An intense reaction, a wayward mood, a harmful thought, all the ways in which the mind can hold us back from getting close—it may sound unlikely, yet these are precious moments. Accept their invitation to put into practice the tools explored here.
Read MoreWhat makes a good friend according to the Buddhist teachings? Because we need good friends along the spiritual path, the Buddha offered clear guidance on what is needed to see and to be that friend for others.
Read MoreZuisei offers the most powerful way to face the heart of loneliness and to shed the ignorance that sustains it.
Read MoreTake a deep dive into another aspect of Zen training that prepares us to be present in our lives—koan study. This talk draws on Zen Master Dogen’s Case 114, Zhaozhou’s Dog: Does a dog have Buddha Nature?
Read MoreKarma Yeshe Chödrön and Karma Zopa Jigme, married couple and teachers of Tibetan Buddhism, on the reality of engaging in spiritual practice and the fragility of a human life…
Read MoreWhere we are and what we are doing is exactly right—even when it’s a struggle…
Read MoreTake a look into how our sense of self gets in the way of our lives and catch a glimpse of what remains once we let go…
Read MoreAccording to the poet David Whyte, there is a faith in loving fiercely the one who is rightfully yours. What if the one who is rightfully yours is you?
Read MoreDiscover what it means to create this world and how we might face it and ourselves in spaciousness and love…
Read MoreLooking towards restorative justice and koan practice to understand what it means to be fully present and open to all the circumstances of our lives, no matter how challenging…
Read MoreBringing a weekend sesshin to a close, Zuisei speaks of the Buddha’s life of practice and realization, focusing on the aspiration, courage and determination that supported his vow to awaken. We too can awaken…
Read MoreA continuation of the exploration of the Buddhist precepts focusing on taking refuge, highlighting the importance of understanding what it is that we take refuge in…
Read MoreWhere can we go to see and be seen through, completely? Facing reality, facing ourselves—this is the work that’s needed here and now…
Read MoreA reflection on what it means to know all of ourselves and each other as treasure—if we really knew this, how would it affect the way in which we live our lives?
Read MoreThis talk on a koan about the love between parent and child (teacher and student), lays bare the uniqueness of this relationship and the unconditional trust and love that it’s based on—a love grounded in the aspiration for liberation, for awakening…
Read MoreWithout you, I cannot be me. Then who am I, fundamentally? Zuisei reflects on identity and interdependence, showing how none of us can “be ourselves by ourselves”—none of us exist independently of one another. How do we help each other be who we are, fully?
Read MoreI can’t. I won’t. This is the sound of fear in the lead. And a sign to look closer.
Let’s return to the three steps or ways to enter our zazen—failing, falling, and feeling—and study the fear that often holds us back from fully realizing them…
While acknowledging that practice does not always come easily, Zuisei gently and skillfully guides us in the art of shikantaza, “the gate of ease and joy” as Dogen called it…
Read MoreIt’s never been more important to cultivate an attitude of care and reverence for this world and for one another. How can we use the teachings and our practice to remind us of the sacredness inherent in all things?
Read MoreWhy prostrate yourself, when Buddhism doesn’t include belief in God or a higher power? With insights from Eihei Dogen, Judy Lief, and Reggie Ray, this talk looks at the power of the sacred and of bowing…
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