This talk explores the relevance of a practice and culture of transformation in the face of an ecological crisis that will more likely than not lead to a severe degradation of living conditions, especially for future generations. How will we respond pragmatically, compassionately, and responsibly to this crisis? And how will we maintain self-respect and dignity in the midst of our actions? The talk highlights the pivotal importance of practicing and realizing what Dogen, the founder of Soto Zen in Japan, calls "being constantly intimate with the field of mind." The practice of intimacy with the field of mind holds the potential for developing a number of mental resources that will probably become crucial in the future: unconditional joy of aliveness, the ability to be satisfied with less, resilience in the face of pain and adversity, a sense of connection and care with all beings, and the clarity of mind to do what's right independent of outcomes and any hope for success. Another crucial mental virtue will be self-compassion as we explore the limitations and inertia of our own minds and the societies we live in.

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Zenki Christian Dillo Roshi is the the guiding teacher at the Boulder Zen Center in Colorado, USA. This podcast shares the regular dharma talks given at the center. Zenki Roshi approaches Zen practice as a craft of transformation, liberation, wisdom and compassionate action. His interest is to bring Buddhism alive within the Western cultural context, while staying committed to the traditional emphasis on embodiment.