What would make someone not a Buddhist?? Life is fleeting, unsatisfying, & essentially empty, and are we into, and ready to reckon with that? Or so the argument goes. Is the road to joy beyond our wildest beliefs paved with cynical expressions? Why can’t Buddhism say something nice? Is this the answer to every question anyone has about Buddhism and every issue we have in life?? Find out here!

In a starkly honest and personal talk, Gyokei reflects on renunciation and picking & choosing through his experience growing up as a rural temple kid and living as a modern professional monk among sincere Western lay practitioners. Can letting go of wants still mean getting what we need? How does renunciation work for a monk with a salary and a family to feed? What lessons about choice can sincere lay practitioners learn from their example, and which ones should they definitely not?? Find out here!

On a quest to find us the final answer to the problem of time, ethics, and being, Bryan stumbles into the far more fascinating conundrum of himself and what we’re really seeking when we try to settle our questions. What is philosophy and intellect actually good for and how can it help? What’s the difference between explaining something and anyone understanding? Can Bryan redeem the patriarchy in 40 minutes or less?? Find out here!

Sara gives us an insightful reflection on narrative and story telling, either our most powerful technology or our greatest hindrance to seeing the world honestly. Should we be trying to see through our narratives, or harness them for our benefit? What’s the difference between main character syndrome and taking responsibility for your life? Is Sara blessed with the LA parking superpowers, or is that kind of wishful thinking a magic of its own?? Find out here!!

In an encouraging pep talk for ango, Dave unveils a new translation of the bodhisattva vows and rouses us to the impossibility of fulfilling them and the impossibility of not living up them. Is devoting your life to others a recipe for getting taken advantage or the most selfish thing we could do? Is making art selfish or service? Is Taylor Swift ready to take on the dark teachings of Buddhism?? Find out here!

Sara gives us a candid Zen look at modern dating, aka an endless opportunity for working with compassion. Does seeing the best in people bring out the best in ourselves? Should we give people the benefit of the doubt, or is that just a recipe for getting let down? Is all life a performance and if so can it be an authentic honest one?? Find out here!

Matthew brings us an encouraging and insightful talk on working with our default states, self worth, how to pay attention, karmic momentum, and sleepwalking our way toward our own best intentions. What is the right frame of mind for Zen practice or art, and do we have to be in it for it to count? What are the consequences of restlessness? Should we be judging ourselves more?? Find out here!

Samm spins us an ancient Zen love tragedy (that might even have a happy ending?), and helps us heal the one breakup we urgently need to mend, the splits in our selves and souls. What parts of our realities are we unable or unwilling to see? Have we ever been truly awake, or been safe enough to get an honest night’s sleep? When is or is it not time to go off to the mountains and never come back, jump off a moonlit cliff? Find out here!

Dave gives us a brass tacks intro to Zen and ACZC for beginners of all experience levels while making the case that Zen is the funniest world religion. Are we the only sincerely sarcastic spirituality? What’s the ACZC prescription for a full life of lay practice, and why should we follow it? Is this the way to grow into our best life and weirdest selves?? Find out here!

Patrick takes on the world and people that rile us up, and how to sit down and face the wall with them without actually turning our backs. Does paying attention mean being outraged? Can we practice peace without facilitating harm? Is the history of Zen an inspiring example of finding balance in conflict or a warning about misused mindfulness?? Find out here!