“… When we allow what is, space magically appears …” Description: This is the first talk of the Fall 2018 sesshin. Specific pointers to aid us in allowing deeper states of meditation are discussed, beginning with two ways we can practice with the mind: disciplined focus on our chosen object of awareness, and backing off […]

“… Allow whatever’s happening … and let this practice just swallow you up …” Description: In this heart-felt and profound account of some of the ways that practice has helped her, Maura Noone, a Senior Student at Mountain Cloud, shares some of the challenging circumstances of her life, and shows in clear and illuminating ways […]

To see a World in a Grain of Sand; And a Heaven in a Wild Flower ~William Blake Description: This talk was given by Ruben Habito Roshi, founding teacher of Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas, TX. Beginning with William Blake’s poem, “Auguries of Innocence,” we are invited to glimpse our true nature. Words and concepts […]

Description: This is the second part of a talk given by John Gaynor, a Zen Teacher with The Oxford Zen Centre. The why, how and what of meditation is explored, using the wisdom gleaned from Master Dôgen’s first work, Fukanzazengi (Universally Recommended Instructions for Sitting Meditation). It closes with an engaging question and answer period. […]

“… If one person is harmonizing this experience of Dogen’s, then we all are …”    Description: John Gaynor is a Zen Teacher with The Oxford Zen Centre. This wonderful talk was presented at The Meditatio Centre in London. Using the wisdom gleaned from Master Dôgen’s first work, Fukanzazengi (Universally Recommended Instructions for Sitting Meditation), […]

“… Whatever you experience, if you can see it clearly, it shows itself to be hollow, empty, insubstantial …”   Description: In Case 84, Master Gutei responds to whatever he is asked with the same gesture—he holds up one finger. Where is the wisdom in his teaching? Where is the compassion? This talk explores these […]

“… The Way is never apart from you right where you are …” Description: There are a myriad of ways to parse the human experience and find clarity. This talk is a basic overview of practice, beginning with the centrality of breath and closing with beautiful words from Master Dogen. Post & Featured image: Forest by […]

“… The whole universe is offering unconditional love …” Description: The focus of this talk is Case 83, which features Master Isan and Master Dôgo. These masters are completely free; they have thoroughly seen through self and world and the delusion of separateness is gone. How do we nurse the ill and help all become free […]

“… It’s about entering the moment in a more immediate, intimate and clearer way …” Description: In the koan, “Sound” and “Color,” Master Unmon is essentially talking about the main emphasis of Zen—the experience of waking up. This can be suddenly triggered by one of our sense channels. What is a sense experience? When we are […]

“… Ordinary experience is extraordinarily miraculous. It is “as vast and boundless as the great empty sky …” Description: This talk focuses on a teaching story from very early in Master Jôshû’s training with his teacher, Master Nansen. Nansen tells Jôshû that the ordinary mind is the Way. What is ordinary mind? What is the Way? Ordinary […]