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
11 coursesUpdated 5 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

Users also liked

Enlighten

Enlighten

LEARNING PLAN

Enlighten

This learning path is essential for anyone seeking deeper meaning, inner peace, and freedom from mental suffering through spiritual awakening. It's particularly valuable for those drawn to Eastern wisdom traditions, meditation practitioners wanting to deepen their practice, and individuals experiencing existential questions about the nature of self and consciousness. Whether you're beginning your spiritual journey or looking to integrate profound insights into daily living, this path offers transformative guidance toward lasting fulfillment.

2 h 5 m4 Sections
Explore Buddhism fundamentals

Explore Buddhism fundamentals

LEARNING PLAN

Explore Buddhism fundamentals

Buddhism offers timeless wisdom for navigating stress, anxiety, and the complexities of modern life through practical techniques backed by thousands of years of practice. This learning plan is ideal for anyone seeking mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a deeper understanding of consciousness—from complete beginners to those wanting to deepen their existing practice.

2 h 16 m4 Sections
Gain wisdom & clarity

Gain wisdom & clarity

LEARNING PLAN

Gain wisdom & clarity

This learning path combines ancient philosophical wisdom with modern cognitive science to help you make better decisions and live with greater purpose. It's ideal for professionals, leaders, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by complexity who wants to cultivate inner peace, mental clarity, and a deeper sense of meaning in their daily life.

1 h 44 m4 Sections
Be present and mindful of everything

Be present and mindful of everything

LEARNING PLAN

Be present and mindful of everything

This learning plan offers a complete path from beginner to advanced mindfulness practice, addressing the modern epidemic of distraction and mental overwhelm. It's ideal for anyone seeking to reduce stress, enhance focus, and discover deeper meaning—from beginners curious about meditation to experienced practitioners ready to explore the ultimate nature of consciousness and awakening.

2 h 1 m4 Sections
Stoicism

Stoicism

LEARNING PLAN

Stoicism

Stoicism offers a time-tested framework for navigating life's challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose—skills that are increasingly vital in our fast-paced, unpredictable world. This learning path is ideal for anyone seeking practical wisdom to manage stress, make better decisions, and cultivate unshakeable inner strength, from professionals facing high-pressure environments to individuals pursuing personal growth and emotional mastery.

1 h 51 m4 Sections
Explore mind, spirit, science & self-growth

Explore mind, spirit, science & self-growth

LEARNING PLAN

Explore mind, spirit, science & self-growth

This comprehensive learning plan is designed for intellectually curious individuals seeking to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, spiritual insight and practical mastery. It's ideal for those who refuse to compartmentalize knowledge—whether you're a professional seeking deeper meaning, an investor wanting philosophical grounding, or a seeker integrating contemplative traditions with evidence-based understanding. By connecting neuroscience, philosophy, finance, and spirituality, this path creates polymaths capable of both profound insight and real-world effectiveness.

3 h 19 m4 Sections
Find spiritual awakening

Find spiritual awakening

LEARNING PLAN

Find spiritual awakening

This learning path offers a comprehensive journey from spiritual awakening basics to advanced consciousness exploration, providing both theoretical understanding and practical tools for transformation. It's ideal for seekers at any stage—whether you're beginning to question the nature of reality, experiencing initial awakening, or ready to deepen an existing practice into profound realization.

2 h 18 m4 Sections
Expand consciousness

Expand consciousness

LEARNING PLAN

Expand consciousness

This learning plan offers a comprehensive journey from foundational mindfulness to advanced consciousness exploration, perfect for anyone seeking profound personal transformation and spiritual growth. It systematically guides you through stages of awakening—from basic awareness practices to ego transcendence and reality transformation—making it ideal for both meditation beginners curious about deeper states and experienced practitioners ready to explore the furthest reaches of human consciousness.

2 h 33 m4 Sections

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments
12
likes
117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments
96
likes
4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments
201
thumbsUp
16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
star
star
star
star
star

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments
37
likes
483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
star
star
star
star
star

See More Stories?

How people are talking about BeFreed across the web
Start your learning journey, now