In acknowledgment of global warming, Senseis Joshin Byrnes and Genzan Quennell briefly describe a “world on fire.” Genzan uses this description to relate a different story, the Parable of the Burning House, to our current lives. The story has to do with children, unaware that they are playing in a burning house of suffering. The Buddha sees the suffering and uses expedient, skillful means to save the children. Sensei Genzan discusses ways that you can escape from such a burning house, “remind yourself that you’re a Buddha, and see others as Buddha, and see your situation as a Buddha-land.” Sensei Joshin discusses three criteria for skillful means: 1. Appropriate actions, which allow others to flourish; 2. Attuning to the situation at hand; and, 3. Effectiveness, or, a commitment to accountability.

Joshin Byrnes &  Genzan Quennell: Zazenkai: The Parable of the Burning House

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.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Education

Training

Language Courses

Higher Education

K-12

Educational Technology

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

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.

Darkness as Medicine (3 of 6)

This is part 2 of the Feb 4th session where Osho Zenju and participants engage in Q&A.;
“Darkness as Medicine” delves into the concept of societal and personal ailments as opportunities for profound spiritual reflection and transformation. Zenju Earthlyn Manuel articulates a cycle where love can turn into possession, protection, and ultimately annihilation, depicting it as a deep-rooted illness that parallels the pervasive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the necessity of a spiritual, rather than merely political or psychological, approach to address these challenges, advocating for the power of pausing, reflecting, and choosing life-affirming paths.
Manuel proposes that embracing darkness as an essential part of life allows for the acknowledgment of our interconnectedness and the potential for transformation. Through practices of accepting, allowing, and holding darkness, individuals can experience the consciousness of life and the healing it offers. Darkness, therefore, is not to be feared or avoided but recognized as medicine that prompts us to engage with life more deeply, valuing all its facets.
To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.

Joshin Byrnes & Genzan Quennell: Zazenkai: The Parable of the Burning House

Download our free app to listen on your phone