The Upaya Dharma Podcast features Wednesday evening Dharma Talks and recordings from Upaya’s diverse array of programs. Our podcasts exemplify Upaya’s focus on socially engaged Buddhism, including prison work, end-of-life care, serving the homeless, training in socially engaged practices, peace & nonviolence, compassionate care training, and delivering healthcare in the Himalayas.
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Taking Refuge in Gaia and Responding to Her Summons: A Dharma Path for Our Times
45:49
45:49
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In this Wednesday night public Dharma talk Cynthia Jurs breathes life into our commitment to caring for the Earth. Cynthia shares her touching story of being called into a practice of Earth stewardship through planting Treasure Vases. She reads from her book Summoned by the Earth and reflects on a Dharma path for these times. Source…
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Sensei Kozan uses the koan Baizhang’s Fox to explore cause and effect. Without an understanding of cause and effect it is impossible to maintain a clear view of what aspects of our lives support or hinder our practice. Without knowing how our actions impact future experience, how can we be in accord with the precepts or our vows? Source…
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This is the closing session of this program stewarded by Roshi Joan Halifax with comments from program participants. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here. SourceBy Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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In this session Roshi Norman Fischer brings the conversation to the acute point of what we lose when reading material in the non-native language of the text. He highlights the double edge of material becoming accessible to wider communities on one hand, and the necessary ‘watering down’ or loss of meaning on the other. Norman reflects on the natura…
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Roshi Joan and the faculty open this session with warm reflections and stories of friendship and gratitude. Sensei Kathie Fischer takes over the session and brings in the topic of trust, sincere trust. She says “Utmost sincerity, and trusting heart is our aspiration for the way”. Kathie invokes two stories of women ancestors, and reflects on how ma…
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Sensei Genzan flashes to us in this brief fifty minute session his deep knowledge and love for Dogen. He opens by offering practical study advice which he implements in his own study group, Tea With Dogen. By offering his practical advice Genzan makes clear how deep the waters are when studying this ancient Zen master. This session touches on topic…
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After a delightfully endearing reading of his own fist impressions of Dogen Henry Shukman explores passages of Dogen’s work and their potential implications on practice. A main theme Henry returns to is the two tracks of Zen practice: gradual development and sudden realization. Diving into specific excerpts of Dogen, Shukman teases out meaning and …
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In this talk Natalie Goldberg puts the focus onto the relevance of Dogen’s writings and teachings in our modern world. She shares anecdotes related to Dogen’s teachings and she embodies her prowess as a writer and teacher to explore the power of words and language. In her natural meandering way, Natalie weaves story telling with self reflection in …
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In this session the well of Dogen’s teachings is tapped by the master translator Sensei Kazuaki. Sensei Kozan traverses the path of history with Sensei Kaz, asking questions and clarifying for participants the context of the ancient writings of Dogen. Sensei Kaz reflects on a variety of topics such as meditation, translation challenges, and Dogen’s…
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Sensei Shinzan explores the story of Bodhidharma and then delves into his teaching on the two paths: that of reason and that of practice. Shinzan emphasizes the importance of connecting with oneself and how practice builds our internal sense of self trust. He suggests that practice is not something we do for a little while and then stop, but that i…
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Steven Heine, an expert in Asian Studies and Zen Buddhism, discusses Zen master Dogen’s teachings and the tradition of koan practice. The session explores Dogen’s views on endeavor, exertion, or vinaya. It also […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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The 2024 Dogen seminar kicks off with introductions and a warm welcome. The week’s schedule is laid out, and the topics for the weekend discussions are unveiled. Each speaker gives […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Uncertainty and Possibility—Meeting the Climate Future (3 of 3)
39:51
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This series features thought leaders Christiana Figueres, Rebecca Solnit, and Roshi Joan Halifax as they explore the complex interplay between climate change, loss, technology, narratives, and action. Throughout the series, […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Uncertainty and Possibility—Meeting the Climate Future (2 of 3)
1:01:03
1:01:03
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This series features thought leaders Christiana Figueres, Rebecca Solnit, and Roshi Joan Halifax as they explore the complex interplay between climate change, loss, technology, narratives, and action. Throughout the series, […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Uncertainty and Possibility—Meeting the Climate Future (1 of 3)
57:23
57:23
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This series features thought leaders Christiana Figueres, Rebecca Solnit, and Roshi Joan Halifax as they explore the complex interplay between climate change, loss, technology, narratives, and action. Throughout the series, […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Sensei Genzan shares his deep and transformative relationship with the great Zen poet, practitioner, and Soto founder Dogen Zenji. He discusses the importance of wholehearted practice, receiving precepts, and how […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Sensei Cynthia Kear discusses the parallels between our modern socio-political crisis and those faced by Soto Zen founder Eihei Dogen 800 years ago. Sensei Kear goes over Dogen’s four methods […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Natalie Goldberg, best selling author of Writing Down the Bones and fifteen other celebrated works, discusses and reads a selection from her newest publication, Writing on Empty: A Guide to […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Gathering Dharma with Tara Brach and Frank Ostaseski: Bridging the Divide
1:29:52
1:29:52
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Tara Brach and Frank Ostaseski lead this tenderly delivered Gathering Dharma session. Together with participants Tara and Frank explore a range of topics including post pandemic reflections, the divide in personal narratives, and […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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In this beautiful talk, Zenshin Florence Caplow introduces us to Keizan Zenji, particularly the deep love between Keizan and his mother, and his subsequent dedication to including women in the […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Wendy Dainin Lau, MD, a Zen priest and emergency medicine physician and addiction specialist, shares her unique journey from software engineering, to working in some of the busiest emergency rooms […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Gathering Dharma with Matthew Kozan Palevsky: Only A Buddha And A Buddha
1:34:43
1:34:43
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In this installment of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan sets the stage by reminding us “the terrible impact of war” and reminds the group the importance of our resolve to face this deep […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Liberation – Always Being, Always Becoming
39:18
39:18
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On the anniversary of the emancipation of black slaves in the United States, Sensei Kodo and Sensei Kozan inquire into the meaning of freedom. For black people and many others in this […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (11 of 11)
54:09
54:09
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In this final gathering of Planting Life 2024, Roshi Joan leads an open circle of sharing with the community who participated virtually in this program. The group shares their commit to personal […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (10 of 11)
58:29
58:29
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In this talk Melissa Nelson shares her deep passion and understanding of economies of wellbeing, regenerative practices, environmental justice movements, and decolonizing philanthropy. Dr. Nelson connects the dots, identifying the […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (9 of 11)
1:18:04
1:18:04
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In this talk Roxanne Swentzell discusses her work in cultural continuity and the founder of Flowering Tree Permaculture Institute. She speaks to the importance of preserving traditional crops and maintaining traditional foodways. […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (8B of 11)
19:46
19:46
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This is the 2nd half of the session where Porter Swentzell explores the history and culture of Pueblo peoples, focusing on the impact of Spanish colonization and American policies. He discusses […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (8A of 11)
1:20:18
1:20:18
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In this talk Porter Swentzell explores the history and culture of Pueblo peoples, focusing on the impact of Spanish colonization and American policies. He discusses the persistence of Pueblo culture, the transformation […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (5 of 11)
1:06:50
1:06:50
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The Upaya garden ceremony begins with Wendy Johnson and Alonso Méndez preparing elements of fire, incense, seeds, water, and flowers while discussing their significance and importance in ceremony. The session moves to the practical […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (4b of 11)
52:31
52:31
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This is a continuation of the May31st afternoon session, where Alonso Méndez explores the intriguing history and relationship between plants, particularly corn, and celestial forces. He delves into the significance of […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (4A of 11)
1:14:39
1:14:39
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In this session, Alonso Méndez explores the intriguing history and relationship between plants, particularly corn, and celestial forces. He delves into the significance of corn as a life-sustainer, its domestication process, and […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (3B of 11)
43:47
43:47
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This is a continuation of the May31st session with Wendy Johnson and Alonso Méndez where they delve into the symbolism and significance of various elements in indigenous communities of growers and creators. […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (3A of 11)
1:10:19
1:10:19
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Wendy Johnson and Alonso Méndez delve into the symbolism and significance of various elements in indigenous communities of growers and creators. They highlight the importance of caves, prayers, ceremonies, and the three friends […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Planting Life 2024: Growing Culture and Kinship (2 of 11)
59:31
59:31
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Roshi Joan, Wendy Johnson, and Alonso Méndez open this program by sharing their sincere appreciation and commitment to the value of land and ancestors and the importance of bring that value into our […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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At the opening of Upaya’s Young Adult retreat, Sensei Shinzan speaks on the practice of beginner’s mind. In our culture, we are deeply conditioned to know, to think linearly, and […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Mountains Are Mountains, Rivers Are Rivers
40:52
40:52
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In this dharma talk, Sensei Kozan dives into Dogen’s “Mountains and Rivers Sutra”. In this esoteric fascicle, Dogen engages in the impossible task of naming the unnamable – the fundamental […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence (6B of 6)
1:35:47
1:35:47
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This is John’s part of the dialogue led in two parts by Richard Davidson and John Dunne explores topics on meditation beyond commodification, the transformation in neuroscience, and the importance of flourishing for […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence (6A of 6)
1:11:44
1:11:44
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This is Richard’s part of the dialogue led in two parts by Richard Davidson and John Dunne explores topics on meditation beyond commodification, the transformation in neuroscience, and the importance of flourishing for […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence (5 of 6)
1:12:42
1:12:42
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In this lecture physicist Adam Frank delves into the blind spot in science, a concept that has led to a crisis in physics and issues in quantum mechanics. The discussion explores quantum […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence (4B of 6)
1:05:47
1:05:47
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This is Kristin’s part of the two lectures given by Evan Thompson and Kristin Andrews delve into the concept of life as sensemaking and its implications for artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness. The speakers […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence (4A of 6)
1:20:08
1:20:08
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This is Evan’s part of the two lectures given by Evan Thompson and Kristin Andrews delve into the concept of life as sensemaking and its implications for artificial intelligence (AI) and consciousness. The speakers […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence (3B of 6)
1:03:36
1:03:36
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This is the 2nd part of the lecture featuring Molly Crockett and Luc Steels, we dive deep into complex systems of science, interdependence, and knowing. The speakers discuss the shift from in-person […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence (3A of 6)
1:19:41
1:19:41
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This is the 1st part of the lecture featuring Molly Crockett and Luc Steels, we dive deep into complex systems of science, interdependence, and knowing. The speakers discuss the shift from in-person […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Varela International Symposium 2024: Sentience and Intelligence: AI, the More-Than-Human, and Us (2 of 6)
1:14:38
1:14:38
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The opening of this Varela Symposium focuses on welcoming participants both onsite and online, highlighting access to a vast repository of wisdom through virtual means. The symposium, originally named Zen […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Wendy Johnson, dedicated Zen Buddhist practitioner and gardener, weaves together threads of her life from her early Zen training years to her work establishing organic farms. For Wendy, there is […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Gathering Dharma with Paula Arai: Healing Wombs of Liberation
1:36:40
1:36:40
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In this Gathering Dharma session, Rev. Joan Halifax sets the stage with a poignant reading from the Dhammapada on the theme of overcoming hatred through non-hatred, discusses the universal suffering […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Gathering Dharma with Chenxing Han: Listening to the Buddhists in Our Backyard, Learning the Dharma Everywhere All at Once
1:31:48
1:31:48
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This talk given by Chenxing Han emphasized the interconnectedness of global and personal suffering and the transformative power of community, compassion, and active engagement. She discussed the challenges and polarizations facing society […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Gathering Dharma with Rhonda Magee: Leading with Clarity, Courage, & Compassion
1:35:39
1:35:39
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Roshi Joan begins by reflecting on the inception of socially engaged Buddhist training during the pandemic, highlighting the growing need for community and service amidst global crises. Roshi then introduces […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Gathering Dharma with Joan Halifax: The Eight Realizations
1:30:46
1:30:46
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Roshi Joan Halifax emphasizes the profound suffering caused by wars and genocides around the world, advocating for deep dialogue, recognition of humanity, and the importance of addressing the structures that […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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Gathering Dharma with Norman Fischer
1:26:49
1:26:49
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Norman Fischer discusses the profound costs of war and the importance of recognizing humanity and sanity for the sake of all and future generations. He reflects on the both difficulty […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot
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