Best Zen Center Podcasts (2024)

1
Rearview Mirror Quarterbacking (Feminine & Masculine in Zen) W/ Sara Campbell 29:06

18m ago29:06

29:06

“You are the universe experiencing itself. And you have to respect that… The way that I am is exactly the way I should be. It's not just about stripping you of the stuff that's getting in your way, but also building you up.” - Sara Campbell Sara raises some deep questions about femininity and masculinity in Zen while looking back on her own life of…

1
Hekiganroku Case 61, "Feng Hsueh’s One Atom of Dust" 1:03:06

13h ago1:03:06

1:03:06

Dharma talk by Eran Junryu Vardi of Eiryu-ji Zen Center in Wyckoff, NJ, USA on 11/3/2024.

1
We need each other: Audio Dharma Talk with Jefre Cantu (11/9/2024) 26:47

1d ago26:47

26:47

Recorded at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn, NY on November 9, 2024. We’re going to heal through a community that is grounded in our non-separateness, in our tender vulnerable, non separateness. A community that values human life, period. A community that can grieve. A community that accepts that sometimes we’re brokenhearted. A community that se…

1
Es lo que Hay 59:02

4d ago59:02

59:02

It is what it is. The recent presidential election affected many people on a deep emotional level, and in differing ways. From the vantage point of Zen practice, how do we work with whatever we’re feeling? How do we step back and see more clearly things as they are? Dharma Talk by Tom Kowal. Automated Transcript The post Es lo que Hay appeared firs…

1
The Temple Is Where You Are 20:42

7d ago20:42

20:42

11/06/2024, Gengyoko Tim Wicks, dharma talk at City Center.This dharma talk was given at Beginner’s Mind Temple by tanto (head of practice) and practice period co-leader Gengyoko Tim Wicks. In the talk, Tim shares some of the teachings that are being studied this practice period and talks about practicing wherever we find ourselves. Recorded on Wed…

1
Valerie Forstman: Zen’s Subverting Impulse: Overturning the One 39:14

9d ago39:14

39:14

This week’s talk was offered by Mountain Cloud’s lead teacher, Valerie Forstman. It was recorded on October 31st at the Zendo in Sante Fe. Please consider supporting Mountain Cloud with a donation or becoming a member so we can continue to provide online programs such as this. Donations: https://www.mountaincloud.org/donate/ Become a member: https:…

1
Waking, Dreaming, Being

10d ago

—

A talk given by Shinge Roshi Roko Sherry Chayat at the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji, Syracuse, NY.

1
Ordinary Bodhisattva at the Election 53:12

15d ago53:12

53:12

A talk given at Berkeley Zen Center on Saturday, November 2nd 2024 by Ryushin Andrea Thach.By Ryushin Andrea Thach

1
Hongren & Buddha Nature

24d ago

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Dharma talk by Evan BrtiziusFile Size: 29615 kbFile Type: mp3Download File

1
A Call to Hearten: Let Tender Tenacity Walk with Fierce Patience 25:47

3d ago25:47

25:47

Peacemaker John Lederach offers a realistic and hopeful reflection on the 2024 US Presidential Election. He discusses America’s uncertainty and divisions, and how to move forward with curiosity, dignity, courage, and love. As always, he emphasizes the vital importance of community connections in these turbulent times. Source…

1
Shake the Quake (Confidence & Certainty) w/ Dave Cuomo 48:32

6d ago48:32

48:32

“Zen is not an established technique. It's sitting down and admitting that nobody can tell you what is right but you. No one knows the ground beneath your feet but you. Nobody can bear witness for you. And when something really shakes you, there can be a powerful moment where all of the sudden you just know one thing for certain. But it might be di…

1
Calling in Ancestors and Offering Out Our Prayers: Meditation led by Sarah Dōjin Emerson (11/2/2024) 13:05

9d ago13:05

13:05

Recorded at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn, NY on November 2, 2024. In our tradition, we lift up an understanding of impermanence and a close relationship with that, so that we also have a sense that we will be ancestors, that already there are descendants, seeds of them in our actions, in our decisions, in our efforts, and as a way to care for …

1
Challenging Times/Visioning for the Future

10d ago

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A talk given by Shinge Roshi Roko Sherry Chayat at the Zen Center of Syracuse Hoen-ji, Syracuse, NY.

1
Perfection of Patience 5 54:01

10d ago54:01

54:01

Talk and study session by Eran Junryu Vardi Roshi of Eiryu-ji Zen Center in Wyckoff, NJ, USA on 10/27/2024.

1
Hekiganroku Case 76, “Tan Hsia’s Have You Eaten Yet?” 1:02:09

10d ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Dharma talk by Eran Junryu Vardi Roshi of Eiryu-ji Zen Center in Wyckoff, NJ, USA on 10/19/2024.

1
Shoyoroku Case 98, “Dongshan’s Always Close” 1:10:55

10d ago1:10:55

1:10:55

Dharma talk by Eran Junryu Vardi Roshi of Eiryu-ji Zen Center in Wyckoff, NJ, USA on 10/18/2024.

1
Fall Sesshin Opening Talk 21:24

10d ago21:24

21:24

Fall Sesshin opening talk given by Eran Junryu Vardi Roshi of Eiryu-ji Zen Center at Dai Bosatsu Zendo.

1
Dancing with the Unseen World 42:17

11d ago42:17

42:17

Sensei Noah Kodo Roen discusses the rich meaning and history of the Gate of Sweet Nectar liturgy, and its importance to the White Plum Lineage of which Upaya is a part. He explores the origins of Halloween and the Day of the Dead, emphasizing ancestor remembrance and its central place in Zen practice. Source…

1
Gathering Dharma with Joan Halifax, Konda Mason & Matthew Kozan Palevsky: Why Voting Matters? 1:33:08

10d ago1:33:08

1:33:08

In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax emphasizes the importance of courage, community, and compassionate engagement in turbulent times, encouraging people to transform fear into an ally and pursue joy and justice. She shares the story of Ahu Darya, an Iranian student who defied hijab policies, illustrating authentic engagement wit…

1
Gathering Dharma with Joan Halifax & Matthew Kozan Palevsky: Where Practice and Politics Meet 1:32:40

10d ago1:32:40

1:32:40

In this session of Gathering Dharma, Roshi Joan Halifax begins with a heartfelt reflection on the moral call to engage with the suffering of the world. She emphasizes the connection between Buddhist practice and global social-political issues, focusing on themes of mindfulness, compassion, and responsibility. Roshi stresses the importance of not tu…

1
Re-Entering the World With Continuous Practice FPP2024 Sesshin Day 6 44:31

11d ago44:31

44:31

On the sixth and final day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Senseis Shinzan, Monshin, Kathie, and Kozan reflect on the essence of Zen practice following six intense days of sitting together. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the nature of existence, exploring what it means to reach true self understanding. They also highlight …

1
Walking the Circle of Practice With Compassion and Presence FPP2024 Sesshin Day 5 44:36

11d ago44:36

44:36

On the fifth day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kozan uses the striking scarlet runner bean hidden in its pod as a metaphor for the profound practice of sesshin. He emphasizes the importance of shedding layers of protection to be fully present, urging us to appreciate moments of simplicity and mindful awareness. Quoting a line from The…

1
Embracing Suchness: The Path of Stillness and Interconnection FPP2024 Sesshin Day 4 40:05

11d ago40:05

40:05

On the fourth day of this Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Monshin delves into the phrases “Thusness” or “Suchness” as a path to direct experience. She illuminates the interplay between suchness and the relative and absolute, encouraging us to discover this essence in all things. Drawing on the insights of Dongshan, Suzuki Roshi, and Dogen, Sen…

1
Song of The Jewel Mirror: Hiding in the Clear Dawn FPP2024 Sesshin Day 2 43:40

11d ago43:40

43:40

In this Fall Practice Period sesshin day 2 talk, Sensei Shinzan delves into the poem The Jewel Mirror Samadhi, focusing on key lines that highlight how clarity and awakening are often concealed within the fabric of our everyday lives—especially in times of confusion and suffering. Rather than seeing practice as the creation of something new, Shinza…

1
Cultivating Inquiry and the Open Hand of ‘Thusness’: FPP2024 Sesshin Day 1 45:51

11d ago45:51

45:51

On this first full day of the Fall Practice Period sesshin, Sensei Kathie introduces the teaching of The Jewel Mirror Samadhi and shares stories about Zen Master Dongshan, the co-founder of the Caodong School of Zen. Reflecting on the evolving nature of history and the practice of inquiry, Kathie highlights the importance of mindfulness in each mom…

1
Beginner’s Mind: Zen and Tibetan Buddhist Practice Understandings 36:17

12d ago36:17

36:17

This dharma talk was given at Beginner’s Mind Temple by visiting teacher Gaylon Ferguson. During the Fall 2024 Practice Period at Beginner’s Mind Temple, the community is studying Dr. Ferguson’s book “Welcoming Beginner’s Mind: Zen and Tibetan Buddhist Wisdom on Experiencing Our True Nature.” Dr. Ferguson begins by talking about the historical and …

1
Everyday Zen #2 45:14

13d ago45:14

45:14

November 2024 Sesshin, Day 6 Commentary on “Everyday Zen: Love and Work” by Charlotte Joko Beck. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Everyday Zen #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

1
Controlled Demolition (Anger) w/ Chris Arnett 31:51

13d ago31:51

31:51

“If there is just one person in the world, he will always be neutral. If someone is very angry, but is the only person in the world, he's a little crazy.“ - Kobun Chino Chris opens up the pandoras box of trying to productively deal with anger. We get angry, we vow not to indulge it, we know we can’t wish it away. Is it wisdom, skill, or spiritual b…

1
Aspects Class 3 of 4 Ordinary Bodhisattvas 1:26:41

13d ago1:26:41

1:26:41

Hosted by visiting-Teachers-In-Residence Linda Galijan and Greg Fain.By Zenshin Greg Fain

1
Everyday Zen #1 41:46

14d ago41:46

41:46

November 2024 Sesshin, Day 5 Commentary on “Everyday Zen: Love and Work” by Charlotte Joko Beck. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Everyday Zen #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

1
Feeding Our Hungry Ghosts 24:59

15d ago24:59

24:59

10/30/2024, Jisan Tova Green, dharma talk at City Center.In this talk, given at Beginner's Mind Temple, Jisan Tova Green describes the Sejiki Ceremony, in which hungry ghosts are cajoled and offered food, including the sweet dew of the Dharma. She likens this to the experience many of us have when we set out on a spiritual path and describes the fi…

1
Welcome Everything, Push Away Nothing: Audio Dharma Talk with Tova Green (9/22/2024) 35:21

16d ago35:21

35:21

Recorded at Millerton Zendo in Millerton NY on September 22, 2024. The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. You can donate to BZC at brooklynzen.org under ‘Giving.’ Thank you for your generosity!By Brooklyn Zen Center

1
Faith in Mind #4 43:01

15d ago43:01

43:01

November 2024 Sesshin, Day 4 Commentary on the teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Faith in Mind #4 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

1
The Practice of Practice Period: Audio Dharma Talk with Ian Kidō Case (09/08/2024) 31:28

15d ago31:28

31:28

Recorded at Millerton Zendo in Millerton NY on September 8, 2024. The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. You can donate to BZC at brooklynzen.org under ‘Giving.’ Thank you for your generosity!By Brooklyn Zen Center

1
Domestic Dharma: Audio Dharma Talk: Dr. Paula Arai (10/26/2024) 44:23

16d ago44:23

44:23

Recorded at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn, NY on October 26, 2024. "When buddhist modes of being becomes fused into the foundation, home becomes a refuge for healing." The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. You can donate to BZC at brooklynzen.org under ‘Giving.’ Thank you for your generosity!…

1
Kali Basman: Cultivating Wonder 33:58

16d ago33:58

33:58

Kali invites us to examine the wide array of features that comprise “The Practice Field,” the many aspects of our path of practice. She states that as a species we are quite proficient at ignoring our “shadow side of life,” those parts of us that help inform the richness of the practice field. Through this avoidance of difficult experiences, we con…

1
Faith in Mind #3 41:52

16d ago41:52

41:52

November 2024 Sesshin, Day 3 Commentary on the teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Faith in Mind #3 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

1
Faith in Mind #2 43:25

17d ago43:25

43:25

November 2024 Sesshin, Day 2 Commentary on the teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Faith in Mind #2 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

1
Drumming and Singing Go Together 33:53

17d ago33:53

33:53

Sensei Kathie Fischer discusses the Song of the Jewel Mirror Awareness, emphasizing the importance of stillness and presence in Zen practice. She explores how complications and difficulties in practice are “auspicious” rather than obstacles to be overcome, highlighting particularly how the challenges of Oryoki (formal meal practice) during Sesshin …

1
Fall Practice Period 2024: The Dustless Practice of Hui-neng 46:32

18d ago46:32

46:32

In this Zazenkai day Dharma talk during the Fall Practice Period, Sensei Kozan introduces us to the teachings of the sixth Chinese ancestor, Hui-neng. He focuses on Hui-neng’s written work, the Platform Sutra, […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

1
Fall Practice Period 2024: The Five Schools and Historical Context of the Golden Age of Zen 1:06:26

18d ago1:06:26

1:06:26

In this session of the Fall Practice Period, Senseis Monshin, Kozan, and Shinzan introduce key teachers, teachings, and historical context which impacted the era of Zen this practice period focuses on. Each of the Five […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

1
Fall Practice Period 2024: Beyond Words Beyond Thought 37:31

18d ago37:31

37:31

This Fall Practice Period Zazenkai talk by Sensei Shinzan addresses a core koan of our practice: how to directly engage with something that seems unattainable. Shinzan brings a subtle joy to this talk, pointing […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

1
Fall Practice Period 2024: Meeting The Ancestors 1:15:36

18d ago1:15:36

1:15:36

In this opening session of the Fall Practice Period the guiding teachers, Senseis Shinzan, Monshin and Kozan set the tone for the coming weeks of communal practice. Shinzan speaks to the ubiquity of ‘Zen’ products and […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

1
Faith in Mind #1 40:54

18d ago40:54

40:54

November 2024 Sesshin, Day 1 Commentary on the teachings of Chan Master Sheng Yen. Teisho by Sensei John Pulleyn. Automated Transcript The post Faith in Mind #1 appeared first on Rochester Zen Center.By Rochester Zen Center

1
Aspects Class 2 of 4 Ordinary Bodhisattvas 32:48

22d ago32:48

32:48

Hosted by visiting-Teachers-In-Residence Linda Galijan and Greg Fain.By Linda Galijan

1
You are Invited (Harmony & Discord) w/ Dave Cuomo 37:01

20d ago37:01

37:01

“The most destabilizing thing I know is trying to impose harmony on other people. Because it always finds a way to explode. Everything finds a way to come out.” - Dave Cuomo Dave looks into harmony and discord, and whether trying to all just get along means suppressing our unruly little individualities (as much of our teachings and training seem to…

1
Welcoming All 34:05

22d ago34:05

34:05

This dharma talk was given at Beginner’s Mind Temple by Fall 2024 Practice Period co-leader So-on Eli Brown-Stevenson. This talk centers on the Zen practice of welcoming, rooted in Suzuki Roshi's teachings. We explore how welcoming everything—joy, discomfort, and impermanence—brings us into deeper alignment with the present moment. Through the meta…

1
The Healing Practice of Non-Resistance: Audio Dharma Talk with Ian Kidō Case (10/19/2024)

25d ago

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Recorded at Boundless Mind Temple in Brooklyn, NY on October 19, 2024. The BZC Podcast is offered free of charge and made possible by the donations we receive. Visit brooklynzen.org for more information. Thank you for your generosity!By Brooklyn Zen Center

1
The Grandchildren of Huineng 43:16

24d ago43:16

43:16

In this Fall Practice Period and Wednesday night Dharma talk, Senseis Monshin and Shinzan share stories of ancient masters. Shinzan reflects on a fundamental question we must grapple with, why do we sit at all, what are […]By Joan Halifax | Zen Buddhist Teacher Upaya Abbot

1
Seeing Through Cynicism 42:58

25d ago42:58

42:58

Cynicism is a mindset characterized by mistrust and negativity, obstructing one’s ability to see things clearly. It’s also a social phenomenon that can spread across individuals and communities. A look at the science of cynicism and how Zen practice can help us to uncover our innate clarity and compassion. Teisho by Sensei Dhara Kowal. Automated Tr…

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