Description: This talk recounts a recent teacher’s retreat in Germany with the Abbot of Sanbo Zen, Yamada Ryoun Roshi. It begins with the story of Father Lassalle, a Jesuit priest and Zen teacher who built the zendo in Germany where the retreat took place. Practice does not end; there is no I’ve-got-this moment. Or we might […]

The world is nothing but metamorphosis and life is nothing but an opinion. ~Marcus Aurelius Everybody’s got a hungry heart. ~Bruce Springsteen  Description: In The Gateless Gate, the last line of this koan reads, “The monk attained some realization.” What did the monk realize? Why is this seemingly ordinary dialogue between the great master Jôshô […]

“We become the empty bowl that can receive the water.” Description: Case 88, taken from a sutra, is an unusual koan. It diverges from the narrative form that typically demonstrates how Zen is continuously pointing to the ordinary moments of life. This expansive talk explores the Ryôgon Sutra and poses three key questions about “seeing”: […]

“All spiritual discipline must grow out of a sincere heart.” ~Buddha Description: Case 88, taken from a sutra, is an unusual koan. It diverges from the narrative form that typically demonstrates how Zen is continuously pointing to the ordinary moments of life. This expansive talk explores the Ryôgon Sutra and poses three key questions about […]

“Any phenomenon experienced at any time has the power to awaken us.” Description: In an exploration of Case 87, we are invited to sense how a koan can truly be experienced when we allow it into our hearts. Sozan, who would eventually become a great master and another important figure in the history of Zen, […]

“Sometimes I take away both the person and the world.” ~ Rinzai Description: In Case 86, Rinzai, an important figure in the history of Zen, asks his teacher Ôbaku, “What is the great meaning of the Buddha-Dharma?” Ôbaku answers his question very directly. Inherent to this path of practice is the potential to fundamentally change our […]

“… In between, there’s gold filling the whole land …” ~ Tangen Description: This is the fifth talk of the Fall 2018 sesshin. Tangen’s beautiful verse to Case 85 is explored and appreciated. Using additional, wonderful excerpts from War and Peace, we are invited to taste what Tangen is expressing. Post & Featured image: Buddha Gold byHoney […]

“… The whole point of this practice is to find Now, really find Now …” Description: This is the fourth talk of the Fall 2018 sesshin. It is a continuation of the exploration of Case 85. The national teacher’s only concern is that the emperor find non-worldly happiness—“the infinite blessing of unconditional well-being.” Once again, […]

“… In the crystal palace there is no one who knows …” Description: This is the third talk of the Fall 2018 sesshin. It begins with more practice pointers, including the advice to be aware of any expectation or disappointment with regard to a mind that is wishing to attain something. The talk develops into […]

“I knew that feeling of love which is the very essence of the soul for which no object is needed.” ~ Prince Andrei, War and Peace Description: This is the second talk of the Fall 2018 sesshin. After some additional, helpful sesshin tools for wearing down the self, this talk unfolds into a discussion of […]