At the end of Upaya’s practice period studying Vasubandhu’s Yogacara teachings, Sensei Shinzan shares with us the story of Vasubandhu’s awakening. Vasubandhu, a diligent student attached to his ascetic form of practice, awoke upon hearing his teacher say “when the mind seeks nothing, this is called the Way.” Shinzan asks us “What are you chasing?” Are you practicing to be good, spiritual, free? When we practice to attain something outside of ourselves, we are bound to be stuck. Yet, Shinzan cautions that “seeking nothing is not passive. . .it is to really show up to your life.” Realizing that everything we experience is the projection of our mind, we take responsibility for our lives and let go of attachments to dualistic views. “Realize your suffering, your delusion is the awakening”. Our practice, Shinzan says, is to find the middle way, “integrating and honoring our full self in our practice”. Nothing is left out of this awakening.

When the mind seeks nothing, this is called the Way

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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Competitive ultra runner, author, and Zen practitioner Katie Arnold shares how she found Zen through running and, in turn, found running through Zen. Following a traumatic accident that left her running future uncertain, she was introduced to Shunryū Suzuki’s Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, which became a companion on her journey of physical and mental recovery. She speaks of “zeroing out”, moments in life where our identities are shattered and we are forced to begin anew and discover who we really are. Through the practice of beginner’s mind, Katie cultivated a relationship with running free from clinging to outcome. And still, her training approach has paid off at the highest levels of competition. Her life story inspires us to live just for this moment with great determination, not holding onto the past and continuing on in the face of challenge and difficulty.


Brief Flashings in the Phenomenal World

This is part 2 of the Feb 18th session where Osho Zenju and participants engage in Q&A.;
In the third part of her series “Darkness is Medicine,” Zenju Earthlyn Manuel delves into the ancestral perspectives on darkness, highlighting its importance and application in our lives, especially during challenging times. She discusses the concept of light merging with darkness, as described by Thich Nhat Hanh, to emphasize that darkness does not disappear when illuminated but becomes integrated with our awareness. This perspective encourages a reevaluation of our understanding of light and darkness, urging us to see them as intertwined rather than opposing forces.
Manuel introduces the idea of cosmic ceremonies, everyday occurrences where light shaped by darkness manifests, such as witnessing a sunrise. This natural phenomenon symbolizes how light and darkness merge, offering moments of awakening and connection. She also touches on ancient ancestral wisdom and the illumination it brings, suggesting that this wisdom is embedded within us, shaped by generations of experiences and struggles.
Zenju leaves time in this final talk for participants to ask and share their experiences with darkness, offering her own sincere responses in return.
To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

Darkness as Medicine (6 of 6)

In the third part of her series “Darkness is Medicine,” Zenju Earthlyn Manuel delves into the ancestral perspectives on darkness, highlighting its importance and application in our lives, especially during challenging times. She discusses the concept of light merging with darkness, as described by Thich Nhat Hanh, to emphasize that darkness does not disappear when illuminated but becomes integrated with our awareness. This perspective encourages a reevaluation of our understanding of light and darkness, urging us to see them as intertwined rather than opposing forces.
Manuel introduces the idea of cosmic ceremonies, everyday occurrences where light shaped by darkness manifests, such as witnessing a sunrise. This natural phenomenon symbolizes how light and darkness merge, offering moments of awakening and connection. She also touches on ancient ancestral wisdom and the illumination it brings, suggesting that this wisdom is embedded within us, shaped by generations of experiences and struggles.
Zenju leaves time in this final talk for participants to ask and share their experiences with darkness, offering her own sincere responses in return.
To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

Darkness as Medicine (5 of 6)

This is part 2 of the Feb 11th session where Osho Zenju and participants engage in Q&A.;
In the second talk of the series “Darkness as Medicine,” Zenju Earthlyn Manuel begins with Prajnaparamita, an ancient deity representing the perfection of wisdom, often associated with the removal of suffering through enlightenment.
Manuel also explores the concept of darkness not as a negative force but as an essential aspect of spiritual growth and awakening. She suggests that embracing darkness, much like dwelling in the womb, can lead to transformation and enlightenment. This process involves accepting, allowing, and dwelling in darkness without seeking immediate escape or resolution.
By redefining our relationship with darkness, Manuel argues that we can find a deeper, more meaningful connection to life itself. This involves recognizing darkness as a crucial element of love and acknowledging that our journey through darkness is part of a collective human experience, potentially leading to an ascended humanity. Through this perspective, darkness becomes not something to be feared or avoided but a vital path to wisdom
To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

Darkness as Medicine (4 of 6)

In the second talk of the series “Darkness as Medicine,” Zenju Earthlyn Manuel begins with Prajnaparamita, an ancient deity representing the perfection of wisdom, often associated with the removal of suffering through enlightenment.
Manuel also explores the concept of darkness not as a negative force but as an essential aspect of spiritual growth and awakening. She suggests that embracing darkness, much like dwelling in the womb, can lead to transformation and enlightenment. This process involves accepting, allowing, and dwelling in darkness without seeking immediate escape or resolution.
By redefining our relationship with darkness, Manuel argues that we can find a deeper, more meaningful connection to life itself. This involves recognizing darkness as a crucial element of love and acknowledging that our journey through darkness is part of a collective human experience, potentially leading to an ascended humanity. Through this perspective, darkness becomes not something to be feared or avoided but a vital path to wisdom
To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

When the mind seeks nothing, this is called the Way

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