Zen 101: An Introduction to the History, Teachings, and Practices of Zen

We invite you to join Zen Buddhist and certified meditation teacher Billy Wynne for an immersive evening exploring the Zen tradition. Tracing its journey from ancient India, through its development in China and Japan, to its arrival on American shores in the 20th century, the story of Zen offers timeless inspiration, wisdom, and compassion for both practitioners and the simply curious.

While “Zen” is often referenced in popular culture, its authentic history, teachings, and practices remain unfamiliar to many U.S. audiences. Billy will offer a clear and engaging introduction to the essential elements of Zen history and their relevance to practice today. Drawing on core texts, we’ll explore traditional Zen wisdom, concluding with a guided training in key meditation techniques and shared practice.

After attending Zen 101, you will gain insight into:

• Zen wisdom, texts, and ethics
• How Zen relates to other Buddhist traditions
• The pivotal phases of Zen history
• The practice of Zen in the U.S.
• Zen meditation techniques
• Resources for continued study

Whether you’re curious about Buddhism or looking to deepen your meditation practice, this program offers a supportive foundation. It is also an ideal introduction for those interested in practicing with Roaring Fork Zen during our weekly Monday morning meditation sessions at True Nature.

A suggested donation of $50 helps cover program costs. Please register in advance.

Meet Billy Wynne

Billy Wynne is a long-time member of the Zen Center of Denver, where he received lay ordination in 2020 and currently serves on the board. He is also a certified teacher in the Vipassana meditation tradition.

Billy is the author of The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment Through the Radical Art of Lessening, published by New World Library in March 2025, and is pursuing a Masters in Buddhist Studies at the Institute for Buddhist Studies in Berkeley.

A health and well-being entrepreneur, Billy founded Awake, an alcohol-free bar in Denver, and Impact Health, a mission-driven consultancy. He is an appointed member of Colorado’s Natural Medicine Advisory Board, which is implementing the state’s new psychedelic therapy program. Billy has also served on the boards of Operation Smile, Cherish Children Adoption International, and 365Health.

Billy received a B.A. from Dartmouth College and J.D. from UVA Law. For fun, he skis, travels with his family, and plays keyboard in improvisational rock bands. He recently moved to Carbondale with his wife, son, and two shih-poos, Oscar and Archie. Their daughter is in college. You can learn more about Billy at https://billywynne.com/

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This programming is brought to you by the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to co-creating a world where individuals and communities thrive from a sense of inspiration, connection, and self-discovery. To learn more about our mission-driven work, the foundation, other programming experiences, and our founders, please visit www.connectionisthemedicine.com.

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SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Where Your Gift Makes a Difference

Because of your generosity, our 2025 programs are thriving. We’ve expanded offerings that nurture meaningful connection—through nature immersion, contemplative practices, youth development, caregiver support, and spiritual inquiry.

If you are interested in donating to support more programming like this, please visit our website: https://connectionisthemedicine.com/donate

or contactValery Moore Kelly

Development Director

valery@connectionisthemedicine.com

970-948-0263

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At True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation, we strive to create intentional, nourishing spaces and experiences for community connection and personal growth. To support a respectful and easeful experience for all, please view our Etiquette and Refund Policies, also listed below.

If you have any questions, you may contact Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming at megan@connectionisthemedicine.com

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Event Cancellation & Refund Policy

True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation reserve the right to cancel any program or event at any time. In the event of a cancellation by TN or the Foundation, participants will receive a full refund.

Please note that certain programs may have unique cancellation policies—refer to individual program descriptions for specific details.

Unless otherwise noted in the program description:

• Refunds are available (minus processing fees) up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
• Within 24 hours of the event, you may request a ticket transfer toward a future Connection is the Medicine Foundation-hosted program.
• Tickets are transferable to another guest at any time with prior approval from the Event Manager.
• No refunds or credits will be granted for: Cancellations made day-of or after the event has started, No-shows, Early departures, Dissatisfaction with event content or presentation

For online or virtual programs, please refer to the specific event page for cancellation and refund details.

For all refund or transfer requests, contact Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming at: megan@connectionisthemedicine.com

Participant Agreement: Etiquette, Disclaimer, and Community Guidelines

To support the integrity of the experience for all participants, we ask that you please observe the following guidelines:

• Arrival Time: Please consider arriving 10-15 minutes early to check in and settle. Events begin promptly at the scheduled start time.
• Late Attendance: Doors will close at the stated start time (e.g., 6:30 PM) to honor the sacred nature of the container and minimize disruptions, and late arrivals will not be admitted
• Substance Use: We ask that all guests arrive free of the influence of drugs or alcohol to maintain a clear, safe, and respectful space.

What to Bring & Community Care: You’re welcome to bring personal comfort items such as an eye mask, a small pillow, an extra blanket, or a yoga mat.

As these are shared community experiences, we kindly ask that you:

• Be mindful of personal hygiene and health
• Respect personal space and boundaries
• Refrain from using scented products that may affect others

Thank you for co-creating a respectful and enriching experience with us. We look forward to welcoming you into our sacred space.

Community Conduct and Shared Space Guidelines: Connection is the Medicine Foundation programs are designed to foster meaningful connection, reflection, and personal growth within a supportive communal environment. We ask all participants to honor a shared social norm of respect, presence, and care for one another’s experience.

If at any time a participant is experiencing an unusual, heightened, or disruptive reaction or response that impacts the collective space, the Foundation and/or Facilitator reserves the right to intervene and, if necessary, ask the individual to step away from the gathering. This is not intended as a judgment, but as a means of protecting the integrity of the shared experience, ensuring that all participants continue their journey without undue disruption.

We invite all participants to practice self-awareness, personal responsibility, and compassion to help us maintain a safe, welcoming, and nourishing environment for all.

Disclaimer and Hold Harmless Agreement: The views and opinions expressed by facilitators during True Nature and Connection is the Medicine Foundation events, discussions, or any related activities are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of True Nature or the Foundation. We are committed to providing a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue, and the words of facilitators should be understood as their individual viewpoints. Any information or advice shared by facilitators is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as official statements or endorsements by True Nature or the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. Participants are encouraged to critically evaluate and form their own opinions based on their own judgment and understanding. True Nature assumes no responsibility for the content shared by facilitators and disclaims any liability arising from the use or reliance on such content.

By purchasing a ticket for this event, you agree to a general release of liability for True Nature and the Connection is the Medicine Foundation. You hereby release and discharge the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, its Board of Trustees, Administrators, Staff, Volunteers and other participants or guardians (herein termed Affiliates) from any and all liability whatsoever of any nature or sort for any property damage or personal injury suffered by the participant.

The participant, to the fullest extent allowed by Law, shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Connection is the Medicine Foundation and its Affiliates from any and all liability for any claim of any nature arising out of any activity, conduct, act or omission of the participant.

Media Release: By completing this registration, the participant grants True Nature + Connection is the Medicine Foundation, and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish photographs and/or videos of participants, taken by True Nature or its agents, for editorial, trade, advertising, and any other purpose and in any manner and medium; to alter the same without restriction; and to copyright the same. The registrant and participant hereby release True Nature and its legal representatives and assigns from all claims and liability relating to said photographs or videos.

The registrant and participant hereby affirm that they are over the age of 18 and have the right to contract in expressed name. You agree to have read the above authorization, release, and agreement, prior to its execution, and are fully familiar with the contents of this document. This document shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

If you have questions or concerns regarding Event Etiquette and Policies, you may reach out to Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming: megan@connectionisthemedicine.com