A selection of featured articles from RZC’s primary publication, Zen Bow. For recent issues, subscription information, and more, please see the Zen Bow page.
April 20, 2019
Koan commentary. How can we convey the teaching beyond words and letters… in words? Once, when the World-Honored One in ancient times was upon Vulture Peak, he held up a flower before the assembly of monks. At this all were silent. The Venerable Kashyapa alone broke into a smile. The World-Honored One said, “I have…
April 20, 2019
We have, perhaps, a little veto power over what feelings impel us to do, but the idea of some rational decision maker who’s in charge seems to be a fiction of the mind.
January 23, 2019
A vintage koan commentary by the Center’s founder, the late Roshi Philip Kapleau. Mumonkan number 14: Nansen kills the cat The Case Once the monks of the Western and Eastern Halls were arguing about a cat. Nansen, holding up the cat, said, “You monks! If you can say a word of Zen, I will…
January 23, 2019
Searching for solidarity: when technology helps more than it hurts.
A gender-questioning member finds warm support in a private online group.
January 23, 2019
“Both painting and sitting require a willingness to stay in one place for hours.” An interview with Dave Dorsey.
October 30, 2018
A few rounds with a new sitting group trigger a maddening case of Zen snob stink.
October 30, 2018
The First Buddhist Precept — to resolve not to kill — sounds deceptively simple, and yet it can be a lifelong koan.
October 30, 2018
Commentary by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhed on the Blue Cliff Record Koan No. 48: “Turning Over the Teakettle.”
July 6, 2018
A brief biography, description of the training at Bukkokuji Temple, and personal memories of Roshi (Zen Master) Harada Tangen by Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede
July 6, 2018
Remembrances of Harada Tangen Roshi by four past RZC students: Wes Borden, Jonathan Sheldon, Shirley (Somyo) Helvey, and Dharman (Shindo) Stortz