Whats on offer.
The wisdom of Zen Buddhism explored through images. A unique single session workshop, looking at the causes of stress and dissatisfaction — and discovering a clearer, more peaceful way of being. Using visual guides and a series of thought experiments inspired by Zen, we’ll explore how perception shapes reality and how changing how we see changes how we live.
Offered in 4 formats.
Private Half Day Deep Dive (in Person) Available Saturdays 1.30pm-6.30pm (London SE4). (1-on-1 or up to 3 people).
Private Half Day Deep Dive (Online) Available 7 days a week (online), (1-on-1 or up to 3 people).
Group Half Day Essentials (in Person) - Next session - Saturday 13th June 10am-1pm (London NW1) (8-15 people).
Group Full Day Deep Dive (in Person) - Next session - new date tbc (London SE1) (8-15 people).
"I highly recommend this workshop. If you are familiar with the ideas, the visual focus will allow you to grasp them in a different and more immediate way; and if you are not, it will make for an effective and original introduction. A great way to spend a day!" - Geoff, Oxford
Who am I?
Hello, I'm Daniel Thomas Smith.
I originally trained as a scientist, and I now work as a photographer. I’ve spent a lot of my life examining and looking.
I’ve been a meditator for about 15 years and have been studying Zen Buddhism for the last 5 years with Zen master Julian Daizan Skinner Roshi.
The study of Zen has given me so much. It has reduced my anxiety and depression, helped me make sense of the world and my place in it, and shown me that me and life are one inseparable process. I’ve shifted from seeing one dimensionally to three dimensionally, turned away from drama and towards play, moved from feeling alone to being connected.
"Daniel is such a generous teacher! This is such a rich course" - Frank, Hackney.
"The first time I have ever meditated and loved being guided by Daniel”- Laura.
The Workbook.
Whenever asked about the Zen perspective, I always struggled to explain it and ended up giving long, rambling, and confusing answers.
To help answer those questions, I have developed this workbook called Another Way of Seeing. It's like when people in a pub use salt and pepper pots to explain the offside rule — I use a series of images to show what a Zen perspective is all about.
It uses a combination of thought experiments, such as “what in your immediate experience doesn’t change?”, written exercises, and visual guides inspired by Zen Buddhism.
This isn't about converting anyone to anything; it’s just me saying, “I found this amazing thing that’s helped me so much, and I’d love to share some of it with you and show you how I, as a visual person, make sense of it. Another way of seeing is possible”
“The visual analogies and metaphors all the way through were so helpful and useful.” - Linnet, Australia.
“Daniel broke down the concepts of Zen Buddhism with imagery which is the perfect way for me to learn” - Nic, Camden.
How it works.
The workshop is divided into sections (see details below). In each section, I present a series of images to introduce and explore a theme—such as the causes of suffering or how we perceive objects. This is followed by an exercise, which might be a short writing task, a body scan, or a puzzle. We then reflect and discuss the exercise, before closing each section with a guided thought experiment mediation. The purpose of this is to take the ideas we’ve explored and turn them from abstract concepts into direct experience.
What you’ll get from it.
In this workshop, you’ll experience a new perspective on yourself and the world—seeing through the illusions of separation and permanence. You’ll discover your deep interconnectedness with all things and learn to rest in presence, openness, and calm. The peace you’ve been seeking is already here, and you’ll find a source of contentment that doesn’t depend on external circumstances. It could be the beginning of a new journey of spiritual discovery, or simply a relaxing and unique day to explore yourself and your place in the world.
“There were so many insightful moments. I was expecting one or two, but it felt more like 30 or 40!” - Michael, Catford.
“It was fantastic. I loved the mix of visuals, meditation, and discussion.” - Caroline, London
Who is it for.
This workshop is open to everyone, whether you follow a particular faith or none at all. It’s suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners — whether you’re interested in exploring Zen concepts or simply curious about your own mind.
What makes it unique.
The workbook is made up of approximately 100 visual guides, be that photographic, drawn, A.I. generated or physical objects, designed to make things as clear as possible. It’s a unique and novel technique, to access universal truths. See video below for a preview of the images used.
Topics covered.
How we currently see everything.
The Causes of dissatisfaction.
Another way of seeing Objects.
Another way of seeing Separation.
Another way of seeing Ourselves.
Another way of seeing Thinking.
Another way of seeing Space.
Life without the need for more.
Life through a new lens.
“Daniel has put together a beautifully clear and engaging course that leads to powerful insights. Bravo!” - Paul.
Cost and Details
-
Private Half Day Deep Dive (in Person)
Available Saturdays
1.30pm - 6.30pm
Class size - 1-on-1 or up to 3 people.
The Sunflower Centre
81 Tressillian Rd
London
SE4 1XZ£90 - 1-on-1
£150 - For 2 people.
£180 - For 3 people.
-
Private Half Day Deep Dive (Online)
Available 7 days a week.
10.00am - 3.00pm
or
1.00pm - 6.00pm
Class size - 1-on-1 or up to 3 people.
Online meeting room
£80
-
Group Half Day Essentials (in Person)
Saturday 13th June
10.00am - 1.00pm
Group size - 8-15 people.
Regents University
Inner Circle
London
NW1 4NS
£40
-
Group Full Day Deep Dive (in Person)
New date tbc
10.00am - 5.00pm
Group size - 8-12 people.
Jamyang London Buddhist Centre
The Old Courthouse
43 Renfrew RdLondon
SE11 4NA
£80
Example videos
The Venues.
1-on-1 and private small group workshops take place at The Sunflower Centre, a peaceful sanctuary in Brockley (SELondon - Zone 2), Housed in a charming building in the heart of Brockley, the Sunflower Centre sits beside the open green spaces of Hilly Fields and is a short distance away from Brockley’s vibrant independent cafés and Overground/Train station.
Full Day group workshops take place at Jamyang Buddhist centre — a wonderful space in Elephant and Castle (Zone 1), housed in a beautiful Old Court House. A quiet oasis, offering stillness and calm in the heart of London.
