and relationships
    • Integrate mindfulness and simplicity into everyday life for greater clarity and peace

    Begin your journey with the core principles of Zen Buddhism, learning what the beginner's mind means and how Zen differs from other philosophical traditions.

    The Way of Zen cover
    The Way of Zen

    A lucid exploration of Zen Buddhism's origins, principles and practices, illuminating its profound wisdom for modern seekers.

    10 m
    Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind cover
    Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

    Cultivate a beginner's mind for deeper mindfulness and Zen practice.

    9 m
    podcast cover
    The Way of ZenJapanese Zen Buddhist PhilosophyPhilosophical Issues: The Good Life - Zen BuddhismZen and the Art of Consciousness
    6 sources
    Why Zen Beats Every Other Philosophy

    Discover how Zen transcends Western thought and ancient wisdom by dissolving the illusion of the separate self that other philosophies try to fix. A revolutionary approach to ending suffering at its root.

    10 m

    Develop your sitting meditation practice through zazen, learning the techniques and disciplines that form the heart of Zen training.

    Appreciate Your Life cover
    Appreciate Your Life

    Inspiring Zen teachings on zazen, koans, and appreciating life as the Buddha's.

    9 m
    The Mind Illuminated cover
    The Mind Illuminated

    A comprehensive, step-by-step meditation guide integrating Buddhist wisdom and brain science.

    9 m
    podcast cover
    How to Do Walking MeditationThich Nhat Hanh's Walking Meditation | Lion's RoarA Step-by-Step Guide to Walking Meditation - Wildmindsource 4
    6 sources
    Walking Meditation: Breath Meets Movement

    Discover how combining mindful breathing with walking can transform your daily routine into a powerful meditation practice. Learn simple techniques to find peace and presence in every step.

    9 m

    Explore the deeper philosophical dimensions of Zen through koans, teachings on emptiness, and the wisdom of master teachers like Alan Watts.

    The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching cover
    The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching

    A compassionate guide to core Buddhist principles, offering practical wisdom for transforming suffering into peace and joy.

    8 m
    podcast cover
    source 1source 2source 3The 5 Central Teachings of Alan Watts
    6 sources
    Alan Watts: The Philosopher Who Made Eastern Wisdom Accessible

    Explore Alan Watts' revolutionary approach to Zen, Taoism, and the art of living. From wu wei to the illusion of the separate self, discover how his timeless insights offer profound wisdom for modern life's complexities.

    25 m
    podcast cover
    Wabi SabiSymbiosis of Wabi-Sabi and Zen Buddhism Syncing Art, Lifestyle, andWabi-Sabi - The Zen of Things. On Buddhism and BeautyThoughts Without a Thinker
    6 sources
    Wabi Sabi, Tonglen & Fractured Wholeness

    Discover how Japanese wabi sabi, Buddhist tonglen practice, and kintsugi wisdom reveal that true wholeness includes our broken parts. Learn to breathe with suffering and find beauty in imperfection.

    7 m

    Transform your everyday life by bringing Zen principles into your relationships, work, and daily activities through engaged practice and mindful simplicity.

    The Art of Simple Living cover
    The Art of Simple Living

    A Zen monk offers 100 practical lessons to cultivate inner peace and mindfulness in our hectic modern lives.

    8 m
    podcast cover
    The Zen of Social Action: by Ken jonesZen and Social Engagement - Zen Peacemakerssource 3source 4
    6 sources
    Living Engaged Zen in the Modern West

    Discover how ancient Zen wisdom transforms into practical social engagement for Western life. Learn to bring mindful presence to daily activities, relationships, and activism without escaping to a monastery.

    8 m

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