We often think we only have two options: to make things better, or to make them worse.  But sometimes we're too tired or discouraged to figure out how to make things better.  And making them worse has its own karmic consequences.  The Middle Way is to simply focus on not making things worse, exemplified by the Buddha's teaching of Just Stop.

Dharma talk by Chris Azbill, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on February 1, 2025.

Dharma talk by Pat Yingst, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on January 25, 2025.

Dharma talk by Reverend Choro Antonaccio, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on January 18, 2025.

Dharma talk by Konjin Gaelyn Godwin Roshi, Abbot of the Houston Zen Center, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on October 5, 2024.

About Practice Periods:

Practice Period (Jp. Ango , or “peaceful dwelling”) offer a rare and ideal opportunity for both beginners and experienced Zen practitioners to support each other in bringing zazen into daily life. Over this eight-week period we will have the chance to renew and focus our practice and study our way-seeking-mind. There are some minimum requirements for participation, but each person creates their own schedule around them. Each of us will be encouraged to find our edge of practice, to extend ourselves for the sake of all beings.
When we focus our intention to practice for a specific time, it will be necessary to honor our  existing commitments and to be realistic about how we create our schedule, while attempting to establish zazen and sangha practice as a priority for this time.
It is recommended that rather than simply picking and choosing pieces of what is offered based on preference or convenience, instead to think of the ango as one integrated thing and to participate as much as is possible. We will all support each other fully in this endeavor.
Dogen says, “When one displays the buddha mudra with one’s whole body and mind, sitting upright in this samadhi even for a short time, everything in the entire dharma world becomes buddha mudra, and all space in the universe completely becomes enlightenment.” This is the truth we will taste and express together.

Dharma talk by Reverend Choro Antonaccio, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on August 24, 2024.

Dharma talk by Reverend Choro Antonaccio, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on August 17, 2024.

Dharma talk by Kyosho Valorie Beer, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on July 13, 2024.

Dharma talk by Reverend Choro Antonaccio, recorded at the Austin Zen Center on July 6, 2024.