Roxana Zirakzadeh 

Andy Gilman​

Sessions will be facilitated by Roxana Zirakzadeh and Andy Gilman.

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Beginning in the late 1940's, American literature discovered a new word - Beat... Beat as in poverty, beatitude, ecstasy, and exile. The Beat Movement was Jack Kerouac touring the American road in prose as fast and as reckless as he could. It was the surrealism of William Burroughs, the wild poetry of Allen Ginsberg; and the Zen of Gary Snyder, among many others. Using spontaneous prose and free verse influenced by jazz and Eastern philosophy, the movement rejected conventional society, established authority, and consumerism. In addition to  embracing spiritual seeking, these writers explored a far-reaching openness to new experiences, sexual liberation, and mind-altering practices and substances. The Beat Movement sought to overcome fear of change and the unknown by embracing individuality, truth, and experience. Their attitude was one of defiance, urging readers to break free from social constraints and find liberation by facing their anxieties directly. True enlightenment and freedom were achieved through a willingness to explore and express one's authentic self, even in the face of fear of social judgment. 

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Online seminars in this series will take place on Wednesday evenings, 5:30-7:00PM Pacific Time. Attendees will be mailed the text. Sessions will be facilitated by Roxana Zirakzadeh and Andy Gilman. Groups will be limited to 16 participants and no prior knowledge is required. Teachers will be offered 3 CEU credits for participating. This sixteen-week series is $725. Community of Lifelong Learner subscribers receive a discount of $50 through a refund. Payment options are available.