Zen 101: A Free Introduction to the History, Teachings, and Practices of Zen with Billy Wynne
Sunday, September 14th | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | True Nature Kiva
True Nature Healing Arts
100 N 3rd St Carbondale, CO

Suggested Donation $50

REGISTER NOW through our ticketing page!

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 Your Host | Billy Wynne
Billy 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. He 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/