Welcome back to The Soft Focus Podcast. On today’s show, Corinne is interviewing Tenshin Fletcher of the Yokoji Zen Mountain Center in Mountain Center, CA.

Tenshin is the director and abbot of the fully accredited Zen Center, training individuals interested in continuing the practice. Part of his role as abbot is hosting regular dharma talks, many of which are cataloged on their free, monthly podcast: Yokoji Zen Dharma Talks.

If this episode resonates with you, it is highly encouraged to check out their podcast. On their website, Yokoji Zen Mountain Center describes itself as welcoming to people across all walks of life. “Our doors are open to people from all spiritual traditions and walks of life who would like to directly experience, and gain insight into, their true nature. We offer a regular daily practice schedule, introductory courses, silent meditation retreats (sesshin) ranging from 2 to 7 days, and two intensive training periods a year.”

Please consider supporting their work by attending their trainings, or donate here.

In this episode, Corinne and Tenshin discuss: 

• What is Zen? 
• How Tenshin found Zen, and what keeps him returning to his practice. 
• What Tenshin continues to learn in the practice. 
• Using discernment with ancient teachings, updating the teachings for the times. 
• How Tenshin leans into what is happening in the moment, instead of curricula from the past. 
• Meditation beyond the fad. 
• Releasing the need to intellectualize the tradition. 
• The non-linear nature of the practice. 
• Compassion
• The richness of the full feelings in the present moment. 
• The gifts of silence and stillness
• Absorption in Buddhism 
• & so much more.

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Thanks for being here.
– Corinne