Audio Archive
A complete list of all RZC digitized teisho and Dharma talks, from 2007 to the present, including all podcast episodes.
2023
November 25, 2023
The Precepts: Beyond Pride and PerfectionTeisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 3, 2023
Teachings of Charlotte Joko Beck #2November 2023 Sesshin, Day 6
Commentary on the teachings of Charlotte Joko Beck (Part 2). Source: Everyday Zen: Love and Work by Charlotte Joko Beck. Edited by Steve Smith. Harper Collins, 1989. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 2, 2023
Teachings of Charlotte Joko Beck #1November 2023 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on the teachings of Charlotte Joko Beck (Part 1). Source: Everyday Zen: Love and Work by Charlotte Joko Beck. Edited by Steve Smith. Harper Collins, 1989. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 1, 2023
Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart #4November 2023 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on the teachings of Maurine Stuart (Part 4). Source: Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart. Edited by Sherry Chayat. Shambhala, 1996 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
October 31, 2023
Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart #3November 2023 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on the teachings of Maurine Stuart (Part 3). Source: Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart. Edited by Sherry Chayat. Shambhala, 1996 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
October 30, 2023
Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart #2November 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on the teachings of Maurine Stuart (Part 2). Source: Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart. Edited by Sherry Chayat. Shambhala, 1996 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
October 29, 2023
Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart #1November 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on the teachings of Maurine Stuart (Part 1). Source: Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart. Edited by Sherry Chayat. Shambhala, 1996 Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
October 22, 2023
Coming to the Path Talk by Ven. Kanji ArgetsingerComing to the Path Talk by Ven. Kanji Argetsinger. Automated Transcript
October 15, 2023
Establishing and Sustaining Zen PracticePractice and our lives are not two. Insight comes when the thinking mind falls silent. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
September 29, 2023
Shoyoroku (Book of Serenity) #89, “Dongshan’s ‘No Grass’”September 2023 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript
September 28, 2023
Teachings of American Zen teacher Joko Beck #3September 2023 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on the teachings of American Zen teacher Joko Beck (Part 3). Source: Everyday Zen: Love and Work by Charlotte Joko Beck. Edited by Steve Smith. Harper Collins, 1989. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript
September 27, 2023
Teachings of American Zen teacher Joko Beck #2September 2023 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on the teachings of American Zen teacher Joko Beck (Part 2). Source: Everyday Zen: Love and Work by Charlotte Joko Beck. Edited by Steve Smith. Harper Collins, 1989. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript
September 26, 2023
Teachings of American Zen teacher Joko Beck #1September 2023 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on the teachings of American Zen teacher Joko Beck (Part 1). Source: Everyday Zen: Love and Work by Charlotte Joko Beck. Edited by Steve Smith. Harper Collins, 1989. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript
September 25, 2023
Teachings of Zen Master FoyanSeptember 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Foyan. Sources: Zen’s Chinese Heritage: The Masters and their Teachings (Expanded Edition) by Andy Ferguson. Wisdom Publications, 2011. Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom, translated and edited by Thomas Cleary. Shambhala Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript
September 24, 2023
Teachings of Zen Master YuanwuSeptember 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on the teachings of Zen Master Yuanwu. Sources: Zen’s Chinese Heritage: The Masters and their Teachings (Expanded Edition) by Andy Ferguson. Wisdom Publications, 2011. Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom, translated and edited by Thomas Cleary. Shambhala Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript
September 17, 2023
Work PracticeHow to engage your practice in the midst of activity, whether it involves manual work or intellectually-demanding tasks. Resources: Sweeping Changes: Discovering the Joy of Zen in Everyday Tasks by Gary Thorp (Walker Books, 2000). “The Value of ‘Deep Work’ in an Age of Distraction,” Hidden Brain podcast featuring Cal Newport (July 25, 2017). Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Transcript
September 10, 2023
Working With Obstructions in Our ZazenSeptember 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Reading from Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana. Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript
September 9, 2023
Meditation: Why Bother?September 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Meditation: Why Bother? Developing the Right Attitude. Reading from Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana. Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript
August 20, 2023
Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau: Mumonkan #38 “A Buffalo Goes Through a Window”From October 1975 Sesshin, Day 1. A commentary on the koan and the teacher- student dynamic. Played on Founder’s Day – August 20, 2023. Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau. Automated Transcript
July 28, 2023
Mumonkan #11, “Joshu and Two Hermits”July 2023 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 27, 2023
“Zen Essence” #2July 2023 Sesshin, Day 5
A commentary on Zen Essence, translated and edited by Thomas Cleary. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 26, 2023
“Zen Essence” #1July 2023 Sesshin, Day 4
A commentary on Zen Essence, translated and edited by Thomas Cleary. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 25, 2023
Ta Hui and “Swampland Flowers” #3July 2023 Sesshin, Day 3
A commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui. (translated by J.C. Cleary). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 24, 2023
Ta Hui and “Swampland Flowers” #2July 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
A commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui. (translated by J.C. Cleary). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 23, 2023
Ta Hui and “Swampland Flowers” #1July 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Roshi Kjolhede begins this teisho with biographical highlights of Zen Master Ta Hui, based on Andy Ferguson’s Zen’s Chinese Heritage: The Master’s and Their Teachings. He then continues with a commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui. (translated by J.C. Cleary). Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 16, 2023
Beyond DualityWhen we let go of all the ways we discriminate between self and other, we open up to the suffering of all beings, and to the transformative power of love. Sources: Anthony De Mello, The Way to Love, Image Books, 1995. bell hooks, “Contemplation and Transformation,” Buddhist Women on the Edge: Contemporary Perspectives from the… Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
July 9, 2023
Coming to the Path Talk by Bill LindenfelserComing to the Path Talk by Bill Lindenfelser. Automated Transcript
June 23, 2023
BoredomOur eagerness to cut short whatever feels tedious by chasing after distractions and excitement comes to diminish our lives. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
June 19, 2023
The Black Lives Matter Flag–To Hang Or Not to Hang?Comments about the Center’s Board of Trustees recent decision not to display the Black Lives Matter flag (or other non-Dharma-symbol flags) on the Arnold Park building. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 16, 2023
Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei #6June 2023 Sesshin, Day 6
Commentary on dialogues between Bankei and students (Part 2). Source: The Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei, 1622-1693. Revised edition translated with an introduction by Norman Waddell. North Point Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
June 15, 2023
Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei #5June 2023 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on dialogues between Bankei and students (Part 1). Source: The Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei, 1622-1693. Revised edition translated with an introduction by Norman Waddell. North Point Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
June 14, 2023
Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei #4June 2023 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Bankei’s public talk delivered during a training period at Ryumon-ji (Part 2). Source: The Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei, 1622-1693. Revised edition translated with an introduction by Norman Waddell. North Point Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
June 13, 2023
Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei #3June 2023 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Bankei’s public talk delivered during a training period at Ryumon-ji (Part 1). Source: The Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei, 1622-1693. Revised edition translated with an introduction by Norman Waddell. North Point Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
June 12, 2023
Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei #2June 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on the life of 17th-century Japanese Zen Master Bankei Yotaku (Part 2). Source: The Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei, 1622-1693. Revised edition translated with an introduction by Norman Waddell. North Point Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
June 11, 2023
Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei #1June 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on the life of 17th-century Japanese Zen Master Bankei Yotaku (Part 1). Source: The Unborn: The Life and Teachings of Zen Master Bankei, 1622-1693. Revised edition translated with an introduction by Norman Waddell. North Point Press, 2000. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Transcript
June 4, 2023
Equanimity and CompassionTwo of the four Brahma-viharas. Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka. Automated Transcript
May 21, 2023
Taking the Precepts: An IntroductionHow do we embody the Precepts in our everyday lives? An overview of morality in Zen and the RZC’s Taking the Precepts Ceremony. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
May 14, 2023
Discovering Awe in Just ThisExploring the intersection between Zen practice and neuroscience on our capacity for experiencing awe in ordinary activities. Commentary on Dacher Keltner’s “The Quiet Profundity of Everyday Awe”, The Atlantic: January 13, 2023. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
May 7, 2023
Not Too Hard, Not Too Soft: Finding the Sweet Spot in PracticeMay 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Question: Should I try or should I not try? Do I apply effort in practice or do I surrender? Ought there be discipline or should it come naturally? Answer: Yes! Sources: Awakening to Zen by Roshi Philip Kapleau; Stories of the Spirit, Stories of the Heart by Christina Feldman and Jack Kornfield. Dharma Talk by Ven. Jissai Prince-Cherry. Automated Transcript
May 6, 2023
Making the Most of Each Moment of SesshinMay 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
How to make the most of chanting, talks, and personalized instruction during sesshin. Sharing the teachings of Roshi Philip Kapleau, founder of Rochester Zen Center, on the 19th anniversary of his death. Source: Zen: Merging of East and West by Roshi Philip Kapleau. Dharma Talk by Ven. Jissai Prince-Cherry. Automated Transcript
April 27, 2023
The Dalai Lama and the BoyBodhin-roshi’s comments on the controversy surrounding the February video of “the Dalai Lama and the boy.” (Correction: the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, not 1951 as was stated in the talk.) Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
April 23, 2023
Instructions to the CookA look at Master Dogen’s treatise ‘Instructions to the Cook,’ with reflections on my own experiences as a cook, particularly at the Zen Center, as well as on work practice in general. Dharma Talk by Ven. Kanji Argetsinger. Automated Transcript
April 16, 2023
Coming to the Path Talk by Rebecca GilbertThe layering of suffering. Coming to the Path Talk by Rebecca Gilbert. Automated Transcript
April 9, 2023
Stop Fixing YourselfFurther exploration of practice off the mat. (Continuing the theme of the teisho of February 19, 2023.) Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 31, 2023
Mumonkan #13, Tokusan Carries His BowlsMarch 2023 Sesshin, Day 6
Mumonkan #13, Tokusan Carries His Bowls. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 30, 2023
Illuminating Silence #5March 2023 Sesshin, Day 5
Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 29, 2023
Illuminating Silence #4March 2023 Sesshin, Day 4
Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 28, 2023
Illuminating Silence #3March 2023 Sesshin, Day 3
Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 27, 2023
Illuminating Silence #2March 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 26, 2023
Illuminating Silence #1March 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Illuminating Silence: Insights on the Path of Chinese Zen by Master Sheng-Yen and John Crook. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 21, 2023
A Buddhist View of Non-violence and the War in UkraineTalk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
March 19, 2023
Skillful Effort, Skillful ConcentrationZen practice is a method, not a technique. As a result, practice can sometimes feel frustrating since there’s no step-by-step instruction manual telling us “Exactly What to Do.” (Nor will there ever be.) So how do we practice? Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript
March 5, 2023
Practicing with Our Whole BeingWe’re socially conditioned to lead with the head, however Zen is not a mental activity. How do we get our practice into the body-mind? Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
February 25, 2023
Blue Cliff Record #21 “Chimon and the Lotus.”February 2023 Sesshin, Day 4
Blue Cliff Record #21 “Chimon and the Lotus.” Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
February 24, 2023
“Attaining the Way” by Master Sheng YenFebruary 2023 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on “Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism” by Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
February 23, 2023
“Subtle Wisdom” by Master Sheng Yen #2February 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on “Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Chan Buddhism” by Master Sheng Yen Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
February 22, 2023
“Subtle Wisdom” by Master Sheng Yen #1February 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on “Subtle Wisdom: Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion Through Chan Buddhism” by Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
February 19, 2023
Practice Off the MatZen practice has the potential to change our lives for the better. So what are we doing when we’re not facing a wall? (See also the teisho Stop Fixing Yourself.) Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Transcript
February 12, 2023
It’s OK to SufferThe usual human response to trouble and uncertainty is anxiety and resistance. How can we learn to live wholeheartedly with things as they are? Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 5, 2023
Coming to the Path Talk by Jonathan HagerA senior student speaks candidly about his time at the Center, including his intense efforts to stay with Zen practice through severe depression and cancer. Coming to the Path Talk by Jonathan Hager. Automated Transcript
January 29, 2023
Marsha Linehan and Radical AcceptanceMarsha Linehan is the creator of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) which was the first form of psychotherapy proven effective for suicidal people with personality disorders. Her work was driven by her own struggles and by her experience in Zen training. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 13, 2023
“Song of Mind” by Sheng Yen, Part 2January 2023 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 12, 2023
“Song of Mind” by Sheng Yen, Part 1January 2023 Sesshin, Day 5
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 11, 2023
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away” by Ajahn Chah #4January 2023 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on “Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering” by Ajahn Chah (trans. by Paul Breiter) Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 10, 2023
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away” by Ajahn Chah #3January 2023 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on “Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering” by Ajahn Chah (trans. by Paul Breiter) Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 9, 2023
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away” by Ajahn Chah #2January 2023 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on “Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering” by Ajahn Chah (trans. by Paul Breiter) Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 8, 2023
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away” by Ajahn Chah #1January 2023 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on “Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering” by Ajahn Chah (trans. by Paul Breiter). Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
2022
December 18, 2022
Zen and ReligionSeparating Dharma from Dogma. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
December 4, 2022
The Privilege of Being Present at TransitionsTalk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
November 26, 2022
The Precepts, Part 2: The Ten Cardinal PreceptsTeisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 13, 2022
The Precepts, Part 1: The Three Poisons, Repentance, The Three Refuges, and The Three Pure PreceptsTeisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 4, 2022
Hekiganroku #86, Ummon’s “Everybody has their own light”November 2022 Sesshin, Day 6
Description: What is my light? Why can’t I see it? How do I stop objectifying myself and those around me? Source(s): The Golden Age of Zen by John C.H. Wu, Doubleday 1996. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
November 3, 2022
The Teachings of Maurine Stuart-roshi 5November 2022 Sesshin, Day 5
Description: Zen practice is experiential — we each have to find our way to the truth, giving up our egoistic striving. Source(s): Subtle Sound by Roko Sherry Chayat, Shambhala 1996. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
November 2, 2022
The Teachings of Maurine Stuart-roshi 4November 2022 Sesshin, Day 4
Description: Pride in our good deeds reinforces our sense of self-importance, and therefore works at cross-purposes to our efforts to free ourselves from the delusion of separation. Source(s): Subtle Sound by Roko Sherry Chayat, Shambhala 1996. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
November 1, 2022
The Teachings of Maurine Stuart-roshi 3November 2022 Sesshin, Day 3
Description: A master once said, “The taste of Zen is pain in the knees.” How do we work creatively with pain and weariness in these early days of sesshin? Source(s): Subtle Sound by Roko Sherry Chayat, Shambhala 1996. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
October 31, 2022
The Teachings of Maurine Stuart-roshi 2November 2022 Sesshin, Day 2
Description: Practising right where we are. Source(s): Meetings with Remarkable Women by Lenore Friedman, Shambhala 1987; Subtle Sound by Roko Sherry Chayat, Shambhala 1996. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
October 30, 2022
The Teachings of Maurine Stuart-roshi 1November 2022 Sesshin, Day 1
Description: Biographical material Source(s): Meetings with Remarkable Women by Lenore Friedman, Shambhala 1987; Subtle Sound by Roko Sherry Chayat, Shambhala 1996. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
October 9, 2022
Zen Destruction and AspirationHow Zen practice deconstructs the self while the Dharma nourishes the Self, with a commentary on the koan “Linji’s Blind Donkey”. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 30, 2022
Blue Cliff Record #53, “Hyakujo and the Wild Duck”September 2022 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 29, 2022
Zen Master Bassui from Mud and Water (trans. by Arthur Braverman) #2September 2022 Sesshin, Day 5
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 28, 2022
Zen Master Bassui from Mud and Water (trans. by Arthur Braverman) #1September 2022 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 27, 2022
Zen Master Bassui from The Three Pillars of ZenSeptember 2022 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Transcript
September 26, 2022
Zen Master Foyan from Instant Zen: Waking Up In the Present (trans. by Thomas Cleary) #2September 2022 Sesshin, Day 2
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 25, 2022
Zen Master Foyan from Instant Zen: Waking Up In the Present (trans. by Thomas Cleary) #1September 2022 Sesshin, Day 1
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 18, 2022
Zen Teacher AuthorizationA look at the sanctioning next month of Donna Kowal and at my stepping aside, featuring Case 40 in the Mumonkan, “Kicking Over the Water Bottle.” Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Transcript
September 11, 2022
Faith: Passages from “And There Was Light” by Jacques LusseranSeptember 2022 2-Day Sesshin, Day 2
Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka. Automated Transcript
September 10, 2022
The Teachings of Empty Cloud (Xu Yun) followed by Q & ASeptember 2022 2-Day Sesshin, Day 1
Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka. Automated Transcript
August 21, 2022
OK with Things as They AreBy trying to wall off the inevitable pain we encounter, we make it hurt more and last longer. Acceptance and practice show us another way. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
August 14, 2022
Teisho by Roshi Kapleau: Hekiganroku #38, “Fuketsu and the Dharma Seal”From December 1979 Sesshin, Day 7. Played on Founder’s Day – August 14, 2022. Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau. Automated Transcript
July 29, 2022
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) #3July 2022 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 28, 2022
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) #2July 2022 Sesshin, Day 5
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 27, 2022
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) #1July 2022 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 26, 2022
Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen: Kokushi, Muso (trans. by Thomas Cleary) #3July 2022 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 25, 2022
Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen: Kokushi, Muso (trans. by Thomas Cleary) #2July 2022 Sesshin, Day 2
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 24, 2022
Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen: Kokushi, Muso (trans. by Thomas Cleary) #1July 2022 Sesshin, Day 1
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 17, 2022
Seeing Into Space, Seeing Into MindThe images revealed by the Webb Telescope will vastly extend our knowledge. Wisdom, however, grows from looking inward. Who is seeing that projection of the mind we call the universe? Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 10, 2022
Zen Buddhism–Religion, or Not?The book Buddhism, by Smith and Novak, identifies six aspects of religion. How many fit with Zen? Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 26, 2022
FaithFaith is the anchor of Zen practice, but faith in what? Not a person, not a thing. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Transcript
June 11, 2022
Shoyoroku # 14, “Attendent Huo Serves Tea”June 2022 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 10, 2022
Mumonkan # 9, “Daitsu Chisho Buddha”June 2022 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 9, 2022
The Practice of Zen by C.C. Chang #2June 2022 Sesshin, Day 5
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 8, 2022
The Practice of Zen by C.C. Chang #1June 2022 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 7, 2022
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) #3June 2022 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 6, 2022
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) #2June 2022 Sesshin, Day 2
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 5, 2022
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) #1June 2022 Sesshin, Day 1
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
May 22, 2022
The First Precept: Not to KillA look at the first of the Ten Cardinal Precepts, particularly with respect to the Buffalo mass shooting, abortion, and self-immolation. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
May 15, 2022
Coming to the Path Talk By Desiree Jaeger-FineA Rochester Zen Center staff member gives her account of coming to the Dharma and to the Center. Coming to the Path Talk by Desiree Jaeger-Fine. Automated Transcript
May 8, 2022
Master Hakuin’s Chant in Praise of Zazen, Part 2Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
May 1, 2022
Master Hakuin’s Chant in Praise of Zazen, Part 1Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
April 24, 2022
Being SanghaOn taking refuge in Sangha (Community). Dharma Talk by Sensei Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
April 17, 2022
Learning to Want What We HaveAdvice from a 21st century Stoic. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
April 10, 2022
Coming to the Path Talk by Jeanette Prince-CherryThe leader of the Louisville Zen Center and a Rochester Zen Center staff member, gives her account of coming to the Dharma and to the Center. Coming to the Path Talk by Jeanette Prince-Cherry. Transcript
April 2, 2022
“Nothing Special: Living Zen” by Joko Beck #2March 2022 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
April 1, 2022
“Nothing Special: Living Zen” by Joko Beck #1March 2022 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 31, 2022
“Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life and Practice” by Joko BeckMarch 2022 Sesshin, Day 5
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 30, 2022
“Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening” by Guo Gu #4March 2022 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 29, 2022
“Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening” by Guo Gu #3March 2022 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 28, 2022
“Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening” by Guo Gu #2March 2022 Sesshin, Day 2
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 27, 2022
“Silent Illumination: A Chan Buddhist Path to Natural Awakening” by Guo Gu #1March 2022 Sesshin, Day 1
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 20, 2022
Practice and the Inner Critical VoiceDharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript
March 13, 2022
Ups and Downs of PracticeCultivating openness and awareness in the face of habit energies that pull us in the other direction. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Transcript
March 10, 2022
Ukraine and Russia: What Would Buddha Do?Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
March 6, 2022
Russia Invades UkraineWith Russia’s invasion the world has changed. Facing up to uncertainty and suffering. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 26, 2022
“Faith in Mind: A Commentary on Seng Ts’an’s Classic” by Master Sheng Yen #4February 2022 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 25, 2022
“Faith in Mind: A Commentary on Seng Ts’an’s Classic” by Master Sheng Yen #3February 2022 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 24, 2022
“Faith in Mind: A Commentary on Seng Ts’an’s Classic” by Master Sheng Yen #2February 2022 Sesshin, Day 2
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 23, 2022
“Faith in Mind: A Commentary on Seng Ts’an’s Classic” by Master Sheng Yen #1February 2022 Sesshin, Day 1
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 13, 2022
Zen and the Body (Part 2)Working with the body and attitudes towards the body in Zen practice. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 6, 2022
Zen and the Body (Part 1)Body awareness as a key to Zen practice. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 31, 2022
Advice From a Zen FoolA “CoronaCast.” Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 23, 2022
RestlessnessThe compulsive and unsettled tenor of modern life was diagnosed well over 300 years ago by the French philosopher, Blaise Pascal, who wrote, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 15, 2022
Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui #2January 2022 Sesshin, Day 7
On Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui, (trans. by J.C.Cleary). Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 14, 2022
Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui #1January 2022 Sesshin, Day 6
On Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui, (trans. by J.C.Cleary). Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 13, 2022
“Being Dharma” by Ajahn Chah #2January 2022 Sesshin, Day 5
On Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings by Ajahn Chah (trans. by Peter Breiter). Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 12, 2022
“Being Dharma” by Ajahn Chah #1January 2022 Sesshin, Day 4
On Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings by Ajahn Chah (trans. by Peter Breiter). Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 11, 2022
“Everyday Zen: Love and Work” by Charlotte Joko BeckJanuary 2022 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 10, 2022
“Nothing Special: Living Zen” by Charlotte Joko Beck #2January 2022 Sesshin, Day 2
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
January 9, 2022
“Nothing Special: Living Zen” by Charlotte Joko Beck #1January 2022 Sesshin, Day 1
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Transcript
2021
December 19, 2021
Faith, Doubt, DeterminationThe three essentials of Zen practice. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Transcript
December 18, 2021
CoronaCast: December 18Roshi’s latest podcast episode: a blur of change. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
December 12, 2021
“Opening the Hand of Thought” by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi #2December 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Dharma Talk by Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript
December 11, 2021
“Opening the Hand of Thought” by Kosho Uchiyama Roshi #1December 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Dharma Talk by Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript
December 5, 2021
Zen Practice and the Thinking MindReplacing grasping and aversion with awareness. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 27, 2021
A Look at the PreceptsMorality as the first of the three foundations of Zen practice. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 13, 2021
Mumonkan #16, “The Sound of the Bell”November 2021 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated transcript Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 12, 2021
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui”November 2021 Sesshin, Day 6
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui, translated by J.C. Cleary. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 11, 2021
“Everyday Zen” by Charlotte Joko Beck #3November 2021 Sesshin, Day 5
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 10, 2021
“Everyday Zen” by Charlotte Joko Beck #2November 2021 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 9, 2021
“Everyday Zen” by Charlotte Joko Beck #1November 2021 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 8, 2021
“Attaining the Way” by Master Sheng Yen #2November 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
November 7, 2021
“Attaining the Way” by Master Sheng Yen #1November 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
October 17, 2021
“Razor-Wire Dharma: A Buddhist Life in Prison”On Calvin Malone’s Razor-Wire Dharma: A Buddhist Life in Prison. Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka. Automated Transcript
October 10, 2021
The Spirit of PracticeExamining helpful (and not so helpful) ways of approaching Zen practice. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Transcript
October 1, 2021
Mumonkan # 17, “The National Teacher Calls Three Times”September 2021 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 30, 2021
“Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu” #2September 2021 Sesshin, Day 6
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 29, 2021
“Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu” #1September 2021 Sesshin, Day 5
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. by J.C. Cleary and Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 28, 2021
“The Practice of Zen” by Garma C.C. Chang #2September 2021 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 27, 2021
“The Practice of Zen” by Garma C.C. Chang #1September 2021 Sesshin, Day 3
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 25, 2021
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui”September 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
September 19, 2021
Letting Go of Fear-Based StrategiesTo one degree or another, we allow habitual reactions to pain and anxiety to limit our lives. Zen practice shows us another way. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
September 12, 2021
Recognizing the InevitableLike individuals, all nations and worlds pass. By fully facing this, with daily practice we can breathe life and even joy into our lives. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
August 6, 2021
CoronaCast: August 6Roshi’s latest podcast: Deja Vu – Adapting to the COVID variants. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 30, 2021
Blue Cliff Record #4, “Tokusan Carries His Bundle”July 2021 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 29, 2021
“The Way of Korean Zen” by Kusan Sunim #6July 2021 Sesshin, Day 6
Commentary on The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. by Martine Batchelor) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 28, 2021
“The Way of Korean Zen” by Kusan Sunim #5July 2021 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. by Martine Batchelor) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 27, 2021
“The Way of Korean Zen” by Kusan Sunim #4July 2021 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. by Martine Batchelor) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 26, 2021
“The Way of Korean Zen” by Kusan Sunim #3July 2021 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. by Martine Batchelor) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 25, 2021
“The Way of Korean Zen” by Kusan Sunim #2July 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. by Martine Batchelor) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 24, 2021
“The Way of Korean Zen” by Kusan Sunim #1July 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. by Martine Batchelor) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
July 18, 2021
Untangling the Knots, Engaging with the PracticeOn working with habit forces and boredom. Commentary on excerpts from Ordinary Wonder: Zen Life and Practice by Charlotte Joko Beck, edited by Brenda Beck Hess (Shambhala, 2021). Dharma Talk by Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
June 29, 2021
Ordinary Mind is the Way, Case 19 in the MumonkanLooking for Truth in all the wrong places. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
June 20, 2021
Juneteenth and the Work of Ultimate LiberationWe can celebrate the 1865 Emancipation while acknowledging the enduring shackles of systemic racism and those of our own afflictions. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
June 9, 2021
Mumonkan #10, Sozan and Poor SeizeiJune 2021 Sesshin, Day 5
Working with spiritual poverty. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
June 8, 2021
“An Experience of Enlightenment” by Flora Courtois #4June 2021 Sesshin, Day 4
Arrival, loss and return — the universe changes on its axis, but how to share this amazing experience with others? Searching for a context for 20 years and finally finding one. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
June 7, 2021
“An Experience of Enlightenment” by Flora Courtois #3June 2021 Sesshin, Day 3
A turning point — no need to look further than the mind itself. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
June 6, 2021
“An Experience of Enlightenment” by Flora Courtois #2June 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Flora Courtois’ search for Reality, or the ground of being. Text: An Experience of Enlightenment by Flora Courtois. Quest Books, 1986. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
June 5, 2021
“An Experience of Enlightenment” by Flora Courtois #1June 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Introduction to the text by Yasutani-roshi Text: An Experience of Enlightenment by Flora Courtois. Quest Books, 1986. Teisho by Roshi Amala Wrightson. Automated Transcript
May 30, 2021
No Teachers, No Students, Nothing To Be TaughtA look at the teacher-student relationship generally, with a focus on the implications of it at the RZC now that Roshi and John Pulleyn-sensei will both be giving dokusan and formally accepting students. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
May 16, 2021
The Middle WayThe Buddha’s Way to freedom. Dharma Talk by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
May 11, 2021
CoronaCast: May 11Roshi’s weekly podcast: Languishing and Ambivalence. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
May 9, 2021
“The Third Turning of the Wheel: A Conversation with Joanna Macy”May 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Reading and commentary on excerpts from an interview with Joanna Macy that explores the Buddha’s teaching of dependent co-arising, nothing exists apart from anything else. (Source: Dharma Rain, edited by Stephanie Kaza and Kenneth Kraft, Shambhala Publications, 2000) Dharma Talk by Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
May 8, 2021
“World as Lover, World as Self” by Joanna MacyMay 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Reading and commentary on excerpts from Chapter One. Dharma Talk by Donna Kowal. Automated Transcript
April 25, 2021
The Illusion of Human IdentityThe Heart Sutra (Prajna Paramita) reminds us that none of the five skandhas (constituents of personhood) have any substantiality to them. To cling to any imagined identity, then, is to invite suffering. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 20, 2021
CoronaCast: April 12Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede’s weekly podcast. Come On In–the Water’s Fine! Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 18, 2021
ImpermanenceA look at one of the Buddha’s three characteristics of existence. Dharma Talk by Sensei John Pulleyn.
April 7, 2021
“Zen Dawn, Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang” #2April 2021 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on Zen Dawn, Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 6, 2021
“Zen Dawn, Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang” #1April 2021 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Zen Dawn, Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 5, 2021
“The Practice of Zen” #3April 2021 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on The Practice of Zen, by Garma C. C. Chang. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 4, 2021
“The Practice of Zen” #2April 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on The Practice of Zen, by Garma C. C. Chang. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 3, 2021
“The Practice of Zen” #1April 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on The Practice of Zen, by Garma C. C. Chang. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
March 21, 2021
Be StillLetting go of thoughts on the mat and in our lives. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 12, 2021
CoronaCast: March 12Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede’s weekly podcast. Trust the Process – Lengthening Days and Zen Practice: Taking the Long View Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
March 7, 2021
Think Neither Good Nor Evil, Case 23 in the MumonkanA look at original vs. actualized enlightenment, Dharma transmission, aspiration, and our True Self as the “Face” behind the mask. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
March 2, 2021
“Catching a Feather on a Fan” #4February/March 2021 Sesshin, Day 4
Source Quoted Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng Yen. Edited by by John Crook. Element Books Ltd, 1991. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
March 1, 2021
“Catching a Feather on a Fan” #3February/March 2021 Sesshin, Day 3
Source Quoted Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng Yen. Edited by by John Crook. Element Books Ltd, 1991. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 28, 2021
“Catching a Feather on a Fan” #2February/March 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn on Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng Yen. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 27, 2021
“Catching a Feather on a Fan” #1February/March 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn on Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng Yen. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript
February 21, 2021
Embracing Nothingness — But In What Way?Digital overstimulation and now the pandemic has generated a culture of negation, withdrawal, and numbness. But there’s a better way to retreat, every day, from overwhelming circumstances, while engaging with the world. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
February 14, 2021
Love Makes the World Go ‘RoundMiscellaneous reflections on love, seen through the lens of Dharma. Source Referenced Soul Food: Stories to Nourish the Spirit and the Heart. Jack Kornfield and Christina Feldman. HarperOne, 1996. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
February 10, 2021
CoronaCast: February 10Roshi’s weekly podcast: Integrating Two of the Buddhist Paramitas in Getting Scheduled for a Vaccination Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
February 7, 2021
The Long Game: Persistence and Working With a TeacherSources Referenced: Malcolm Gladwell. Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown and Company, 2008. Norman Fischer. Taking Our Places: The Buddhist Path to Truly Growing Up. HarperOne, 2004. Jeffrey R. Young. “Researcher Behind ‘10,000-Hour Rule’ Says Good Teaching Matters, Not Just Practice.” EdSurge, May 5, 2020. “Unconditionally Steadfast.” Tricycle interview with Pema Chödrön. Fall 1999. Dharma Talk by Trueman Taylor. Automated Transcript
January 24, 2021
Sangha Sculpting SanghaA look at what the Buddhist Sangha, or community, meant in Asia, how it has changed since coming to Western countries, and what it might become for the Rochester Zen Center. Sources Quoted: Stephen Batchelor. “Creating Sangha.” Tricycle, Winter, 1995. Thich Nhat Hanh. “The Fertile Soil of Sangha.” Tricycle, Summer, 2008. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 22, 2021
CoronaCast: January 22Roshi’s weeky podcast: New Government as Rebirth Automated transcript Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 15, 2021
“Ummon’s Teaching in Reference to Oneness”January 2021 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 14, 2021
Teachings and Life of Zen Master Hakuin #6January 2021 Sesshin, Day 6
Readings from Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin (mostly the Introduction), The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin (both translated by Norman Waddell) and The Zen Master Hakuin, translated by Philip Yampolsky. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 13, 2021
Teachings and Life of Zen Master Hakuin #5January 2021 Sesshin, Day 5
Readings from Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin (mostly the Introduction) and The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin. Both translated by Norman Waddell. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 12, 2021
Teachings and Life of Zen Master Hakuin #4January 2021 Sesshin, Day 4
Readings from Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin (mostly the Introduction) and The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin, both translated by Norman Waddell. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 11, 2021
Teachings and Life of Zen Master Hakuin #3January 2021 Sesshin, Day 3
Readings from Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin (mostly the Introduction) and The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin, both translated by Norman Waddell. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 10, 2021
Teachings and Life of Zen Master Hakuin #2January 2021 Sesshin, Day 2
Readings from Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin (mostly the Introduction) and The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin, both translated by Norman Waddell. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 9, 2021
Teachings and Life of Zen Master Hakuin #1January 2021 Sesshin, Day 1
Readings from Wild Ivy: The Spiritual Autobiography of Zen Master Hakuin (mostly the Introduction) and The Essential Teachings of Zen Master Hakuin, both translated by Norman Waddell. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
January 3, 2021
National Crisis, National OpportunityAtlantic writer George Packer sees the new year as a “plastic hour,” a rare chance for the U.S. to transform sickness and dysfunction into renewal. This mirrors the catalytic potential of personal dis-ease to lead us to spiritual practice. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
2020
December 27, 2020
Working with an Untrustworthy BrainA look at a neuroscientist’s explanation of how our brain creates the hallucination we take for reality and a modern day Stoic’s approach to the fix that puts us in. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
December 20, 2020
Pandemic Time Melting and Freezing2020 put many of us in a time warp that will run well into 2021. What’s going on, really? And how does daily Zen practice help us ride the waves? Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
December 17, 2020
CoronaCast: December 17Roshi’s weekly podcast on the pandemic. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Automated Transcript
December 13, 2020
“Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom” by Joseph GoldsteinDecember 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom by Joseph Goldstein Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka.
December 2, 2020
CoronaCast: Second Verse, Same As the FirstA look back at the waves–and people’s reactions to them–in the last pandemic, so remarkably similar to today. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 28, 2020
Jukai–the Ceremony of Taking the PreceptsA look at the several elements of the ceremony. The ten cardinal precepts are examined in the context of the “five trials” of 2020: the pandemic; its financial consequences; the intensifying effects of climate change; the clearer revelation of systemic racism and its ongoing wounds; and the alarming rise of political divisiveness. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 24, 2020
CoronaCast: November 24New Zealand’s Pandemic Success Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 15, 2020
Presidents and the Flux of CharacterBiden and Trump are dramatically different in character, but they have in common, with us, the True Self that is No-self. And all of us are continuously evolving and devolving through the world of samsara. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 11, 2020
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #5November 2020 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 10, 2020
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #4November 2020 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 9, 2020
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #3November 2020 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 8, 2020
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #2November 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 7, 2020
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #1November 2020 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 5, 2020
CoronaCast: November 5Roshi’s weekly podcast to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 25, 2020
Change, and Thus HopeLooking at the intersecting national crises of 2020 as an opportunity for us to evolve, reading from a July column by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 19, 2020
CoronaCast: October 19Roshi’s weekly podcast: “Pandemic Refuge” Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 7, 2020
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #2October 2020 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 6, 2020
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #1October 2020 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 5, 2020
“The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen” #3October 2020 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary). Text from Zen Master Lanxi Daolong (Jap.: Daikaku) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 4, 2020
“The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen” #2October 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary). Text from Zen Master Lanxi Daolong (Jap.: Daikaku) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 3, 2020
“The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen” #1October 2020 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary). Text from Zen Master Lanxi Daolong (Jap.: Daikaku) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
September 20, 2020
Even If the World Is Ending, So What?The situation in the U.S. and around the world may be more bleak than ever. But consider: as individuals we manage to carry on with the very bleakest of futures: our own certain death. Rather than dwelling on future catastrophes, practice calls for us always to be fully responsive to the present. That is the… Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
September 13, 2020
“Novice to Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity” #2September 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Novice to Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity by Soko Morinaga. Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.
September 12, 2020
“Novice to Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity” #1September 2020 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Novice to Master: An Ongoing Lesson in the Extent of My Own Stupidity by Soko Morinaga. Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.
August 30, 2020
The Happiness TrapLooking at ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) as presented by Russ Harris in his book, The Happiness Trap, and how it fits with Zen practice. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
August 27, 2020
CoronaCast: August 27Roshi’s weekly podcast: “Depression Compared and Contrasted with Boredom.” Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
August 23, 2020
Thrivers’ GuiltIn the midst of massive suffering from the pandemic, many people, due to their circumstances, are experiencing unexpected personal contentment (and sometimes guilt as a result). How do we come to terms with this paradox–and move through in service to our bodhisattva vows? Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
August 19, 2020
CoronaCast: August 19Roshi’s weekly podcast: “Pandemic Ruin and Renaissance.” Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
August 16, 2020
Teisho by Roshi Kapleau: Mumonkan #3 “Gutei’s Finger”From October 1976 Sesshin, Day 4. Played on Founder’s Day – August 16, 2020. Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau.
August 12, 2020
CoronaCast: August 12Roshi’s weekly podcast: “Grit, competence, and zazen.” Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
August 9, 2020
Considering White PrivilegeWhatever adversities we white people have suffered in our lives, structural racism isn’t one, and in that sense, at least, we’ve been privileged. We might deny having that advantage, or distance from it, but we can use our opportunities to join with others to begin dismantling systemic racism. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
August 5, 2020
CoronaCast: August 5In Amala-sensei’s online sesshin last week, most participants had to negotiate some accommodation to the schedule of others they live with, and now have been negotiating the transition back to full-on household life. Roshi addresses both of these challenges in this week’s coronacast. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 31, 2020
Master Hongzhi’s “Cultivating the Empty Field” #4July 2020 Sesshin, Day 4
“With total trust, roam and play in samadhi”. Main Text: Cultivating the Empty Field, The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi by Taigen Daniel Leighton with Yi Wu, North Point Press San Francisco, 1991. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
July 30, 2020
Master Hongzhi’s “Cultivating the Empty Field” #3July 2020 Sesshin, Day 3
“You must be broadminded, whole, without relying on others.” Main Text: Cultivating the Empty Field, The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi by Taigen Daniel Leighton with Yi Wu, North Point Press San Francisco, 1991. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
July 29, 2020
Master Hongzhi’s “Cultivating the Empty Field” #2July 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
The bright, boundless field — what is it? “Degrading situations” and how to avoid pursuing them. Main Text: Cultivating the Empty Field, The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi by Taigen Daniel Leighton with Yi Wu, North Point Press San Francisco, 1991. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
July 28, 2020
Master Hongzhi’s “Cultivating the Empty Field” #1July 2020 Sesshin, Day 1
The life of Master Hongzhi Main Text: Cultivating the Empty Field, The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi by Taigen Daniel Leighton with Yi Wu, North Point Press San Francisco, 1991. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
July 26, 2020
The Zen Teaching of Hui HaiA treatise on enlightenment and practice by the Tang dynasty Chan master, a disciple of the great Ma Tsu. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 23, 2020
CoronaCast: July 23Roshi’s weekly podcast to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 19, 2020
East-West Cultural Contrasts and the PandemicThe U.S. is faring much worse with the coronavirus than the East Asian and Southeast Asian countries, where people also are much more agreeable to wearing face masks. These differences may be seen in the context of the broad historical contrasts drawn in Richard Nisbett’s The Geography of Thought, which presents cultural-psychological studies showing the… Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 12, 2020
Working with ImpatienceLearning patience in the face of our unwillingness to be with things as they are. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
June 28, 2020
The Life and Teaching of Peace PilgrimAfter dedicating herself to social service for five years, the woman who would later identify herself only as Peace Pilgrim had a spontaneous awakening while walking in the woods. Then she spent the next twenty-eight years walking across the country alone, sharing her commitment to inner and world peace. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 25, 2020
CoronaCast: June 25This week’s podcast from Roshi to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 21, 2020
Is There More to All This Than Meets the Eye?The pandemic and its massive economic consequences, when laid atop accelerating climate change, presents a perfect storm of suffering. But with the understanding that there is an Intelligence behind it all, we must be seeing corrective forces underway, a re-balancing at work. How might future generations look back and see these tumultuous times? Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 18, 2020
CoronaCast: June 18This week’s podcast from Roshi to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 11, 2020
Blue Cliff Record #29, “It Goes Along with Everything Else”June 2020 Sesshin, Day 4
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 10, 2020
“The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen” #3June 2020 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 9, 2020
“The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen” #2June 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 8, 2020
“The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen” #1June 2020 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 4, 2020
CoronaCast: June 4This week’s podcast from Roshi to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
May 31, 2020
100,000 Deaths and Our Cities in FlamesThe pandemic shoved the unsurpassable threat of climate change out of the news, and now the outbreak of demonstrations in cities all over the country has seized our attention. Today we memorialize 100,000 U.S. coronavirus deaths with the traditional Buddhist memorial prayer, but also acknowledge the deadly virus of systemic racism and oppression of African-Americans… Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
May 24, 2020
Pandemics: A High-Altitude ViewAn overview of history’s most devastating pandemics, and a look at the timelessness of Camus’ The Plague. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
May 10, 2020
The Zero Point Turned Inside-OutThere is just this, here, now. That is our freedom. Yet we can live it while acknowledging our interdependence with others, being grateful to those before us and around us while also responsible for those after us. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
May 3, 2020
Giving Up to Live FullyHow much might the fear of losing oneself — of not being — drive our longing to leave home even during a pandemic? The denial of death and the craving for life: two sides of one coin. (Contributions from Brother David Steindl-Rast and Steven Levine.) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
May 2, 2020
Following a Schedule During QuarantineAdvice from an astronaut and others on maintaining a consistent schedule. Also: excerpts and comments from Roshi Robert Aitken’s book Encouraging Words. Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.
April 30, 2020
CoronaCast: April 30Roshi’s latest podcast to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 26, 2020
Outrage and the PandemicStaying in touch with our shared humanity rather than indulging in outrage and separation. Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
April 23, 2020
CoronaCast: April 23Roshi’s latest podcast to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 19, 2020
AffluenzaAfter the U.S.’s decades of affluenza (“a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety, and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more”), to what extent might our experience of the coronavirus and isolation inoculate us from its resurgence? Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 15, 2020
CoronaCast: April 15Roshi’s latest podcast to the Sangha. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 12, 2020
Blue Cliff Record #87: “Medicine and Sickness Correspond to Each Other”Instead of engaging the coronavirus simply on a “war” footing, can we see ways in which it is educating us–right now? A pandemic reveals the consequences of our misuses of the natural world and the dis-ease we incur through the illusion of separation. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 9, 2020
CoronaCast from Roshi: April 9As the pandemic and social isolation stretch on, Roshi speaks again to the Sangha from his kitchen table. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 5, 2020
Blue Cliff Record #3: “Baso’s Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha”Recorded in Auckland on March 10 and played in the Rochester zendo on April 5. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
March 29, 2020
Covid Solitude, Dislocation, and Dis-illusionmentIn his 2010 book The Active Life, acclaimed educator Parker Palmer cites three opportunities for painful growth that any of us are likely to face during our life: disillusionment, dislocation, and unbidden solitude. Zen practice enhances our ability to navigate through these three portals and to adapt to the coronavirus aftershocks that will change our… Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
March 26, 2020
CoronaCast from Roshi: March 26As the pandemic ramps up, with isolation in place, Roshi speaks to the Sangha from his kitchen table. Talk by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
March 22, 2020
Impermanence and the VirusThe current crisis can help us develop a more immediate awareness of the Buddha’s fundamental teaching and encourage us to find our refuge in opening to life as it is. – Dharma talk by John Pulleyn Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
March 15, 2020
Human Contradictions Exposed by the PandemicCovid-19 is highlighting human contradictions: the dilemma of social distancing vs. social solidarity, as well as the tension between our ignoble reactions (e.g., panic hoarding) and our noble responses (generous helpfulness). Our True Self is neither of these alone. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
March 8, 2020
Preparing Ourselves for the Coronovirus for the Sake of OthersA Mahayana take: it’s not just about “me” and “my.” Also, some words about worry, stress, and anxiety. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
February 29, 2020
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away” #4February 2020 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering by Ajahn Chan (trans. by Paul Breiter) Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
February 28, 2020
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away#3February 2020 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering by Ajahn Chan (trans. by Paul Breiter) Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
February 27, 2020
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away” #2February 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering by Ajahn Chan (trans. by Paul Breiter) Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
February 26, 2020
“Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away” #1February 2020 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Everything Arises, Everything Falls Away: Teachings on Impermanence and the End of Suffering by Ajahn Chan (trans. by Paul Breiter) Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
February 23, 2020
Solitude Misused: So Near, Yet So Far AwayThe amazing case of the 21st-century “Hermit of Maine (The Stranger in the Woods, by Michael Finkel),” whose 27 years of complete seclusion, in which he survived through burglaries, is not remotely like the solitary meditation of practitioners in Zen and other traditions. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
February 9, 2020
Coming to the Path Talk by Dené ReddingA Sunday talk about coming to the Dharma and to the Center. Coming to the Path Talk by Dené Redding.
January 26, 2020
The Dharma of DrivingEveryday driving as a practice field for mindfulness and a test of non-reactivity and other Buddhist values. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 19, 2020
Twenty-eight Benefits of MeditationTeisho by Bodhin Kjolhede. From a 1st-century Buddhist text. Unedited transcript Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede. Transcript
January 11, 2020
Blue Cliff Record #23, “Hofuku Points to Myohocho”January 2020 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 10, 2020
“The Undying Lamp of Zen: The Testament of Zen Master Torei” #2January 2020 Sesshin, Day 6
Commentary on The Undying Lamp of Zen: The Testament of Zen Master Torei (trans. by T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 9, 2020
“The Undying Lamp of Zen: The Testament of Zen Master Torei” #1January 2020 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on The Undying Lamp of Zen: The Testament of Zen Master Torei (trans. by T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 8, 2020
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui” #4January 2020 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 7, 2020
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui” #3January 2020 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 6, 2020
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui” #2January 2020 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
January 5, 2020
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui” #1January 2020 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
2019
December 29, 2019
Nuturing Self-control Through the Social EmotionsA presentation of studies suggesting that gratitude, compassion, and decent pride are features of morality that foster self-control and perseverance more than do will-power and grit. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
December 15, 2019
Out With the Old, In With–What?Stepping back to look at the massive national and global changes we’re living through. All bets are off, yet we have Zen practice to help us ride the process and transform crisis into opportunity. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
December 8, 2019
“How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment” #2December 2019 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Dogen’s How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment (trans. by Thomas Wright, with commentary by Uchiyama Roshi) Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.
December 7, 2019
“How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment” #1December 2019 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Dogen’s How to Cook Your Life: From the Zen Kitchen to Enlightenment (trans. by Thomas Wright, with commentary by Uchiyama Roshi) Dharma Talk by Ven. Trueman Taylor.
November 30, 2019
Jukai and the InternetAn overview of today’s ceremony of Receiving the Precepts, with a look at how the Internet adds further challenges in upholding the Ten Cardinal Precepts. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 17, 2019
The Buddhist Precepts in the Context of EnvironmentalismWith our annual ceremony of Receiving the Precepts (Jukai) coming up, here Roshi applies those precepts to the growing threat of climate change and how we might reduce the harm we are inevitably causing to the environment. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 9, 2019
Shoyoroku #32, “Yangshan’s ‘Mind and Environment’”November 2019 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 8, 2019
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui” #3November 2019 Sesshin, Day 6
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 7, 2019
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui” #2November 2019 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 6, 2019
“Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui” #1November 2019 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 5, 2019
“Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul’s Korean Way of Zen” #3November 2019 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul’s Korean Way of Zen (trans. by Robert Buswell) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 4, 2019
“Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul’s Korean Way of Zen” #2November 2019 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul’s Korean Way of Zen (trans. by Robert Buswell) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 3, 2019
“Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul’s Korean Way of Zen” #1November 2019 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul’s Korean Way of Zen (trans. by Robert Buswell) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 20, 2019
Philip Kapleau: Planting Seeds While Trailing VinesA report on the Duke University conference celebrating the installation of Roshi Kapleau’s archives. Roshi Kjolhede focuses on the unique challenges Kapleau faced — and we continue to face — in adapting Zen to the West. His archives can be found at the Duke University Libraries’ Philip Kapleau papers, 1952-2009 and undated. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 5, 2019
“Ziyong’s Ship of Compassion”October 2019 Sesshin, Day 7
A commentary on “Ziyong’s Ship of Compassion,” from The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-Five Centuries of Awakened Women by Zenshin Florence Caplow, Reigetsu Susan Moon. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 4, 2019
“Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart” #4October 2019 Sesshin, Day 6
Commentary on Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart, edited by Roko Sherry Chayat Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 3, 2019
“Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart” #3October 2019 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart, edited by Roko Sherry Chayat Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 2, 2019
“Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart” #2October 2019 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart, edited by Roko Sherry Chayat Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 1, 2019
“Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart” #1October 2019 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Subtle Sound: The Zen Teachings of Maurine Stuart, edited by Roko Sherry Chayat Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
September 30, 2019
On Maurine Stuart, from “Meetings with Remarkable Women” #2October 2019 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on the teachings of Maurine Stuart, from Meetings with Remarkable Women: Buddhist Teachers in America, by Lenore Friedman Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
September 29, 2019
On Maurine Stuart, from “Meetings with Remarkable Women” #1October 2019 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on the teachings of Maurine Stuart, from Meetings with Remarkable Women: Buddhist Teachers in America, by Lenore Friedman Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
September 22, 2019
Zazen As Pure Science ExperimentThe dichotomy of science and religion, empiricism and direct experience, falls apart in the practice of Zen. Curiosity, wonder, investigation–these are the essentials of both science and the mystical spiritual traditions such as Zen. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
September 15, 2019
What If Global Warming Is Irreversible?If it is, how would that change our behavior? Each one of us will die someday anyway, so how do we work with that? Jonathan Franzen presents the worst-case scenario, but then there are other points of view. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
September 7, 2019
“Encouraging Words: Zen Buddhist Teachings for Western Students”September 2019 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Encouraging Words: Zen Buddhist Teachings for Western Students, by Robert Aitken Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka.
August 18, 2019
Teisho by Roshi Kapleau: Mumonkan #8 “Keichu’s Cart”From November 1976 Sesshin, Day 5. Played on Founder’s Day – August, 18, 2019. Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau.
August 11, 2019
Global Buddhism: A Display of EmptinessBased on a 2017 Tricycle article by Kurt Spellmeyer: “Globalism 3.0: The Secret to World Harmony Isn’t Oneness. It’s multiplicity.” Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
August 3, 2019
Blue Cliff Record #80, “Joshu’s ‘A Newborn Baby'”July 2019 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
August 2, 2019
Mumonkan #10, “Sozan and Poor Seizei”July 2019 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 31, 2019
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #3July 2019 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 30, 2019
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #2July 2019 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 29, 2019
“Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom” #1July 2019 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Zen Essence: The Science of Freedom (trans. by Thomas Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
July 21, 2019
Zendo Air Conditioning and Won BuddhismFirst Half: Our recent efforts to cool the zendo in sweltering weather. Second Half: Won Buddhism, a Korean strain of the Dharma. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 23, 2019
The Blindness of Other-ist ViewsConceptualizing people of conflicting political views or of different race, ethnicity, or gender as “other” leads us to more easily react with hostility to what they say, especially in the anonymous and reckless world of social media. Based on the age-old Buddhist warning about the harm arising from attachment to views and opinions, Zen practice,… Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 15, 2019
Blue Cliff Record #44, “Kasan’s ‘Beating the Drum'”June 2019 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 14, 2019
Mumonkan #7, “Joshu’s ‘Wash Your Bowl'”June 2019 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 13, 2019
“Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui” #4June 2019 Sesshin, Day 5
A commentary on Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 12, 2019
“Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui” #3June 2019 Sesshin, Day 4
A commentary on Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 11, 2019
“Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui” #2June 2019 Sesshin, Day 3
A commentary on Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 9, 2019
“Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui” #1June 2019 Sesshin, Day 1
A commentary on Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
June 2, 2019
Practice and Faith Nourishing Each OtherIn Zen, faith grows through practice experience, even as faith sustains practice. They co-evolve continuously, sustaining each other. This is Hakuin’s “oneness of cause and effect,” out of which awakening can emerge. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
May 26, 2019
Coming to the Path Talk by Sudama NgoSudama, an ordained priest at the Center, gave this account of coming to the Dharma and coming to the Center. For more of her story, see these two Zen Bow articles: https://www.rzc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Just-Money-Luna-Ngo.pdf https://www.rzc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Commitment-the-Gift-of-Pain-Sudama-Ngo.pdf Coming to the Path Talk by Sudama Ngo.
May 12, 2019
“Responding and Resilience in Parenting”Based on a New York Times article “Which is Better: Rewards or Punishments? Neither” by Heather Turgeon. It describes a middle way of engaging with children, essentially based on responding out of our true nature and intuition without getting stuck in preconceptions. Link to video featuring Anna Breytenbach, “animal communicator.” Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka.
April 28, 2019
Conspiracy Theories: Why Believe Them?Recently we’ve seen conspiracy theories gaining wider currency in our country, which is just the latest surge in a long history of such theories. What spawns such ideas, and why do so many people believe in even the most far-fetched ones?
April 21, 2019
Where Christ and Bodhidharma MeetAn Easter Sunday look at apophatic theology, the Christian view of God as essentially unknowable or ineffable, which also insists that human language is inadequate to describe God. This insight overlaps with Zen and the famous words of its Founder: “I don’t know.”
April 6, 2019
April 2019 Sesshin, Day 7: Mumonkan #2, “Hyakujo’s Fox” Part 2Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 5, 2019
April 2019 Sesshin, Day 6: Mumonkan #2, “Hyakujo’s Fox” Part 1Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 4, 2019
April 2019 Sesshin, Day 5: Swampland Flowers: The Letters and Lectures of Zen Master Ta Hui (trans. by J.C. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 3, 2019
April 2019 Sesshin, Day 4: Bankei Zen (trans. by Peter Haskel)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 2, 2019
April 2019 Sesshin, Day 3: Bankei Zen (trans. by Peter Haskel)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 1, 2019
April 2019 Sesshin, Day 2: Bankei Zen (trans. by Peter Haskel)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
March 31, 2019
April 2019 Sesshin, Day 1: Bankei Zen (trans. by Peter Haskel)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
March 17, 2019
Friendship: A Remedy for Cultural Disruption and LonelinessThose who perpetrate mass shootings such as the one in New Zealand last week are often “loners.” But more people than ever in our country and elsewhere, while more “connected” than ever via social media, suffer from social isolation, which in turn can breed fear and distrust. Cultivating adult friends can help.
March 10, 2019
The Value of Getting LostLosing our bearings in the world, either literally or figuratively, can provoke anxiety, but it also opens us to new vistas. Zazen at its best draws us into this state of wonder-ing, where we have the promise of losing our self and finding true freedom.
March 3, 2019
March 2019 Sesshin, Day 2: Everyday Zen, by Charlotte Joko BeckDharma Talk by Trueman Taylor
March 2, 2019
March 2019 Sesshin, Day 1: Everyday Zen, by Charlotte Joko BeckDharma Talk by Trueman Taylor
February 17, 2019
Dharma Talk by Tom Kowal, “Dharma and Depression – Part 2”Dharma Talk by Tom Kowal
February 10, 2019
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: “Why Buddhism Is True”Commentary on the book, Why Buddhism Is True by Robert Wright – a look at Buddhism from the standpoint of evolutionary psychology.
January 27, 2019
Secular Creeds as Substitutes for ReligionIn his article “America’s New Religions,” Andrew Sullivan argues that all of us–conservatives, liberals, and even atheists–have our “religions”: belief systems, ideologies, or tribal affiliations that we “worship” beyond reason because they give meaning to our lives. The deities of secular faith may be scientism, progress, self-improvement, social justice ideology, or reason itself. Other gods…
January 12, 2019
January 2019 Sesshin, Day 7: Mumonkan #6, “The Buddha Holds Up a Flower”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
January 11, 2019
January 2019 Sesshin, Day 6: Mumonkan #5, “Kyogen’s Man Up a Tree”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
January 10, 2019
January 2019 Sesshin, Day 5: Blue Cliff Record #61, “Fuketsu’s One Particle of Dust”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
January 9, 2019
January 2019 Sesshin, Day 4: Discourse of Master Hsu Yun from The Practice of Zen (trans. C.C.Chang)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
January 8, 2019
January 2019 Sesshin, Day 3: Zen Master Hakuin – Selected Writings ( trans. Yampolski)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
January 7, 2019
January 2019 Sesshin, Day 2: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. Arthur Braverman)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
January 6, 2019
January 2019 Sesshin, Day 1: Short Autobiographies of Two Chinese Zen MastersTeisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
2018
December 16, 2018
The Zen Poetry of RyokanRyokan was an eccentric 18th-century enlightened Zen hermit-monk who is still beloved in Japan for his poetry. In this collection of his verses, One Robe, One Bowl, he captures both the beauty and pathos of human life, and like his younger contemporary Thoreau, the wonders of nature. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
December 8, 2018
Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng YenDecember 2018 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng Yen, by John Crook Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
December 7, 2018
Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng YenDecember 2018 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Catching a Feather on a Fan: A Zen Retreat With Master Sheng Yen, by John Crook Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
December 5, 2018
Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s TeachingsDecember 2018 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Being Dharma: The Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings, by Ajahn Chah Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn.
December 2, 2018
Mumonkan #32, “A Non-Buddhist Questions the Buddha”A non-Buddhist comes to awakening before the Buddha, sitting in silence, while his longtime disciple Ananda, standing in attendance, remains dumbfounded. How notions of identity can bind us. Who awakens? No one! Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 24, 2018
Jukai, Buddhist (Non-)Identity, and the Power of VowsThe ceremony of Jukai (Taking the Precepts) is basically an initiation into the Dharma. To be a Buddhist is to commit to aligning oneself with what is real–direct experience, not thoughts. It is to see things as they are in order to be with things as they are. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 10, 2018
Mumonkan #48, “Kempo’s One Road”November 2018 Sesshin, Day 7
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 9, 2018
Shoyoroku #20, “Dizang’s ‘Most Intimate’”November 2018 Sesshin, Day 6
Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 8, 2018
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu #3November 2018 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 7, 2018
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu #2November 2018 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 6, 2018
Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu #1November 2018 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & T. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 5, 2018
Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang #2November 2018 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang (trans. J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
November 4, 2018
Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang #1November 2018 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on texts from the first Zen Masters, Zen Dawn: Early ZenTexts from Tun Huang (trans. J.C. Cleary) Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 28, 2018
Miaozong’s Dharma EncounterThroughout much of history women’s bodies have been viewed as impure and dangerous by prevailing androcentric cultures, west and east, and unfortunately there still are many examples of this attitude in Buddhism today. In this story from the Song Dynasty, Miaozong, a Dharma heir of Dahui, courageously gives a lively demonstration of the true nature… Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 14, 2018
Caring, Engaging, VotingThe minimal response we can offer our descendants, who are under more threats than ever, is to vote. This is a contemporary way to “enter the marketplace with helping hands,” the ultimate stage of Dharma practice. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
October 6, 2018
Satsujo Overcomes HakuinOctober 2018 Sesshin, Day 7
”Before the tongue has moved the teaching has finished” — but take care — short of full awakening there is still work to do. A commentary on “Satsujo Overcomes Hakuin,” from The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-Five Centuries of Awakened Women by Zenshin Florence Caplow, Reigetsu Susan Moon. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 5, 2018
Chiyono’s No Water No MoonOctober 2018 Sesshin, Day 6
Being willing to let things fall apart. A commentary on “Chiyono’s No Water No Moon,” from The Hidden Lamp: Stories from Twenty-Five Centuries of Awakened Women by Zenshin Florence Caplow, Reigetsu Susan Moon. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 4, 2018
Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism #5October 2018 Sesshin, Day 5
Commentary on Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism, by Master Sheng Yen & Others. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 3, 2018
Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism #4October 2018 Sesshin, Day 4
Commentary on Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism, by Master Sheng Yen & Others/ Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 2, 2018
Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism #3October 2018 Sesshin, Day 3
Commentary on Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism, by Master Sheng Yen & Others. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
October 1, 2018
Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism #2October 2018 Sesshin, Day 2
Commentary on Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism, by Master Sheng Yen & Others. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
September 30, 2018
Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism #1October 2018 Sesshin, Day 1
Commentary on Attaining the Way: A Guide to the Practice of Chan Buddhism, by Master Sheng Yen & Others. Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson.
September 23, 2018
Blue Cliff Record #55, “Dogo’s ‘I Won’t Say'”The relative nature of the terms “living” and “dead,” and how one monk’s struggle with them led him to enlightenment. Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
September 9, 2018
Integrating Life and Practice: Women’s VoicesSeptember 2018 Sesshin, Day 2
Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka.
August 19, 2018
Teisho by Roshi Kapleau: Mumonkan #36 “Goso’s ‘No Words or Silence'”From June 1975 Sesshin, Day 7. Played on Founder’s Day, August 19, 2018. Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau.
August 12, 2018
Our Marvelous Microbiome: A Web of Mutual CausationHow our concepts of individual self-identity and linear causality are being dissolved by the wondrous workings of our gut microbes. Readings from I Contain Multitudes, by Ed Yong.
August 4, 2018
July/August 2018 Sesshin, Day 7: Shoyoroku #13, “Linji’s ‘Blind Donkey'”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede from the July/August 2018 sesshin. Commentary on a koan from The Book of Serenity.
August 3, 2018
July/August 2018 Sesshin, Day 6: Blue Cliff Record #18, “The National Teacher’s Seamless Monument”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede from the July/August 2018 sesshin. Commentary on a koan from the Blue Cliff Record.
August 2, 2018
July/August 2018 Sesshin, Day 5: Zen Essence (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
August 1, 2018
July/August 2018 Sesshin, Day 4: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
July 31, 2018
July/August 2018 Sesshin, Day 3: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
July 30, 2018
July/August 2018 Sesshin, Day 2: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
July 29, 2018
July/August 2018 Sesshin, Day 1: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
July 22, 2018
The Latest Scandal in American BuddhismA look at the sexual misconduct, widely disclosed this month, of the head of Shambhala International, one of the major Tibetan Buddhist lineages, and the fallout in that Sangha.
June 16, 2018
June 2018 Sesshin, Day 7: Blue Cliff Record #67, “The Great Bodhisattva Fu Lectures on the Diamond Sutra”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
June 15, 2018
June 2018 Sesshin, Day 6: Mumonkan #19, “Ordinary Mind is the Way”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
June 14, 2018
June 2018 Sesshin, Day 5: Zen Essence (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
June 13, 2018
June 2018 Sesshin, Day 4: Zen Essence (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
June 12, 2018
June 2018 Sesshin, Day 3: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
June 11, 2018
June 2018 Sesshin, Day 2: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
June 10, 2018
June 2018 Sesshin, Day 1: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
June 3, 2018
Teisho by Sunya Kjolhede Roshi: Reclaiming Our Resilient SpiritTeisho by Sunya Kjolhede Roshi: Reclaiming Our Resilient Spirit
May 13, 2018
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: “Working with Habits”Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: “Working with Habits”
May 6, 2018
Fear and Avoidance As the Engines of Risk-Taking BehaviorTeisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 29, 2018
The Tyranny of Convenience, the Allure of What’s EasiestTeisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 22, 2018
Dharma Talk by Tom Kowal, “Dharma and Depression”Dharma Talk by Tom Kowal, “Dharma and Depression”
April 14, 2018
April 2018 Sesshin, Day 7: Mumonkan #46, “Step Forward From the Top of a Hundred-Foot Pole”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 13, 2018
April 2018 Sesshin, Day 6: Mumonkan #28, “Ryutan Blows Out a Candle”Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 12, 2018
April 2018 Sesshin, Day 5: The Practice of Zen (trans. C.C. Chang)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
April 11, 2018
April 2018 Sesshin, Day 4: The Practice of Zen (trans. C.C. Chang)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 10, 2018
April 2018 Sesshin, Day 3: The Practice of Zen (trans. C.C. Chang)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 9, 2018
April 2018 Sesshin, Day 2: Instant Zen (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
April 8, 2018
April 2018 Sesshin, Day 1: Instant Zen (trans. T. Cleary)Teisho by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede.
Mar 18, 2018
In Memoriam: Harada Tangen Roshi, 1924-2018Mar 4, 2018
Three Large Strands of Western BuddhismJan 28, 2018
Memory, Forgetting, and the Self-making of Youth2017
Dec 17, 2017
Social Zen PracticeDec 3, 2017
Sexual Harassment and PowerNov 25, 2017
Jukai and the Six Realms TunnelNov 9, 2017
November 2017 Sesshin, Day 5: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. Cleary & T. Cleary)Nov 8, 2017
November 2017 Sesshin, Day 4: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. Cleary & T. Cleary)Nov 7, 2017
November 2017 Sesshin, Day 3: The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng (trans. by Red Pine)Nov 6, 2017
November 2017 Sesshin, Day 2: The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng (trans. by Red Pine)Nov 5, 2017
November 2017 Sesshin, Day 1: The Platform Sutra: The Zen Teaching of Hui-neng (trans. by Red Pine)Oct 29, 2017
Jukai and The Four Forces of PurificationOct 22, 2017
The Three Poisons As Our Common LotOct 15, 2017
Habit Energy: Our Lifelong OpponentSep 24, 2017
Ethnic Cleansing in Buddhist MyanmarJul 31, 2017
July-August 2017 Sesshin, Amala-sensei, Day 2: Master Sheng-yen on Shikantaza and Silent IlluminationJul 30, 2017
July-August 2017 Sesshin, Amala-sensei, Day 1: A review of some basics: posture and breathingJul 23, 2017
Empathy and PowerJun 25, 2017
A Ship, an Axe, a Human BeingJun 15, 2017
June 2017 Sesshin, Day 5: Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen (trans. by T. Cleary)Jun 14, 2017
June 2017 Sesshin, Day 4: Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen (trans. by T. Cleary)Apr 30, 2017
Why Can't We Sit Still AnymoreApr 13, 2017
April 2017 Sesshin, Day 5: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman)Apr 12, 2017
April 2017 Sesshin, Day 4: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman)Apr 11, 2017
April 2017 Sesshin, Day 3: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman)Apr 10, 2017
April 2017 Sesshin, Day 2: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui (trans. by Arthur Braverman)Mar 12, 2017
Death, Rebirth, and SesshinMar 7, 2017
New Regime, New DreadJan 29, 2017
Self-identity and No-self2016
Dec 4, 2016
The Buddha's Quest--and Our OwnNov 26, 2016
Receiving the PreceptsNov 15, 2016
November 2016 Sesshin, Day 3: The Zen Teaching of Hui Hai on Sudden Illumination (trans. John Blofeld)Nov 14, 2016
November 2016 Sesshin, Day 2: The Zen Teaching of Hui Hai on Sudden Illumination (trans. John Blofeld)Nov 13, 2016
November 2016 Sesshin, Day 1: The Zen Teaching of Hui Hai on Sudden Illumination (trans. John Blofeld)Nov 6, 2016
How Not Voting Is Not the WayOct 16, 2016
The Three Essentials of BuddhismAug 21, 2016
Roshi Kapleau and the Past As PresentAug 7, 2016
The Mystery of LeadershipJun 26, 2016
Fifty Years of Change and AdaptationMay 1, 2016
General Advice From a Japanese Zen TeacherApr 24, 2016
Busyness Driven By FearApr 10, 2016
Zen and EnvironmentalismApr 3, 2016
Finding a Way to Sit Every DayMar 25, 2016
March 2016 Sesshin, Day 6: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. Martine Batchelor)Mar 24, 2016
March 2016 Sesshin, Day 5: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. Martine Batchelor)Mar 23, 2016
March 2016 Sesshin, Day 4: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. Martine Batchelor)Mar 22, 2016
March 2016 Sesshin, Day 3: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. Martine Batchelor)Mar 21, 2016
March 2016 Sesshin, Day 2: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. Martine Batchelor)Mar 20, 2016
March 2016 Sesshin, Day 1: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim (trans. Martine Batchelor)Mar 13, 2016
A Master Violinist Performs in the SubwayFeb 21, 2016
Procrastination: Not Always So BadJan 24, 2016
Secular BuddhismJan 16, 2016
January 2016 Sesshin, Day 7: Blue Cliff Record #92, "The World-Honored One Ascends the Seat"Jan 13, 2016
January 2016 Sesshin, Day 4: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. Cleary & T. Cleary), IIIJan 12, 2016
January 2016 Sesshin, Day 3: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. Cleary & T. Cleary), II2015
Dec 6, 2015
Countering the Holiday Consumerist FrenzyNov 28, 2015
Jukai and the Precept on Not Withholding AidNov 12, 2015
November 2015 Sesshin, Day 5: Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China (trans. J.C. Cleary), VNov 11, 2015
November 2015 Sesshin, Day 4: Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China (trans. J.C. Cleary), IVNov 10, 2015
November 2015 Sesshin, Day 3: Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China (trans. J.C. Cleary), IIINov 9, 2015
November 2015 Sesshin, Day 2: Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China (trans. J.C. Cleary), IINov 8, 2015
November 2015 Sesshin, Day 1: Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China (trans. J.C. Cleary), INov 1, 2015
Finding Exile--and Awe--In ZazenOct 25, 2015
Coming-to-the-Path Talk - Dan EslerOct 18, 2015
Facing Fear and AnxietyOct 10, 2015
October 2015 Sesshin, Day 7: Blue Cliff Record #89, "The Bodhisattva of Great Compassion"Aug 23, 2015
Zen Practice As Resilience TrainingAug 9, 2015
Coming-to-the-Path Talk - Rick SmithJul 30, 2015
July 2015 Sesshin, Day 5: The Zen Teachinng of Hui Hai: On Sudden Illumination (trans. John Blofeld), IIJul 29, 2015
July 2015 Sesshin, Day 4: The Zen Teachinng of Hui Hai: On Sudden Illumination (trans. John Blofeld), IJul 28, 2015
July 2015 Sesshin, Day 3: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. Thomas Cleary), IIIJul 27, 2015
July 2015 Sesshin, Day 2: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. Thomas Cleary), IIJul 26, 2015
July 2015 Sesshin, Day 1: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (trans. Thomas Cleary), IJul 12, 2015
Practicing With Sounds in a Noisy CultureJun 28, 2015
Trying But Not TryingJun 4, 2015
June 2015 Sesshin, Day 5: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & Thomas Cleary), VJun 3, 2015
June 2015 Sesshin, Day 4: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & Thomas Cleary), IVJun 2, 2015
June 2015 Sesshin, Day 3: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & Thomas Cleary), IIIJun 1, 2015
June 2015 Sesshin, Day 2: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & Thomas Cleary), IIMay 31, 2015
June 2015 Sesshin, Day 1: Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu (trans. J.C. & Thomas Cleary), IApr 28, 2015
Zen and the Dark Side of Social MediaApr 7, 2015
Human Beings--Good or Bad?Mar 1, 2015
February 2015 Sesshin, John Pulleyn, Day 2: "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Bante Gunaratana, IIFeb 28, 2015
February 2015 Sesshin, John Pulleyn, Day 1: "Mindfulness in Plain English" by Bante Gunaratana, IFeb 22, 2015
Not Grasping, Not Striving to Become SomeoneFeb 15, 2015
When Belief Systems Collide with ScienceFeb 1, 2015
Coming-to-the-Path Talk - Bryan BashamJan 16, 2015
January 2015 Sesshin, Day 6: Blue Cliff Record #42, "Layman Pang's Beautiful Snowflakes"Jan 14, 2015
January 2015 Sesshin, Day 4: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui, trans. by A. Braverman, IVJan 13, 2015
January 2015 Sesshin, Day 3: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui, trans. by A. Braverman, IIIJan 12, 2015
January 2015 Sesshin, Day 2: Mud and Water: The Teachings of Zen Master Bassui, trans. by A. Braverman, II2014
Nov 29, 2014
Jukai and the Precept on Not LyingOct 26, 2014
Coming to the Path - Andy McClainJun 29, 2014
Time: Not Fighting It, but Being ItJun 1, 2014
Beyond Saving and Not Saving the WorldMay 11, 2014
Kindness--A Good StartApr 27, 2014
Dogen On the Transiency of LifeApr 13, 2014
Breath PracticeApr 6, 2014
The Dharma That No One Has Ever TaughtMar 23, 2014
March 2014 Sesshin, Day 1: Zen ChantingMar 2, 2014
Boredom as Sickness, Boredom as CureFeb 16, 2014
Integrating Concentration and MindfulnessJan 26, 2014
Will Power: Now You See It, Now You Don'tJan 10, 2014
January 2014 Sesshin, Day 6: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim, Trans. Martine Batchelor, VIJan 9, 2014
January 2014 Sesshin, Day 5: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim, Trans. Martine Batchelor, VJan 8, 2014
January 2014 Sesshin, Day 4: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim, Trans. Martine Batchelor, IVJan 7, 2014
January 2014 Sesshin, Day 3: The Way of Korean Zen by Kusan Sunim, Trans. Martine Batchelor, III2013
Dec 29, 2013
New Year's, Rebirth, and Other TransitionsNov 30, 2013
An Overview of the Sixteen PreceptsNov 24, 2013
Karma and the PreceptsNov 19, 2013
The Six Realms of Unenlightened ExistenceOct 27, 2013
Coming to the Path - Alex ComardoOct 20, 2013
Bringing Imagination to Ethical DecisionsOct 13, 2013
Pain v. SufferingOct 5, 2013
October 2013 Sesshin, Day 7: Blue Cliff Record #100: "Haryo and a Blown Hair Against a Sword"Oct 2, 2013
October 2013 Sesshin, Day 4: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (T. Cleary), IVOct 1, 2013
October 2013 Sesshin, Day 3: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (T. Cleary), IIISep 30, 2013
October 2013 Sesshin, Day 2: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (T. Cleary), IISep 29, 2013
October 2013 Sesshin, Day 1: The Original Face: An Anthology of Rinzai Zen (T. Cleary), ISep 22, 2013
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Right View"Sep 15, 2013
Shoyuroku #12: Dizang Plants the Rice FieldAug 18, 2013
Roshi Kapleau and His Teaching of No-teachingJul 7, 2013
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Motivation"Jun 23, 2013
Mindfulness Meditation and ZenJun 14, 2013
June 2013 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 6: "Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul's Korean Way of Zen"Jun 13, 2013
June 2013 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 5: "Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul's Korean Way of Zen"Jun 12, 2013
June 2013 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 4: "Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul's Korean Way of Zen"Jun 11, 2013
June 2013 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 3: "Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul's Korean Way of Zen"Jun 10, 2013
June 2013 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 2: "Tracing Back the Radiance: Chinul's Korean Way of Zen"Apr 28, 2013
Coming to the Path - Tom KowalApr 21, 2013
Responding to the Environmental Crisis - Part 2Apr 14, 2013
Responding to the Environmental Crisis - Part 1Apr 4, 2013
April 2013 Sesshin, Day 5: Zen Master Foyan, "Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (T. Cleary) VApr 3, 2013
April 2013 Sesshin, Day 4: Zen Master Foyan, "Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (T. Cleary) IVApr 2, 2013
April 2013 Sesshin, Day 3: Zen Master Foyan, "Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (T. Cleary) IIIApr 1, 2013
April 2013 Sesshin, Day 2: Zen Master Foyan, "Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (T. Cleary) IIMar 31, 2013
April 2013 Sesshin, Day 1: Zen Master Foyan, "Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (T. Cleary) IMar 10, 2013
Our Bodies' Microbes--Who Is That "Other"Jan 20, 2013
Commitment and Wholeheartedness2012
Dec 16, 2012
Shooter's Mind and Original Mind--One, or Two?Nov 16, 2012
November 2012 Sesshin, Day 6: Blue Cliff Record #18 "The National Teacher's Seamless Monument"Nov 4, 2012
Voting and the Conditioned MindOct 21, 2012
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Birth and Death"Aug 19, 2012
Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau, November 1975 Sesshin, Day 7: Mumonkan #22 "Kashyapa and a Flagpole"Jul 1, 2012
Zen Capping Phrases and Other VerseJun 14, 2012
June 2012 Sesshin, Day 5: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); VJun 13, 2012
June 2012 Sesshin, Day 4: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IVJun 12, 2012
June 2012 Sesshin, Day 3: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IIIJun 11, 2012
June 2012 Sesshin, Day 2: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IIJun 10, 2012
June 2012 Sesshin, Day 1: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IMay 20, 2012
Blue Cliff Record #36 "Changsha Goes for a Walk"Apr 15, 2012
Tribalism, Part I: Racial Bias As Human ImprintApr 6, 2012
April 2012 Sesshin, Day 6: "Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen", (trans. T. Cleary) VIApr 5, 2012
April 2012 Sesshin, Day 5: "Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen", (trans. T. Cleary) VApr 4, 2012
April 2012 Sesshin, Day 4: "Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen", (trans. T. Cleary) IVApr 3, 2012
April 2012 Sesshin, Day 3: "Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen", (trans. T. Cleary) IIIApr 2, 2012
April 2012 Sesshin, Day 2: "Dream Conversations: On Buddhism and Zen", (trans. T. Cleary) IIMar 24, 2012
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Labels"Mar 11, 2012
Techno-consumerism, Narcissism, and DowntimeFeb 5, 2012
Ordination, West and East, Past and PresentJan 12, 2012
January 2012 Sesshin, Day 5: "Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei", (trans. P. Haskel) VJan 11, 2012
January 2012 Sesshin, Day 4: "Bankei Zen: Translations from the Record of Bankei", (trans. P. Haskel) IV2011
Nov 26, 2011
Repentance and the PreceptsNov 20, 2011
Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dharma, and SanghaOct 30, 2011
Coming to the Path Talk by Dwain WilderOct 16, 2011
Dharma Talk by Eryl Kubicka: "Women in Zen"Oct 6, 2011
October 2011 Sesshin, Day 5: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang", (trans. J.C. Cleary) VOct 5, 2011
October 2011 Sesshin, Day 4: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang", (trans. J.C. Cleary) IVOct 4, 2011
October 2011 Sesshin, Day 3: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang", (trans. J.C. Cleary) IIIOct 3, 2011
October 2011 Sesshin, Day 2: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang", (trans. J.C. Cleary) IIOct 2, 2011
October 2011 Sesshin, Day 1: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts from Tun Huang", (trans. J.C. Cleary) ISep 25, 2011
Decision Fatigue, Will Power, and EatingSep 18, 2011
King Ashoka and Enlightened GovernanceAug 14, 2011
August 2011 Sesshin, Wayman Kubicka, Day 2: The Extraordinary Buddhist Life of Ajahn ChahAug 7, 2011
Beyond Optimism and PessimismJul 21, 2011
July 2011 Sesshin, Day 5: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); VJul 20, 2011
July 2011 Sesshin, Day 4: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IVJul 19, 2011
July 2011 Sesshin, Day 3: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IIIJul 18, 2011
July 2011 Sesshin, Day 2: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IIJul 17, 2011
July 2011 Sesshin, Day 1: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IJun 26, 2011
Cultivating Sangha from the Ground of PracticeJun 18, 2011
June 2011 Sesshin, Sensei Robert Goldmann, Day 7: From the Teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen VJun 17, 2011
June 2011 Sesshin, Sensei Robert Goldmann, Day 6: From the Teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen IVJun 16, 2011
June 2011 Sesshin, Sensei Robert Goldmann, Day 5: From the teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen IIIJun 15, 2011
June 2011 Sesshin, Sensei Robert Goldmann, Day 4: From the Teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen IIJun 14, 2011
June 2011 Sesshin, Sensei Robert Goldmann, Day 3: From the Teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen IMay 22, 2011
The Buddha, Yunmen, and OnenessMay 11, 2011
Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau, October 1973 Sesshin, Day 6: Blue Cliff Record #7 "Fayen's 'You are Echo'"May 1, 2011
Boredom and BeyondApr 7, 2011
April 2011 Sesshin, Day 5: A Primer of Soto Zen: Dogen's Shobogenzo Zuimonki (trans. R. Masunaga) IVApr 5, 2011
April 2011 Sesshin, Day 3: A Primer of Soto Zen: Dogen's Shobogenzo Zuimonki (trans. R. Masunaga) IIApr 4, 2011
April 2011 Sesshin, Day 2: A Primer of Soto Zen: Dogen's Shobogenzo Zuimonki (trans. R. Masunaga) IMar 27, 2011
Taking Stock of Our Practice As Time Slips ByFeb 20, 2011
Coming to the Path Talk by Phil SwansonFeb 6, 2011
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Anxiety"Jan 23, 2011
Shoyoroku #11 "Yunmen’s Two Sicknesses"2010
Dec 19, 2010
Dana: The Dharma of Giving-ReceivingNov 27, 2010
Taking the PreceptsNov 10, 2010
November 2010 Sesshin, Day 4: "Autobiography of Han Shan (from The Practice of Zen)" (trans. C.C. Chang) IVOct 17, 2010
The Six Realms of Unenlightened ExistenceOct 7, 2010
October 2010 Sesshin, Day 5: "Talks of Zen Master Bassui (from Mud and Water)" (trans. Braverman) VOct 6, 2010
October 2010 Sesshin, Day 4: "Talks of Zen Master Bassui (from Mud and Water)" (trans. Braverman) IVOct 4, 2010
October 2010 Sesshin, Day 2: "Talks of Zen Master Bassui (from Mud and Water)" (trans. Braverman) IIOct 3, 2010
October 2010 Sesshin, Day 1: "Talks of Zen Master Bassui (from Mud and Water)" (trans. Braverman) ISep 12, 2010
Mosques, Media, Politics, and FearAug 22, 2010
The Five HindrancesJul 31, 2010
July 2010 Sesshin, Day 7: Blue Cliff Record #67 "The Great Bodhisattva Fu Lectures on the Diamond Sutra"Jul 27, 2010
July 2010 Sesshin, Day 3: "Instant Zen: Waking Up in the Present" (trans. T. Cleary) IIIJul 11, 2010
Let the Heat Kill YouJun 27, 2010
The Curse of ContentmentJun 17, 2010
June 2010 Sesshin, Sensei Gerardo Gally, Day 5: The Paramitas of Concentration and WisdomMay 9, 2010
Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau, June 1975 Sesshin, Day 6: Mumonkan #35 "Sei and Her Soul Separate"Mar 28, 2010
Nonsense, Disorientation, Creativity, and KoansFeb 28, 2010
February 2010 Sesshin, Wayman Kubicka, Day 2: The Pain Body - A New Earth by Eckhart TolleFeb 21, 2010
Coming to the Path Talk by Cecily FuhrFeb 14, 2010
What Are Those Five Skandhas, Anyway?Jan 31, 2010
Teisho by Roshi Philip Kapleau, June 1975 Sesshin, Day 7: Mumonkan #36 "Goso's No Words or Silence"Jan 16, 2010
January 2010 Sesshin, Day 7: Blue Cliff Record #92 "The World-Honored One Ascends the Seat"Jan 15, 2010
January 2010 Sesshin, Day 6: Mumonkan #46 "Step Forward From the Top of a Hundred-Foot Pole"Jan 14, 2010
January 2010 Sesshin, Day 5: "The Chronological Biography of Hakuin" (trans. N. Waddell) VJan 13, 2010
January 2010 Sesshin, Day 4: "The Chronological Biography of Hakuin" (trans. N. Waddell) IVJan 12, 2010
January 2010 Sesshin, Day 3: "The Chronological Biography of Hakuin" (trans. N. Waddell) IIIJan 11, 2010
January 2010 Sesshin, Day 2: "The Chronological Biography of Hakuin" (trans. N. Waddell) II2009
Dec 6, 2009
Compassion and Giving--How Much Is Enough?Nov 28, 2009
The Ceremony of Receiving the PreceptsSep 27, 2009
Working With AngerSep 20, 2009
Anger: How It WorksAug 23, 2009
August 2009 Sesshin, John Pulleyn, Day 2: Nothing Special: Living Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck, IIAug 22, 2009
August 2009 Sesshin, John Pulleyn, Day 1: Nothing Special: Living Zen by Charlotte Joko Beck, IJul 19, 2009
Teisho by Sensei Amala Wrightson: Bodhidharma's Outline of Practice - Advice for Hard TimesJun 25, 2009
June 2009 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 5: "Master Hongzhi's Cultivating the Empty Field" VJun 24, 2009
June 2009 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 4: "Master Hongzhi's Cultivating the Empty Field" IVJun 23, 2009
June 2009 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 3: "Master Hongzhi's Cultivating the Empty Field" IIIJun 22, 2009
June 2009 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 2: "Master Hongzhi's Cultivating the Empty Field" IIJun 21, 2009
June 2009 Sesshin, Sensei Amala Wrightson, Day 1: "Master Hongzhi's Cultivating the Empty Field" IJun 14, 2009
Awareness and AttentionJun 7, 2009
Watching Our Response to RumorMay 17, 2009
August 2000 Sesshin, Day 1: CommitmentMay 10, 2009
Mothering and Zen Practice as Dana (Giving)Apr 26, 2009
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Self-Control"Apr 19, 2009
Zen Practice Maturing Beyond Special to RealMar 29, 2009
Insight, Zazen, and the BrainMar 22, 2009
The American Dream in Flux, Part TwoMar 15, 2009
The American Dream in Flux, Part OneMar 8, 2009
Coming to the Path Talk by Kadi SprengleFeb 22, 2009
Daily Practice: Buckling Down and Keeping At ItFeb 8, 2009
Coming to the Path Talk by Britta BrücknerJan 17, 2009
January 2009 Sesshin, Day 7: "Blue Cliff #89 The Hands and Eyes of the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion"Jan 15, 2009
January 2009 Sesshin, Day 5: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); VJan 14, 2009
January 2009 Sesshin, Day 4: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IVJan 13, 2009
January 2009 Sesshin, Day 3: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IIIJan 12, 2009
January 2009 Sesshin, Day 2: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IIJan 11, 2009
January 2009 Sesshin, Day 1: "Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu", (trans. J.C. Cleary & Thomas Cleary); IJan 4, 2009
Free Will vs. Karma2008
Dec 13, 2008
December 2008 Sesshin, Day 4: "Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China", (trans. by J.C. Cleary) IVDec 12, 2008
December 2008 Sesshin, Day 3: "Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China", (trans. by J.C. Cleary) IIIDec 11, 2008
December 2008 Sesshin, Day 2: "Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China", (trans. by J.C. Cleary) IIDec 10, 2008
December 2008 Sesshin, Day 1: "Zibo: The Last Great Zen Master of China", (trans. by J.C. Cleary) INov 29, 2008
The Sixteen Precepts - OverviewNov 23, 2008
Precept Five: Not to Abuse Alcohol or DrugsNov 12, 2008
November 2008 Sesshin, Day 4: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts From the Tun Huang", (trans. by J.C. Cleary) IVNov 11, 2008
November 2008 Sesshin, Day 3: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts From the Tun Huang", (trans. by J.C. Cleary) IIINov 10, 2008
November 2008 Sesshin, Day 2: "Zen Dawn: Early Zen Texts From the Tun Huang", (trans. by J.C. Cleary) IISep 14, 2008
"Believing is Seeing": Mind-altered PerceptionAug 10, 2008
Moral Judgments, Political Views, and OrdinationJul 20, 2008
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Habits"Jul 13, 2008
Chautauqua, Creative Writing, and ZenJun 29, 2008
Jill Taylor's Stroke of InsightJun 22, 2008
Zen Practice: Pain, Pleasure, and PromiseMay 18, 2008
Shrinking Our Carbon Footprints--Why Bother?Apr 27, 2008
Memory, Marijuana and ZenApr 20, 2008
Sex and the Third Precept - Part IIIMar 30, 2008
Sex and the Third Precept - Part IIMar 16, 2008
Dharma Talk by John Pulleyn: "Mistakes"Mar 9, 2008
Mumonkan No. 5: Kyogen's Man up a TreeFeb 3, 2008
The Will to Practice: Carrot and StickJan 27, 2008
Miscellaneous Words of Master JoshuJan 20, 2008
Falling Markets, Change, and DetachmentJan 10, 2008
January 2008 Sesshin, Day 5: Discourse of Chan Master Po Shan, The Practice of Zen (C.C. Chang) I2007
Dec 30, 2007
Mindless EatingDec 16, 2007
Dana: The Paramita of GivingNov 24, 2007
Great Jukai 2007: Morality and the PreceptsNov 18, 2007
Karma: 'Hyakujo and a Fox'