What is the meaning of Zen?

Visiting Roshis speak on the topic – What is the meaning of Zen? The talk follows the annual teachers meeting held by Diamond Sangha teachers of New Zealand and Australia in 2014.

Silent Illumination

Subhana speaks on silent illumination (or shikantaza) and addresses some of the misconceptions that exist with respect to just what this is. In the talk Subhana stresses that whether students are koan students or shikanataza students, our practice in zen is the same. Subhana also addresses the need for shikantaza students to engage with and to be guided in their practice by a teachers counsel.

This talk was given at the February 2015 Zazenkai in Annandale.

Gillian speaks on the koan ‘Chao Chou’s Dog’ as found in case 1 of the Wu-Men Kuan. This is the first talk given at the 2013 Spring Sesshin held in Kodoji.

Wu-Men Kuan Case 10 – Wu-Men Kuan Case 10

Maggie speaks on the koan ‘Ch’ing-shui: Solitary and Destitute’ as found in case 10 of the Wu-Men Kuan. This is the second talk given at the 2013 Rohatsu held in Annandale.

Autumn Sesshin 2014 Day 4 Teisho

Subhana discusses Buddhas teaching of suffering and the way to true liberation on Day 4 of the 2014 Autumn Sesshin.

Spring Sesshin 2013 – Day 6 Teisho

Book of Serenity Case 62

Gillian speaks on the koan “Mi Hu’s No Enlightenment” as found in case 62 of the Book of Serenity. This is the sixth and last talk given at the Kodoji Spring Sesshin 2013.

Blue Cliff Record – Case 36: Changsha Goes on a Picnic

Allan Marett takes us into the great mountains in this Teisho given on Day 1 of Rohatsu 2014 at the Sydney Zen Centre. Changsha lived from around 788-868 and was renowned for his great fierceness (nicknamed ‘great tiger’). In this encounter the teacher, now older and far more settled, is challenged by the head monk on his return from a walk -“Where have you come from?” a familiar challenge, however in this case led to a brilliant exchange between the teacher and the head monk.

An historic talk by Aitken Roshi on the three pure precepts in 1985.

Jukai Talks No. 1 – 1985

Robert Aitken Roshi discusses the Four Vows given by students taking Jukai, what they mean to Aitken Roshi, what they mean to the Sangha and what they mean metaphysically.

Orientation Talks No. 7

Robert Aitken Roshi discusses each of the ten grave precepts in the context of Zen practice in this historic talk (1979).