Best Zazen Podcasts (2024)

1
How to Mind Your Problems 45:59

29m ago45:59

45:59

This talk was given as part of a One-Day Intensive at Boulder Zen Center's new Mountain Zendo. It takes the following quote from Suzuki Roshi as its jumping-off point: "When you're sitting in the middle of your own problem, what is more real: your problem or you yourself? That you are here, right now, is the ultimate fact." Usually, the contents of…

1
The Cosmic Dance ~ Papaji - Advaita 13:31

2d ago13:31

13:31

This is a reading of selected pointers for meditation taken from the book "This" by Papaji. Formatted as a guided meditation.Sri H. W. L. Poonja (1910 -1997) was born in Lucknow, India, known as "Poonjaji" or "Papaji", was an Indian sage who taught Self-enquiry as advocated by Ramana Maharshi.Music: State Azure - Late Night Stream https://stateazur…

1
The Buddha's Teachings on Nibbana ~ Pali Suttas 12:28

9h ago12:28

12:28

This is a selection of some key Pali suttas where the Buddha teaches directly on the topic of Nibbana. They are an amalgam of translations by Bhikkhus Bodhi, Thanisarro, Sujato, and Anandajoti. Compiled and edited by Ayya Jitindriya.They include, in order of reading:Udana 8.1 Udana 8.2Udana 8.3Udana 8.4Majjhima Nikaya:140 Udana 8.10Anguttara Nikaya…

1
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - September 2024: Dogen Zenji´s ¨Shoaku Makusa¨ 42:26

4d ago42:26

42:26

This month, as we begin our sangha's Ango, we dive into a few sections of master Dogen's ¨Shoaku Makusa¨ (Not Doing Wrongs) Further reading and discussion are available on the Treeleaf forum: September 2024 Monthly Zazenkai»By Treeleaf Zendo

1
Nisargadatta Maharaji ~ Go Within Meditation 1:00:00

6d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

This is a series of some key pointers from Nisargadatta - designed for deepening meditation and stillness. The extracts have been taken from the text 'I am That' by Nisargadatta. 🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings. 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podca…

1
Attention, Openness, and Pace in Daily Life 49:37

8d ago49:37

49:37

This talk was given as part of a Weekend Sitting. It explores the question of how we enact practice-enlightenment (Dogen's concept) in our daily activities. It talks about the importance of pace for attuning to the field of undivided activity and specifies two requirements: (1) letting go of resistance or being truly open and (2) a change in worldv…

1
Ayn al-Quzat Hamadani ~ The Frenzied Ones ~ Sufi Mystics 16:03

19d ago16:03

16:03

A selection of excerpts from the texts Tamhidát and Laváyeh by Ayn-al-Qużāt Hamadānī .Translated by Ali Yansori - with thanks to Ali for gifting this beautiful translation.Ayn-al-Qużāt Hamadānī (1098–1131) (Persian: عین‌ القضات همدانی), was a Persian jurisconsult, mystic, philosopher, poet and mathematician who was executed by the Seljuk rulers at …

1
Longchenpa ~ Spaciousness Meditation ~ Dzogchen 26:07

25d ago26:07

26:07

These are some key pointers and teachings of Longchenpa's on developing/recognising the natural state of enlightened mind - formatted as a guided meditation. This is mainly suitable for those who have a good grasp of Dzogchen practice and Longchenpa's concepts and languaging.Taken from the text: A Treasure Trove of Scriptural Transmission. Translat…

1
Attention to Attention (Part 2) 47:27

1M ago47:27

47:27

This talk continues to explore bringing attention to how attention functions in our lives. The distinction between focused consciousness (contents of mind) and nonfocused awareness (field of mind) is discussed as two different kinds of concentration. Learning to rest in and trust this nonconscious field, which is marked by interdependence and imper…

1
Sukhasiddi ~ Peerless Awareness ~ Vajrayana Buddhism 9:08

27d ago9:08

9:08

Sukhasiddhi (flourished 11th Century) was an Indian teacher of Vajrayana Buddhism, a yogini and master of meditation. She was born in west Kashmir to a large, poor family. Sukhasiddhi arrived at tantric Buddhism late in life. She lived as an impoverished housewife and mother of six children until the age of fifty-nine. She was thrown out of her hom…

1
Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche ~ Undistracted Non-Meditation ~ Dzogchen 30:45

1M ago30:45

30:45

A selection of key pointers taken from the text, 'Vajra Speech: A Commentary on The Quintessence of Spiritual Practice, The Direct Instructions of the Great Compassionate One' by Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. Translated by Erik Pema Kunsang.Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche (1920 - 1996) was a Buddhist master of the Kagyü and Nyingma lineages who lived at Nagi Gompa …

1
Attention to Attention (Part 1) 45:57

2M ago45:57

45:57

Attention is our most precious resource. Where our attention goes, our life goes. The cultivation of attention is at the center of Zen practice. This talk points out that this cultivation is extra challenging under the conditions of what social scientists and critics have come to call the ‘attention economy’ and ‘surveillance capitalism.’ We’re not…

1
Fr. Ama Samy ~ The Practice of Zazen 16:31

1M ago16:31

16:31

Ama Samy (Arul Maria Arokiasamy), S.J., born in 1936, is an Indian Zen master and Jesuit priest. Ama Samy was born to Christian parents in Burma in 1936 and grew up in India. After becoming a Jesuit priest in 1972, he began visiting Hindu ashrams and Buddhist meditation centers. He was introduced to Ramana Maharshi's teachings by Swami Abhishiktana…

1
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (6) 45:40

1M ago45:40

45:40

We continue our study of master Keizan's Zazen-Yojinki, this time diving into the physicality of zazen and some useful techniques to keep ourselves awake and alert when sitting. Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum: August 2024, monthly Zazenkai»By Treeleaf Zendo

1
Master Shiwu 石屋 - Stonehouse ~ Entering the Mountains ~ Zen Buddhism (Chan) 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

The Zen master, Shiwu 石屋, or Stonehouse (1272–1352) was a Chinese Chan poet and hermit monk who lived during the Yuan Dynasty. He was considered one of the greatest Chinese Buddhist poets and used poetry as his medium of instruction for Dharma. In 1312 at the age of forty he moved to Xiamu Mountain near Huzhou to live as a hermit and it is here tha…

1
What Would A Buddha Do? 46:01

2M ago46:01

46:01

This talk is about habit change from a Buddhist perspective. In one sense, it is a preview of BZC‘s upcoming Practice Course “Transforming Habits” (Oct 4-Nov 9, 2024). However, it also stands on its own. It explores what happens when we bring the question “What would a Buddha do?” to every moment in which we feel a misalignment between our habituat…

1
Mind as Open Sky ~ Guided Meditation ~ Samaneri Jayasara 22:44

2M ago22:44

22:44

This is a guided meditation on learning to relax in meditation, recognising the silence and stillness, and turning towards the open sky like nature of the mind. 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: …

1
St Teresa of Avila ~ The Interior Life 15:25

2M ago15:25

15:25

A selection of key points for prayer and meditation from St Teresa of Avila's teachings. Excerpts taken from numerous sources, including: "The Way of Perfection", "Collected Works" and "Interior Castle."St Teresa of Ávila (March 28, 1515 – October 4, 1582) was a prominent Carmelite nun and Spanish mystic. St Teresa had many mystical experiences she…

1
Ajahn Chah ~ The Place of Coolness ~ Thai Forest Tradition 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

Ajahn Chah was a Thai Buddhist monk and meditation Master. He was an influential teacher of the Buddhadhamma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. He was reputed to be an Arahant. 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options…

1
On Community (Part 2) 46:13

2M ago46:13

46:13

This talk continues the exploration of how to discover and develop a sense of community. It differentiates between intimacy as undividedness with all beings (the spiritual dimension of community) and intimacy as closeness (the conventional longing for being known and understood by others in our physicality, feelings, and thoughts). Regarding this l…

1
Nisargadatta Maharaj ~ The Liberated One 24:58

2M ago24:58

24:58

This is a selection of key pointers from Nisargadatta formatted for guided meditation, taken from the text, 'I am That' - translated by Maurice Frydman.Nisargadatta Maharaj (17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian guru of nondualism, belonging to the Inchagiri Sampradaya, a lineage of teachers from the Navna…

1
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (5) 34:29

2M ago34:29

34:29

We continue with the fifth instalment of this series of talks based on master Keizan's 'Zazen-Yojinki'. In this episode, we are looking at what zazen is by understanding what zazen isn't. Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum: July Monthly Zazenkai»By Treeleaf Zendo

1
Vasubandhu's Six-Steps of Breathing Meditation 37:31

2M ago37:31

37:31

The Abhidharmakośabhāṣya (Treasury of Metaphysics with Self-Commentary) is a pivotal treatise on early Buddhist thought composed around the 4th or 5th century by the Indian Buddhist philosopher Vasubandhu. This work is a complete and systematic account of the Abhidharma, and is the peak of scholarship in the Fundamental Vehicle. It elucidates the B…

1
Shantideva ~ The Way of the Bodhisattva - Chapter 10 ~ Dedication 6:24

3M ago6:24

6:24

Shantideva’s Dedication Prayer is one of H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama’s favourite dedications, extracted from Chapter 10 of the Bodhicharyavatara of Master Shantideva.Treasured by Buddhists of all traditions, The Way of the Bodhisattva (Bodhicharyavatara) is a guide to cultivating the mind of enlightenment and to generating the qualities of love, compa…

1
Pause for the Pause 39:58

3M ago39:58

39:58

This talk was given as part of a Weekend Sitting at the Boulder Zen Center. It highlights the distinction between the contents of mind and the field of mind and its importance for practice. Dogen encouraged his students "to be continuously intimate with the field of mind." The talk presents two attentional practices to discover and establish onesel…

1
Sudden Illumination ~ Zen Master Baizhang Huaihai 百丈懷海 25:26

3M ago25:26

25:26

Baizhang Huaihai (720–814 AD) was a Zen master during the Tang dynasty. A native of Fuzhou, he was a dharma heir of Mazu Daoyi. Baizhang's students included Huangbo, Linji and Puhua. He has been venerated as one of the greatest Chan teachers of the Tang era and even today he remains one of the most recognized Chan teachers of all time. His Zen teac…

1
Dipa Ma ~ Meditation is Love 9:42

3M ago9:42

9:42

A selection of quotes and extracts from teachings of Dipa Ma taken from the website: https://dipama.com/Nani Bala Barua (25 March 1911 – 1 September 1989), better known as Dipa Ma, was an Indian meditation teacher of Theravada Buddhism and was of Barua descent. She was a prominent Buddhist master in Asia and also taught in the United States where s…

1
Hafiz ~ The Path of Love ~ Sufi Mystics 9:25

3M ago9:25

9:25

Selected poems of Hafez taken from the text 'Drunk on the Wine of the Beloved' - translated by Thomas Rain Crowe. Persian lyric poet Hafiz (born Khwāja Šamsu d-Dīn Muḥammad Hāfez-e Šīrāzī) grew up in Shiraz. Very little is known about his life, but it is thought that he may have memorized the Qur’an after hearing his father recite passages. He is o…

1
Zen and Focusing as Personal Practice, an interview with Dr. Greg Madison 1:28:50

3M ago1:28:50

1:28:50

This is a special conversational episode. Christian (Zenki Roshi) is interviewed by Dr. Greg Madison, a British psychologist and psychotherapist. More than usual, Christian connects the concepts and practices he teaches with his own biographical journey. In the beginning, the conversation centers around Christian's encounter of and interest in Gene…

1
Namkai Norbu ~ The Presence of Awareness ~ Dzogchen 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

Selected excerpts from the teaching given by Namkai Norbu entitled: The Mirror: Advice on Presence and Awareness. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (1938-2018) was a Tibetan Dzogchen master. When he was two years old, Namkhai Norbu was recognized as the 'mindstream emanation', a tulku, of the Dzogchen teacher Adzom Drugpa (1842–1924). At five, he was also reco…

1
Zen Master Ryokan ~ A Solitary Mirror ~ Zen Buddhism 10:54

3M ago10:54

10:54

Ryōkan Taigu 良寛大愚 (1758–1831) was a quiet and unconventional Sōtō Zen Buddhist monk who lived much of his life as a hermit. Ryōkan is remembered for his poetry and calligraphy, which present the essence of Zen life. He renounced the world at an early age to train at nearby Sōtō Zen temple Kōshō-ji, refusing to meet with or accept charity from his f…

1
Anandamayi Ma ~ On Rebirth 12:40

3M ago12:40

12:40

Selected teachings of Ma's taken from various sources. Anandamayi Ma ( 30 April 1896 – 27 August 1982) was a Bengali Saint, described by Sivananda Saraswati (of the Divine Life Society) as "the most perfect flower the Indian soil has produced." Precognition, faith healing and miracles were attributed to her by her followers. Paramahansa Yogananda t…

1
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (4) 41:55

3M ago41:55

41:55

This week, Master Keizan tells us what Zazen is, and is not (and also to have clean feet). Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum: June 2024, Monthly Zazenkai »By Treeleaf Zendo

1
On Community (Part 1) 53:38

4M ago53:38

53:38

This talk explores the experience of loneliness and the practice and views we might want to adopt to foster a sense of community: (1) share space instead of expecting to share beliefs or interests, (2) prioritize doing things together over talking, (3) practice mutual embodiment (notice how we interaffect each other in our sensations and movements)…

1
The Practice to Liberation ~ Anapanasati ~ Teachings of the Buddha 26:37

4M ago26:37

26:37

A reading of the Anapanasati Sutta: Mindfulness of Breathing - MN 118 This reading is an amalgam of translations by Bhante Sujato, Bhikkhu Bodhi, Thanisarro Bhikkhu - compiled and edited by Ayya Jitindriya.The Ānāpānasati Sutta (Pāli), "Breath-Mindfulness Discourse," Majjhima Nikaya 118, is a discourse that details the Buddha's instruction on using…

1
The Way of Self-Inquiry ~ Drg Drsya Viveka ~ Advaita Vedanta 43:40

4M ago43:40

43:40

Dṛg-Dṛṣya-Viveka : An Inquiry Into The Nature of The ‘Seer’ and The ‘Seen’, Discrimination between the Real and the UnrealAttributed to Adi Śankarācarya and Bāratī Tīrtha - Translation by Richard Miller, PhDThe Dṛg-Dṛśya-Viveka contains 46 slokas/verses performing an inquiry into the distinction between the "seer" (Dṛg) and the "seen" (Dṛśya), an o…

1
Madam Guyon ~ The Prayer of the Heart ~ A Short and Easy Method of Prayer 53:28

4M ago53:28

53:28

These excerpts for meditation/contemplation have been taken from Madame Guyon's text, 'A Short and Easy Method of Prayer'. Published by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon (Commonly known as Madame Guyon - 13 April 1648 – 9 June 1717) is Christianity’s best-known and most influential woman in church histor…

1
Effortless Effort: Republished from 2022 41:28

4M ago41:28

41:28

This episode was first published in February 2022. We are republishing this episode because in it, Zenki Roshi addresses the most common questions asked by beginners and the issue of discomfort sometimes experienced by practitioners of all levels during zazen. What exactly are we doing in zazen meditation? What kind of effort is necessary? This tal…

1
Song of Mind (Xin Ming) - Master Niutou Farong - Zen Buddhism 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

Reading of the famous seventh-century Zen classic Xin Ming, or "Song of Mind" - this poem is a masterpiece of expressing the inexpressible. 🔆 If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: vivekahermitage@gmail.com with PayPal or using this dir…

1
Longchenpa ~ Samsara as Like an Echo 40:19

4M ago40:19

40:19

These sublime and profound teachings on the nature of reality by the great master, Longchenpa is taken from the Finding Rest in Illusion trilogy . It is suitable for those practitioners who have an in-depth understanding and insight into Dzogchen's concepts and paradigm. Longchenpa, also known as Longchen Rabjam , ‘Infinite, Vast Expanse of Space’,…

1
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's 'Zazen-Yojinki' (3) 43:56

5M ago43:56

43:56

This week, Master Keizan offers practical advice, relevant even today, although some bits maybe more suited to the 13th Century, on one's life surrounding Zazen Practice. Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum: Treeleaf Sangha's May Monthly Zazenkai »By Treeleaf Zendo

1
The Stillpoint ~ A Guided Meditation ~ Samaneri Jayasara 27:39

5M ago27:39

27:39

This is a guided meditation spoken extemporaneously by Samaneri Jayasra on learning to recognise, abide in, and rest as, the stillpoint of intrinsic Awareness. 🔆 These podcasts are not monetized. If you benefit from these podcasts and would like to support our nun's hermitage, there are two options to donate - via Paypal using this email address: v…

1
What's Love Got to Do With It? (Sesshin Day 1) 48:20

5M ago48:20

48:20

This talk is the first of seven Sesshin talks. (A Sesshin is a 7-day Zen meditation intensive.) It starts with the question, 'What does it mean to love?' The word 'love' carries all kind of baggage. So much so that in American Zen it doesn't seem to have a whole lot of currency. Yet, we're all longing for the spiritual dimension of love. This wide-…

1
Ajahn Pannavaddho ~ The One Who Knows ~Thai Forest Tradition 51:13

5M ago51:13

51:13

This is a reading of the chapter "Citta" taken from the text 'Uncommon Wisdom - Life and Teachings of Ajaan Pannavaddho. Written and compiled by Ajaan Dick Sīlaratano.Venerable Ajaan Pannavahho was the senior-most Western monk following Ajaan Mun’s path of practice for over 40 years. Ajaan Paññā, as he was called, was a man of intellectual brillian…

1
Lama Yeshe ~ Experiencing Silent Wisdom 28:15

5M ago28:15

28:15

A reading for meditation taken from the text, 'The Peaceful Stillness of the Silent Mind: Buddhism, Mind and Meditation' by Lama Thubten Yeshe.Lama Thubten Yeshe was born in Tibet in 1935. At the age of six, he entered Sera Monastic University in Tibet where he studied until 1959, when as Lama Yeshe himself has said, “In that year the Chinese kindl…

1
On Formal and Daily Practice 45:35

5M ago45:35

45:35

This talk was given as part of the closing ceremony of the 3-month Everyday Zen Practice Period. At the end of retreats and periods of intensified practice, many practitioners wonder how they can carry the renewed and invigorated sense of practice into their everyday lives. The answer is simple but not easy to implement: continue to stay fully pres…

1
Naropa ~ Mahamudra Summary 12:38

5M ago12:38

12:38

A reading of the timeless teaching of Naropa's - "The Summary of Mahamudra". English version by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche and Erik Pema KunsangNāropā (1016-1100) was an Indian Buddhist Mahasiddha. He was the disciple of Tilopa and brother, or some sources say partner and pupil, of Niguma. As an Indian Mahasiddha, Naropa's instructions inform Vajray…

1
Evelyn Underhill ~ The Mystic 14:31

5M ago14:31

14:31

Evelyn Underhill (6 December 1875 – 15 June 1941) was an English Anglo-Catholic poet and novelist as well as a pacifist and mystic. An only child, she described her early mystical insights as "abrupt experiences of the peaceful, undifferentiated plane of reality—like the 'still desert' of the mystic—in which there was no multiplicity nor need of ex…

1
Rumi ~ A Gold Mine ~ Sufi Mystics 10:23

5M ago10:23

10:23

These few selections of Rumi poems are from the newly translated text "Gold" - Rumi. Translated by Haleh Liza Gafori. The book can be purchased here:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Rumi/dp/1...Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (30 September 1207 – 17 December 1273), was a 13th-century Persian poet, faqih, Islamic schola…

1
Treeleaf Zendo Podcast - Keizan Zenji's Zazen-Yojinki (2) 44:30

6M ago44:30

44:30

We continue our series on Master Keizan's 'Zazen-Yōjinki'or 'Notes to Keep in Heart for Zazen' Further reading and discussion for this talk are available on the Treeleaf forum: HERE»By Treeleaf Zendo

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Zazen Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide